Everything you need to know about customs duties in Switzerland in 2026

Ordering a product from abroad may seem straightforward, but once it reaches the Swiss border, customs charges and formalities can quickly turn your purchase into a real headache. Customs duties, VAT, clearance fees… The final cost can end up being much higher than expected. Did you know that Switzerland applies a tariff system based on the gross weight of the imported goods, rather than their commercial value? That certain exemptions are available under specific conditions? Or that tariff reductions may be granted depending on the product’s country of origin?

Before confirming your order or sending a parcel, it is essential to fully understand the applicable rules. What rates apply? Are there ways to reduce customs charges? What regulations apply to commercial and personal shipments? In this article, we provide you with all the information you need to avoid unpleasant surprises and optimise your imports into Switzerland.

How do customs duties work in Switzerland?

When importing goods from abroad, Swiss residents are generally required to pay customs clearance charges. It is the recipient of the consignment who is responsible for paying the applicable duties, not the sender, who is only required to pay the delivery charges.

For the recipient, the costs associated with receiving an international parcel fall into three main categories:

• Customs duties;
• VAT (Value Added Tax);
• Customs clearance charges levied by the carrier.

Certain specific matters may also incur additional costs, including:

• Additional charges for certain specific items (jewellery, tobacco, etc.);
• Administrative charges in the event of the product being held up at customs.

In most countries, customs duties are determined based on the economic value of the imported goods. However, Switzerland uses a different method: the calculation is based on the gross weight of the item.

Please note: To ensure full compliance with customs regulations, the sender must include a complete commercial invoice or a CN22/CN23 declaration with every parcel sent from abroad, regardless of the quantity of goods being sent.

How does VAT work in Switzerland?

In addition to customs duties, VAT must be paid, unless an exemption applies. 

This is calculated on the total value of the goods, including:

• The invoice total (product price + delivery charges, if applicable);
• The carrier’s customs clearance charges;
• Any administrative charges incurred in the event of goods being held up at customs.

Example: A Swiss consumer buys a camera worth 200 Swiss francs from abroad. They pay 20 francs in delivery charges and 22 francs in customs clearance fees.

Total VAT chargeable amount = 200 + 20 + 22 = CHF 242

The taxable amount is therefore 242 Swiss francs at the standard VAT rate of 8.1%, i.e.:

VAT = 242 × 8.1% = CHF 19.6

What are the customs clearance charges in Switzerland?

Each carrier has its own customs clearance rates, depending on the country of origin and the service offered.

For example, Swiss Post’s customs clearance fees are as follows:

Other countries: CHF 16 + 3% of the value of the goods.

France, Germany, Italy and Austria: CHF 13 + 3% of the value of the goods;

How long does customs clearance take?

Processing usually takes 3 to 4 working days, provided that all the required information is complete and free from errors. If any details are missing, the post office will seek the necessary clarification, which may cause a delay in processing and affect the usual processing time.

Products eligible for duty-free treatment

When imported, certain items may be exempt from customs duties and Value Added Tax (VAT). 

This applies in particular to:

• Letters and postcards for personal or business use;
• Goods on which customs duty and/or VAT does not exceed 5 Swiss francs
• Gifts sent between private individuals with a market value of less than CHF 100, excluding alcohol and tobacco.

See also: Importing a vehicle into Switzerland: procedure, documents and fees

With regard to VAT exemption, certain imported goods are exempt from VAT depending on their value:

• CHF 63 at a VAT rate of 8.1% (standard rate);
• CHF 194 at a reduced rate of 2.6% (food, non-alcoholic drinks, medicines, newspapers and magazines).

Good to know: companies involved in import and export operations can make use of certain tips to reduce customs clearance costs.

Instructions: what should you do if your parcel is held up at customs?

When importing goods, a parcel may sometimes be held up at customs during transit. In this case, certain steps must be taken to resolve the situation. Here are the key steps to follow to retrieve your parcel as quickly as possible.

1. Speak to the right person

If a parcel is held up during customs clearance, you should contact the carrier, not the Federal Customs Administration directly. This is because this responsibility lies with La Poste or any other delivery company acting as an intermediary between the recipient and the customs office.

2. Understanding the reason for the blockage

A parcel may be held up at customs for a number of reasons, for example:

• A weight that was underestimated at the time of dispatch;
• Missing documents, such as an incorrect customs declaration;
• An incorrect total value of the imported goods;
• The absence of a customs tariff code or an incorrect value added tax (VAT) rate.

To find out exactly why a parcel has been held up, you can contact the carrier directly by phone or check the parcel’s tracking status online using the tracking number. A prompt response will help to speed up the process of releasing the parcel.

3. Refuse or accept delivery

There are two options, each with different consequences:

Accept the parcel:

• You must provide the documents requested by customs by handing them over to the carrier.
• If the weight has been underestimated or if additional customs clearance charges are required, you will be required to pay customs duties, Swiss VAT and processing fees.
• The carrier also charges an administrative fee for "inspection, clarification and storage". At La Poste, the charge is 20 Swiss francs excluding VAT.

Refuse delivery:

The parcel is returned to the sender, and return charges may apply.

These services that simplify customs clearance

There are various ways to simplify the payment of customs duties in Switzerland. Swiss Post, for example, offers its customers the option of paying import charges directly via its “My Shipments” service for amounts up to 100 Swiss francs. This is a much simpler option than waiting for the postman to deliver the bill.

The QuickZoll mobile app, developed by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security, enables individuals to declare their imports, particularly when crossing the border with goods from abroad. The amount due can then be paid directly via a smartphone, which simplifies the customs clearance process.

Conclusion

Importing a product into Switzerland involves much more than just the purchase price. Between customs duties calculated on the gross weight, VAT applied to all costs, and clearance fees set by carriers, the final bill can quickly mount up. However, a good understanding of the rules in force allows you to anticipate these costs and optimise your imports.

There are a number of exemptions and allowances available, offering savings opportunities for individuals and businesses. Furthermore, solutions such as the QuickZoll app or carriers’ online services make it easier to pay customs charges and reduce the risk of goods being held up.

In short, understanding Swiss customs procedures helps you avoid unpleasant surprises and import goods with complete peace of mind. Careful planning and proper preparation are key to keeping costs under control and simplifying the customs clearance process.