Personal Effects Customs Clearance Switzerland
The majority of shipments entering Switzerland clear customs within 1 working day. Customs authorities may however select shipments for further inspection and will typically take 4-5 working days to complete this process.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 1 working day to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Personal Effects Customs Clearance Switzerland
The majority of shipments entering Switzerland clear customs within 1 working day. Customs authorities may however select shipments for further inspection and will typically take 4-5 working days to complete this process.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 1 working day to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
Why Ship to Switzerland?
As skiing is one of the most popular activities in Switzerland, many visitors want to take their own skiing equipment with them to Switzerland. Yet, they often find that their baggage is not included within their airline’s baggage limits and that they are often charged a hefty fee. Send My Bag’s luggage delivery service takes the hassle out of travelling with heavy or bulky items because we pick up your items from your home and deliver them to your destination quickly and safely.
Our service is also great for those who have multiple transfers during their journey and who do not want to cart their main luggage around with them. Students who are relocating and groups who travel together also find our service to be a godsend, freeing them up to travel light and hassle free.
Send Luggage to Switzerland
You can send your luggage and boxes to Switzerland with Send My Bag. If you are going skiing in Switzerland, if you have a temporary work contract there, or if you are moving there permanently, you can save yourself a lot of hassle by sending your possessions with Send My Bag. This will allow you to bring lots of your home comforts to make Switzerland feel a bit more like home. With your possessions taken care of, you can get on with exploring your new surroundings. Send My Bag has a large number of international routes, with fabulous rates for each route up to a massive 30 kg. To learn more about sending luggage to Switzerland, take a look at our ‘How it works’ page, or our ‘FAQs’.
Removals to Switzerland
If you moving to Switzerland permanently, or for a year or two of work placements, you will have to look into international removals to Switzerland in order to transport all of your possessions. Before you have the movers pick up your items, ensure that everything is carefully packaged so it won’t get damaged in transit. Use suitable packaging for your items and seal everything up well.
Student Shipping to Switzerland
You can send all the things you need to set up home in your student accommodation in Switzerland with Send My Bag. You can send books, textbooks, clothes and DVDs to create a home from home. It's easy to send your things to Switzerland. Take a look at our student removals page and find out how to get your student discount.
Sending a Parcel to Switzerland
You can easily send a parcel to Switzerland with Send My Bag. Friends and family can use this option to send you care packages or gifts throughout the year. Or if you have left something at home, they can pop it in a box for you and send it to you in Switzerland. Send My Bag can send parcels internationally to Switzerland for you. Make sure you use a suitable, sturdy box when sending a parcel to Switzerland and tape it up well so nothing gets damaged in transit. Also, make yourself aware of rules relating to personal effects and brand new items. Take a look at our information on how to send a parcel to find out what you can send with Send My Bag and how to package your items.
Ways of Shipping to Switzerland
If you are going to Switzerland for a skiing trip, or if you are relocating to Switzerland for work, you will need to transport items. You should make yourself aware of the various options available for shipping to Switzerland. Some options will be more viable for you than others. You can choose between several different options for international shipping to Switzerland.
Send Golf Clubs to Switzerland
Switzerland is not only popular as a ski destination; it also has lots of great golf clubs to choose from, such as Domaine Imperial, Lausanne and Crans-sur-Sierre. It's easy to send golf clubs to Switzerland with Send My Bag. This will make your journey to Switzerland much easier since you won’t have to drag large golf bags behind you. You will also avoid any oversized baggage fees from your airline. It is so much more enjoyable being able to play golf using your own golf clubs, rather than borrowing some, so consider sending your golf clubs with Send My Bag. Make sure you find out how best to parcel up your golf clubs by reading Send My Bag's information on how to send golf clubs.
Send Skis to Switzerland
Switzerland boasts numerous ski resorts, such as Verbier, St. Moritz and Davos. If you send your own skis with Send My Bag you won’t need to use rented skis when you are there. It is easy to send your skis, just make sure they are packaged up well and visit Send My Bag to find out how to send your skis to Switzerland. Check out our ski shipping information to learn about how to package your skis for transit, safely and in line with regulations.
About Switzerland
Switzerland is situated in central Europe and borders five countries: France, Italy, Austria, Germany and Liechtenstein. It is famous for its spectacular landscapes and mountain ranges, and attracts millions of tourists each year. Switzerland’s weather is temperate, ranging from cool to warm in the summer months, to cold and cloudy in the winter, although the temperatures do vary dramatically with altitude.
Switzerland has a plethora of fascinating cities to discover, including the historical capital Bern, Geneva with its rich art and culture and the major business hub of Zurich. All these cities offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the country, coupled with modern day life. Although Switzerland has many amazing cities, the main draw for tourists is its mountain ranges. The Swiss Alps are one of the most popular destinations for adventure seekers in Europe and they offer a wide range of activities, including skiing and snowboarding, hiking, cycling and general sightseeing.
There is no official Swiss language, although Switzerland does have four languages that are considered official; these are Swiss-German, French, Italian and Romansh. Due to its major worldwide business ties, many Swiss people speak English as a second language, so you will have no problem finding English-speaking people, especially in larger cities and tourist hotspots.
Swiss cuisine has many regional influences, including French, German and Italian cuisine, although Switzerland is particularly famous for its cheese and chocolate. Cervelat, a type of sausage containing a mixture of bacon, beef and pork rind is considered the national sausage and is a popular choice all across the country.
By far the biggest attraction in Switzerland is the mountain ranges where you can ski, snowboard, hike and cycle along the breath-taking scenery of the Swiss Alps. For those who want to do some more leisurely exploring, the larger cities offer a wide range of shopping opportunities and plenty of other entertainment to keep you occupied.
Please explore this page further to find out about Send My Bag’s shipping service to Switzerland.
Air Freight to Switzerland
One option for sending large items to Switzerland is air freight. Transit time for air freight is usually one to two days. It is a speedy option but it can be expensive. The amount you pay depends on your shipment’s weight and its size. You will probably also have to hire a customs agent to deal with customs clearance for you. And, you need to get your items to and from the airport. Costs could, therefore, quickly spiral. If you send internationally by air freight to Switzerland your items will likely arrive at one of the major airports, such as Basel Airport, Geneva Airport or Bern Airport.
Sea Freight and Container Shipping to Switzerland
You could choose sea freight or container shipping to transport your possessions to Switzerland. If you don’t need your items immediately, this could be the option for you, especially if you need to send something like a dining table or a car. This option can be less expensive than air freight, but you will still need to hire a customs agent and will need to get your items to and from the ports. So, the cost could be more than expected. As Switzerland is a land-locked country, your items will most likely arrive at one of the major sea ports in neighbouring countries, such as the Port of Genoa or the Port of Venice, in Italy.
Shipping Goods to Switzerland
You need to know about the current customs rules when shipping goods to Switzerland. You should be fully aware of any customs duties that you need to pay and what items are allowed to be shipped to Switzerland, which items are restricted, and which are entirely prohibited. Take a look at the prohibited items and customs sections on this page for more information.