Germany to Switzerland

Ordering from Germany to Switzerland: Customs Costs

German online shops are close, but Swiss import VAT can still apply when the parcel enters Switzerland.

EU origin does not remove Swiss VAT

Orders shipped from Germany are imports into Switzerland. Swiss VAT is calculated on the goods value including shipping and packaging, even if the shop is in the EU.

The CHF 62 rule of thumb

For most purchases, import VAT below CHF 5 is generally not invoiced. That puts the practical limit at about CHF 62 including shipping. For lower-taxed essentials such as many books, food items, and medicines, the practical limit is about CHF 193.

Swiss Post fee for EU parcels

For EU origins, Swiss Post lists a basic customs clearance fee of CHF 13, plus 3% of the goods value, with the clearance price capped at CHF 70. Other carriers may use different fee schedules.