Switzerland
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Lausanne
The Lake Geneva region around Lausanne combines global food companies with medtech and research.
Services in Lausanne
- Air freight in LausanneAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in LausanneFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in LausanneImport 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 Lausanne
- AirportGeneva
GVA - SeaportSea freight via Marseille or Genoa
Geneva Airport (GVA) is the main air gateway for Lausanne and the Lake Geneva region, with belly cargo on passenger flights; Zurich (ZRH) offers a wider long-haul network for destinations that Geneva does not serve. Sea freight for Lausanne usually comes via Marseille or Genoa in the Mediterranean, or via Rotterdam and the Swiss Rhine ports, with onward transport by road or rail along the lake.
Lausanne is linked by the A1 (Geneva, Bern) and the A9 (Valais, Simplon), which continues towards Italy. The rail line along Lake Geneva connects Lausanne with Geneva Airport, and rail freight links the region with the Simplon route and the rest of Switzerland.
Industries in Lausanne and how we support them
The Lake Geneva region around Lausanne combines global food companies with medtech and research. Nestlé is headquartered in nearby Vevey, Logitech is based in Lausanne, and the EPFL university and many spin-offs drive research and medtech. Philip Morris International runs operations in the city. Freight includes food ingredients, electronics, research equipment and medical devices. Ziem Logistics supports these supply chains with air freight through our airline network via GVA or ZRH, On-Board Courier for research samples, sea freight via Mediterranean or Rhine ports, and customs clearance by our own customs team in Switzerland.
Operational logistics facts for Lausanne
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva Airport (GVA) | Belly cargo | Main air gateway for the Lake Geneva region |
| EPFL and research cluster | Research equipment and samples | Temporary import procedures for scientific equipment |
| Food industry around Vevey | Food ingredients and products | Documents for food imports checked before shipment |
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
Do Lausanne shipments fly from Geneva or Zurich?
Geneva (GVA) is usually the closest option. For destinations or capacities that Geneva cannot cover, we route via Zurich (ZRH). We compare options with each booking.
Can you ship research samples from EPFL?
Yes. We book routings that match the packaging and temperature requirements of the samples. For urgent or sensitive material, an On-Board Courier can hand-carry it. Dangerous goods must be declared correctly before booking.
Do you collect in Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux?
Yes. We arrange pick-up across the canton of Vaud, including Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux and Morges, through trusted road partners and deliver to the departure airport.
What documents do food imports into Switzerland need?
Food imports may need health certificates and must meet Swiss food law. Agricultural products can be subject to duties and quotas. Our own customs team checks the tariff and documents before filing via Passar.
Can research equipment be imported temporarily for EPFL projects?
Equipment that will be re-exported can often be imported under temporary admission with an ATA Carnet or a customs declaration. We check the conditions and document the re-export.
Do electronics imports into Switzerland pay duties?
Since January 2024 Switzerland has abolished import duties on most industrial goods, including most electronics. Import VAT still applies. We file the declaration with the correct classification and values.