1. Your category in Switzerland
Pick your category and this section shows what we actually hold for Switzerland: how many potential buyers we have verified, what roles they play in the supply chain, and how well they fit. Switch back to All industries at any time.
“Potential buyers” means the buyers we have verified and listed in our own directory — not every importer in the country. Buyer roles are our own grouping of the roles recorded in that directory. (24 of these records do not yet carry a recorded buyer role.)
2. Entry gate
Switzerland is not in the EU customs union, so it has its own tariff, its own import VAT and its own product rules — but it recognises most EU conformity. The important exception is that a small number of Swiss rules differ from the EU versions, and the China–Switzerland free trade agreement means a correctly documented Chinese-origin shipment can enter at 0% duty.
| Requirement | Status | What it involves | Lead time | Cost | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE recognition | Mandatory (listed goods) | Switzerland recognises EU CE conformity for most product groups, but retains Swiss-specific deviations in a small number of ordinances. A valid EU Declaration of Conformity plus the technical file is normally enough. | 3–6 weeks | Pending | Pending |
| Swissmedic / OFCOM routes | Mandatory (medical devices / telecom) | Medical devices need a Swiss authorised representative and registration with Swissmedic; radio equipment needs an OFCOM-conform declaration. Both are filed by a party established in Switzerland. | 4–12 weeks | Pending | Pending |
| Import declaration / customs account | Always applies | Declared through the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. Most importers hold a customs account and settle duty and VAT monthly rather than per shipment. | 1–2 weeks | Pending | Pending |
| Tariff (MFN) | Always applies | Average applied MFN tariff around 3.2%; the rate depends on the HS line and must be confirmed line by line at HS-code level. | — | On customs value | Pending |
| Tariff (FTA) | To claim the preference | The China–Switzerland free trade agreement is in force. With a valid preferential certificate of origin, qualifying Chinese-origin industrial goods can enter at 0%. Confirm the origin rule for your HS line before assuming it applies. | 3–5 days | — | Pending |
| VAT | Always applies | 8.1% standard rate, charged on the import value plus duty. Importers holding a customs account settle it monthly; input VAT is recoverable by a registered Swiss business. | — | 8.1% | Pending |
| Labelling | Mandatory | Labels must carry the product name, the importer's name and address in Switzerland, quantity and, where relevant, safety and disposal information. German, French and Italian are all official — the label language follows the sales region. | 1–3 weeks | — | Pending |
Certification, tariff and clearance figures change. Every row above carries a verification date, and the current requirement is confirmed with your nominated local agent before each shipment.
3. Buyers and channel partners
Leading buyers and channel partners
Every company below is a real business in Switzerland taken from our own buyer research, and we have verified that its website is reachable. Names and business types are public; decision-makers, direct emails and phone numbers are reserved for members of the Buyer Directory.
How to use this list: do not mass-mail. Swiss purchasing is documentation-led — send the technical file, the CE declaration and your origin documentation together. A distributor who already holds a customs account and covers the German- and French-speaking regions is worth more than a larger single-region buyer.
4. Demand and import profile
Select your HS code and this block shows the import performance of your own category in Switzerland — not the country's macro numbers.
Import size & growth
Example: imports of this category run at a double-digit share of the market's total and are growing faster than overall imports.
Example values · to be replaced with OEC / WITS data for your HS line
Source-country mix
Example: China is the largest source, ahead of regional and EU suppliers.
Example values · to be replaced with OEC / WITS data for your HS line
Price band
Example: the mid price band is where Chinese supply competes; the low band is held by regional producers.
Example values · to be replaced with customs / trade data
What we can supply to this market
These are the lines we have found the strongest fit for Switzerland. Specifications are on the product pages; tell us your application and we will confirm the model.
5. Landed-cost calculator
A static table cannot persuade anyone. Enter your own numbers and see the landed cost. Duty rate and freight are editable so you can test scenarios.
Your shipment
Estimated landed cost
Illustrative calculation only. It excludes anti-dumping duty, excise, port storage and any category-specific surcharge. Confirm the duty rate and local charges with your forwarder before making a commitment.
6. Logistics and customs
Clearance-day figures change with congestion and policy; treat as indicative and confirm before quoting.
7. Payment, currency and tax
8. Localisation and communication
These are the details nobody tells you, and one mistake can cost you a customer.
9. Risks and timing
Frequently asked questions
Is CE marking enough for Switzerland?
For most product groups, yes — Switzerland recognises EU CE conformity. A small number of ordinances contain Swiss-specific deviations, so confirm the position for your exact category before shipping.
Do I get duty-free access under the China–Switzerland FTA?
Qualifying Chinese-origin industrial goods can enter at 0% under the free trade agreement, provided you hold a valid preferential certificate of origin and the product meets the origin rule for its HS line.
What is the import VAT rate?
8.1% since 2024, charged on the import value plus duty. Importers with a customs account settle it monthly, and it is recoverable by a registered Swiss business.
Do I need a Swiss entity?
Not to sell, but medical devices need a Swiss authorised representative and radio equipment needs an OFCOM-conform declaration. Most exporters use a Swiss distributor for these roles.
Which route should I use?
Sea freight normally arrives via Rotterdam or Antwerp and enters through Basel by barge or rail. For high-value, time-critical cargo, air freight into Zurich or Geneva is the usual choice.
What payment terms are normal?
T/T with a deposit against documents is standard for new relationships; open account at 30–60 days follows once trust is established. Swiss buyers are reliable payers.