How much can I bring into Switzerland duty-free when shopping abroad?
Up to CHF 150 VAT-free — above it, import VAT applies. Anyone shopping abroad for private use may import goods up to a value of CHF 150 per person per day VAT-free (since 1 January 2025, previously CHF 300). If the total value exceeds CHF 150, import VAT is charged on the whole amount: 8.1% (standard) or 2.6% (food, books, medicines). Regardless of value, quantity allowances apply: e.g. spirits over 18%: 1 litre, alcohol up to 18%: 5 litres, tobacco 250 items/grams, meat 1 kg. Above these, customs duty per kilo applies. With the QuickZoll app you can declare in advance. In short: up to CHF 150 free, above it mind the VAT and quantity limits.
📋 The rules
- VAT-free up to CHF 150 per person per day
- Since 1 Jan 2025 (was CHF 300)
- Above it, import VAT 8.1% (food 2.6%)
- Quantities: spirits >18% 1 L, meat 1 kg
- Declare in advance with the QuickZoll app
🔓 Exceptions
- Alcohol allowances from age 17
- Tobacco 250 items/grams per person/day
- Personal effects, travel provisions and fuel in the tank free
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Failing to declare goods or exceeding the value or quantity allowances without paying the duties is a customs offence, with back-claims and fines. On entry you must stop at customs or declare via the QuickZoll app. Beware a myth: "everything is free up to CHF 300" is no longer true — since 2025 the value allowance is CHF 150, and above it VAT is charged on the whole amount. Tip: add up your purchases, declare if you exceed the allowance, and mind the quantity limits for meat, alcohol and tobacco.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How much can I import duty-free?
You may import goods for private use up to a value of CHF 150 per person per day into Switzerland VAT-free. This value allowance has applied since 1 January 2025 and was lowered from the previous CHF 300. If you exceed it, the import tax becomes due on the whole amount.
What happens above the allowance?
If the total value of your purchases exceeds CHF 150, import VAT is charged on the whole amount, not only on the part above the limit. The standard rate is 8.1 percent, and the reduced rate for food, books and medicines is 2.6 percent of the value.
What quantity allowances are there?
Regardless of value, quantity limits apply. For spirits over 18 percent by volume it's 1 litre, for alcohol up to 18 percent 5 litres, both from age 17. For tobacco it's 250 cigarettes or 250 grams, and for meat and meat products 1 kilogram. Above these, customs duty per kilo applies.
How do I declare the goods?
On entry you must stop at customs and declare the goods if you exceed the allowances. It's easier with the QuickZoll app, with which you can declare the goods in advance and pay the duties directly before you cross the border into Switzerland.
Does the old CHF 300 limit still apply?
No. The former value allowance of CHF 300 was lowered to CHF 150 on 1 January 2025. Anyone still assuming CHF 300 risks a back-claim and a fine. So add up your purchases and declare as soon as the total value exceeds CHF 150 at the border.
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