SuanSupply
The short version
- Customs duty: Since 1 January 2024 Switzerland applies zero import duty on all industrial products (HS Chapters 25 to 97), regardless of origin.
- Import VAT (MWST / TVA / IVA): 8.1% (reduced rates 2.6%, 3.8%).
- China FTA: Free Trade Agreement between Switzerland and China, in force since 2014-07-01. In force since 1 July 2014. Almost all Chinese imports into Switzerland were already duty-free under it, and since 1 January 2024 all industrial goods are duty-free for every origin, so the FTA gives importers little extra on industrial products. Origin proof is now needed only for unchanged re-export or cumulation. Upgrade: Switzerland and China announced conclusion of negotiations to upgrade the FTA on 20 August 2026 in Bern; the text is not yet signed (aim: signing by end of 2026, then domestic approval), so there is no entry-into-force date. The upgrade mainly widens Chinese tariff cuts on Swiss exports (99.8% of current Swiss exports duty-free).
- Low-value parcels: Import VAT is waived when the tax per import document is CHF 5 or less (roughly CHF 65 of goods at 7.7% when the rule was published, now less at 8.1%).
What do you pay to import from China into Switzerland?
| Charge | Rate or rule |
|---|---|
| Customs duty | Since 1 January 2024 Switzerland applies zero import duty on all industrial products (HS Chapters 25 to 97), regardless of origin. Agricultural products (HS Chapters 1 to 24, plus certain products in Chapters 35 and 38) remain dutiable by weight. VAT and mineral oil tax still apply. Proof of origin is no longer needed for industrial imports consumed in Switzerland. Look up your code |
| Import VAT (MWST / TVA / IVA) | 8.1%, reduced 2.6%, 3.8% (official rates) |
Liechtenstein is part of the Swiss customs territory (1923 customs treaty): the same customs and VAT rules apply (8.1%), and the Switzerland-China FTA covers Liechtenstein too.
Does Switzerland have a free trade agreement with China?
In force since 1 July 2014. Almost all Chinese imports into Switzerland were already duty-free under it, and since 1 January 2024 all industrial goods are duty-free for every origin, so the FTA gives importers little extra on industrial products. Origin proof is now needed only for unchanged re-export or cumulation. Upgrade: Switzerland and China announced conclusion of negotiations to upgrade the FTA on 20 August 2026 in Bern; the text is not yet signed (aim: signing by end of 2026, then domestic approval), so there is no entry-into-force date. The upgrade mainly widens Chinese tariff cuts on Swiss exports (99.8% of current Swiss exports duty-free). Source.
To use it you need proof of origin from the supplier and goods that meet the agreement's rules of origin. Ask for it before you pay.
Low-value parcels and online sales
Import VAT is waived when the tax per import document is CHF 5 or less (roughly CHF 65 of goods at 7.7% when the rule was published, now less at 8.1%). A foreign mail-order supplier whose shipments are exempt this way must register for Swiss VAT once turnover from such small consignments reaches CHF 100,000 per year; it then needs a Swiss tax representative and security if based abroad. Gifts from private individuals abroad to private individuals in Switzerland are exempt up to CHF 100. Customs duty on industrial goods is zero. Official source.
Who do you register with in Switzerland?
- Customs: Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG).
- Registration: Businesses using Swiss customs digital services (Passar) register as a BAZG business partner on the ePortal; foreign companies without a Swiss UID can register with a DUNS number. Foreign mail-order sellers above CHF 100,000 of small consignments must register for Swiss VAT with a Swiss tax representative. Official page.
- Tax authority: Federal Tax Administration (ESTV).
Which product rules apply?
Products lawfully placed on the market in the EU can also be placed on the Swiss market (EU-Swiss mutual recognition agreement and the Cassis de Dijon principle). Foodstuffs that do not fully meet Swiss rules need Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office authorisation. Whoever places a product on the Swiss market is liable for its conformity with the applicable technical regulations. Source.
How do goods from China arrive?
Sea freight usually arrives at Port of Switzerland (Basel Rhine ports).
- Swiss industrial tariff abolition is estimated to bring a welfare gain of over CHF 860 million. (source)
How do you import from China to Switzerland, step by step?
- Find your commodity codeClassify the product and check its duty in the official tariff. See what an HS code is.
- Check the China agreementIf there is one, ask the supplier for proof of origin.
- Agree the IncotermFOB, CIF or DDP decides who pays freight and duty. See Incoterms explained.
- Price the full landed costDuty, VAT, freight and fees per unit in the free landed cost calculator.
Want factory quotes without the guesswork?
Tell us what you need and we reach out to Chinese factories for you, free during our test. Or price every order with our Pricing and Landed Cost Calculator: pay once, no subscription, no account, data stays on your device.
Frequently asked questions
What is the import VAT rate in Switzerland?
The standard rate is 8.1%.
Does Switzerland have a trade deal with China?
In force since 1 July 2014. Almost all Chinese imports into Switzerland were already duty-free under it, and since 1 January 2024 all industrial goods are duty-free for every origin, so the FTA gives importers little extra on industrial products. Origin proof is now needed only for unchanged re-export or cumulation. Upgrade: Switzerland and China announced conclusion of negotiations to upgrade the FTA on 20 August 2026 in Bern; the text is not yet signed (aim: signing by end of 2026, then domestic approval), so there is no entry-into-force date. The upgrade mainly widens Chinese tariff cuts on Swiss exports (99.8% of current Swiss exports duty-free).
Is there a low-value limit in Switzerland?
Import VAT is waived when the tax per import document is CHF 5 or less (roughly CHF 65 of goods at 7.7% when the rule was published, now less at 8.1%).
Rules as of October 16, 2026, from official sources. General information, not customs or tax advice. SuanSupply is not affiliated with any government agency.