If you're sending parcels from the UK to Switzerland, you'll need all the facts to ensure that your items get there without any hold-ups - but do you need a customs label?
Switzerland is not part of the EU, and although it has access to the single market, you will still need the necessary customs paperwork to get your parcels sent and delivered correctly.
A commercial or pro forma invoice in a clear plastic envelope will have to be attached to your package so that customs officers can check the items before allowing them into the country. To help you, we've compiled all the essential facts about posting items to Switzerland and the customs regulations you should be aware of.
Check that your items aren't prohibited or restricted
If you're posting items in the following categories, you'll have to check the conditions under which you may be able to send them:
- Weapons
- Plants
- Animals and animal products
- Cash, foreign currency, securities
- Medicines
- Cultural property
- Radar warning devices
For a more detailed list as well as all the advice you need regarding prohibited or restricted items, visit the Swiss Federal Customs Administration website.
Your customs declaration
The customs declaration you fill out will depend on whether you're sending the items in a personal capacity or as a business.
For companies looking to export to Switzerland, you'll have to complete a one-off registration for your business in order to gain an identification number (UID) from the ZKV to declare your goods electronically.
If using a mail-order partner, they should be able to determine whether your company is eligible for tax liability relating to the 2019 revised Swiss VAT Act.
Individuals must also declare their consignments, and in most cases, this will be taken care off by your courier. Items which are often exempt from customs include gifts, personal belonging and samples; however, the value cannot exceed a certain limit if you wish to avoid paying duty. For Switzerland, VAT due on imported goods is usually calculated at a rate of 7.6%.
You'll be expected to include the following details on your declaration form:
- Name, address and contact details of sender.
- Name, address and contact details of recipient.
- Full description of each item in the package.
- Quantity of items.
- Value of each item.
- Specify whether the item is a gift.
Extra information
As of January 2020, the area of Campione D'Italia (Swiss postcode 6911) returned to Italian control for postal service and is now part of the EU customs union. If you are sending parcels to this area, they should no longer be addressed to Switzerland but instead to Italy.
As a Swiss Post company, we are your most reliable and resourceful point of contact for all issues surrounding customs and export to Switzerland. Our friendly experts will help you formulate the most efficient and cost-effective method of getting your goods into the Swiss market.
