Mail question- customs?

Geathena · #1 19.04.2015, 13:51

Hello,

I'm currently living in Israel and would like to send a package to Switzerland. I was wondering if anyone could tell me about customs (I couldn't really find anything online). If I'm sending cookies and beer as a gift, will the recipient of the package have to pay customs?

Thanks!

TiMow · #2 19.04.2015, 14:36

If the value of goods PLUS postage charge is less than CHF62,50, then they shouldn't attract charges.

For gifts, this rises to CHF100,00

However, personal experience has shown that Swiss customs are a law unto themselves, and can't check every single parcel.
Some, over value, can slip through, and (although I can't be 100% certain), I have a faint recollection that I once had to pay a small charge on a low value item.

The key is labelling details - "gift", description of contents and realistic estimated value (there was a time when 'no commercial value' would have sufficed, but I think not anymore).

However, immaterial of possible custom charges, I am not sure how you stand, sending foodstuffs and alcohol in the post.

See link: https://www.post.ch/en/post-startsei...-zoll-mwst.htm

From above link:

	Quote:
	What consignments can be imported as gifts and what are the requirements for doing so? Gift consignments are not subject to customs duties, provided the following criteria are met: Private sender and private recipient For personal/private use Value up to CHF 100.00 Declared as a gift (on the shipping documents), or clearly recognizable as a gift In the following exceptional cases however, customs clearance is carried out: Tobacco products Alcoholic beverages Other gifts that are subject to non-customs legislation (see point Details, non-customs legislation)

	Quote:
	What are orders not prescribed by customs law? The Swiss Customs Authority cooperates in enforcing federal orders not prescribed by customs law. Should a consignment of goods be subject to a regulation passed by the Confederation, then additional details must be provided at customs clearance; where necessary, visual inspections may be carried out. These orders not prescribed by customs law apply in numerous areas, including: Security Munitions, weapons, blasting material, pyrotechnics, nuclear energy, goods for civil and military use, etc. Intellectual property, trade and culture precious metals, trademark protection, design law, copyright law, patent law, low-voltage products, lotteries and bets, transfer of cultural goods Further details on cultural goods at: http://www.bak.admin.ch/kulturerbe/0...x.html?lang=en Economic and financial measures Limitation and observation of import and export, autonomous original, export contributions for produce from agricultural products Import quotas Agricultural import regulation, wine regulation, egg regulation, free trade regulations Health Food, animal and animal products, narcotics and precursor chemicals, radioactive substances, corpses, medicaments and doping State and other monopolies alcohol, mail, telecommunications, coins, bank notes, salt Environment Animal disease, protection of animals and of animal species (CITES fauna), wild animals, fisheries, protection of plants and plant species (CITES flora), dangerous substances and plant protection products, rubbish, etc. For further details, see: http://www.ezv.admin.ch/dokumentatio...x.html?lang=en The supplement will cost CHF 13.00 per case excluding VAT.