Imports into switzerland - Page 2

Sky · #21 01.03.2010, 23:24

Good thing you managed
Wouldn't have wanted to miss my cheese fairytale

	Quote:	grumpygrapefruit
	I can't help you specifically to furniture, other than to say there is a law or regulation for almost everything. We import cheese from the UK and we have to have tarif codes for every type of cheese (cow, goat, sheep - blue and white - then different codes again for different fat levels). We tried importing potato crisps and clotted cream last year and that was nightmare! The one good bit of advice I can give you is find a good import agent over here who knows all the rules and who will fill in the relevant documents for you (for a fee of course). If you are a member of a trade body in the UK they may also have specific info regarding your field. The UK dept of industry (or trade, can't remember the name) may also be able to help, as could the British Swiss Chamber of Commerce over here. Good luck!

Wollishofener · #22 01.03.2010, 23:59

	Quote:	Angela-74
	Thank you very much Charlie! But I am planning of importing things for sale, not a lot but still...Will check with both Post office and Douane soon

If you send merchandise by mail do not forget to place a green CN22 sticker onto the package(s) and to indicate a low but still realistic value on it. Up to a value of (incl postage) CHF 65.-- it is customs/VAT free. So that you best indicate a value of some CHF/US$ 35.- to 40.- .

Angela-74 · #23 02.03.2010, 08:29

	Quote:	Wollishofener
	If you send merchandise by mail do not forget to place a green CN22 sticker onto the package(s) and to indicate a low but still realistic value on it. Up to a value of (incl postage) CHF 65.-- it is customs/VAT free. So that you best indicate a value of some CHF/US$ 35.- to 40.- .

Thanks Wolli, do you know the percentage of VAT that I have to pay if I declare the correct price? I want to do things right

Charlie R. Soles · #24 02.03.2010, 08:36

	Quote:	Angela-74
	Thanks Wolli, do you know the percentage of VAT that I have to pay if I declare the correct price? I want to do things right

All depends what it is, rates vary, for instance fertiliser and ag products are at 2.4%, whereas lawn mowers are at 7.6%.

In general 7.6% is the VAT rate here, i think some clothes, maybe childrens' clothes are either zero rated or 2.4% but go down to your post office or ask the local customs people, you will get a direct and correct answer first time around !

Angela-74 · #25 02.03.2010, 09:01

	Quote:	Charlie R. Soles
	All depends what it is, rates vary, for instance fertiliser and ag products are at 2.4%, whereas lawn mowers are at 7.6%. In general 7.6% is the VAT rate here, i think some clothes, maybe childrens' clothes are either zero rated or 2.4% but go down to your post office or ask the local customs people, you will get a direct and correct answer first time around !

Oh that is great! What I have been told is to open a sort of account at the post office that takes care of the opening of the package and once I do this I do not need to pay anything extra (opening fee ~20 CHF) when the stuff comes.
Thanks for the answers Wolli and Charlie! I will check where is the customs office in Basel and ask. Thanks again!

herc82 · #26 02.03.2010, 09:14

Actually, the reduced VAT of 2.4% rate is valid for
- foodstuff and beverages, excluding any alcohol
- animals
- plants
- drugs
- newspapers, magazines and books

Good luck with your endeavor

Angela-74 · #27 02.03.2010, 09:39

You guys have been very helpful... what I will import are clothes so, the VAT should then be 7.6%? Still profitable for me I think

THANKS!

Mrs L · #28 22.09.2011, 12:45

I have a related question. If I use a courier service to import products it looks like I have to pay:
1. Courier costs - not cheap
2. c. 50 CHF for customs handling fees
3. Swiss VAT at 8%

If I was to bring the goods in myself, on a flight. The extra baggage allowance is quite reasonable c. 50CHF. If I then go to declare the goods a the airport and pay the Swiss VAT owing, would I just pay the VAT at the airport or would there be further handling fees/ admin costs???

Any experiences of this would be most helpful.

Also, as a separate question, I understand that there are some services that arrange all the shipping and handling fees for you - if anyone has recommendations of services like this they have used and would recommend
I'd be most grateful.

Thanks!

grumpygrapefruit · #29 23.09.2011, 07:25

It really depends on what you are bringing in, from where and how much and if you are bringing them in for personal or commercial use....

I can suggest a shipping agent in Basel but it won't be worth it for a suitcase of stuff