Swiss Post charges a basic fee of CHF 13 (EU origin) or CHF 16 (rest of world) plus 3% of the goods value, capped at CHF 70 — prices excluding the 8.1% VAT added on the fee itself. It's only charged when VAT or duty is actually collected, so parcels under about CHF 62 usually arrive fee-free.
The published fee schedule
| Component | EU & overseas territories | All other countries |
|---|---|---|
| Basic customs clearance fee | CHF 13.00 | CHF 16.00 |
| Value-based supplement | 3% of goods value | 3% of goods value |
| Maximum clearance price | CHF 70.00 | CHF 70.00 |
| VAT on the service fee | + 8.1% | + 8.1% |
The 3% applies to the value of the goods including shipping and any duties. Because the fee is a taxable service in Switzerland, 8.1% VAT is added on the fee itself — the small detail most estimates miss.
When the fee is charged — and when it isn't
Swiss Post only charges clearance when it actually has to collect something: import VAT of CHF 5 or more, or duties. In practice:
- No fee: standard-rate orders under about CHF 62 including shipping, reduced-rate goods under about CHF 193, correctly declared gifts up to CHF 100.
- Fee due: anything above those lines that Swiss Post clears — the fee lands on the same invoice as the VAT, payable at the door, in the Post-App, or at the counter.
- No fee either: parcels from shops and platforms that charged Swiss VAT at checkout and cleared customs under their own registration (Amazon, Temu, Shein, most large shops — see the platform guide).
Three worked examples
| Order (goods + shipping) | VAT 8.1% | Clearance incl. VAT | Total extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHF 55 hoodie from Germany | CHF 0.00 — under minimum | CHF 0.00 | CHF 0.00 |
| CHF 135 sneakers from Germany (EU) | CHF 10.95 | CHF 18.45 | CHF 29.40 |
| CHF 300 camera lens from Japan (non-EU) | CHF 24.30 | CHF 27.05 | CHF 51.35 |
Note the middle row: on a typical order the clearance fee is bigger than the VAT. That's the fee shock this page is named after. Check your own order in the calculator.
Extra services that can add cost
- Value clarification — when the declaration is missing or implausible, Swiss Post asks you for the invoice and charges for the work.
- Storage — parcels held during clarification accrue storage fees after a few days.
- Special handling — restricted goods, incomplete addresses, or returns to sender all carry their own prices.
Most of these are avoidable with a clean, honest declaration — which is the seller's job, but your problem. Keep order confirmations until delivery.
How to avoid the fee entirely
- Stay under the line. Below about CHF 62 (standard goods) nothing is collected, so no fee exists. Mind that shipping counts toward the value.
- Buy where Swiss VAT is charged at checkout. Platforms and larger shops clear customs themselves — the parcel bypasses Swiss Post's billing entirely.
- Border pickup + QuickZoll. Ship to a German parcel shop, collect in person, self-declare in the official app above the CHF 150 travel allowance. You pay the VAT but zero clearance fee — details in the Germany guide.
Frequently asked — Swiss Post fees
When does Swiss Post charge the clearance fee?
Only when it collects VAT (CHF 5+) or duties. Below the thresholds the parcel passes through free.
Why did I pay more than CHF 13 / 16?
The basic fee is only part of it: add 3% of the goods value, then 8.1% VAT on the fee. Value clarification or storage can add more.
How do I avoid the fee?
Stay under CHF 62 including shipping, shop where Swiss VAT is charged at checkout, or collect at the border and self-declare via QuickZoll.