In-house customs team
Customs clearance and freight forwarding in Switzerland
Switzerland is outside the EU customs union, so every shipment between Switzerland and the EU needs customs declarations on both sides. It is a high-value market for pharmaceuticals, precision instruments, machinery and watches.
Shipping to and from Switzerland
Switzerland abolished customs duties on most industrial goods in 2024, but import VAT, statistics and non-tariff requirements still apply. Agricultural products remain subject to duties. Swiss Customs is moving its declaration processes to the new Passar system, and we keep our filings in line with each phase.
Because we also clear customs in-house in Germany and the UK, our own team can file both the Swiss and the EU or UK side of a shipment.
Key facts for Switzerland
- Customs clearance
- In-house customs team
- Customs authority
- Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS / BAZG)
- Framework and systems
- Swiss Customs Act, Passar
- Importer registration
- a Swiss business identification number (UID) and, for VAT, registration with the Federal Tax Administration where applicable
- Main airports
- Zurich (ZRH), Geneva (GVA), Basel EuroAirport (BSL)
- Main seaports
- Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg, with Rhine barge and rail links to Basel
- Road freight
- Road freight between Switzerland and the EU, with Swiss and EU customs declarations by our own team.
- Peak and holiday periods
- Christmas to New Year, Easter, Ascension Day, Whit Monday and Swiss National Day (1 August)
What we handle in Switzerland
Swiss import clearance
Import declarations, import VAT, and release at Zurich, Geneva or Basel.
Swiss export declarations
Export filings and evidence of export for VAT purposes.
EU-Swiss shipments
Export and import formalities on both sides of the border, handled by one team.
Origin & preferences
Origin checks under the EU-Swiss free trade agreement and Switzerland's other agreements.
Air freight
Air freight to and from Swiss airports via our network.
Services in Switzerland
- Air freight to and from SwitzerlandAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight to and from SwitzerlandFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in SwitzerlandImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Customs clearance in Switzerland
In-house customs team
Customs clearance in Switzerland is handled by our own in-house customs team.
Air freight to and from Switzerland is booked through our carrier network.
Importers in Switzerland need a Swiss business identification number (UID) and, for VAT, registration with the Federal Tax Administration where applicable.