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Moving to Switzerland - Moving of Goods

Contents:
Introduction

Moving to Switzerland
Registration Procedures
Moving Goods
Moving Financial Assets
Cars, Driving & Licences
Finding Accommodation
Finding a School
Moving Checklist

Living in Switzerland
The System
Incomes & Taxes
Cost of Living
Accommodation
Cultural & Social Life
Educational System
Private Life
Transport
The Health System

Social Security
Social Security in Europe
E forms: General Overview
General Organisation
Sickness Insurance
Family Insurance
Old Age Pensions
EU Health Card
Unemployment Benefits

Working in Switzerland
Finding a Job
Applications
Recognition of Qualifications
Kinds of Employment
Employment Contracts
Remuneration
Working Time
Vocational Training
Leave
End of Employment
Special Categories
Self-employment
Representation of Workers
Work Disputes
Moving of Goods
The free movement of goods is one of the cornerstones of the European Single Market.

The removal of national barriers to the free movement of goods within the EU is one of the principles enshrined in the EU Treaties. From a traditionally protectionist starting point, the countries of the EU have continuously been lifting restrictions to form a ‘common’ or single market. This commitment to create a European trading area without frontiers has led to the creation of more wealth and new jobs, and has globally established the EU as a world trading player alongside the United States and Japan.

Despite Europe’s commitment to breaking down all internal trade barriers, not all sectors of the economy have been harmonised. The European Union decided to regulate at a European level sectors which might impose a higher risk for Europe’s citizens – such as pharmaceuticals or construction products. The majority of products (considered a ‘lower risk’) are subject to the application of the so-called principle of mutual recognition, which means that essentially every product legally manufactured or marketed in one of the Member States can be freely moved and traded within the EU internal market.

Limits to the free movement of goods

The EU Treaty gives Member States the right to set limits to the free movement of goods when there is a specific common interest such as protection of the environment, citizens’ health, or public policy, to name a few. This means for example that if the import of a product is seen by a Member State’s national authorities as a potential threat to public health, public morality or public policy, it can deny or restrict access to its market. Examples of such products are genetically modified food or certain energy drinks.

Even though there are generally no limitations for the purchase of goods in another Member State, as long as they are for personal use, there is a series of European restrictions for specific categories of products, such as alcohol and tobacco.

If you require any further information, feel free to contact the Federal Customs Administration.

Last updated 2008

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2008
Reproduction is authorised.

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