Country profile
Switzerland
CH · CHEAs of: 7/21/2026Transit and import country, pharma and high-value hub
Switzerland is a landlocked country in the heart of Europe and one of the continent's most important transit and high-value logistics hubs. As an EFTA member it is not part of the EU customs union; imports and exports are handled by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) and the new digital customs system Passar. Road and rail corridors across the Alps (Gotthard, Loetschberg, Rhine-Alpine Corridor) link Northern Europe with Italy, while Zurich, Geneva and EuroAirport Basel carry air freight, especially for pharma and high-value goods. As a landlocked market, Switzerland relies on access ports such as Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg and Genoa, plus Rhine barge traffic up to Basel.
Overview
Switzerland (CH) is a landlocked country in Central Europe and a central transit and high-value logistics hub between Northern Europe and Italy. As an EFTA member it is not part of the EU customs union: imports and exports are processed through the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) and the digital customs system Passar, complemented by a dense network of free trade agreements. Its foreign-trade profile is shaped by pharmaceuticals, chemicals, precision machinery, watches and a strong financial sector, which makes temperature-controlled air freight and high-value shipments particularly important. Freight moves across the Alpine Gotthard and Loetschberg corridors (Rhine-Alpine Corridor) by road and rail, through the cargo airports of Zurich, Geneva and EuroAirport Basel and, as a landlocked market, via the North Sea and Mediterranean ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg and Genoa, plus Rhine barge traffic up to the Swiss Rhine Ports in Basel. This combination makes Switzerland one of Europe's most reliable yet most demanding customs and transit markets.
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG)Import system
Passar (BAZG, DaziT programme). Import migration to Passar 2.0: pilot since Q2 2026; e-dec Import replaced as of 31.03.2027, parallel phase until 30.09.2027. GP-ID replaces the ZAZ account from 2026.
Export system
Passar (BAZG). Export already switched to Passar, e-dec Export replaced; transit via NCTS Phase 5 in Passar since 2024.
Import VAT
- Import VAT (MWST) collected by BAZG: standard rate 8.1 percent, reduced rate 2.6 percent (food, medicines, books), accommodation rate 3.8 percent (since 2024). De minimis: collection only from a duty amount of CHF 5
- small consignments up to about CHF 62 are effectively tax-free.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Electronic customs declaration (Passar or e-dec)
- Transport document (CMR, AWB, B/L)
- Proof of origin (EUR.1 / origin declaration) for preference
- If applicable, import permits / licences
Export documents
- Export declaration (Passar)
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Proof of origin (EUR.1 / EUR-MED / origin declaration)
- Transport document
- If applicable, export permit (dual-use / war materiel, SECO)
Origin proofs / FTA
EUR.1, EUR-MED, origin declaration on the invoice, Certificate of Origin. EFTA member; free trade agreement with the EU (1972) and around 33 EFTA FTAs with 43 partners; bilateral agreements including with China, Japan, UK.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Weapons and war materiel, certain agricultural/food imports (tariff quotas), protected species (CITES), precious metals and medicinal products with special rules. Detailed checks via BAZG / Tares.
Export controls & sanctions
Export control for dual-use goods and war materiel via SECO (Goods Control Act / War Materiel Act, ELIC system). Switzerland implements UN sanctions and largely adopts EU sanctions (Embargo Act).
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export — General process
Quick operational overview for shipments to Switzerland (CH). This is not legal/tax advice, but a practical checklist to reduce delays.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice with clear goods description, value, Incoterms
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages, contents)
- HS code / tariff classification (for correct duties/taxes)
- Proof of origin (if preferential treatment applies) – where relevant
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export in the origin country (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in CH (declaration, potential checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- ZRH - Zürich
- GVA - Genf
- BSL - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
Seaports / access ports
- Rotterdam (NL)
- Antwerp (BE)
- Hamburg (DE)
- Genoa (IT)
- La Spezia (IT)
- Fos-sur-Mer / Marseille (FR)
Inland ports & terminals
- Swiss Rhine ports Basel (Kleinhüningen, Birsfelden, Muttenz / Auhafen)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Basel / Weil am Rhein (DE)
- Chiasso (IT)
- St. Margrethen (AT)
- Geneva / Bardonnex (FR)
- Gotthard axis
- San Bernardino
Rail corridors
- Rhine-Alpine Corridor (Rotterdam-Genoa)
- Gotthard Base Tunnel (NEAT)
- Loetschberg-Simplon axis
Top trade lanes
- Germany - Switzerland
- Italy - Switzerland
- China - Switzerland
- Switzerland - USA
- Switzerland - Germany
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Structurally stable logistics country. 2026: switch to Passar 2.0 import (pilot Q2 2026, nationwide from June 2026, e-dec import in parallel until 2027) requires adjustments for declarants and forwarders.
Seasonal & weather risks
Alpine winter conditions at Gotthard, San Bernardino and other passes; summer travel traffic and renovation works on the Gotthard road tunnel may delay road transit.
