Search

• Tips on how to use the search tool
• The General Search
• The Advanced Search

Tips on how to use the search tool

In order to lead you straight to the desired information, our website provides you with two search tools: the General Search and the Advanced Search. While both tools apply the same search algorithms, the Advanced Search will give a more precise output if you are looking for specific regulations, forms and information sheets.

You may enter either a single term or a combination of words in the search box.

• If you want the search result to match an exact wording, the whole phrase typed into the search box must be enclosed in double quotes.
• Otherwise the search result will list all those pages where all the words in the phrase appear in any form or context.

Once you have typed three letters of a certain term into the search box various prompts for you to choose from (up to a maximum of ten) may be displayed. If you add more letters or signs these search hints will be adapted accordingly.

• The search hints match certain technical terms found on the customs website.
• The search is not case-sensitive, you may freely use upper or lower case letters.

The General Search

You find the General Search input box in the top right corner of our landing page and all other pages hosted by us.

When you launched a search, next to the list of the search hits a filter will be displayed which allows you to narrow down the result of your search.
By clicking on the button "Reset all filters" you may disable any previously chosen filter while the term you typed into the search box will remain unchanged.

Filtering the search terms

The search filter refers to three segments:

• Target group
• Type of content
• Headings

For each search term only those filter segments that would give a search hit will be displayed. The number oif documents matching the search is shown in parenthesis after each applicable segment.

One search hit may be assigned to a number of segments and criteria.
You may combine various segments with each other when making the selection.

Target group

The target group segment lets you choose between the following search critreria:

• Private individuals
• Businesses

It is not possible in this segment to select more than one option.
Do not make a selection here if you wish to search all target groups.

Type of content

The search hits can be broken down into six different types of contents:

• Brochures
• Specialist papers
• Leaflets
• Forms and information sheets
• Regulations

Multiple types of content may be chosen in combination.

Headings

This segment offers you a choice between various headings. They relate to subjects that are frequently inquired about with the Central Customs Information Office (such as “Travels”). Some of these main headings are broken down further into subheadings.

Only one selection can be made within one and the same heading.

The Advanced Search

You may use a specific, advanced search function if you wish to consult or download certain regulations, forms or information sheets. Both of the search tools are available on our landing page and under the heading "Frequently searched, frequently asked" in the left-hand navigation window of the “Private individuals” and “Businesses” sections. Searches for specific terms are also prompted whenever you click on the magnifying glass icon next to the General Search box.

• When launching either search a comprehensive list of all the available regulations and/or forms and information sheets will pop up.
• Entering specific search terms will shrink that list down.
• By applying the various filters shown at the left the number of search results can be reduced to the most relevant hits.
• Some fields are segmented into subjects which may be broken down further under specific headings. When selecting a ceratin field werd the associated subjects and headings will prompted.

When using the Advanced Search only one filter may be applied at a time.