Do you live in Switzerland and want to buy in the best stores in Germany, France, Italy, Spain or the United Kingdom and receive it at home? As Switzerland is not part of the European Union, every package passes through Swiss customs and may pay VAT, regardless of the European country of origin. In this updated guide for 2026 we explain how much you pay, at what value, what you can buy in each country and how to do it easily with MDE. Updated in July 2026.
Buy throughout Europe and receive in Switzerland
Many European stores do not ship to Switzerland or charge very high costs to do so, precisely because they are outside the EU. The solution is to have a local address in each European country: you buy as a resident of Germany, France, Italy or Spain, we receive your order and forward it to you in Switzerland. This way you have access to more variety, better prices and brands that would not otherwise reach your country.
Does Switzerland have customs for packages arriving from the EU?
Yes. Switzerland is outside the EU (it belongs to the EFTA), so a shipment from any European country is an import: it passes through Swiss customs, its value is declared and you may pay import VAT. The good news is that Swiss VAT is much lower than that of most European countries and that almost all products are no longer subject to tariffs.
Import VAT in Switzerland (2026)
Swiss VAT (MWST/TVA) has two main rates that also apply to imports:
- 8.1% (rate standard) for most products.
- 2.6% (reduced rate) for essential goods such as food, books and medicines.
For comparison: the standard VAT in Spain is 21%, in Germany it is 19% and in France or Italy it is 20-22%, so importing to Switzerland is usually cheaper fiscally.
From what value is VAT paid in Switzerland?
Is there a de minimis exemption: if the VAT payable does not reach CHF 5, the package is exempt. In practice, with the standard rate of 8.1% this equates to a merchandise value of around CHF 62; For goods at the reduced rate of 2.6% (e.g. food or books), the threshold rises to about 190 CHF. Below these amounts, you do not pay VAT.
Are tariffs paid when shipping to Switzerland?
In most cases, no. Since January 1, 2024, Switzerland has eliminated industrial tariffs, so almost all non-agricultural products enter tariff-free and only pay (if applicable) import VAT. Tariffs remain mainly on agricultural products and food.
Restrictions and products with permits
Some products require authorization or have limits: food (controlled by the Federal Office for Food and Veterinary Safety) and medicines (Swissmedic) may require permits or have maximum quantities, and certain equipment electronicspecific standards. Firearms, ivory, protected skins, counterfeits and dangerous products are prohibited, among others. For dispatch you will need the purchase invoice and the corresponding customs declaration.
Where to buy in Europe to receive in Switzerland
These are some of the most popular stores by country that you access with your European address:
- Germany: Amazon.de, Zalando, MediaMarkt, Otto, Notino. Great electronics, fashion and home at a good price.
- France: Amazon.fr, Fnac, Darty, Sephora, La Redoute. Technology, culture and beauty.
- Italy: fashion and design, footwear and luxury brands at home prices.
- Spain: El Corte Inglés, Zara, PcComponentes, Wallapop and fashion outlets.
- United Kingdom: British brands and exclusive offers (also outside the EU, with rules similar).
How to buy in Europe and receive in Switzerland with MDE
With MDE you buy in any European store (even if it does not ship to Switzerland), we receive the package in our warehouse, we consolidate it with other purchases if you want and we forward it to Switzerland managing the shipment from start to finish. You can calculate the cost in our transport quote and see all the details on the package shipping to Switzerland page.
Frequently asked questions about buying in Europe and shipping to Switzerland
Does Switzerland have customs for packages arriving from the European Union?
Yes. Switzerland is outside the EU (it belongs to EFTA), so a shipment from Germany, France, Italy, Spain or any European country is an import: it passes through Swiss customs, its value is declared and you may pay import VAT. Most products no longer pay tariffs.
How much is the import VAT in Switzerland in 2026?
Swiss VAT (MWST/TVA) has a standard rate of 8.1% for most products and a reduced rate of 2.6% for essential goods such as food, books and medicines. It is much lower than the 21% in Spain or the 19-20% in other EU countries.
From what value is VAT paid when shipping to Switzerland?
If the VAT payable does not reach CHF 5, the package is exempt. With the standard rate of 8.1% that equates to a value of around CHF 62, and with the reduced rate of 2.6% (food, books) it rises to around CHF 190. Below these amounts, VAT is not paid, regardless of where the package comes from.
Are there tariffs when sending a package to Switzerland?
In general no. Since January 1, 2024, Switzerland has eliminated industrial tariffs, so almost all non-agricultural products enter tariff-free and only pay, if applicable, import VAT. Tariffs remain mainly on agricultural products and food.
From which European countries can I buy to receive in Switzerland?
From everyone. With MDE you have addresses in several countries in Europe, so you can buy in stores in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and more, even if they do not ship to Switzerland, and we will forward it to your Swiss address.
What products cannot be sent to Switzerland?
Firearms, ivory, protected skins, counterfeits and dangerous products, among others, are prohibited. Food and medicines may require permits or have quantity limits (controlled by the Swiss food safety authorities and Swissmedic).
How do I buy in Europe and receive it in Switzerland?
With MDE you buy in any European store, we receive the package in our warehouse, we consolidate it if you want and we forward it to Switzerland, managing shipping and customs. You can calculate the cost in advance in our transport quote.
Do you want to buy throughout Europe and receive it in Switzerland without customs complications? Sign up for MDE, get your European addresses and make your first shipment. You have a 14-day trial with a money-back guarantee. Doubts? Contact us.
