Import duties Switzerland
Switzerland is in Europe and surrounded by countries of the European Union (EU), but it is not part of the EU. Sending a parcel to Switzerland or receiving one from Switzerland? Then import duties and VAT apply, because Switzerland is not an EU member.
Curious how import duties for Switzerland work? Or which documents you need for countries outside the European Union? Here we answer your most important questions about import duties and sending a parcel to Switzerland.
Calculating import duties for Switzerland
Since 1 July 2026 the €150 import duty exemption no longer applies to any shipment coming into the EU. Online purchases up to €150 sent to a consumer by a seller outside the EU pay a fixed €3 import duty per product type until 1 July 2028, whether or not the shop uses IOSS; other shipments, such as business shipments and samples, pay the normal duty rate for the product, which can also be 0%. On top of that, you always pay VAT on the goods. Working out the exact amount of import duty for Switzerland is a challenge, because it isn't easy to calculate it yourself in advance. There are online tools that give you an indication of the import duties, but customs sets the final amount at the moment of import.
ParcelParcel's import duty calculator
Get an instant estimate of the import duties and VAT for your shipment, with the right HS code and what to put on your customs invoice.
Calculate your import duties at the top of this page ↑
Why the HS code matters
The HS code always matters, and especially for countries outside the EU. It helps you avoid paying too much in import duties or extra costs. The correct commodity code, also called the HS code (in Dutch), on the customs invoice makes sure your shipment is processed properly. Customs uses this code to decide how much import duty and other import taxes you pay. We've built a tool in MyParcelParcel that lets you look up HS codes easily from a description. You need an account to use our HS code tool, but signing up is free.
Importing from Switzerland?
Because Switzerland isn't in the EU, all goods you import from Switzerland must first be cleared by customs. Importing from Switzerland to Belgium or the Netherlands is actually very simple. To import a parcel, fill in the shipping tool. Next to the “pick up in” and “deliver in” fields, click the “reverse” icon.
More about shipping to or from Switzerland
Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The website of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) has more information about export rules (in Dutch) for Switzerland, for example the rules for temporary import.
Want to know whether you're allowed to send your goods? Our page with customs information for Switzerland (in Dutch) lists the goods you can't send and the goods you can only send under special conditions. It also explains which customs documents are required or recommended for your shipment to Switzerland. If you ship through ParcelParcel, we create a customs invoice for you as well as the shipping labels.
Still have questions about import duties, VAT or the customs clearance process? Get in touch through the Live Chat (working days 08:00-17:30). Our support specialists are happy to help. You can of course also reach us by phone or by email .
