Swiss customs clearance information

Swiss mothers have repeatedly asked whether Switzerland has issues related to taxes and customs clearance fees. After consulting the official Swiss documents, the information is as follows, for the mothers who want to buy books for reference.

Because Switzerland is not a member of the European Union

1-Inferior: Online shopping from other countries. If the item and value are out of range, customs clearance fees and customs value-added tax may be generated

2-Benefit: Also because it’s not an EU country, Enjoy the tax refund, no need to pay Consumption VAT in EU member states

 

The data, analysis, and conclusions are given below. Interested moms continue to look down, or look directly at final conclusions

 

The cost is divided into 2 sections: Customs Clearance and Customs and VAT

 

(1)Customs Clearance

Parcel country of origin	Basic Fee (CHF)	Fees (CHF)
ZONE1 Germany, Austria France, Italy	11.5	3% of customs value
ZONE 2 Other countries	16	3% of customs value

Description:
1-Total = Basic Fee + Surcharge, Maximum Charge70 CHF

2 There may be other charges such as unpacking and checking the storage fee. See the reference below for details

 

Example:

1) Packages sent from Germany to Switzerland: Customs value 200CHF

Basic fee 11.5 CHF
Surcharge 6 CHF (200 CHF x 3%)
Total customs clearance fee 11.5+6=17.5 CHF

2) Packages sent from China to Switzerland: Customs value 200CHF

Basic fee 16 CHF
Surcharge 6 CHF (200 CHF x 3%)
Total customs clearance fee 16+6=22 CHF

References (click to access the original):

https://www.post.ch/en/private/a-z-of-subjects/customs-clearance-and-import-regulations/importing-and-receiving-consignments/import-customs-clearance-prices

 

(2)Customs and VAT

Swiss's VAT rate is divided into 2 levels, as shown in the table below (from January 1, 2018).

VAT is calculated based on the total price (commodity declaration value + tariff). If the tax is less than 5 CHF, it is exempt from collection, so the corresponding tax exemption can be calculated.

Classification	VAT tax rate	tax exemption
General situation Most items	7.7%	62 CHF
Low tax rate merchandise Example: Books	2.5%	200 CHF

 

 

References (click to access the original):

https://www.post.ch/en/business/a-z-of-subjects/customs-clearance-and-import-regulations/importing-and-receiving-consignments/faqs-about-imports-customs-and-vat

 

 

Last-Conclusion

 

1-Swiss books VAT only 2.5%, very low. The amount is less than 200 CHF (about 170 euros) and is also exempt. I suggest you refer to this amount to purchase

2-If taxed: Customs clearance for books in Switzerland + VAT = 5.5%. Just the average VAT of books and EU member states is 5.5%offset, equivalent to No additional expenses.

3-If taxed: The customs clearance fee "Basic Fee" 12.5 CHF is required. This should be the scope of everyone acceptable.

4-If not taxed: Because Enjoy the "Refund", the cost of the item + Total taxes and fees, is cheaper than in the EU countries! ! (regardless of shipping differences).

 

 

The above information is compiled according to the official information of Switzerland for your reference. The specific tax collection is subject to the actual operation of the local customs. If the charges are unreasonable and there is any objection, you can find the appeal method in the "References"