Switzerland
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Zurich
Zurich Airport handles most of Switzerland's air cargo, much of it on passenger flights.
Services in Zurich
- Air freight in ZurichAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in ZurichFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in ZurichImport 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 Zurich
- AirportZurich Airport
ZRH - SeaportSea freight via Rotterdam, Antwerp or Hamburg, Rhine barge to Basel
Zurich Airport (ZRH) handles most of Switzerland's air cargo, much of it in the bellies of long-haul passenger aircraft operated by Swiss International Air Lines and other carriers, with Swiss WorldCargo as the home carrier's cargo division. Main-deck freighter capacity in Switzerland is limited, so some heavy shipments are trucked to Frankfurt (FRA) or other European freighter hubs. Sea freight for Zurich arrives via Rotterdam, Antwerp or Hamburg, often with Rhine barge or rail transport to Basel and onward by road or rail.
Zurich is connected by the A1 (Bern, St. Gallen), A3 (Basel, Chur) and A4 (Schaffhausen, Lucerne), with the A51 serving the airport. The airport has its own rail station, and Swiss rail freight links Zurich with the Rhine ports in Basel and the Gotthard corridor to Italy.
Industries in Zurich and how we support them
The Zurich region combines finance with precision instruments, medtech, pharma, electrical engineering and luxury goods. Companies such as ABB, headquartered in Zurich, and Mettler-Toledo, with major operations in Greifensee, ship high-value instruments and components worldwide. Shipments are often valuable, sensitive and documentation-heavy. Ziem Logistics supports these supply chains with air freight through our airline network via ZRH, On-Board Courier for high-value and sensitive items, Next Flight Out, sea freight via the Rhine and North Sea ports, and customs clearance by our own customs team in Switzerland, including EU-Swiss origin documents.
Operational logistics facts for Zurich
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich Airport (ZRH) | Belly cargo on long-haul passenger flights | Most of Switzerland's international air connections in one place |
| Rhine ports Basel | Containers via Rotterdam and Antwerp | Sea freight delivered into Switzerland by barge |
| Precision instruments and medtech | High-value, sensitive equipment | OBC and careful routing for valuable items |
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
Can you fly heavy cargo from Zurich if no freighter is available?
ZRH relies largely on belly capacity, which limits piece size. For heavy or oversized pieces we route via a freighter hub such as Frankfurt (FRA) using a road feeder. We check dimensions and options before booking.
Can you ship high-value instruments from Zurich by On-Board Courier?
Yes. An On-Board Courier collects the item in the Zurich area, keeps it in personal custody throughout the journey and delivers it to the consignee. Export documents are prepared before departure.
Do you collect in Zurich, Winterthur and the Zurich Oberland?
Yes. We arrange pick-up across the canton of Zurich, including Winterthur, the Zurich Oberland and the Limmat valley, through trusted road partners and deliver to Zurich Airport.
Who clears goods for Zurich importers?
Ziem Logistics clears customs in Switzerland in-house. Our own customs team files import declarations with the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) via Passar. The importer needs a Swiss UID number and, where applicable, VAT registration.
Are import duties still charged on industrial goods in Switzerland?
Since January 2024 Switzerland has abolished import duties on most industrial goods. Agricultural products can still be dutiable, and import VAT applies to most goods. We check the tariff and VAT position for each shipment.
Can EU-origin goods enter Switzerland duty-free?
Under the EU-Switzerland free trade agreement, goods with preferential origin can enter duty-free where duties apply, if the origin statement is correct. We check the documents before filing the import declaration.