Switzerland
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Bern
Bern companies usually ship by air via Zurich, about one hour away.
Services in Bern
- Air freight in BernAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in BernFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in BernImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Bern
- AirportZurich
ZRH - AirportBern
BRN - SeaportSea freight via Rotterdam or Basel Rhine ports
Bern Airport (BRN) is a small airport without significant cargo services, so Bern companies ship by air mainly via Zurich (ZRH), the country's main cargo airport, or Geneva (GVA) for western Switzerland, depending on the destination. Sea freight for Bern arrives via Rotterdam and the Swiss Rhine ports in Basel, with onward rail or road transport into the Bernese Mittelland.
Bern lies at the meeting point of the A1 (Zurich, Lausanne), A6 (Thun) and A12 (Fribourg). The city is a central hub of the Swiss rail network, with rail freight links to Basel's Rhine ports and the Lötschberg route through the Alps.
Industries in Bern and how we support them
The Bern region combines medtech, precision engineering and the public sector as the seat of the Swiss federal government. CSL Behring produces plasma-derived medicines in Bern, and Ypsomed, a maker of injection systems, is based in nearby Burgdorf. Many mid-sized precision engineering firms are active in the Mittelland. Ziem Logistics supports these supply chains with air freight through our airline network via ZRH or GVA, temperature-controlled routings for medical products, On-Board Courier, sea freight via Basel, and customs clearance by our own customs team in Switzerland.
Operational logistics facts for Bern
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich Airport (ZRH) | Long-haul belly cargo | Main air gateway for Bern shippers |
| Swiss Rhine ports Basel | Containers by barge | Sea freight with rail delivery to Bern |
| Medtech and plasma products | Medical devices and temperature-sensitive medicines | Temperature-controlled routings and OBC |
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport do you use for Bern shipments?
Bern Airport (BRN) has no relevant cargo services, so we route via Zurich (ZRH) for most destinations or via Geneva (GVA) where it fits better. We choose per shipment and confirm the cut-off times.
Can you ship temperature-sensitive medicines from Bern?
Yes. We book routings and airlines that match the required temperature range and agree packaging and data loggers with the shipper. For urgent consignments, an On-Board Courier can carry the goods.
Do you collect in Bern, Burgdorf and Thun?
Yes. We arrange pick-up in Bern, Burgdorf, Thun and across the Bernese Mittelland through trusted road partners and deliver the freight to the departure airport.
What does a Bern importer need for Swiss customs clearance?
A Swiss UID number and, where applicable, VAT registration with the Federal Tax Administration. Our own customs team files the declaration with FOCBS via Passar, with invoice, packing list and transport document.
Do medical device imports to Bern need special documents?
Medical devices must meet Swiss medical device regulations, and some products require Swissmedic approval. We check the requirements with the importer before filing.
How is VAT charged on imports into Switzerland?
Import VAT is charged by customs on the value of the goods including transport costs to the Swiss border. VAT-registered importers can usually reclaim it. We include the correct values in the declaration.