Guide to Sending Parcels to Switzerland

For a tiny country with a small population, Switzerland is known worldwide for its iconic symbols:

  • Mountains and alpine sports
  • Cows, cheese, and chocolate
  • Watches, cuckoo clocks, and bankers

Though Switzerland sits in the middle of Europe, it is not part of the EU and has been neutral since 1815. But the Swiss have connected themselves to the world by internet and e-commerce. With 8 billion euros of revenue for 8 million people in 2019, that will buy you a lot of Swiss cheese.

Information for this page was taken from the Swiss Federal Customs Administration and Swiss Post.

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Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Switzerland through a variety of carriers using Secureship

Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Switzerland. in case you are an everyday shopper or a business, you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.

find the cheapest way to ship to Switzerland from Canada
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IconEasy Tracking Information

Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Switzerland


IconDisclaimer

While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is important to consult a licensed broker in Switzerland before shipping any goods.

Full tracking information for parcels to Switzerland is available with Secureship
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Oct 8, 2024
8:49 am
Sion, SI, CH
Delivered
Oct 7, 2024
7:18 am
Fribourg, FR, CH
In transit
Oct 6, 2024
9:03 pm
Interlaken, IN, CH
International Clearance
Oct 6, 2024
8:14 am
Thun, TH, CH
In transit
Oct 6, 2024
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Oct 5, 2024
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan

IconTypes of Shipments

Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.

Shipping Documents Only to SwitzerlandDocuments Only

Documents may be shipped to Switzerland from Canada if they have no commercial value, i.e. they are not for sale.

Typical examples of documents include:

  • Diplomas
  • Driver's licence
  • Passports

The following may be sent as document shipments if they abide by the conditions listed.

Item Restriction
Airline tickets Only if validated
Annual reports Maximum of 4 kg
Brochures Maximum of 4 kg
Business cards Maximum of 15 cards
Catalogues Maximum of 4 kg
Cheques Must be personalised
Company newsletters Maximum of 4 kg
Greeting cards and invitations Must be personalised
Examination papers Maximum of 10 kg; above this a proforma invoice required but no duty or taxes will be incurred
Newspapers Maximum of 4 kg
Technical manuals Maximum of 4 kg
Tickets for football (soccer) matches, concerts, and stage performances Shipper cannot be a printing company and the recipient cannot be an event organiser or a ticket sales office
Traveller's cheques Only if personalised
Visa applications Only if personalised

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_PT

Shipping Gifts to SwitzerlandShipping Gifts

You may ship a gift from Canada to Switzerland exempt from duties and taxes providing the shipment is CHF 100 (about $140 CAD) or less.

This does not apply to shipments containing alcoholic beverages or tobacco products.

NOTE:
The shipment's value does not include freight and insurance costs.

Shipments from Individual-to-Individual

A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in Switzerland will be exempt from duties and tax if:

  • Its value is CHF 100 (about $140 CAD) or less
  • It does not contain alcoholic beverages or tobacco products

Be sure to indicate 'Gift' on the outside of the parcel.

Shipments from Business-to-Business

There is no information available at this time regarding the shipment of gifts from a business in Canada to a business in Switzerland.

Shipments from Business-to-Individual

There is no information available at this time regarding the shipment of a gift from a business in Canada to an individual in Switzerland.

Gift Checklist

  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
  • The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
  • List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
  • Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Grand-Rue 40
1204 Geneva
Switzerland

Phone: +41 22 310 10 28
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge


Multiple Gifts in One Shipment

If your shipment contains multiple gifts, be sure to wrap and tag each one separately.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Grand-Rue 40
1204 Geneva
Switzerland

Phone: +41 22 310 10 28
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $39.99
1 Each Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket

CA $49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Sources:
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-individuals/online-shopping--mail-and-courier-consignments/importation-into-switzerland.html
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-individuals/online-shopping--mail-and-courier-consignments/importation-into-switzerland/gifts.html

Shipping personal effects/belongings to SwitzerlandShipping Personal Effects

Personal effects may be shipped to Switzerland from Canada duty and tax free.

Moving Temporarily

Students

If you are moving temporarily to Switzerland as a student, you may ship your personal effects from Canada duty-free.

Items that qualify for this exemption include:

  • Household goods
  • Clothing and footwear
  • Sports equipment
  • Books, computer, and other school related materials
Non-Students

There is no information available at this time regarding non-students shipping personal effects for a temporary stay in Switzerland.

Moving Permanently

If you are moving permanently to Switzerland, you may ship your personal effects and household goods from Canada duty-free. Your shipment may include goods required for a profession or trade.

