🇱🇮 Import Customs & Duties: Liechtenstein
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
Swiss VAT rules. MWST at 8.1% on most goods. Reduced 2.6% on food, books, medicine. 3.8% on hotels.
Clearance Time
1-3 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3.7% | 85 |
| Clothing | 0-12% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 0-17% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-20% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 0-6.5% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 0-4.7% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Liechtenstein is in a customs union with Switzerland, Swiss customs rules fully apply. Swiss Federal Customs Administration (BAZG) handles all clearance. Swiss customs tariff (Tares). MWST (VAT) at 8.1% on imports. CHF is currency. EEA member (access to EU single market for goods).
What to Actually Expect
Effectively Switzerland for customs purposes. All mail/packages go through Swiss postal/customs system. Swiss Post (Die Post) delivers. DHL, FedEx, UPS well-established. Express clearance 1 day, postal 2-3 days. MWST at 8.1%, one of the lowest VAT rates in Europe. Swiss duties apply (weight-based for agricultural goods, ad valorem for others). Extremely efficient, zero corruption. Very high cost of living. Tiny country (160 km²) between Austria and Switzerland, all goods transit through these neighbors.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Swiss import license rules apply. Required for firearms, controlled substances, dual-use goods, and certain agricultural products. Swiss veterinary and phytosanitary rules. GMP requirements for pharmaceuticals.
Certificate of Origin
Swiss FTA network applies, certificates for EU (bilateral agreements), EFTA partners, and Swiss FTA network (60+ countries). Certificates issued by Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce (LIHK) or Swiss equivalents.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Popular routes to Liechtenstein
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Liechtenstein?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Liechtenstein is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Liechtenstein?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Liechtenstein is 15%. VAT applies to: Swiss VAT rules. MWST at 8.1% on most goods. Reduced 2.6% on food, books, medicine. 3.8% on hotels.
How long does customs clearance take in Liechtenstein?
Typical customs clearance in Liechtenstein takes 1-3 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Liechtenstein?
To import into Liechtenstein, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Liechtenstein?
Liechtenstein prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.