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Shipping to Switzerland from Canada: 2026 Duty-Free & VAT Guide

Written by Timothy Byrnes | July 25, 2016

Canada and Switzerland share deep economic ties, but for logistics managers and e-commerce sellers, the landscape has shifted. With the abolition of Swiss industrial tariffs and the mandatory CARM registration for Canadian importers, the 2026 playbook has changed.

Shipping Switzerland from Canada is offered from a variety of carriers, but the strategy is now less about "avoiding duty" and more about "managing VAT."

🇨🇭 2026 Snapshot: Canada to Switzerland

  • 0% Duty: Switzerland has abolished duties on industrial goods (clothing, electronics, machinery) since 2024.
  • VAT Rules: While duty is gone, the 8.1% VAT applies to any shipment where the calculated tax exceeds CHF 5 (approx value > CHF 65).
  • Canada Import Rule: Canadian importers can use the $3,300 CAD Low Value Threshold to waive formal proof of origin.
  • Top Carriers: Canada Post (Small packets), FedEx/UPS (Express), and Jet Worldwide (DDP).

CARRIER SHIPPING OPTIONS TO SWITZERLAND FROM CANADA

1. Canada Post

Best for: Individuals & Small Packets under 2kg.

Transferred to Swiss Post for delivery. Best for gifts/low-value items.

  • Small Packet: Cheapest, limited tracking.
  • Xpresspost: 4-7 days, full tracking.

2. FedEx / UPS Canada

Best for: Urgent B2B & Tracked E-commerce.

Reliable but strict. "Brokerage Fees" may apply to the receiver on Standard services.

Contact are team for rates.

The "Weight-Based Duty" Myth (2026 Update)

Historically, Switzerland charged duty based on Gross Weight. This has changed.

✅ Good News: Industrial Tariffs are Gone.
As of Jan 1, 2024, there is NO Customs Duty on industrial products (clothes, shoes, cars, electronics) regardless of weight.

Note: Weight-based duties still apply to agricultural products (food, live animals). If shipping maple syrup, weight still matters!

DDP vs. DDU: It's All About VAT

Even though duties are gone, the 8.1% VAT remains. If you ship DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid), your Swiss customer will be charged VAT + an admin fee (often CHF 15+) before delivery.

  • The Fix: Use Jet Worldwide’s DDP Service. We prepay the VAT so your customer gets a seamless delivery.

Is Your Product Duty-Free? (Check with AI)

Not sure if your specific item is considered "Industrial" or "Agricultural"? Copy this prompt into ChatGPT or Gemini to find out:

"I am exporting [Insert Product Name] from Canada to Switzerland. The HS Code is [Insert HS Code]. Since Switzerland abolished industrial tariffs in 2024, is this specific HS code considered an 'Industrial Good' (0% Duty) or an 'Agricultural Good' (Weight-Based Duty)?"

Disclaimer: Regulations change frequently. Information is for general guidance only. Consult with Jet Worldwide professionals for specific shipments.

Canada and Switzerland share deep economic ties, but for logistics managers and e-commerce sellers, the landscape has shifted. With the abolition of Swiss industrial tariffs and the mandatory CARM registration for Canadian importers, the 2026 playbook has changed.

Shipping Switzerland from Canada is offered from a variety of carriers, but the strategy is now less about "avoiding duty" and more about "managing VAT."
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