Shipping Canada to Switzerland: Things to Consider

Businesses and people in Switzerland are increasingly looking for a Canadian Address to receive their online orders for shipping to Switzerland. Parcel trade between Canada and Switzerland will continue to grow with the European Free Trade Association/ EFTA and e-commerce technologies


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In this post, we review the following things to consider when shipping between Canada and Switzerland.

  • E-commerce Canadian receiving address for shipping to Switzerland
  • Swiss customs clearance of goods sent from Canada
  • Delivery Carrier options for shipping Switzerland from Canada
  • EFTA/ Canada Switzerland Free Trade Agreement: Duty free shipping to Switzerland
  • Carrier shipping options for shipping to Canada from Switzerland
  • Import process for goods imported to Canada from Switzerland
  • Duty free import for To Canada from Switzerland using EFTA FTA provisions
  • Shipping of personal effects to Switzerland from Canada
  • Shipping Canadian Shopify Orders to Switzerland and the EU
  • Information required for an international shipping quote: see below

jet-worldwide-logo-stripDisclaimer: Jet worldwide is proud that we are recognized as a leading online resource for shipping information. Please note the information in this blog - and all our extensive online content - is for general information only. Producers, shippers, exporters, importers should confirm their processes with their customs brokers, carriers and regulating authorities.

Ship From Canada

Shipping Guide For Sending to Canada

Jet worldwide provides a Canadian address for shipping to Switzerland from Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and across Canada


CANADA RECEIVING ADDRESS ONLINE SHIPPING TO SWITZERLAND

Jet Worldwide provides a receiving address for goods ordered online in Switzerland. Swiss consumers can order from Canadian Amazon, e-bay, and Canadian retailers and have the orders shipped to Jet. Jet can store the orders to consolidate and save shipping costs and then ship via low cost economy express or Canada Post to Switzerland.

  • Receiving Address In Canada for online orders from Switzerland
  • Confirming receipt of the order at our Canadian addresses
  • Shipping to Switzerland
  • Contact our team for information

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Information on Sending Parcels to Switzerland from Canada

SWISS CUSTOMS, DUTIES AND TAXES

Here is some useful information we provide to help those wishing to send a parcel to Switzerland. Note: Customs processes are subject to change and the information below are for general information only. It is important to check with the consignee in Switzerland to confirm your shipment is in regulatory compliance.

Duty Calculation for E-commerce Shipments to Switzerland

Customs duties are based on the type, material, characteristics, use, and weight of the goods. They are calculated in accordance with the assessment basis (as a rule, gross weight at the time of customs declaration). The actual gross weight (including transport packaging) may differ significantly from the weight indicated on a delivery note.

Apart from any import duty, goods are subject to value added tax (VAT).
Value added tax amounts to 7,7% of the assessment basis. A reduced rate of 2.5% applies for certain goods (such as, books and magazines).

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Paperwork and Swiss Customs for parcels sent from Canada

Having the proper paperwork is important when sending your parcel to Switzerland. Parcels can be subject to additional fees if it cannot clear customs due to missing, unreliable or incomplete customs documents. Fees for storage can be assessed for parcels that are held until the missing information is received or until the recipient or customs authorities take the decision concerning customs clearance.


Duty and Value Added Tax for shipments sent from Canada

As a rule, every parcel being imported to Switzerland is subject to customs duty and VAT.

Customs duties and value added tax are not charged if the amount calculated is less than CHF 5.00 per customs declaration, whereby customs and VAT charges are considered separately.

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Can Gifts sent from Canada be imported Duty Free to Switzerland?

In general goods sent from Canada to Switzerland via courier valued less than CHF 50 (around $60 CAD) can be cleared duty free.

Gifts sent from private individuals living abroad to private individuals in Switzerland are duty-free up to a goods value of CHF 100.00.

Notes on sending gifts to Switzerland from Canada:

  • Goods purchased on the Internet do not qualify as gifts and thussubject to duty
  • To ensure the recipient of your gift is not charged any fees, we recommend using our prepaid duty service (DTP).

