Freight forwarding & customs in Switzerland
Switzerland is outside the EU customs union, so every shipment between Switzerland and the EU needs customs declarations on both sides. It is a high-value market for pharmaceuticals, precision instruments, machinery and watches.
- HubZurich
- Local time--:--
- AirportsZRH · GVA · BSL
- Customs clearance
- In-house, by our own customs team
- Air waybills
- Air freight via our network
- Framework & systems
- Swiss Customs Act · Passar
- Hub
- Zurich
- Air gateways
- Zurich, Geneva and Basel EuroAirport
- Seaports
- Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg, with Rhine barge and rail links to Basel
- Customs clearance
- In-house, by our own customs team
- Air waybills
- Air freight via our airline network
- Customs authority
- Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS / BAZG)
- Importer requirements
- a Swiss business identification number (UID) and, for VAT, registration with the Federal Tax Administration where applicable
- Transport modes
- Air, sea, road, NFO, on-board courier
Every mode to and from Switzerland
Whether your cargo needs to arrive next week or tonight, we plan the transport and the customs clearance as one shipment, from one desk.
Air freight Switzerland
Air freight via Zurich, Geneva and Basel EuroAirport through our airline network, export and import.
More →Sea freight Switzerland
FCL and LCL via Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg, with Rhine barge and rail links to Basel, with customs at origin and destination.
More →Next Flight Out
Urgent cargo on the first available flight into or out of Zurich (ZRH), with customs pre-lodged.
More →On-Board Courier
A courier hand-carries critical parts door to door to Zurich and every other city in Switzerland.
More →Road & distribution
Road freight between Switzerland and the EU, with Swiss and EU customs declarations by our own team.
More →Customs clearance
In-house, by our own customs team. Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS / BAZG).
More →How customs clearance works with us in Switzerland
Ziem Logistics clears customs in Switzerland in-house. Our own customs team prepares and files every declaration, without sub-agents or outside brokers.
- Swiss import clearanceImport declarations, import VAT, and release at Zurich, Geneva or Basel.
- Swiss export declarationsExport filings and evidence of export for VAT purposes.
- EU-Swiss shipmentsExport and import formalities on both sides of the border, handled by one team.
- Origin & preferencesOrigin checks under the EU-Swiss free trade agreement and Switzerland's other agreements.
- Air freightAir freight to and from Swiss airports via our network.
Shipping to Switzerland: what to know
Switzerland abolished customs duties on most industrial goods in 2024, but import VAT, statistics and non-tariff requirements still apply. Agricultural products remain subject to duties. Swiss Customs is moving its declaration processes to the new Passar system, and we keep our filings in line with each phase.
Because we also clear customs in-house in Germany and the UK, our own team can file both the Swiss and the EU or UK side of a shipment.
Airports and seaports in Switzerland
Air: We handle air cargo at the following airports. Other airports are available on request.
Sea: Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg, with Rhine barge and rail links to Basel.
Main lanes to and from Switzerland
Our most important connections from Switzerland. When both ends of a lane are core markets, we coordinate customs at origin and destination from one shipment file.
Related services and pages
Shipping to Switzerland: FAQ
Can't find your answer? Email ops@ziem-logistics.com or call +49 40 57290280.
Does Ziem Logistics clear customs in
Yes. Customs clearance in Switzerland is handled in-house by our own customs team.
Which airports in Switzerland do you serve?
We handle air cargo at Zurich, Geneva and Basel EuroAirport. Other airports are available on request.
Which seaports do you use for
For sea freight to and from Switzerland we mainly use Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg, with Rhine barge and rail links to Basel, with FCL and LCL services.
What do importers in Switzerland need?
Importers in Switzerland generally need a Swiss business identification number (UID) and, for VAT, registration with the Federal Tax Administration where applicable. We check registrations, classification and permits before the shipment leaves origin.
Do you issue your own air waybills for
Air freight to and from Switzerland runs through our airline network. Contact us for routings and transit times.
Can you send an urgent shipment to Switzerland today?
For time-critical cargo we book Next Flight Out on the first available flight or send an on-board courier who hand-carries the goods to Zurich or any other destination in Switzerland. Customs is prepared before arrival.
How do I get a quote for
Use the quote form on this page, email ops@ziem-logistics.com or call +49 40 57290280. We usually reply within one business day.
Tell us about your shipment
Send us the lane, the goods and the timeline. We reply within one business day. For urgent cargo, call us directly.