Customs declaration for temporary admission (ZAVV)

The customs declaration for temporary admission (ZAVV) allows you to temporarily import goods into Switzerland without a security for exportation. You must return the goods before the validity period expires or declare them for exportation. The process is limited to two years but can be extended under certain conditions.

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The standard procedure for temporary admission uses the customs declaration for temporary admission ZAVV. This can always be used when the temporary admission procedure is permitted. The ZAVV is a Swiss customs document and does not affect customs formalities abroad.

Initiation

To initiate the procedure, please use form 11.73, available in German, French and Italian in the shop of the Federal Administration.

No security is required for temporary exportation.

Closure

In order to duly conclude the procedure with a ZAVV, you must re-import the goods into Switzerland. You can request conclusion before the ZAVV's expiry date at the customs office of import, using form no. 11.87. The original counterfoil from form no. 11.73 must also be presented. The forms are available in German, French and Italian in the shop of the Federal Administration. 

If goods remain abroad permanently, they must be declared for exportation before the expiry date.

Extension

Customs offices may, under certain conditions, extend the duration of the temporary admission procedure with a ZAVV by one year up to three times. Extension requests must be submitted in writing to the customs office that carried out the procedure with a ZAVV before expiry of the ZAVV.

If the goods are brought back into Switzerland after the re-importation deadline has passed, the import duties have to be paid again. Under certain conditions, however, exemption from customs duty and tax is possible with classification as so-called domestic returned goods. You must request an exemption when making the customs declaration. Information can be found at Domestic returned goods (returns).

Further information

You can find more information in German, French and Italian.