Hi Everyone, I'd like to ask for a tip related to furniture import (VAT/customs tax). We are planning to buy furniture outside because of price and some pieces can't be bought in Switzerland.

I was checking various "guides" and Swiss Customs Administration and I'm still not sure whether I have to pay 3% customs tax in all cases (cost few thousands frank) and what are other possible expenses which I can expect.

Once I ordered something from France and it got delivered by DHL, which was a bad mistake, they applied so many declaration forms and processes that I paid over 60 franks just for their administration (I was buying just a rucksack for Fr. 350).

The most important question, is there a way to buy furniture without VAT or do I always have to pay a gross price and then get VAT refund on Swiss border in case I try to transport it on my own?

Thank you for any tips!

Just ask the store if they are willing to sell you without VAT, some stores do, others only will refund VAT after you've shown them the papers (or stamp) that you actually exported the things out of the EU.

Do I need to get papers/stamp from Swiss Customs before I even get to that shop abroad ?

Depends.

I've been looking for bikes in Germany some months ago, and found some stores who'd be more than willing to ship straight to me without VAT, some stores wanted only to send within Germany but agreed on VAT-free delivery to a rented postbox at the border, if i would give it up at the Swiss border or just move along was up to me (rules require so, but we all know how it works)

It could also be that when you pick up at the store that they have a taxform along for you and that you have to get a stamp at the border, with that paper you can go back to the store later to get your VAT returned.

It's a pretty simple system and upfront you have to do nothing if you go to a store, either buy VAT free rightaway, or get a stamp and return to the store (or send it back to them) Store owned can explain to you since every store at driving distance from here should be used to people from Switzerland.

Reopening this thread with two additional questions?
1) Is there any limit on the purchase amount
2) Is there an import tax that needs to be paid in Switzerland or is it the standard VAT 7.7%?

Thank you in advance

No.

The usual VAT rates apply if the value of the imported goods exceeds CHF 300. In case of furniture it is 7.7%.

Information from Swiss Customs about personal import in tourist traffic:
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home...itzerland.html

No. You need a stamp from the EU border post after you bought the goods but just before you import it into Switzerland. Be aware that the Germans will inform the Swiss about high value items. Better declare them afterwards at the Swiss side or expect to be busted as a smuggler.

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You can go to a place with a funny name called Möbel Dick in Lauchringen, it is just across the border in Germany.

You can ask them to deliver to CH and they will give you a secret Swiss account number in a bank in Aargovia (all shady things happen in AG somehow ). I bought a very good full-size sofa there for just 1100 Euro as well as a big dining table + 6 chairs for another 1k. VAT was excluded and the customs fee was smth like 40, and they took care of the customs documents etc.

They also have a selection of fancy stuff for 5k+, if you feel like spending a little fortune on furniture.