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Country Customs Information

Customs Guidance

View Customs Rules


View Switzerland Customs HS Code



Imports

General Import Guidelines
  • The importer must have a valid importer code from Customs Authorities
  • Imported goods must conform to licensed activities of the importer
  • Imported goods must be accompanied with an International Waybill, a Commercial Invoice, a Certificate of Origin, and a Packing List
  • Letter of Credit when used as payment method for the goods
  • HS Codes must be stated clearly on the Commercial Invoice. Where the HS Codes are not stated, Customs Authorities shall determine the proper HS Codes based on the goods and the stated description


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Import Duties and Fees
  • The customs valuation is based on CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) which means that the amount used to assess customs duty is the sum of cost of goods, insurance and shipping cost to Switzerland
  • Customs tariff applicable on imported goods depend on HS Codes
  • The standard rate of Sales Tax imposed on imported goods into Switzerland is 8%
  • International express or courier imports with declared value below CHF 50 are duty free
  • Goods with declared value of more than a CHF 50 will be treated as normal cargo goods, and will require a formal customs clearance


The following are trade agreements with Switzerland that can benefit from customs reduction rate. To benefit from customs duties reduction, Certificate of Origin accompanied with Commercial Invoice are required
  • European Economic Community (EEC)
  • European Free Trade Association (EFTA)


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Duties Exemption

A number of goods are exempted from customs duties and VAT. Below are some of the applied exemptions:
  • Diplomatic goods


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Imports Required Documents

General Imports

Import Declaration is processed in the event of goods being imported into Switzerland from other countries. The below documents are needed:
  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Original of the Certificate of Origin
  • Packing List (detailed)


Re-Export

Import Declaration is processed in the event of importing goods into Switzerland for purpose of re-exporting. The below documents are needed:

  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List (detailed)
  • Guarantee letter


Temporary Import - Exhibition / Repair and Return

Upon entry of goods into Switzerland on temporary basis for the purpose of taking part in an exhibition or repairs / maintenance, a deposit amount equivalent to customs duties and VAT has to be made for the benefit of Customs Authorities. The deposit is refunded upon exporting the goods. If the goods are not being exported the deposit is forfeited. The below documents are needed:

  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List (detailed)

When completing your Commercial Invoice, we recommend that you abide by Aramex guidelines to ensure timely and efficient clearance Read More


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Exports

When exporting goods from Switzerland some documents and regulations will be applied before the exit of goods to the destination. Failure to submit required documents may delay goods when exporting


Exporters need to include the following documents with their goods:

  1. Original Commercial Invoice
  2. Customs Declaration if the goods' value is above CHF 500 (equivalent to USD 537). The Customs Declaration needs to contain exporter’s TIN number Fee: CHF 14 (equivalent to USD 15) per shipment presented to customs authorities
  3. CITES permit might be required, for more information please contact our office
Other documents that could be required would depend on the specific requirements of the destinations. Aramex maintain a list of needed documents and customs information per country (please select country name on this page )


Important Notes
  • All exported goods might be inspected by Customs Authorities
  • Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations of Switzerland


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Transiting Goods

Transiting Goods through Switzerland can only remain in Switzerland for 60 days from the date of arrival into the country

To process Transiting Goods, the below documents are needed:

  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List (detailed)


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Prohibited / Restricted Goods

Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations of Switzerland

In accordance to Aramex Shipping Policy, the following items are not acceptable for transport by Aramex:

  • Monetary items including currency, fake money, and coins
  • Publications that are offensive to religions, morals, human rights or aims to cause corruption and disorder
  • Narcotics and drugs including heroin, opium, drugs raw material (powder, liquid), cannabis leaves, etc.
  • Counterfeit goods covering all brands of clothes, machinery, shoes, electronics, watches etc.
  • Fireworks*
  • Ivory and ivory products*
  • Furs*
  • Jewelry, precious metals , stones, articles or antiques of exceptional high value*
  • Bullion*
  • Chemical waste and nuclear waste
  • Hazardous as defined in IATA Regulations*
  • Ammunitions*
  • Human remains, including ashes*
  • Animals, plants, food items and perishable*
  • Products labeled made in Israel
  • Pork meat in any kind, shape or form
  • Used goods

* Certain goods which are listed above as prohibited may be accepted by Aramex on a contractual basis, if exporters / importers are able to comply with all applicable regulations

Some goods require approval from the designated authority prior to importing into Switzerland. Some examples are shown below:



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References

  1. Switzerland Customs
  2. Switzerland Customs HS Code
  3. Customs Terminologies