Your goods are to follow the conditions below:

  • They must have been used by you or your family for at least 6 months
  • They will be used by you or your family after you have moved to Switzerland
  • The shipment must arrive in Switzerland within 2 years of your arrival
  • There are limits to the amount of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products that may be included (click here. for details)

Marriage

If you are moving to Switzerland because of marriage, you may ship your personal effects duty-free from Canada. The shipment can include wedding gifts and household items.

Personal Effects Checklist
  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
  • Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
  • A detailed description of each item is provided
  • Complete Form 18.44 household effects (click here for details)

Sources:
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-individuals/personal-property--students--holiday-homes--getting-married-and-/importation-into-switzerland.html
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-individuals/personal-property--students--holiday-homes--getting-married-and-/importation-into-switzerland/moving--household-effects-.html
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-individuals/travel-and-purchases--allowances-and-duty-free-limit/importation-into-switzerland.html

Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects

Ship To Invoice
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Grand-Rue 40
1204 Geneva
Switzerland

Phone: +41 22 310 10 28
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
5 Pairs Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes

IN $40.00
1 Each Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket

CA $478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Food, Chocolate, Candies to SwitzerlandFood, Chocolate, Candies

You May Ship

  • Chocolate
  • Confectionary
  • Baked goods (without meat or meat products)
  • Honey (maximum of 2 kg)
  • Pasta
  • Olives stuffed with fish
  • Infant food and milk powder (maximum of 2 kg)
  • Foods for special medical diets (maximum of 2 kg)
  • Fresh, gutted fish (maximum of 20 kg)
  • Meat extracts and concentrates
  • Packaged meat broths and soup flavours

Do Not Shipp

  • Animal products
  • Caviar
  • Fruits and vegetables
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
  • Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section (see sample)
  • Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the country
  • You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
  • Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments

Sources:
https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/de/home/lebensmittel-und-ernaehrung/lebensmittel-reiseverkehr.html

Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies

Ship To Invoice
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Grand-Rue 40
1204 Geneva
Switzerland

Phone: +41 22 310 10 28
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to SwitzerlandSamples

Commercial samples are shipped to encourage orders and demonstrate products. Samples may be shipped to Switzerland from Canada duty and tax free.

The conditions of importation are:

  • The samples have no commercial value, i.e. they cannot be exchanged for money
  • They may not be sold
  • If they are to be tested, analysed, or displayed, their value must be CHF 100 (about $140 CAD), or less
Commercial Sample Checklist
  • A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
  • Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
  • The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment

Sources:
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-companies/exemptions--reliefs--preferential-tariffs-and-export-contributio/importation-into-switzerland/duty-free-movement-of-goods--duty-free-arrangements-/commercial-samples-and-specimens.html

Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample

Ship To Invoice
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Grand-Rue 40
1204 Geneva
Switzerland

Phone: +41 22 310 10 28
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Sending Promotional material to SwitzerlandAdvertising Material

Advertising material is material destined for display at trade fairs, exhibitions, and commercial meetings. Advertising shipped to Switzerland from Canada is exempt from duties and taxes.

Advertising Material Checklist
  • Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
  • A detailed description of each item is provided
  • Be sure to abide by the rules mentioned above

Sources:
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/dam/ezv/de/dokumente/verfahren-betrieb/Aufgabenvollzug/Dokumentation/R-10%20Zollverfahren/r-10-60_voruebergehende_verwendung.pdf.download.pdf/R-10-60.pdf

Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material

Ship To Invoice
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Grand-Rue 40
1204 Geneva
Switzerland

Phone: +41 22 310 10 28
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.

CA $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Have your goods warranty repaired in SwitzerlandRepairs

Sending equipment for repair to Switzerland from Canada will incur:

  • Duty and VAT on replacement parts for the repair
  • VAT on the labour charges

Items Under Warranty

Equipment sent to Switzerland for repairs covered by a warranty will not incur GST.

Items No Longer Under Warranty

GST will be charged if an item is sent to Switzerland for repairs and is no longer under warranty. GST will be applied to the value of the repair work plus any parts added for the repair, and on any duties charged.

Sending Product for Repair to Switzerland

Equipment of Canadian origin sent to Switzerland for repair will incur VAT and duty on the replacement parts used for the repair. VAT will also be applied to the labour charges.

If an item of Swiss origin is sent to Switzerland for repair, it will be duty-free if its VAT value is CHF 1,298 (about $1,830 CAD) or less.

Returning Repaired Product to Switzerland

If an item has been repaired in Canada, it will incur VAT on the labour costs and replacement parts.

These charges must be clearly stated on the commercial invoice.

