Ship a Car from the UK to Switzerland

Ship your car from the UK to Switzerland via RORO or shared container. Switzerland is a premium market for UK vehicle exports, with strong demand for British luxury saloons, performance cars, classics, and Range Rover SUVs in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Lugano. As a non EU country with its own customs union (EFTA), Switzerland requires a full customs entry on import, but the UK Switzerland Trade Agreement preserves preferential tariff treatment when goods qualify as UK origin. The Ship Cars handles container shipping from Southampton, Felixstowe, and Tilbury via Antwerp, Rotterdam, or Hamburg with bonded onward transit to Basel or Chiasso for Swiss customs clearance. Typical transit: 7–12 days door to door from the UK to Zurich, Geneva, or Basel depending on routing. Sea leg 2–4 days to Antwerp or Rotterdam, plus 2–5 days bonded inland transit and 1–2 days for Swiss customs clearance at Basel or Chiasso.. Main discharge port: Via Antwerp.

Transit time
7–12 days door to door from the UK to Zurich, Geneva, or Basel depending on routing. Sea leg 2–4 days to Antwerp or Rotterdam, plus 2–5 days bonded inland transit and 1–2 days for Swiss customs clearance at Basel or Chiasso.
Main port
Via Antwerp
Shipping methods
Short sea container shipping to Antwerp, Rotterdam, or Hamburg followed by bonded rail or road transit into Switzerland. Open transporter is the standard for single running vehicles; enclosed transpor
Import rules
Switzerland is outside the EU Customs Union. Imports require a Swiss customs declaration via the e-dec system. Import duty is calculated by weight (typically CHF 12–15 per 100 kg for cars), automobile tax is a flat 4 percent of CIF value, and Swiss VAT is 8.1 percent (2026 rate). Under the UK Switze

Frequently asked questions

Can I ship a right hand drive car from the UK to Switzerland?

Yes. Switzerland accepts right hand drive vehicles for road registration provided they pass the Swiss MFK technical inspection. Headlight beam adjustment and a left side mirror are usually required.

How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Switzerland?

In 2026, door to door transport from the UK to Zurich, Geneva, or Basel starts at £950 by open transporter or £1,650 by enclosed transporter, with 7 to 12 days total transit including bonded inland and Swiss customs clearance.

Does the UK Switzerland Trade Agreement reduce import duty?

Yes. The UK Switzerland Trade Agreement preserves preferential origin treatment, so qualifying UK origin vehicles attract preferential customs duty when a valid EUR.1 or invoice origin declaration is presented at the Swiss border.

What is the Swiss automobile tax (Automobilsteuer)?

Switzerland charges a flat 4 percent automobile tax on the CIF value of every imported car. It is collected by Swiss customs at the same time as VAT and customs duty.

Do I need an MFK inspection in Switzerland?

Yes. Every imported vehicle must pass a Swiss MFK (Motorfahrzeugkontrolle) inspection at the cantonal vehicle test centre before first registration. Most UK vehicles pass with minor adjustments to lighting and mirrors.

Which UK ports serve Switzerland for car shipments?

Southampton, Felixstowe, and Tilbury all dispatch to Antwerp, Rotterdam, or Hamburg, with bonded inland road or rail transit to Basel or Chiasso for Swiss customs clearance. Most shipments arrive door to door without the customer handling sea leg paperwork.

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