Current logistics notes
No nationwide disruption verified (status 2026-07-21). Ongoing migration to Passar 2.0 import (pilot since Q2 2026, e-dec replacement as of 31.03.2027, parallel phase until 30.09.2027); ZAZ accounts are being replaced by GP-ID. Since 01.01.2026, only LSVA III applies (NETS/EETS collection, Emotach replaced).
As of: 2026-07-21
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | Public holiday in all cantons: customs offices closed, Sunday/holiday HGV ban over 3.5 t applies. | ||
| May 14, 2026 | Ascension Day | National | Public holiday in all cantons: customs offices closed, Sunday/holiday HGV ban over 3.5 t applies; bridge-day traffic on the following Friday. | ||
| Aug 1, 2026 | Swiss National Day | National | Public holiday throughout Switzerland: customs offices and most businesses closed; no clearance processing, plan deliveries accordingly. | ||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National | Public holiday in all cantons: customs offices closed, Sunday/holiday HGV ban over 3.5 t applies. |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Public holiday in all cantons: customs offices closed, Sunday/holiday HGV ban over 3.5 t applies.
Ascension Day
May 14, 2026
Public holiday in all cantons: customs offices closed, Sunday/holiday HGV ban over 3.5 t applies; bridge-day traffic on the following Friday.
Swiss National Day
Aug 1, 2026
Public holiday throughout Switzerland: customs offices and most businesses closed; no clearance processing, plan deliveries accordingly.
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Public holiday in all cantons: customs offices closed, Sunday/holiday HGV ban over 3.5 t applies.
Sources: Bundesamt für Justiz / admin.ch
Truck driving bans
Night driving ban for heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 t
Night banTäglich 22:00-05:00, 22:00–05:00 (Europe/Zurich)
from 3.5 t
Exceptions
Exemption permits from cantons or FEDRO only in justified cases (e.g. urgent transports); no general commodity exemptions.
Special permit possible
Applies nationwide on all roads (Art. 2 RTA, Art. 91 f. VRV). Key constraint for Gotthard/San Bernardino transit planning.
Sunday and public-holiday HGV ban over 3.5 t
Sunday banSonntage sowie gesetzliche Feiertage ganztägig, 00:00–23:59 (Europe/Zurich)
from 3.5 t
Exceptions
Exemptions include highly perishable foodstuffs and urgent transports with a cantonal exemption permit.
Special permit possible
Applies nationwide (Art. 2 RTA, Art. 91 f. VRV). Relevant holidays partly differ by canton — see holiday module.
Tolls & charges
LSVA III (Leistungsabhängige Schwerverkehrsabgabe)
Distance-basedOperator: Bundesamt für Zoll und Grenzsicherheit (BAZG)
Lkw und Sattelzugfahrzeuge ab 3,5 t zGG, Anhänger (massgebend: Gesamtzugsgewicht)
Distance-based charge on all Swiss roads for vehicles from 3.5 t: rate depends on kilometres driven, relevant total weight and emission class (Euro standard). Since 1 Jan 2026 only LSVA III applies: registration in the federal ePortal and recording via an NETS or EETS provider (OBU); Emotach has been phased out.
Sources: BAZG – Schwerverkehrsabgabe LSVA
Airports in this country
Popular Transit Time Routes
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Which documents do I need for importing into Switzerland?
Commonly required are a commercial invoice, packing list, an electronic customs declaration (Passar or, during the transition, e-dec) and a transport document (CMR, AWB or B/L). For preferential treatment, a proof of origin such as EUR.1 or an origin declaration is also required.
What is the import VAT (MWST) rate in Switzerland?
The standard rate is 8.1 percent, the reduced rate 2.6 percent (including food, medicines, books) and the accommodation rate 3.8 percent. Import VAT is collected by the BAZG.
Is there a threshold for small consignments?
Customs duties and import VAT are only collected once the charge amount exceeds CHF 5. However, foreign online retailers with more than CHF 100'000 annual turnover from small consignments become liable for VAT in Switzerland.
Is Switzerland part of the EU customs union?
No. Switzerland is an EFTA member and not part of the EU customs union. Trade in goods with the EU is governed by the 1972 free trade agreement and other bilateral agreements.
Which customs system does Switzerland use?
Within the DaziT programme, the BAZG is switching to the digital Passar system. Transit and export already run via Passar; import will be migrated to Passar 2.0 in 2026, with e-dec import running in parallel during the transition.
Which ports does Switzerland use as a landlocked country?
Sea freight mainly runs via Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg and Genoa. For inland waterway transport, the Swiss Rhine ports in Basel are used.
Which airports are relevant for air freight?
The main cargo airports are Zurich (ZRH), Geneva (GVA) and EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL), especially for pharma and high-value goods.
Which trade partners are important for Switzerland?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Switzerland?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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