Repair Checklist
  • Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
  • Include repair contract with shipment
  • Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
  • Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Switzerland or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment

Sources:
https://www.post.ch/en/business-solutions/exports-imports-and-customs-clearance/imports/faqs-about-imports-customs-and-vat
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-individuals/online-shopping--mail-and-courier-consignments/exportation-from-switzerland/returns--repairs--processing.html
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-companies/exemptions--reliefs--preferential-tariffs-and-export-contributio/exportation-from-switzerland.html
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-91-31/page-1.html#h-934277

Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair

Ship To Invoice
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Grand-Rue 40
1204 Geneva
Switzerland

Phone: +41 22 310 10 28
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00

US $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Temporary Imports / Exports for shipments to SwitzerlandTemporary Imports

Goods shipped to Switzerland from Canada for temporary admission will require a deposit to cover the duties.

The goods must follow the requirements below:

  • They must be returned to Canada
  • They undergo no changes during their stay in Switzerland
  • They are readily identifiable
  • They remain in Switzerland for a maximum of 2 years (a 1 year extension up to 3 times may be allowed by customs authorities)

Goods that are typically shipped for temporary admission include:

  • Professional equipment
  • Items used in sporting events
  • Products sent to an exhibition or trade fair
  • To test equipment

NOTE: Portable musical instruments are considered personal effects so they are not required to be declared as a temporary admission.

Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import

In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Switzerland, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.

Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details are shown in the table.

Option # Temporary Import Method Risk of paying
1 Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided) High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2 Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only


This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.

NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.


2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet


Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.

In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.

ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/

NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD

In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:

  • The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
  • Stay no longer than 24 months in Switzerland
NOTE:
  • If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently
  • Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods of temporary nature)
Temporary Imports Checklist
  • Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
  • The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
  • Stay no longer than the period listed above
  • Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
  • Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
  • Any above listed items not listed in this checklist

Sources:
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-individuals/travel-and-purchases--allowances-and-duty-free-limit/importation-into-switzerland/portable-musical-instruments.html
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-companies/declaring-goods/importation-into-switzerland/temporary-importation.html
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-companies/declaring-goods/importation-into-switzerland/temporary-importation/zavv.html
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-companies/declaring-goods/importation-into-switzerland/temporary-importation/ata-carnet.html

 

Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports

Ship To Invoice
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Grand-Rue 40
1204 Geneva
Switzerland

Phone: +41 22 310 10 28
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 box Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment

CA $1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Permanent Goods / Sold To an individual or business within SwitzerlandPermanent/Sold Goods

Occasional Shipper

If you occasionally ship sold goods to Switzerland from Canada, for e.g. through eBay, they will incur duties and VAT.

If the amount of duty or VAT owing is CHF 5 (about $7 CAD) or less, the monies owing will not be levied.

Regular Shipper

If you regularly ship sold goods to Switzerland, we recommend the use of a Swiss licenced customs broker.

Sources:
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-companies/declaring-goods/importation-into-switzerland/declaring-goods.html

Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods

Ship To Invoice
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Grand-Rue 40
1204 Geneva
Switzerland

Phone: +41 22 310 10 28
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
15 Each Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.

CA $132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

IconRequired Documents

Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming. So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.

Document Type When? Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading Always required This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels). These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.

When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.

B13a Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands

Learn more about the B13a form here.
Certificate of Origin (COO) Infrequently required

Allows a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Switzerland. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.

When an item with a COO is imported into Switzerland, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI) Infrequently required

Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise, it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet Infrequently required

Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.

See Temporary import section
Packing list Infrequently required

No specific form is required, but generally includes information regarding:

  • The exporter, importer and transport company
  • Date of issue
  • Number of freight invoice
  • Type and number of packages
  • Contents of each package
  • Marks and numbers
  • Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package
Moving Permanently - Personal Effects Infrequently required

Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
Form 18.44 personal effects. Click here for more information.

Prohibited & Restricted Imports


Items that are prohibited may not enter Switzerland, while those deemed restricted may enter but MUST abide by quantity limits or other rules.

Prohibited Items

  • Counterfeited trademarks and designs
  • Firearms
  • Knives like switchblades
  • Truncheons
  • Laser and night-vision devices
  • Ivory in any form
  • CITES-protected plants and animals or items made from them

Restricted Goods

  • Watches, jewellery, and precious metals
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tobacco products
  • Narcotic and psychotropic medicines

Sources:
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-individuals/bans--restrictions-and-authorisations/product-piracy--counterfeits.html
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-individuals/bans--restrictions-and-authorisations/weapons.html
https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/de/home/gebrauchsgegenstaende/reisen-mit-gebrauchsgegenstaenden/souvenirs.html
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-companies/bans--restrictions-and-conditions/intellectual-property--trade-and-culture/watches--jewellery-and-precious-metals.html
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/topics/precious-metal-control.html
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-individuals/travel-and-purchases--allowances-and-duty-free-limit/importation-into-switzerland/duty-free-allowances--foodstuffs--alcohol-and-tobacco.html
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-individuals/bans--restrictions-and-authorisations/narcotics-and-drugs.html

Duty & Taxes

The amount of duty owing on a shipment is calculated on the gross weight of a parcel, including the packaging. The rate is often less than CHF 1 per kilogram (about $1.40 CAD). However, higher duty rates are applied to shipments of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, jewellery, textiles, and foodstuffs.

