Importing a caravan into Switzerland

By Anna Katharina Finsler, Managing Director, Finsler Customs GmbH · Last updated: 2 October 2026

In short: Importing a caravan into Switzerland triggers neither automobile tax nor a CO₂ penalty — trailers under customs tariff heading 8716 are not listed in the Automobile Tax Act. The only charge due is import VAT of 8.1 %. Import duty has no longer been levied since 1 January 2024.

Only import VAT applies, nothing else

The caravan is the cheapest vehicle type to import. Article 2 of the Swiss Automobile Tax Act lists exhaustively what counts as an “automobile”: tariff headings 8702 up to 1,600 kg, 8703, and 8704 up to 1,600 kg. Trailers fall under 8716 and are not covered. The CO₂ rules do not apply either, because a trailer has no engine of its own. What remains is the 8.1 % import VAT on the customs value, plus the cost of transport, customs declaration, inspection and registration.

The charges at a glance

Charge	Caravan
Customs tariff heading	8716
Import duty	CHF 0.00 (since 1 January 2024)
Automobile tax 4 %	no — not listed in the Automobile Tax Act
Import VAT 8.1 %	yes
CO₂ penalty	no
Vehicle inspection (MFK)	yes

Basis: Art. 2 of the Automobile Tax Act covers only tariff numbers 8702, 8703 and 8704; trailers and semi-trailers are classified under 8716. The CO₂ emission rules apply to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, not to trailers.

What does it cost to import a caravan worth CHF 20,000?

A caravan worth CHF 20,000 including transport to the border costs 8.1 % or CHF 1,620 on import. There are no other charges. For comparison: a motorhome of the same value up to 3,500 kg pays CHF 800 automobile tax and CHF 1,684.80 import VAT, CHF 2,484.80 in total.

What should I check when importing a caravan?

A trailer also has to be inspected and registered in Switzerland and gets its own number plate. Before you buy, check the permitted towing capacity of your towing vehicle and the combined weight of car and trailer — the finest caravan is useless if you cannot legally tow it with your car.

On older trailers, look at the brakes, the overrun braking device and the condition of the floor.

Customs clearance and registration

A trailer, too, is declared at the Thayngen customs office. Swiss customs (FOCBS) issues the Stammnummer; it appears in inspection report 13.20 A, with which the trailer goes to the inspection in your canton of residence and then receives its own number plate.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay automobile tax on a caravan?

No. The Automobile Tax Act covers only tariff headings 8702 (up to 1,600 kg), 8703 and 8704 (up to 1,600 kg). Trailers fall under 8716, which is not on that list. What remains is import VAT of 8.1 %.

Does an imported caravan need to be inspected?

Yes. The trailer goes through the Swiss roadworthiness test, is registered and receives its own number plate. On older models, the braking system and the overrun coupling are the usual reasons for a defect notice.

What should I check on the towing vehicle?

The permitted trailer load and the maximum weight of the combination. Both are stated in your towing vehicle's registration document. Check them before you buy — there is no changing them afterwards.

Is import duty payable when importing a caravan?

No. Since industrial tariffs were abolished, the Swiss duty rate has been CHF 0.00 since 1 January 2024 — regardless of the country of origin and without proof of origin. The customs declaration itself remains mandatory.

Sources and legal basis

The statements on this page rest on the following official publications. The wording of the enactments in force is always decisive.

Finsler Customs GmbH

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