Geneva, Switzerland
Customs clearance in Geneva
Import and export clearance for shipments to and from Geneva. Customs clearance in Switzerland is handled by our own in-house customs team.
Industries in Geneva and how we support them
Geneva is known for watches and luxury goods, with watchmakers such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin based here, and is a centre of commodity trading and international organisations. Shipments are often high value and need secure handling and precise documentation, including for international organisations' privileges. Ziem Logistics supports these supply chains with air freight through our airline network via GVA or ZRH, On-Board Courier for watches and valuables, Next Flight Out, sea freight via Marseille, Genoa or Rotterdam, and customs clearance by our own customs team in Switzerland, including temporary import for exhibitions.
Operational logistics facts for Geneva
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva Airport (GVA) | Belly cargo, Swiss and French sectors | Air connections for western Switzerland |
| Geneva Free Ports | Bonded storage under customs supervision | Storage of high-value goods with customs duties suspended |
| Watch and luxury cluster | Watches, jewellery and luxury goods | OBC and secure routings for valuable items |
Airports, seaports and connections in Geneva
- AirportGeneva Airport
GVA - SeaportSea freight via Marseille, Genoa or Rotterdam
Geneva Airport (GVA) is western Switzerland's main airport, handling air cargo mainly in the bellies of passenger aircraft, with a Swiss and a French sector. For larger shipments, freight can be routed via Zurich (ZRH) or a European freighter hub. Sea freight for Geneva usually comes via Marseille, Genoa or Rotterdam, with onward road or rail transport. The Geneva Free Ports offer bonded storage under customs supervision for high-value goods.
Geneva is connected to the Swiss A1 towards Lausanne and Bern and to the French motorway network towards Lyon and Annecy. The airport has its own rail station on the line along Lake Geneva, and road links connect Geneva with the French border regions.
Clearance by our own team in Switzerland
In Switzerland our own customs team files the declarations. Questions about classification, valuation or missing documents are answered directly by the people who prepare the entry, without a third party in between.
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.
Avoiding delays at customs
Most customs delays come from inconsistent documents: different values on invoice and packing list, missing HS codes or unclear goods descriptions. We review the documents against each other before departure, so the declaration in Switzerland can be filed without queries.
Frequently asked questions
Can goods be stored in the Geneva Free Ports without paying duties?
Goods stored in a Swiss free warehouse remain under customs supervision, with duties and VAT suspended until they are released for free circulation or re-exported. Our own customs team prepares the declarations for entry and release.
How are watches temporarily exported for exhibitions cleared?
Watches shown at fairs abroad and returned can use an ATA Carnet or temporary export procedure, so duties are not charged on re-import where the conditions are met. We prepare the documents.
What does an importer in Geneva need for clearance?
A Swiss UID number and, where applicable, VAT registration with the Federal Tax Administration. We file the declaration with FOCBS via Passar, with invoice, packing list and air waybill or bill of lading.