🇨🇭 Import Customs & Duties: Switzerland
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$5
Packages under $5, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
8.1%
CIF value + duty. Reduced rate 2.6% for food, books, medicines. Special rate 3.8% for accommodation.
Clearance Time
1-2 days
typical processing
Note: VAT threshold CHF 5 on tax amount. Weight-based duties for many goods
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | CHF 2-15/kg | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | CHF 5-20/pair | HS 64 |
| Food products | CHF 2-100/kg | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-2% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 0-5% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-8% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $5 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) uses e-dec electronic declaration system. Switzerland uses weight-based duties for many goods (not ad valorem). EFTA member with extensive FTA network.
What to Actually Expect
Extremely efficient. Low de minimis means most items are taxed. Swiss Post handles postal clearance automatically.
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
Import permits for agricultural products (quota system), weapons, pharmaceuticals. Swissmedic for medical devices. BLV for food safety. Cassis de Dijon principle allows goods legal in EU to be sold in Switzerland with some exceptions.
Certificate of Origin
EUR.1 for EFTA-EU trade. Form A for GSP. Switzerland has bilateral agreements with EU for mutual recognition. Certificates issued by cantonal chambers of commerce.
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
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Switzerland:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $1 | $4 | $5 |
| $100 | $2 | $8 | $10 |
| $200 | $4 | $17 | $20 |
| $500 | $10 | $41 | $51 |
| $1000 | $20 | $83 | $103 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Switzerland?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Switzerland is $5. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Switzerland?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Switzerland is 8.1%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rate 2.6% for food, books, medicines. Special rate 3.8% for accommodation.
How long does customs clearance take in Switzerland?
Typical customs clearance in Switzerland takes 1-2 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Switzerland?
To import into Switzerland, 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 Switzerland?
Switzerland 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.