Customs Regulations
Returning to Switzerland
Shopping abroad duty-free: the duty-free allowances and limits apply to private goods that you carry personally for your own use or as gifts. The allowances and limits are granted only once per person and day.
Alcoholic beverages
The allowances apply only to persons aged 17 and over.
Alcoholic beverages up to 18% vol. . . . 5 litres
Alcoholic beverages over 18% vol. . . 1 litre
Tobacco
Cigarettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . total 250 pieces
Cigars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . total 250 pieces
Cut tobacco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250g
Goods
Other private goods are duty-free up to a total value of CHF 300 per person. If the total value of the goods carried exceeds CHF 300, all goods are subject to duty. Combining (cumulating) the value limit for several persons is not permitted. Exempt from this value limit are sensitive agricultural products such as meat and meat products, dairy products, oils and fats that exceed certain maximum quantities.
VAT refund
For logistical reasons, it is not possible on the return journey to Switzerland to have receipts stamped at German customs for a VAT refund. Customs clearance at Swiss customs is likewise not possible.
