Transportation Law in Switzerland

Transport legislation in Switzerland

Switzerland has a very strong transportation law which was aligned to all major international transport regulations. The main international legal framework Switzerland has adhered to with respect to commercial carriage of goods is the Istanbul Convention of 1990. Switzerland also has a comprehensive national transport law which is made up of:

•  the Road Traffic Licensing Ordinance of 1976,
• - the Customs Act of 2005,
• - the Customs Ordinance of 2006,

In 1999 Switzerland also signed the Overland Transport Agreement with the European Community in order to adhere to European commercial transportation standards.

Transport regulations in Switzerland

The Swiss Customs Authority is the regulatory body which controls inland and domestic transport. Inland transport is allowed to vehicles registered in Switzerland. Vehicles owners are also required to pay all the Swiss taxes and customs duties arising from the carriage of goods. Foreign vehicles are allowed to carry goods in commercial cross-border traffic which implies import and export activities.

Lorries are subject to certain requirements when transporting goods in and outside Switzerland. Commercial cross-border activities require lorries’ drivers to:

• - have a valid travel document,
• - to declare the goods,
• - to cooperate with the Swiss Customs Authority,
• - to comply with all inland transportation regulations.

For information about the regulations for the transport of commercial goods you may ask our Swiss lawyers.

Transporting imported and exported goods in Switzerland

Foreign or local companies importing or exporting goods to or in Switzerland are required to declare these goods at the border customs offices by providing a transit document. Also, to enter Switzerland, foreign citizens must have a valid passport recognized by the authorities. In certain cases obtaining a Swiss visa is required. Foreign citizens are also required to declare all personal belongings at the border customs office. Vehicle drivers are also requested to pay a performance-related heavy vehicle fee which depends on the vehicle’s total weight, emissions category and kilometers.

For information about all customs regulations when transporting goods into the country, please contact our law firm in Switzerland.