Knowledge — the Swiss vehicle world
Answers on type approval, vehicle data, importing and more — with sources.
Terms & identifiers
- What is a “Typenschein” or type approval?
- What is the difference between type approval and the vehicle registration document?
- What is the chassis number (VIN) and how is it structured?
- What does the leading digit of the type approval number mean?
- What is the Stammnummer and how is it structured?
- What is the difference between make, type, variant and version?
- How is a Swiss licence plate structured?
- What is form 13.20 A and 13.20 B?
- What is the certificate of conformity (CoC / eCoC)?
- What is the difference between first registration and (first) entry into circulation?
ASTRA data & statistics
- Which ASTRA vehicle data are free and which are paid?
- What are the four data generations of type approval?
- What is the IVZ and what was MOFIS?
- How often is ASTRA vehicle data updated?
- How geographically precise is the public vehicle data?
- What is the difference between vehicle stock and new registrations?
- How large is the Swiss vehicle stock?
- Which vehicle data are public and which are protected?
Vehicle types & EU classification
- Which vehicle kinds does Swiss law distinguish?
- Why does Swiss vehicle classification follow EU law?
- What do the EU vehicle classes M, N, O, L and T mean?
- What distinguishes passenger cars, delivery vans and trucks?
- What motorcycle classes are there?
- How is a motorhome classified?
- How are agricultural vehicles (tractors) classified?
- What are work machines and work carts?
- Do e-bikes and mopeds require registration?
Registration & status
- What do “in circulation” and “out of circulation” mean?
- How do you take a vehicle temporarily out of circulation (deposit the plates)?
- Is a veteran vehicle roadworthy?
- What does the 30-year rule for veteran vehicles say?
- Is there a special veteran licence plate?
- What is a dealer plate (U plate)?
- How do interchangeable plates work?
- What is a day permit (day plate)?
- What applies to the vehicle when changing canton?
Inspection & safety
- How often must a vehicle undergo the official inspection (MFK)?
- What happens if a vehicle fails the MFK?
- What is a follow-up inspection after the vehicle inspection?
- When is a vehicle immediately taken out of circulation?
- What is emission maintenance (AU)?
- What does the Euro NCAP rating mean?
- Which safety systems are mandatory — and since when?
- Is there a winter tyre obligation in Switzerland?
Emissions & environment
- What do the Euro 5 and Euro 6 emission standards mean?
- What is the emission code (exhaust code) in the registration document?
- What is the difference between WLTP and NEDC?
- What does the energy efficiency category (label A–G) mean?
- How do the CO₂ penalties on vehicle imports work?
- When is a particulate filter required?
- How are electric vehicles classified and what incentives are there?
Import, export & duties
- How do you import a used car from the EU?
- What applies to an import from a non-EU country?
- What import scenarios are there (purchase, return, relocation)?
- What taxes and fees apply when importing a vehicle?
- What are customs clearance and form 13.20 A for on import?
- How does registration after import work?
- What should you note when importing a veteran / classic vehicle?
- What applies to the import of an electric vehicle?
- How do you export a vehicle from Switzerland?
- May you use a foreign vehicle temporarily in Switzerland (temporary admission)?
- What is the difference between direct import and buying from the official importer?
Self-build & modification
- How is a self-built vehicle registered?
- Which vehicle modifications must be approved (tuning)?
- How are kit cars and replicas registered?
- How is a US or JDM vehicle registered in Switzerland?
- What applies to accident-damaged and rebuilt vehicles?
- What should you note when changing the engine (engine swap)?