🇨🇭How to import into Switzerland

These sectors carry their own import requirement in Switzerland. For each, a legitimate importer holds the document named below, issued by the named regulator. Ask for it, then verify it at the source.

• alcohol/wineRestricted licence

  import licence from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS).

  The importer must hold a valid general import permit for spirits or alcoholic beverages issued by the customs administration.

  Official source
• chemicalsRegistration required

  product registration from the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).

  The importer must register hazardous chemicals in the Swiss Chemicals Register (RPC) managed by FOEN and FOPH.

  Official source
• dairyImport permit required

  sanitary/veterinary import permit from the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO).

  The importer must obtain the required veterinary import authorization and ensure border health controls.

  Official source
• meatImport permit required

  sanitary/veterinary import permit from the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO).

  The importer must pre-notify the arrival of animal products via TRACES and secure a veterinary clearance at the border.

  Official source
• medical devicesRegistration required

  product registration from the Swissmedic.

  The importer must notify and register the medical devices in the Swissdamed database.

  Official source
• pharmaceuticalsImport permit required

  import licence from the Swissmedic.

  The importer must obtain an establishment licence for import and wholesale trade from Swissmedic before clearing customs.

  Official source
• telecom/radio equipmentImport permit required

  conformity certificate from the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM).

  The importer must verify compliance with Swiss technical standards and possess a valid declaration of conformity.

  Official source
• weaponsRestricted licence

  import permit from the Federal Office of Police (fedpol).

  The importer must apply for and obtain an official weapon import permit from the Central Weapon Office within fedpol.

  Official source

This is a factual pointer to public rules, not legal advice, and the list is not exhaustive.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to import into Switzerland?

It depends on the product. General goods clear Switzerland customs without a sector licence, but regulated sectors (alcohol/wine, chemicals, dairy, meat, medical devices) require a specific permit, registration or licence from the regulator named on this page.

How do I check an importer in Switzerland is allowed to bring in my product?

Ask the buyer for the import permit or product-registration number for the sector, then confirm it with the named regulator. A genuine importer of regulated goods already holds one; a buyer who cannot produce it may not clear customs.

Is importing a specific product into Switzerland ever banned?

Most sectors are permitted with the right licence or registration. Always confirm the current rule with the named regulator before shipping.

What do I need to clear customs in Switzerland?

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.

How much tax do I pay importing into Switzerland?

Standard VAT in Switzerland is 8.1%, charged on the goods plus freight plus duty. Customs duty depends on the product's HS code, so there is no single rate: look yours up in Tares, the Swiss customs tariff, then add both to the goods and freight to get the landed cost.

Which Incoterms will a small supplier agree to?

Usually EXW or FCA. Small and artisan producers normally sell EXW (you collect at their workshop) or FCA (they hand the goods to your carrier). Expect to arrange freight, insurance and customs clearance yourself, or through a forwarder. DAP and DDP shift carriage and import formalities onto the seller, and a small maker will usually decline them: under DDP the seller must even be able to pay import taxes in your country. Larger exporters more often quote FOB or CIF for sea freight.

Switzerland suppliers by sector

Manufacturers and wholesalers based in Switzerland, with the open-record facts we hold on each and a link to the free public source behind them.