Importing your car from Switzerland to the United Kingdom
Why choose My Car Import?
We have been assisting customers from to import their cars and motorbikes from Switzerland for years, and we are sure we will be doing it for many years to come. Here are a few of the reasons why our customers choose us to import their Swiss vehicles to the UK.
Interested in finding out more about the process?
It all starts with knowing where your vehicle is. From there we can plan accordingly the correct route to registration for your vehicle.
What we offer is different to other businesses as we are working with you to take over at any stage of your cars journey to being registered in the United Kingdom.
So if you have driven your car here and want to register it, then we can help. In fact most of the cars we register from Switzerland are driven to the UK by their owners and are already here, simply requiring the import registration processing with the DVLA.
If you are looking for the “full service” and require the collection of your vehicle in Switzerland then delivery to our premises, or in some cases your home address. This is something that we can also help with.
We mostly truck the cars by road on fully insured transporter cars, but can also takeover if the car is in the UK already or are planning to drive the car into the UK.
Transport
We can assist with the entire transport process from Sweden. Offering a range of services to get your car here safely including but not limited to, enclosed transport, RoRo, and container shipping.
We also own our own multi car transporter that if required can pick your car up within a relatively short space of time. Offering a safe enclosed environment for your car.
DVLA Registration
As we successfully lobbied for our clients to have access to our own My Car Import dedicated DVLA Account Manager, on passing the testing phase, the registration can be approved far quicker than alternative methods.
We can then fit your new UK number plates and have the car ready for either collection or delivery to a location of your choice.
A streamlined, convenient process that has been tailored over many years, importing a car from Switzerland to the UK couldn’t be easier. To run through your requirements and find out more, contact us today on +44 (0) 1332 81 0442.
Can you import any type of car from Switzerland, such as cars, motorcycles, or commercial cars?
Yes, we can import various types of cars from Switzerland, including cars, motorcycles, and commercial cars. Simply fill in a quote form so that we know exactly what you are attempting to import to the United Kingdom.
How long does the import process typically take?
The duration can vary depending on factors such as shipping arrangements, customs clearance, and car registration. No two cars are the same so we advise filling out a quote form. As a rough idea though you can expect faster registration times if your vehicle is already in the United Kingdom. Depending on the age if it passes an MOT it is usually a few weeks after. For vehicles requiring IVA testing a longer timeframe is required.
Can we import classic cars from Switzerland?
We regularly import a wide variety of classic cars from Switzerland and always love the unique cars that pass through our premises.
Frequently asked Questions
How long does it take to transport a car from Switzerland to the United Kingdom?
The duration it takes to transport a car from Switzerland to the United Kingdom can vary based on several factors, including the mode of transportation, the specific route, customs procedures, and any unforeseen delays. Here are some general estimates for different modes of transportation:
Road Transport: If you’re using a truck or a trailer to transport the car by road, it can take around 1 to 3 days, depending on the distance between the pick-up and drop-off points, traffic conditions, and potential border crossings.
Ferry Transport: If you’re transporting the car via ferry, you’ll need to factor in the ferry’s schedule and the distance between the ports. The ferry journey itself can take around 6 to 24 hours, depending on the route chosen.
Air Transport: If you’re transporting the car by air, the process can be significantly faster. However, it’s important to note that transporting a car by air is much more complex, expensive, and involves more logistics and paperwork. It could take several days to a week, including preparation, customs clearance, and coordination with airlines.
Rail Transport: Rail transport might also be an option, depending on availability and routes. The duration will depend on the specific route and logistics involved.
Customs Procedures: Import and export procedures, including customs clearance, can add additional time to the overall transportation process. These procedures can vary based on the specific countries involved and any potential complications.
Unforeseen Delays: Weather conditions, mechanical issues, customs inspections, and other unexpected factors can lead to delays in the transportation process.
It’s important to get in touch with transportation companies or logistics experts who specialize in international car transportation to get accurate and up-to-date information on timeframes and options for your specific situation. Additionally, considering the rapidly changing nature of regulations, it’s recommended to consult with authorities and experts who are well-versed in the customs and import/export procedures of both Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
What are the closest ports to Switzerland for car shipping?
Switzerland is a landlocked country, which means it does not have direct access to the sea. However, neighbouring countries with seaports serve as crucial transit points for car shipping to and from Switzerland. The popular ports used for car shipping in Switzerland are:
Port of Antwerp (Belgium): Located in Belgium, the Port of Antwerp is one of the largest ports in Europe and serves as a key gateway for car shipping to Switzerland. It offers excellent infrastructure and logistics services for importing and exporting cars.
Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands): Situated in the Netherlands, the Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and a major hub for international trade. Many car shipments to Switzerland transit through Rotterdam due to its excellent connectivity and efficient logistics network.
Port of Hamburg (Germany): Located in Germany, the Port of Hamburg is one of the busiest ports in Europe. It serves as an important transshipment hub for car shipping to Switzerland, offering comprehensive services for cargo handling and distribution.
Port of Genoa (Italy): Although Switzerland is not directly connected to the sea, the Port of Genoa in Italy is a popular choice for car shipping. Vehicles are transported by road or rail to Genoa and then shipped to Switzerland. Genoa has well-established connections and efficient logistics for handling automobile shipments.
Port of Marseille (France): Situated in France, the Port of Marseille is another option for car shipping to Switzerland. It offers various services for transporting cars, including roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) facilities and efficient customs clearance procedures.
These ports serve as important transit points for car shipping to and from Switzerland. Shipping companies and logistics providers offer comprehensive solutions to transport cars from these seaports to Switzerland via road or rail. It’s important to work with a reliable shipping agent or freight forwarder who can handle the logistics and customs requirements involved in shipping cars to Switzerland.
How long does it take to ship a car from Switzerland to the UK
The time it takes to ship a car from Switzerland to the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the shipping method, the specific route, and any customs or logistical considerations. Here are some general guidelines for different shipping methods:
Ferry or Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) Services: If you choose to transport your car via a ferry or Ro-Ro service, the transit time is typically shorter compared to other methods. It can take anywhere from 1 to 2 days for the actual journey across the English Channel, but additional time may be needed for booking, loading, and unloading.
Container Shipping: If you opt for container shipping, where your car is loaded into a shipping container, the overall transit time may be longer. This can take around 5 to 7 days for the sea voyage, but again, additional time should be factored in for booking and customs clearance.
Air Freight: If you need the car to arrive quickly, you can consider air freight. Shipping a car by air is significantly faster but also more expensive. It can take a matter of hours or a day or two to transport the car by air.
Customs Clearance: You should also consider the time required for customs clearance on both the Swiss and UK sides. This process can vary in duration based on factors like the completeness of documentation, inspections, and any potential customs delays.
Transportation to and from Ports: Don’t forget to factor in the time it takes to transport the car to and from the ports in Switzerland and the UK. This can vary depending on the locations of the ports and the availability of transport services.
Seasonal and Weather Considerations: Weather conditions and seasonal variations can also impact shipping times, especially for ferry services, so it’s essential to check with the shipping company for the most accurate information.
To get a precise estimate for shipping your car from Switzerland to the UK, it’s recommended to contact shipping companies or freight forwarders that specialize in car transportation. They can provide you with specific details about transit times, costs, and any additional requirements based on your needs and the current logistics situation.