Outside the EU
Goods coming from the EU still need export and import declarations.
Switzerland is a high-value market for banks, pharma, research centres and data centres. All of them rely on a steady supply of IT equipment. Switzerland is not part of the EU customs union, so importing to Switzerland needs its own customs declaration, Swiss VAT and products that meet Swiss rules. One wrong entry can hold your goods at the border. We act as your importer of record in Switzerland and manage every filing for you.
SwitzerlandUSAEuropeGulfTrade lanes from Switzerland to the USA, Europe and Gulf
Since 1 January 2024, Switzerland charges no customs duty on industrial goods.
This includes laptops, servers, network devices and most other IT equipment. But the change did not remove customs formalities. Every shipment still needs a full import declaration with the FOCBS, the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. Import VAT of 8.1% is still charged on the value of the goods plus transport costs. The commodity code is still needed for statistics and checks.
EXPORTER MANAGED SHIPMENTS, WITH TRADEWISE AS IOR
First, you share your commercial invoice and product details. Then, you name TradeWise as the official entity legally responsible for importing your goods into Switzerland. Once you set up this process, all your future shipments go through the same smooth process. You stay listed as the exporter on every document. We handle all import formalities in Switzerland, from customs entries to import VAT.
Ask about Swiss VAT setupSWITZERLAND SPOTLIGHT
Every Switzerland shipment follows this path when TradeWise is your importer of record.
You send the invoice, packing list and commodity codes before dispatch.
Our broker lodges the entry with the FOCBS.
Import VAT of 8.1% is paid and later reclaimed by the importer.
Customs releases the goods and they move to your end user.
What Swiss Customs Checks Before Your Goods Are Released
The FOCBS clears all imports into Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which share one customs area. Its new digital system, Passar, is replacing older platforms step by step. Most industrial goods now carry no duty, but import VAT applies. Wondering how to import laptops and servers to Switzerland? Start with these four checks.
Before you ship
TradeWise prepares and checks this whole file for you before dispatch.
EUROPE REGION
A missing number, a wrong commodity code or a weak conformity file can stop a shipment at the border. That is where TradeWise steps in. Our specialists review your invoices, conformity papers and battery documents before your shipment leaves. TradeWise takes on the backend work, saving you time.
These five issues slow down most shipments.
Goods coming from the EU still need export and import declarations.
Foreign companies usually need a Swiss tax representative to register for VAT.
Product information may be needed in German, French or Italian.
Electrical goods carry an advance recycling fee through approved schemes.
The move to Passar changes how declarations are filed.
Are you shipping to multiple markets? Open the guide for each country on your route.
Country guides across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania.
Browse all countriesOutbound
Three services remove the most common causes of delay in Switzerland.
TradeWise prepares and files every customs entry correctly. Our IOR services in Switzerland help you import IT equipment to Switzerland without penalties or delay.
ExpertWe handle import VAT, so it is paid and recovered correctly.
SwissOur team classifies and values your goods early to avoid costly corrections.
ClassificationThese are the Switzerland import regulations for IT equipment, the authorities and rules your goods must satisfy before they can be sold or used. Do I need an importer of record in Switzerland? If you have no Swiss entity or Swiss VAT number, yes. TradeWise can take that role.
Most Important for Tech Imports
Switzerland's rules for electrical safety, EMC and radio equipment are closely aligned with EU rules. In most cases, CE-marked products with a declaration of conformity are accepted. Radio and telecom devices must meet the rules set by OFCOM, the Federal Office of Communications. Low-voltage products are checked by ESTI, the Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations. TradeWise checks your files to speed up Switzerland import customs clearance.
Swiss customs collects import VAT and runs the Passar system.
The communications office manages radio spectrum and telecom devices.
The inspectorate checks the safety of low-voltage electrical products.
Switzerland is known for pharma, machinery, precision tools and finance. It has no sea coast, so goods arrive by road, rail, the Rhine port of Basel, or air through Zurich and Geneva.
Its main trading partners include Germany, the United States, Italy and France.
With the right partner, shipments stay compliant, efficient, and cost-effective, whether you import tech goods or export dual-use products.
Public holidays can delay customs work, and some differ by canton.
March or April
Good Friday and Easter Monday are holidays in most cantons.
1 August
The national holiday. Offices are closed.
Late December
Offices slow down and borders get busy.
Every Week
The weekend in Switzerland. Plan customs work for Monday to Friday.
Tell us what you want to import into Switzerland. Our team will help you with all the requirements and paperwork. After that we will send you a quote with every cost listed.
Emailinfo@tradewiseint.com
Phone+971 50 713 0614
Guides from the TradeWise knowledge base.
Compliant, secure, and reliable global shipping and infrastructure lifecycle services.
Need expert services or any help? Our team offers lifecycle solutions across the global market.