Bern, Switzerland
Customs clearance in Bern
Import and export clearance for shipments to and from Bern. Customs clearance in Switzerland is handled by our own in-house customs team.
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 |
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.
In-house customs team
Import and export entries for Switzerland are prepared and filed by our in-house customs team. The same team checks the documents before the goods leave origin, so most open points are settled before the goods arrive.
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.
Documents we check before shipping
Commercial invoice, packing list, the transport document and, where needed, certificates of origin, licences or permits. We check that descriptions, values and HS codes are consistent across all documents before the goods move.
Frequently asked questions
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.