CH
Switzerland Import & Export Toolkit
Switzerland is a top-20 global trader with a unique weight-based duty system and EFTA membership. This hub covers LC cost in CHF/EUR/USD, weight-based tariffs, 8.1% VAT and Swiss Federal Customs (FCA / BAZG) clearance.
Currency
CHF (Swiss Franc)
MwSt / TVA / IVA (VAT)
8.1% standard (from 2024), 2.6% reduced, 3.8% lodging
Charged on CIF + duty + other charges. One of the lowest VAT rates in Europe.
Duty regime
Weight-based duty (CHF/kg) - unusual globally, and mostly protective on agri products. Preferential rates under EFTA agreements, EU-Switzerland bilateral treaties, and FTAs with Japan, China, South Korea, Canada, and 30+ others.
Free calculators for Switzerland trade
LC Cost Calculator →
All-in bank charges on a Letter of Credit.
Usance LC Interest →
Deferred payment cost with correct ACT/360 or ACT/365 basis.
Import Duty & Tax →
Duty, VAT/GST and landed cost per HS code.
Landed Cost by HS & Country →
Interactive duty + VAT/GST + Incoterm split for this destination.
CIF ↔ FOB Converter →
Convert between CIF, FOB and landed cost.
HS Code Lookup →
Search harmonised classification codes.
CBM & Container →
Volume, weight and container utilisation.
Incoterms 2020 Visualiser →
Cost, risk and document split across all 11 rules.
Multi-Currency Invoice →
FX spread and cross-currency invoice value.
Advertisement728 × 90
Major ports & gateways
- · Landlocked - trade routes via Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, Genoa
- · Basel (Rhine barge)
- · Zurich Airport (air freight)
- · Geneva Airport
Top exports
- · Pharmaceuticals
- · Watches & jewellery
- · Machinery & precision instruments
- · Gold (refined)
- · Chemicals
- · Chocolate & cheese
Top imports
- · Gold (unrefined for refining)
- · Machinery
- · Vehicles
- · Pharmaceuticals
- · Crude & refined petroleum
- · Electronics
Trade finance in Switzerland
- · CHF LC usance uses ACT/360.
- · Swiss banks (UBS, ZKB, Raiffeisen, cantonal banks) are top-tier LC confirmers - especially for African and Middle East risk. Commodity trade finance in Geneva / Zug is a global specialty.
- · SERV (Swiss Export Risk Insurance) provides state-backed export credit insurance.
Customs & duty in Switzerland
- · Switzerland uses the 8-digit Swiss Tariff aligned to WCO HS at 6 digits.
- · e-dec is the electronic customs clearance system operated by BAZG (formerly EZV).
- · Movement Certificate EUR.1 or EUR-MED for preferential origin under EFTA/EU agreements.
Incoterms 2020 practice in Switzerland
- · DAP / DDP through Rotterdam or Antwerp is common for containerised imports. Rail freight from Genoa is heavily used for Mediterranean flows.
HS commodity guides for Switzerland
Classification, duty and worked landed-cost examples for the commodity families most active on Switzerland's trade lanes.
HS 85Electronics
HS Code for Electronics (Chapter 85) into Switzerland →
HS 84Industrial
HS Code for Industrial Machinery (Chapter 84) into Switzerland →
HS 30Regulated
HS Code for Pharmaceuticals (Chapter 30) into Switzerland →
HS 2710Energy
HS Code for Petroleum Products (HS 2710) into Switzerland →
HS 71Metals
HS Code for Precious Metals (Chapter 71) into Switzerland →
HS 2709Energy
HS Code for Crude Oil (HS 2709) into Switzerland →
HS 72Metals
HS Code for Iron & Steel (Chapter 72) into Switzerland →
HS 61 & 62Consumer goods
HS Code for Textiles & Apparel (Chapters 61 and 62) into Switzerland →
Switzerland's key trading partners
India toolkit →
IGST on imports · 5% / 12% / 18% / 28%
China toolkit →
Import VAT · 13% standard, 9% reduced, 6% services
United States toolkit →
No federal VAT / GST · 0% federal
United Kingdom toolkit →
VAT · 20% standard, 5% reduced, 0% zero-rated
Germany toolkit →
VAT (Umsatzsteuer / Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) · 19% standard, 7% reduced
United Arab Emirates toolkit →
VAT · 5% standard
Frequently asked questions
Why does Switzerland use weight-based duty?
Historically to protect agricultural producers. Most tariffs are quoted in CHF per 100 kg gross weight, not ad valorem. This means high-value low-weight goods (watches, pharma) pay very little duty.