AI image
We arrange trade fair transport to Switzerland: delivering stand builds and exhibits with booking-in, on-time build-up and re-export after breakdown. Switzerland is outside the EU customs union, so exhibits brought in temporarily are covered by temporary admission or an ATA carnet, with an obligation to re-export. We run the formalities and transport together, so the stand arrives on time.
The Polish-language version of this article is the reference one. This is an informational translation.
Main exhibition venues in Switzerland
- Messe Basel (Basel).
- Palexpo (Geneva).
- Messe Zürich (Zurich).
- Bernexpo (Bern).
How do we run fair transport to Switzerland?
The border crossing is the key point. Because Switzerland is outside the EU customs union, we plan clearance so that time at the border does not eat into the build-up window. The customs declaration is filed electronically in the Passar system (formerly e-dec) of the Swiss BAZG authority, and the vehicle is settled for the LSVA charge, calculated on kilometres driven, weight and emissions. We prepare exhibits for temporary admission or an ATA carnet before departure.
We fix the unloading time through booking-in, meaning a slot reserved within the venue build-up window. This way the tractor unit reaches the gate at the set time, and the build and exhibits enter the stand in assembly order. We match the dimensions of the stand build to the trailer and to venue access, including loads of unusual height or length.
Temporary admission, ATA carnet and LSVA
At the Swiss border, exhibits enter under temporary admission or on an ATA carnet. Both let the goods in without paying duty or Swiss VAT (8.1%), provided they are re-exported once the fair ends. The ATA carnet is a ready document that we clear on entry and exit. The declaration is filed electronically in the Passar system at the BAZG authority. Separately, we settle the LSVA for the truck driving across Swiss territory. After breakdown we re-export the same goods and close the procedure, so no open customs liability remains.
Empty packaging and the return after breakdown
During the fair, empty cases and exhibit packaging must not block the stand. We collect and hold them in empty-packaging storage next to the hall, and bring them back for breakdown. Once the fair closes, we load the build and exhibits, carry out re-export across the border and deliver everything to the given address. On request we also arrange transport for assembly crews.
Exhibiting in Switzerland? Describe the stand and dates in the contact form and we will set transport, temporary admission and re-export.
Step by step
- Document preparation. Gather the cargo specification and arrange an ATA carnet or temporary import paperwork.
- Slot booking. Register the vehicle arrival time in the exhibition venue booking system.
- Transport to the border. Move the goods to the designated border crossing on schedule.
- Customs clearance. Complete border formalities at the Swiss customs office.
- Delivery and re-export. Deliver stand materials to the hall and arrange return transport after breakdown.
Definitions
- ATA carnet: An international customs document allowing the duty-free temporary import and export of fair exhibits.
- Temporary admission: A customs procedure allowing goods into a territory with duty relief subject to re-export.
- Booking-in slot: A fixed time window assigned by exhibition venues for vehicle entry and unloading.
- Re-export: The mandatory customs procedure of taking goods back out of the destination country after the event.
When does this rule not apply?
The temporary admission rule does not apply when importing promotional giveaways, brochures, or consumable items intended to remain permanently in Switzerland.
The OTSL role
We arrange fair logistics to Swiss exhibition halls using our road transport capacity. We assist with border procedures to keep build-up schedules on track, keeping in mind that poor exhibition logistics costs more than the transport itself.