Valuation of Goods by Swiss Customs for Imported Parcels coming from Canada:

It is important to note that, when assessing value, Swiss Customs considers the transport cost as part of the good’s value.

  • We recommend our customers to clearly note that the value is the “CIF Value.” The CIF value is all inclusive and includes the Cost, Insurance and Transport cost (Freight).
  • Swiss Customs can assign a higher value if they deem the declared value too low.

Low value parcels imported to Switzerland

The upper limit of the goods value (incl. transport costs) for an import exempt from VAT is:

  • 8% VAT (applicable to majority of all consignments) => CHF 62.00
  • 2.5% VAT (special goods such as books) => CHF 200.00

Shipping parcels from Canada containing items to being repaired in Switzerland

  • Items of Swiss origin imported for repair can be cleared as duty-free provided the VAT value is no higher than CHF 1,250.00.
  • Goods imported for repair originating abroad are cleared for customs as normal or with free passage.
  • The consignee can claim the VAT back after re-export or clam the deduction of input tax (subject to a fee).

For goods that have been repaired abroad and are returning to Switzerland, VAT is only charged on the new material and the labour costs. However, these two elements must be clearly stated on the commercial invoice.

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Shipping Switzerland from Canada Carrier Options

Shipping parcels to Switzerland via Canada Post

Canada Post "packet" services provide low cost shipping options for Canadians shipping small parcels from Canada to Switzerland. Shipments sent via Canada Post are imported and delivered in Switzerland by Swiss Post.

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Canada Post Delivery Shipping Services to Switzerland Include:

For shipping Canadian parcel post "packet" to Switzerland

  • Canada Post Small Packet to Switzerland:Surface, Air and Tracked Packet

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For shipping larger Canadian parcel post packages and pallets to Switzerland

  • Canada Post International Parcel toSwitzerland Surface
  • Canada Post Xpresspost Parcel: Delivery to Switzerland in 1 week

Shipping to Switzerland via UPS and FedEx Canada

FedEx and UPS are North America's dominant couriers and offer - along with DHL - reliable express delivery from Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Quebec City, and Toronto to Geneva, Zurich and throughout Switzerland.

FedEx and UPS Canada Services to Switzerland Include:



Delivery from Canada to Switzerland

jet-secure-ship-vector-2022-webDelivery between Switzerland and Canada via Jet Worldwide

  • Jet Worldwide: A trusted brand offering international shipping for over 35 years!
  • Jet Worldwide offers options for shipping between Switzerland and Canada for parcels, pallets, and online orders (with Shopify integration)
  • Jet Worldwide offers transparency and logistics support. We are not shy to recommend alternative options that are better suited for your needs.

Shipping from Switzerland via Purolator Canada

Purolator Courier is a leading domestic carrier in Canada and offer international express delivery via partners - including UPS Canada.

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SWISS CUSTOMS AND EFTA SHIIPPING CANADA ORIGIN GOODS

Switzerland and Canada have a Free Trade Agreement via the European Free Trade Association/ EFTA (of which Switzerland is a member). Qualifying Canada origin goods can be imported duty free to Switzerland when accompanied by a qualifying origin declaration.
 
The origin declaration referred to in Articles 16 and 17 of Annex C to the Canada EFTAgreement is set out below:
The exporter of the products covered by this document [customs authorization No ...] declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of Canada/EFTA preferential origin.
 
When the origin declaration is completed by an approved exporter within the meaning of Article 17 of Annex C, the exporter's customs authorization number shall be included. A customs authorization number is required only where the exporter is an approved exporter.
Footnote 2: Canada/EFTA preferential origin" means qualifying as originating under the rules of origin of the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the States of the European Free Trade Association ( Iceland , Liechtenstein , Norway and Switzerland ).
Footnote 3: The place and date of completion of the origin declaration may be indicated elsewhere on the invoice or on another document that describes the originating products and includes the origin declaration.
Footnote 4: Articles 16 and 17 of Annex C provide certain exceptions to the requirement of the exporter's signature.
  • Parcel shipping from Montreal, Toronto and Canada for delivery to Switzerland
  • Parcel Import from Switzerland to Canada
  • Special international delivery services including dedicated pickup, storage, packing, repacking, labeling and domestic distribution

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Shipping options when sending TO Canada from Switzerland

The common carrier options for shipping to Canada from Switzerland include Swiss Post (preferred method for individuals shipping small parcels and personal items), DHL JET and North America's mega carriers FedEx and UPS.

