Moving from Switzerland to Canada
A practical guide to shipping household goods from Switzerland to Canada, including shared containers to Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal and the BSF186 customs form.
How the move usually works
Moving from Switzerland to Canada is typically handled by ocean freight. Swiss Moving Service packs and collects your goods in Switzerland, arranges export handling and sea freight and coordinates customs clearance with trusted partners in Canada.
Survey and volume estimate
Start with a household-goods survey in Switzerland so the shipment can be packed, measured and priced by actual volume. Smaller moves usually travel in a shared groupage container instead of a dedicated one.
Groupage or full container
Groupage combines compatible Swiss household shipments to major Canadian ports such as Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Larger homes may need a dedicated 20- or 40-foot container.
Prepare Canadian customs paperwork
The Canada Border Services Agency requires a detailed inventory and Form BSF186 (Personal Effects Accounting Document) for unaccompanied household goods, plus BSF186A for any items arriving later.
Pack, export and ship
Professional export packing protects furniture for ocean transport. After Swiss export handling, the container sails to the Canadian gateway and is cleared by CBSA before final delivery.
Groupage containers to Canada
For many Swiss households, a shared groupage container is the most efficient option. Your goods are packed separately, loaded with other compatible consignments and shipped to a Canadian gateway — usually Montreal on the East Coast or Vancouver on the West Coast, with onward inland transport to Toronto and other destinations. You pay only for the volume you move, while still getting professional export packing and destination coordination.
Canadian Customs Form BSF186
Form BSF186, the Personal Effects Accounting Document, is the main Canadian customs declaration for unaccompanied household goods. It helps CBSA identify who owns the shipment, what is being imported and whether the goods qualify as settler or returning-resident effects rather than commercial merchandise. Items arriving later are listed on the companion form BSF186A.
- Owner details: full name, date of birth, passport or permanent-resident information and your Canadian address if known.
- Arrival details: date of entry into Canada and your flight, vessel or border-crossing information where applicable.
- Inventory: a complete list of goods to follow, with quantities and approximate values in Canadian dollars.
- Declarations: confirmation of ownership, use abroad and whether restricted goods such as alcohol, tobacco, food, plants or vehicles are included.
Complete the form carefully and keep the information consistent with your passport, inventory and travel documents. If anything is unclear, ask your move coordinator before signing so Canadian clearance is not delayed.
What to prepare before packing day
Prepare passport copies, visa or permanent-resident documents where applicable, a Canadian delivery address or contact, and a clear inventory of goods with values in CAD. Avoid packing prohibited or restricted items without prior advice, especially food, plants, alcohol, firearms, vehicles and high-value new purchases.