The amount of VAT owing on a shipment is calculated using the assessment basis of the shipment. The assessment basis is the sum of the customs value, shipping costs, and import duties.

VAT assessment basis = Customs value + Shipping costs + Duty charges

A VAT charge of CHF 5 or less (about $7 CAD), will not be levied

Thresholds

If the amount of duty or VAT owing is CHF 5 or less (about $7 CAD), it will not be levied.

The shipment thresholds (de minimis values) for a shipment are:

  • CHF 65 (about $90 CAD) at a VAT rate of 7.7%
  • CHF 200 (about $270 CAD) at a VAT rate of 2.5%
Currency Swiss Franc CHF
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
CHF 65 (if charged 7.7% VAT)
CHF 200 (if charged 2.5% VAT)
Duty Calculation Method Parcel's gross weight
TAX (IVA, i.e. VAT) 7.7% 2.5% (foodstuffs, books, magazines, medicines)
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
CHF 65 (if charged 7.7% VAT)
CHF 200 (if charged 2.5% VAT)
Tax Calculation Method Assessment basis

Duties on Imports

Canada has signed a free trade agreement with Switzerland (EFTA) that has reduced a number of duties on goods.

Excise duties apply to alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.

Details for spirits can be found here.
Details for beer can be found here.
Details for tobacco products can be found here.

  • Candy2.00 - 2.30 CHF per
    100 kg gross weight
    (about $2.80 - 3.20 CAD)
  • ChocolateIt varies depending on
    the weight of milkfat
  • Spirits and Wines0%
  • Tobacco0%
  • Books0%
  • Documents0%
  • Video Games & Consoles0%
  • Computers & Laptops0%
  • Tablets0%
  • Mobiles0%
  • Cameras0%
  • Accessories for Electronics0%
  • Coats0%
  • Beauty Products & Cosmetics0%
  • Jewellery0%
  • Shirts & Pants0%
  • Home Appliances0%
  • Toys0%
  • Sports Equipment0%

Sources:
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-companies/taxes-and-duties/importation-into-switzerland/customs-duties.html
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-companies/declaring-goods/importation-into-switzerland/courier-by-post--online-shopping--mail-order-company.html
https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:CgAK-iW9fUYJ:https://www.ch.ch/en/ordering-goods-abroad/+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=pt
https://xtares.admin.ch/tares/login/loginFormFiller.do;jsessionid=KO3V_qpu5S54vBLA01CYyez37Ods5vR9Ii5CGhjKvMZqCMDo8mV5!-1161718911
https://santandertrade.com/en/portal/international-shipments/switzerland/customs-procedures
https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/european-association-europeenne/fta-ale/background-contexte.aspx?lang=eng
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-companies/taxes-and-duties/importation-into-switzerland/alcohol-duties-and-prepaid-disposal-fees/monopoly-tax--spirits-tax-.html
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-companies/taxes-and-duties/importation-into-switzerland/alcohol-duties-and-prepaid-disposal-fees/beer-excise-tax.html
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home/information-companies/taxes-and-duties/importation-into-switzerland/tobacco-excise-tax.html

IconSwitzerland Shipping Insurance

You can purchase insurance through Secureship, and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.

Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment, our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.

Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn't meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.

Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:

  • Personal belongings
  • Antiques
  • Artwork
  • Liquids (including alcohol)
  • Televisions
  • Jewellery in excess of $500
  • Perishable goods
  • Glass or Ceramic
  • And many more items

For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.

Questions about Shipping to Switzerland

Can I ship to Switzerland?

Shipping to Switzerland from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.

Find out how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment delivered to Switzerland by getting a quote now.


Does UPS ship to Switzerland?

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How long does it take to ship from Canada to Switzerland?

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How much is it to send a parcel to Switzerland?

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What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to Switzerland?

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How do I send a package to Switzerland?

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How can I ship my luggage?

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How do I get a FedEx shipping estimate / FedEx quote to Switzerland?

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How do I ship gifts to Switzerland?

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