A car bought in Switzerland comes with a set of documents that your customs office and registration office will want to see. Here is what each one is.
Registration certificate
Called Fahrzeugausweis in German, permis de circulation in French and licenza di circolazione in Italian. It shows the owner, the chassis number, the first registration date, technical data and the date of the last official inspection. For export it is cancelled, but you keep it as proof of the car’s history.
Official inspection (MFK)
The periodic roadworthiness test is carried out by the cantonal road traffic office. The date of the last inspection appears on the registration certificate. A recent inspection is a useful sign of condition.
Service book and invoices
Proof of maintenance. On many modern cars the service history is digital and can be printed by a dealer.
Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
The CoC confirms that the car meets EU type approval. Registration offices in the EU often ask for it. Many Swiss cars were built to the European specification and have one, or the manufacturer can issue it on request, usually for a fee.
Export customs declaration
The document that proves the car left Switzerland. It is needed for the VAT-free sale or the VAT refund, and your own customs office will want to see it.
Purchase contract or invoice
Shows the price paid. Your customs office uses it to calculate import duty and VAT.