Customs Regulations

Return Journey to Switzerland

Shopping duty-free abroad: the duty-free allowances and limits apply to private goods that you carry personally for your own use or as a gift. The duty-free 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 150.- per person. If the total value of the goods carried exceeds CHF 150.-, all goods are subject to duty. Adding together (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 the German customs office for a VAT refund. Customs clearance at the Swiss border is likewise not possible.