Shipping to Switzerland from Canada
Canada and Switzerland have an enduring economic connection. Thanks in part to the European Free Trade Association/ EFTA . This also includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Canadian trade to this region exceeds $5 billion per year. This Guide helps determine the best options shipping to Switzerland from Canada.
Over 100,000 Canadians of Swiss origin live in Canada, making it the fifth-largest Swiss community abroad. Canada and Switzerland exchange a large numbers of tourists, students and business leaders that depend on low cost parcel delivery.
A complete shipping guide to Switzerland but first afew quick points to consider when shipping Switzerland from Canada
- Canada Post is the best option for individuals shipping small parcels and personal items internationally to Switzerland.
- Market dominant carriers, such as UPS, FedEx and DHL have high base pricing but discounts are available. Get the best shipping quote to Switzerland.
This Canadian Shipping Guide to Switzerland explores of the main elements of international shipping between Canada to Switzerland.
- Delivery Carrier options for shipping Switzerland from Canada
- Get an international shipping quote to and from Canada
- Canadian Export Declaration for Shipments to Switzerland
- Shipping air versus ocean to Switzerland
- Swiss customs clearance of goods sent from Canada
- EFTA/ Canada Switzerland Free Trade Agreement: Duty free shipping to Switzerland
- E-commerce Canadian receiving address for shipping to Switzerland
- Shipping Canadian Shopify Orders to Switzerland and the EU
- Common carrier options for shipping FROM Switzerland to Canada
- Import fees to Canada for goods from Switzerland
- CBSA Canadian import for goods from Switzerland
- anadian customs assessment and revenue management (CARM)
- Duty Free Entry for Swiss origin goods TO Canada
- Shipping Personal Effects to Switzerland from Canada
- Shipping from Switzerland to the USA and Canada
- Additional Resources for shipping to Canada and shipping from Canada
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general information only.
Best Options for Shipping to Switzerland from Canada
There are several shipping options to Switzerland. The ideal option depends on the size and weight of your shipment. Other factors include nature of your goods and transit time. Here are some common shipping options that you might consider:
- Air freight: This is the fastest shipping option with door to door delivery.
- Ocean freight: Economical option for shipping large bulk orders between Canada and Switzerland
- Commercial carriers such as FedEx, DHL, UPS and their partners.
- Postal service options are generally the best option for individuals sending personal items to Switzerland
What does it cost to ship to Switzerland?
The cost of shipping to Switzerland depends on the shipment size and weight. The cost to send a package to Switzerland can be as low as around $37 via Canada Post surface.
The cost via commercial carriers varies according to your discount. The cost averages around $150 for 10 pounds.
What is the cheapest shipping option to Switzerland?
The cheapest shipping option to Switzerland is via Canada Post international surface options.
Shipping Cost Calculator from Canada to Switzerland
With our shipping rate request form, you can discover the cheapest rates. Fill in the form below to estimate shipping costs to and from Canada. Compare shipping rates from other courier services. We respond personally and give advice different modes of shipping with logistics support.
Shipping parcels to Switzerland via Canada Post
Canada Post is the best option for individuals shipping personal items to Switzerland from Canada. Shipments sent via Canada Post import for delivery via Swiss Post.
Canada Post Delivery Shipping Services to Switzerland Include:
- Canada Post Small Packet Surface, Air and "Track Packet."
- Canada Post International Parcel to Switzerland Surface
- Canada Post Xpresspost Parcel: Delivery to Switzerland in 1 week
Getting a discount with Canada Post for packages to Switzerland
Canada post provides discounts for volume shippers to Switzerland. Contact our team to discuss direct airfreight shipping by consolidating your online orders to Switzerland and shipping direct airfreight from YUL, YYZ or YVR.
Ship via express and economy courier to Switzerland
Shipping to Switzerland via UPS and FedEx International
FedEx and UPS are North America's dominant couriers. Along with DHL, the offer reliable express delivery to Switzerland. Fill in form below to get a comparison price for your cargo to Switzerland.
FedEx and UPS Canada Services to Switzerland Include:
- International Priority/ Express to Switzerland
- International Air Economy from Canada
Shipping Between Canada and Switzerland via Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide is a Canadian global brand providing international shipping solutions for over 40 years. Jet Worldwide offers options for shipping between Canada and Switzerland for parcels, pallets and online orders.
Get the best support for shipping to Switzerland.
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. Purolator is a division of Canada Post.
Canadian Export Declaration for Shipments to Switzerland
For shipments from Canada to Switzerland CAD 2,000 and above (or otherwise with restrictions) require a Canadian export declaration.
Read more about Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS).
Send pallets and containers via sea freight
Less than container load (LCL) ocean shipping is best for shipping a pallet or several pallets to Switzerland. The transit time can vary but we recommend allowing 2 months lead time.
LCL versus FCL to Switzerland
Full container shipping is best for larger commercial orders. Even if a container is not full, FCL can be cheaper. In addition, FCL transit time is faster. Goods that ship via FCL do not need time for loading and de-consolidation.
Air versus Ocean shipping to Switzerland from Canada
The best shipping option to Canada depends on several factors.In general, the lowest cost for personal packages to Switzerland is via the local post.
For heavier shipments, economy air freight is often the best option. Less than container load is best with shipping pallet freight and large commercial orders.
Useful information: Things to know about Ocean Shipping To and From Canada.
