🇨🇭Can a buyer in Switzerland import from South Africa?🇿🇦
We track no embargo or sectoral sanctions programme covering this country pair. The ordinary rules still apply: customs, VAT and any product-specific permits in Switzerland.
Tariffs and trade agreements
No shared trade bloc or bilateral agreement we track: standard (MFN) tariffs apply; look up your product's rate in Tares, the Swiss customs tariff.
Import requirements in Switzerland
- Import VAT in Switzerland (B2B)
- Import VAT of 8.1% is charged in Switzerland on the goods plus freight plus duty. FTA Switzerland Duty depends on the HS code; put both into the landed-cost calculator.
- Customs identity: Swiss customs (UID) registration
- Importers register with the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security; the business UID identifies the declarant. Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG)
- Documents that travel with the shipment
- Commercial invoice · Packing list · Transport document (CMR, bill of lading or air waybill) · Customs declaration, filed by you or your broker · Proof of origin, when claiming a preferential duty rate
Reviewed 2026-07-21. Full guide: how to import into Switzerland.
684 suppliers in South Africa on record
Manufacturers and wholesalers based in South Africa, each card carrying the open-record facts we hold and the source behind them.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a company in Switzerland buy from a supplier in South Africa?
- We track no embargo or sectoral sanctions programme covering this country pair. The ordinary rules still apply: customs, VAT and any product-specific permits in Switzerland.
- What VAT applies when importing from South Africa into Switzerland?
- Import VAT of 8.1% is charged in Switzerland on the goods plus freight plus duty.
- Do Switzerland and South Africa share a trade agreement?
- No shared trade bloc or bilateral agreement we track: standard (MFN) tariffs apply; look up your product's rate in Tares, the Swiss customs tariff.
- What does a Switzerland buyer need to clear customs?
- A business importing into Switzerland needs a Swiss customs (UID) registration. Importers register with the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security; the business UID identifies the declarant. A normal commercial shipment also travels with: Commercial invoice, Packing list, Transport document (CMR, bill of lading or air waybill), Customs declaration, filed by you or your broker, Proof of origin, when claiming a preferential duty rate.
Before contracting, verify the South Africa supplier at the registry.
Verify a supplier in South AfricaSelling the other way? Can a buyer in South Africa import from Switzerland?