How does EU customs clearance work?
If you want to sell a vehicle or other goods from Switzerland to Italy, but are concerned about the language barrier at Italian customs, EU customs clearance may be the right option for you.
You can initially import your vehicle into Germany and thus into the EU. You can then move it within the EU without having to go through customs again, and you are free to bring your vehicle to Italy via transit through Switzerland.
Customs tariffs on imports into the EU
There are different types of tariffs, which apply to different goods. Most tariffs are so-called preferential tariffs, which are specifically for goods from countries with special trade agreements with the EU. These agreements allow certain goods to be imported at reduced or zero tariffs.
Preferential tariffs apply, for example, to countries that belong to the European Economic Area (EEA) or have a free trade agreement with the EU.
Non-preferential tariffs, on the other hand, generally apply to all countries with which the EU does not have any special trade relations. In this case, the customs duty is calculated according to the so-called “most favored nation” principle, which means that all countries are treated equally.
If you want to import a good into the EU, you must first find out which customs tariff applies to your good. You must then declare the corresponding duty to the customs office and pay it.
However, please note that in addition to general customs duties, there are other levies (e.g. value added tax or excise tax), which vary from country to country and must therefore also be taken into account.
What is the customs union?
A customs union is an alliance of countries that removes trade barriers between its members and ensures the free movement of goods, services and capital. The union enables its members to act jointly in international markets, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of the union.
3.1 Who belongs to the customs union?
The members of the customs union include the European Union (EU), parts of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Turkey for industrial products, as well as Andorra and San Marino.
Switzerland is not a member of the EU customs union. Despite numerous bilateral agreements that facilitate trade and reduce or eliminate tariffs for certain types of goods, the movement of goods between Switzerland and EU countries is still subject to customs declarations and possible customs duties.
3.2 What rules apply in the customs union?
The customs union applies uniform tariffs and other trade regulations. This means that goods produced within the union or imported into one of the member countries can be moved in all other countries of the union without further tariffs or duties.
3.3 What is the customs licence plate?
A customs label is a document issued by the customs authorities that proves the import or export of a shipment.
3.4 What is an import licence?
An import license is an official permit to import certain goods into the territory of a state.
3.5 What is an export licence?
An export license is a document issued by the customs authorities that proves that a consignment has been exported.
3.6 What is an ATA Carnet?
An ATA Carnet is a document that facilitates the temporary movement of goods between member states of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
3.7 What is an EORI number?
The EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is a number issued by the customs authorities that companies can use to identify themselves when importing or exporting goods.
What are the advantages of the customs union?
The customs union facilitates trade between members by eliminating tariffs and other trade barriers. It promotes the economic integration of its members, thereby strengthening their competitiveness in the global economy.
The members of the Union benefit from common trade rules and a common customs tariff. The customs union reduces the risk of trade with other countries because the members offer a stable environment for trade based on their economic strength.
What is the European Single Market project?
The European Single Market project is a long-term EU project that was originally launched in 1992 and has been continuously developed ever since. The project aims to develop the EU’s internal market into a single market with free movement of goods, services and capital.
So far, the project has not been fully implemented due to various obstacles, but it has already made significant progress. For example, the internal market has now been largely harmonized and most barriers to the free movement of goods and services within the EU have been removed.
At the same time, however, there are still some obstacles, particularly with regard to the movement of capital. The European single market project therefore remains an important EU project, which is to be further expanded and completed in the coming years.
How we can support you with EU customs clearance
If you have goods to be cleared through customs from Switzerland into the EU, we can take over the preparation of all the necessary documents for you.
We require a commercial invoice in 3 copies.
We can then issue the transit documents for the transfer of your goods through Switzerland to Italy.
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