FedEx and UPS options for shipping Canada from Switzerland include international priority air and economy deferred services. See section below regarding information required for a shipping quote.


CUSTOMS-DOUNE-GRAPHICDuty and taxes in Canada for shipments sent from Switzerland.

Parcels imported from Switzerland to Canada are subject to Canadian duty and taxes. Most parcels valued under $20 CAD can be imported free of duty and taxes. Parcels valued under $3.300 CAD from The UK can be imported via Canadian customs low value shipment / LVS express clearance processes.


Common Canadian Import Fees for Shipments from Switzerland

  • Common import fees for consignments shipped via air to Canada from Switzerland can include:
  • Duty: Items that do not otherwise qualify for preferential duty free import are assessed duty.
  • Tax: Consignments imported to Canada are subject to both Federal and provincial sales tax.
  • Entry preparation fee: This fee is included for most shipments sent via express courier to Canada.

Disbursement Fee: When duty and taxes are assessed, carriers charge a fee for prepayment of such fees prior to final delivery. This fee averages between 2-3% of the fees paid on behalf of the consignee with a minimum fee between CA$10-$20.


Useful Information: Canadian Import Fees

Swiss orIgIn goods shipped Imported TO Canada

Low value shipments of Swiss origin shipped via parcel carriers can more easily benefit from duty free entry to Canada.

Proof of origin requirements under Canada's free trade agreements

The value for duty amount for all of Canada's free trade agreements (including from Switzerland via EFTA Canada FTA) for which the proof of origin / certificate of origin is waived was changed to $3,300 CAD in July 2020. This change was made to harmonize the regulations with the new NAFTA/ CUSMA.

For imports not exceeding $3,300 to Canada, the requirement for proof of origin is waived. The requirement on the importer to maintain records (for example, commercial invoice and B3) applies even if the CBSA does not require a certification of origin or if a requirement for a certification of origin has been waived.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general information only. Producers, shippers, exporters, importers should confirm their processes with their customs brokers, carriers and regulating authorities.

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Shipping personal effects To Switzerland from Canada:

For Personal effects to Switzerland For personal effects, all the goods have to be mentioned on the invoice in detail with the individual values along with a written confirmation from consignee, that the goods are used and are older than 6 months.. Items must be used.

Shipping of excess baggage to Switzerland: Generally, it is simpler and easier to ship your personal effects as excess baggage when you travel. Carrier excess baggage fees for a couple of bags is most often less expensive than shipping separately without having to manage the entry requirements (discussed above).

Shipping a box or several boxes: Jet Worldwide provides solutions shipping of international personal effects Switzerland from Canada via economy air. Get a shipping quote international from Canada via Jet.

Shipping a household/ container level: For shipping a full household, it is best to contact a moving specialists to arrange for packing and ocean transport.


Shipping Canadian Shopify Orders to Switzerland and the EU

Jet Worldwide is building international shipping solutions for Shopify, Canada's leading e-commerce platform. Building on Jet Worldwide’s decades of Canadian cross-border parcel shipping experience, our team is currently developing Shopify-integrated solutions for shipping to Switzerland and the entire European Union, allowing businesses to “self-fulfill” their orders.

For updates on the latest international shipping solutions for Canadian online orders, connect with Jet Worldwide’s e-commerce team.

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jet-logo-vectorGet quote for shipping: Switzerland and Canada.

Jet Worldwide gives access to all companies seeking shipping quotes between Switzerland and Canada for parcels pallets, and online orders. Contact Jet's logistics support team: For a quote for shipping online orders, provide details including shipping volume, item(s) being shipped, average value and weight of each parcel. The more details the better :).


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Reminder: The information we happily share is for general information only. Shippers, carriers and imports should confirm compliance with regulatory and other authorities prior to shipping.