Inward Processing Customs
Why Swiss Businesses Are Sending Vehicles and Machines to Germany for Repair — And How to Do It Right
Many Swiss people already know the trick: drive to Constance, Weil am Rhein, Waldshut, or Singen, fill up the car, and head home with a full trunk of groceries bought at German prices. Lower costs, better selection. It just makes sense.
But what if the same logic applied to your vehicle or machine repair?
It does. Swiss companies are increasingly sending vehicles, trucks, and industrial machinery across the border to Germany for repair, conversion, or refurbishment. They benefit from significantly lower material and labor costs, as well as access to specialists and workshop facilities that simply don’t exist in Switzerland. For certain models and niche refurbishments, Germany isn’t just cheaper. It’s the only option.
This cross-border repair process is officially known as inward processing (or aktive Veredelung in German), and when handled correctly, it allows Swiss businesses to avoid double customs duties and import taxes, keeping costs low and operations running smoothly.
But inward processing isn’t without its pitfalls. The customs regulations are precise, the paperwork matters, and mistakes can be costly. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how inward processing works for vehicles and machines, what it costs, how complex the process really is, and where the risks lie.
What Is Inward Processing (Active Refinement)
Inward processing, known in German as aktive Veredelung (AV), is an official customs procedure established under the Union Customs Code (UCC) of the European Union. In simple terms, it covers the temporary import of goods or vehicles from a non-EU country like Switzerland into the EU for processing, repair, or conversion. The key factor is that the goods gain value through that processing. That increased value is what triggers the procedure.
One important distinction worth clarifying: in this article, we are always referring to inward processing from the EU perspective, meaning processing that takes place in Germany. From the Swiss side, the same process is technically called outward processing. These are two names for the same journey, just viewed from opposite sides of the border. This matters because if you ever contact a customs office with questions, using the wrong term will lead to confusion and unhelpful answers. Always specify which direction the goods are traveling.
When Does Inward Processing Apply and When Does It Not?
Consultation
Reach out to PUREPROGRESS with information about your animal transport needs. Provide details including the type of animal (pet, livestock, horse, etc.), breed, age, microchip number, origin and destination countries, and your preferred travel dates. This initial information helps us assess the specific requirements and regulations applicable to your animal’s journey.
Prepare Documents
Gather all necessary veterinary and identification documents for customs clearance. We’ll provide you with a complete checklist of required documents based on your specific route and animal type to ensure nothing is missing.
Submit Documents
Send all completed documentation to our team for verification and customs preparation. We’ll review your paperwork for accuracy and completeness, register your animal in the TRACES system (for EU movements), coordinate with veterinary border inspection posts, and prepare the customs declaration.
Ready for Delivery
Once documentation is approved, we handle the customs clearance process at the border or port of entry. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process and notify you when your animal is cleared and ready for collection or delivery.