Shipping Terms to Consider When Shipping to Switzerland
The default option for shipping internationally from Canada is Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU). Common carriers use the term Ex Works (EXW). This assigns all import costs to the importer. Shippers from Canada can choose to pay the import fees on behalf of the receiver. Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) is an option many carriers offer. IncoTerms and shipping terms for packages and online orders.
Import fees paid by the shipper are not recoverable. The importing business may otherwise be able to claim back VAT.
Import of Parcels to Switzerland from Canada
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 e-commerce imports for are on the classification,, use, and weight of the goods. The assessment basis is on the gross weight at the time of customs declaration. The actual gross weight may differ significantly from the weight on the waybill. See note below on duty free import effective 2024.
Apart from any import duty, goods are subject to value add tax (VAT). Value add tax amounts to 7,7% of the assessment basis. A lower rate of 2.5% applies for certain goods (such as, books and magazines).
Paperwork and Swiss Customs for parcels sent from Canada
Having the proper paperwork - including an invoice for customs - 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 apply to consignments until the necessary information is complete. .
It is important to verify compliance with the consignee/ importer and regulatory authorities prior to shipping to Switzerland from Canada.
Duty and Value Add Tax for shipments sent from Canada
Goods to Switzerland are subject to customs duty and VAT on the CIF value.
Customs duties and tax do not apply if the amount is less than CHF 5.00 per customs declaration.
Duty Free Import on Swiss industrial products 2024!
Effective 2024, Switzerland will abolish import duties on most industrial goods. This in addition to the simplification of the Swiss customs tariff codes. This reduces costs for both consumers and companies. Businesses need to adapt to new import processes.
With the broad classification of industrial goods under Swiss legislation, only agricultural and fishery products are outside this duty free import.
Canadian good to Switzerland stand to gain with lower cost to their Swiss customer.
Can Gifts sent from Canada clear Duty Free to Switzerland?
In general goods sent from Canada to Switzerland via courier less than CHF 50 (around $60 CAD) can clear customs 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:
- Buying goods online do not qualify as gifts and thus subject to duty
- Canada post is the best option for individuals shipping gifts to Switzerland
Valuation of Goods by Swiss Customs for Imports from Canada
It is important to note that, when assessing value, Swiss Customs considers the transport cost as part of the good’s value. Read more about correct valuation for customs
What value should you declare?
- 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 value too low.
Low value imports 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 repairable in Switzerland
- Items of Swiss origin for repair can clear duty-free if the VAT value is no higher than CHF 1,250.00.
- Goods that import for repair originating abroad clear 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 with repair from abroad and are returning to Switzerland, VAT is only on the new material and the labour costs. However, these two elements must be on the commercial invoice.
EFTA/Canada Switzerland Free Trade Agreement
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 import duty free to Switzerland when with an origin declaration.
The origin declaration is in Articles 16 and 17 of Annex C to the Canada EFTA
From where goods ship versus their country of origin
Certificate of origin and its benefits
CANADA RECEIVING ADDRESS ONLINE SHIPPING TO SWITZERLAND
Jet Worldwide provides a receiving address for online in Switzerland. Swiss consumers can order from Canadian Amazon, Simons, e-bay, and other Canadian retailers. Address the order to Jet. Jet can store the orders to consolidate and save shipping costs.
- Receiving Address In Canada for online orders from Switzerland
- Confirming receipt of the order at our Canadian addresses
- Shipping to Switzerland
Shipping Canadian Shopify Orders to Switzerland and the EU
Jet Worldwide has best in class shipping solutions for Canada's leading e-commerce platforms and retailers.
Options for Shipping from Switzerland to Canada
Carrier options for shipping to Canada from Switzerland include Swiss Post, DHL, FedEx and UPS.
Swiss Post Shipping Options to Canada Include:
- Swiss Post "Postpac" economy and priority
- Swiss Post Express
- FedEx and UPS Shipping Options Canada from Switzerland include air express and economy air shipping.
Common Canadian Import Fees for Shipments from Switzerland
Common import fees for consignments via air to Canada can include duty, taxes and import fees. Understanding import fees to Canada.
Duty and taxes in Canada for shipments from Switzerland
Imports from Switzerland to Canada are subject to Canadian duty and taxes. Most consignments under $20 CAD can import free of duty and taxes. Imports under $3,300 CAD from Switzerland can import via Canadian customs low value shipment / LVS processes.
Swiss origin goods FROM Switzerland TO Canada
For imports not exceeding $3,300 to Canada, there is not a requirement for proof of origin. The requirement on the importer to maintain records remains. This applies even if the CBSA does not require proof at time of import
Canadian Customs Online Portal for Canadian Importers
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) online portal streamlines the process of importing commercial goods to Canada. Read more about CARM
Shipping personal effects To Switzerland from Canada:
For Personal effects to Switzerland: For personal effects, all the goods have to be on the invoice in detail. Include individual values along with a written confirmation from consignee. The goods must be older than 6 months. New items do not qualify.
Shipping of excess baggage to Switzerland: Generally, it is simpler and easier to ship your personal effects as excess baggage when you travel. Excess baggage are often less expensive than shipping separately..
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.
For shipping a full household, best to contact a moving specialists.
Shipping from Switzerland to the USA
Companies and online sellers can benefit from shipping their orders direct to the USA - and via Canada. Read more about section 321 processes and contact our team for assistance in direct shipping and logistics support to the USA.
Get a Shipping Quote between Switzerland and Canada
Jet Worldwide makes it easy for companies seeking for spot quotes for economy air shipping between Canada and Switzerland
