Expanding your Shopify store to Switzerland presents a great opportunity, but since Switzerland is not part of the EU, merchants must navigate customs regulations, VAT requirements, and shipping procedures carefully. Understanding these factors will help ensure smooth and efficient shipping to Switzerland.
Customs & import regulations in Switzerland
Since Switzerland operates outside the EU, all shipments must go through customs clearance. Merchants must follow VAT regulations, duties, and documentation requirements to prevent delays.
Switzerland’s standard VAT rate is 8.1%, with some products, like books, qualifying for a reduced rate. Unlike EU countries, Switzerland does not participate in the IOSS system, so VAT must be handled separately.
A de minimis threshold exists for VAT exemptions. Shipments under CHF 65 (for goods taxed at 8.1% VAT) or CHF 200 (for reduced VAT goods) may be VAT-exempt. However, customs duties may still apply depending on the product type.
To ensure smooth customs clearance, shipments must include:
- A commercial invoice with a detailed product description and value
- A CN22 or CN23 customs declaration form, depending on the package value
- A clear label indicating DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) if VAT has been prepaid
VAT collection when shipping to Switzerland
VAT is a critical aspect of shipping to Switzerland, and Shopify merchants must ensure compliance with Swiss tax laws.
Merchants whose annual sales exceed CHF 100,000 in Switzerland must register for Swiss VAT and collect VAT at checkout. This ensures customers pay the correct amount upfront, avoiding surprise fees upon delivery.
For merchants with lower sales volumes, customers must pay VAT and duties upon delivery. This can lead to unexpected costs and potential order cancellations. To enhance the customer experience, many businesses choose DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping, where VAT and duties are prepaid. This ensures a seamless process and prevents customers from facing unexpected fees.
Shopify merchants can use Packrooster Shipping to automate customs declarations, making shipping to Switzerland easier to manage.
Best shipping methods for Switzerland
Choosing the right shipping carrier for Switzerland is essential for fast delivery, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Some shipping providers offer better tracking, faster transit times, and more reliable customs clearance than others.
DHL Express, FedEx, and UPS are among the best carriers for shipping to Switzerland due to their speed, reliability, and customs handling expertise. These international carriers provide:
- Fast transit times – Express services can deliver in 1–3 business days, making them ideal for time-sensitive orders.
- Efficient customs processing – These carriers have well-established customs brokerage services, reducing clearance delays.
- Robust tracking systems – Customers receive real-time tracking updates, improving the post-purchase experience.
For merchants looking for a more localized shipping option, Swiss Post (Post CH AG) is an excellent choice. As the national postal service, Swiss Post offers:
- Wide delivery coverage – Strong infrastructure ensures reliable delivery across Switzerland, including remote areas.
- Cost-effective pricing – More affordable rates than express couriers, especially for domestic deliveries.
- Preferred carrier for Swiss customers – Many local buyers trust Swiss Post for their deliveries.
When selecting a shipping carrier, merchants should balance speed, cost, and reliability. Express couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS are great for high-value and urgent shipments, while Swiss Post is a solid choice for affordability and local trust. Offering multiple shipping options at checkout allows customers to choose the method that best suits their needs.
Returns and refunds when shipping to Switzerland
Handling international returns can be challenging, but having a clear return policy can prevent complications.
Define whether the merchant or customer is responsible for return shipping costs and communicate this policy clearly. If VAT and duties were paid at import, merchants may need to apply for a customs refund when processing a return.
To simplify returns, consider using a third-party logistics provider (3PL) with a Swiss return address. This reduces costs and improves the customer experience.
Dealing with potential shipping delays and issues
Shipping delays can occur due to customs clearance, carrier disruptions, or weather conditions. To minimize issues, ensure all customs documentation is accurate and complete, as missing or incorrect information can cause significant delays.
If VAT has been prepaid using DDP shipping, clearly label the package to avoid confusion at customs. Choosing reliable carriers such as DHL or Swiss Post reduces the risk of shipping disruptions.
Providing customers with real-time tracking updates keeps them informed and reduces frustration in case of delays. If a package is significantly delayed, merchants should work closely with their shipping carrier to resolve the issue and update customers proactively.
Common mistakes to avoid when shipping to Switzerland
Many Shopify merchants encounter problems when shipping to Switzerland, leading to delays, additional costs, or customer dissatisfaction. The most common mistakes include:
- Incorrect customs documentation – Missing invoices, inaccurate product descriptions, or incomplete forms can cause customs delays.
- Failing to register for Swiss VAT – If your sales exceed CHF 100,000, failure to register can result in penalties and shipping disruptions.
- Using only DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) – Customers may be surprised by customs fees upon delivery. Offering DDP shipping prevents unexpected charges.
- Not providing tracking information – Swiss customers expect reliable delivery updates, and failing to offer tracking can lead to increased customer service inquiries.
- Ignoring local shipping preferences – Many Swiss customers prefer Swiss Post over international carriers. Offering familiar options can improve the checkout experience.
By addressing these common mistakes, Shopify merchants can streamline their shipping process and create a better shopping experience for Swiss customers.
Optimize your shipping to Switzerland with Packrooster
To further optimize your shipping workflow, consider using Packrooster Shipping in your Shopify store to automate shipping label creation, customs documentation and carrier integrations. With the right approach, you can successfully expand your Shopify business to Switzerland and provide an excellent customer experience.
Don't have Packrooster Shipping yet in your Shopify store? You can install Packrooster Shipping from here.
