Details of import taxes for international shipping to Switzerland
Like many people today, you probably like to shop online. If you buy from a seller outside Switzerland, you better know in advance how much you'll pay for importation. Save time and money by reading the details for a Swiss post delivery: customs clearance, supplement, storage & VAT..details below.
To start with, you'll note that private shipping companies like UPS, Fedex will take care of the formalities and include the import tax and custom fees in the process of the shipping. Regarding the Swiss post, they present a very precise breakdown, which is appreciated given the complexity of custom laws.
I personally buy some beauty products outside Europe so I need to know exactly how much I'll have to cash out for import taxes. Breakdown follows:
-11.5 CHF (parcels shipped from neighbouring countries: Germany, Austria, Italy and France)
-16 CHF (parcels shipped from other countries)
Note that this price is the minimum, it could actually rise up to 70 CHF (maximum thank God).
On behalf of the official Swiss customs, the Swiss post proceeds to verify the parcel (X-Ray, etc..). If the value and nature of the good are not specified on the package of the parcel, the Swiss post will open it, and eventually store it longer if they need to contact the receiver.
Note 1: the VAT applied to the accrued amount, and not on the item only... and taking into account the fact that the categories of fees 1 and 2 go directly to the government, isn't that a case of double tax ?
Note 2: in this case, it may be cheaper to have the parcels delivered in Switzerland rather than neighbouring France where the VAT is 20%. Other reason being that it is almost impossible to find a French website that explains precisely what the fees are. You'd have to refer to UE tax laws official websites, written in legal jargon...if you really want to do it though, check out this UE import tax calculator.
To start with, you'll note that private shipping companies like UPS, Fedex will take care of the formalities and include the import tax and custom fees in the process of the shipping. Regarding the Swiss post, they present a very precise breakdown, which is appreciated given the complexity of custom laws.
I personally buy some beauty products outside Europe so I need to know exactly how much I'll have to cash out for import taxes. Breakdown follows:
1. Custom Clearance on behalf of the Swiss government
This is a fixed fee with 2 standard costs corresponding to 2 zones:-11.5 CHF (parcels shipped from neighbouring countries: Germany, Austria, Italy and France)
-16 CHF (parcels shipped from other countries)
Note that this price is the minimum, it could actually rise up to 70 CHF (maximum thank God).
2. 3% supplement to cover Swiss post costs incurred by processing delivery
A 3% additional cost, based on the value of the good is taxed. My understanding is that this is actually to portion that goes to the Swiss post, all other fees being dues to the Swiss government immediately.
3. Verification and/or Storage on behalf of the Swiss government
On behalf of the official Swiss customs, the Swiss post proceeds to verify the parcel (X-Ray, etc..). If the value and nature of the good are not specified on the package of the parcel, the Swiss post will open it, and eventually store it longer if they need to contact the receiver.4. Value Added Tax: 8% of the good value, maximum
On behalf of the official Swiss customs, this Swiss post will charge the official VAT tax that applied to -almost- all items in Switzerland.Note 1: the VAT applied to the accrued amount, and not on the item only... and taking into account the fact that the categories of fees 1 and 2 go directly to the government, isn't that a case of double tax ?
Note 2: in this case, it may be cheaper to have the parcels delivered in Switzerland rather than neighbouring France where the VAT is 20%. Other reason being that it is almost impossible to find a French website that explains precisely what the fees are. You'd have to refer to UE tax laws official websites, written in legal jargon...if you really want to do it though, check out this UE import tax calculator.
Good to know about tax exemption...
- Shipping from a private individual residing abroad to Switzerland is not VAT-taxed if the value does not exceed 100 CHF.
- Items subjected to a VAT-tax below 5 CHF are imported tax-free in terms of VAT and custom clearance.
- There is a caveat where you could order small quantities (VAT below 5chf) to avoid the VAT. For instance, books are taxed 2.5%, so you could buy 200 CHF worth of books without paying VAT nor custom clearance. Another option is to shop for chunk of 62 CHF (8% VAT would be 4.96CHF). But always good to calculate if this is worth your precious time.
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