Switzerland custom: Regulations and restrictions

Switzerland is known for its strict customs rules, not least because of its geographical position in the heart of Europe and its policy of neutrality. The Swiss authorities are very vigilant in controlling goods entering their territory.

It is therefore crucial to understand the customs procedures and regulations in force in Switzerland. This will allow you to prepare your commercial exchanges in all serenity and to avoid the risks of fines or confiscation of goods.

On this page, we will guide you through the main customs regulations in Switzerland, the formalities required to clear customs and the goods subject to customs restrictions. We also explain the customs duties and taxes that apply when importing goods into Switzerland.

What are the customs rules in Switzerland?

Switzerland is a non-EU country, which means that customs rules are different from those applied in the EU. All travellers entering Switzerland are subject to customs checks, whether by car, train or plane. The goods being transported are also subject to specific rules.

Customs rules in Switzerland are very strict and apply to all goods entering the country. In particular, travellers must declare all goods they are carrying through customs, including foodstuffs, animals and plants.

Traders importing goods into Switzerland must also comply with strict rules on customs classification, tariffs and import taxes. Goods subject to customs restrictions, such as weapons, medicines or counterfeit goods, are subject to particular vigilance by the Swiss customs authorities.

Customs formalities for parcel shipments in Switzerland

When shipping a parcel to Switzerland from a foreign country, it is important to understand the customs formalities required to avoid delays or problems at Swiss customs. Goods imported into Switzerland are subject to specific rules regarding customs classification, duties and import taxes.

To send a parcel to Switzerland, it is usually necessary to complete a customs declaration that describes the nature and value of the goods being transported. The declaration must also indicate the origin of the goods and their destination in Switzerland.

It is important to note that customs duties and import taxes may vary depending on the nature and value of the imported goods. Shippers should therefore ensure that they comply with all applicable customs regulations to avoid customs penalties or additional charges.

It is also advisable to use the services of a carrier or logistics professional to facilitate customs formalities and ensure that the package is delivered on time in Switzerland. Experienced carriers can provide advice and customs clearance services to facilitate the passage of your package through Swiss customs.

The documents needed for my parcel to clear customs in Switzerland

In order for your package to clear customs in Switzerland, it is important to provide the necessary customs documents. The documents required may vary depending on the nature of the goods being imported and their value.

Here are the main documents you need to provide to get your package through customs in Switzerland:

Commercial invoice: describes the goods transported, their value, origin and destination.
The delivery note: it indicates the contents of the package and the number of packages transported.
Customs declaration: describes the goods being transported and enables customs duties and import taxes to be calculated.
Certificate of origin: this attests to the origin of the goods being transported and may be required to qualify for certain tariff benefits.
Import permit: this is needed to import certain goods subject to customs restrictions, such as arms, pharmaceuticals and counterfeit goods.

It is important to fill in all customs documents correctly to avoid delays or additional charges at Swiss customs. Carriers can also help you fill in the customs documents and ensure that your package complies with Swiss customs rules.

Goods subject to customs restrictions in Switzerland

Switzerland applies customs restrictions on certain goods, for reasons such as safety, public health or environmental protection. It is important to be aware of these restrictions before importing goods into Switzerland.

Here are some examples of goods subject to customs restrictions in Switzerland:

Weapons: the import of weapons is subject to strict regulations and requires an import permit.
Pharmaceuticals: certain medicines can only be imported into Switzerland if accompanied by a medical prescription.
Foodstuffs: certain foodstuffs, such as fruit, vegetables and meat, are subject to restrictions to prevent the spread of disease or parasites.
Counterfeit goods: importing counterfeit goods is illegal and can lead to customs and criminal penalties.
Animal and plant products: some animal and plant products are subject to restrictions to protect wildlife.

It is important to check the customs restrictions in Switzerland before importing goods to avoid customs penalties or additional costs. Transporters and logistics professionals can provide advice on Swiss customs rules and help facilitate the passage of goods through Swiss customs.

Customs duties and taxes in Switzerland

As a non-EU country, Switzerland applies customs duties and import taxes on imported goods. Customs duties are taxes levied on goods imported into Switzerland, while import taxes include VAT and other specific taxes.

The amount of customs duties and taxes depends on the nature of the imported goods, their value and their origin. It is important to note that some goods may benefit from preferential tariffs under international trade agreements.

Transporters and logistics professionals can help you calculate the customs duties and taxes applicable to your goods imported into Switzerland. It is also important to note that customs duties and import taxes must be paid before your goods are released at Swiss customs.

In summary, customs duties and taxes are an important aspect of Swiss customs regulations. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the applicable customs rules to avoid delays or additional charges at Swiss customs