|
|
 |
| |
| Switzerland |
| Market
Access |
|
| |
Import
Policy
Although most goods are freely imported to Switzerland, there are
certain products that require special authorization. They include,
agricultural products, petroleum products, washing powders and their
ingredients fertilizers, textiles imports from certain countries,
weapons explosives and narcotics.
Import permits, which have a maximum validity of one year, may be
granted only to companies domiciled in Switzerland. Goods subject
to import restrictions do not need a permit, if the weight is less
than 20 kg.
Tariffs, Non-Tariff Barriers, Trade Concessions
There are a number of non-tariff regulations which applies to medicines,
cosmetic products, washing powders, electrical appliances, measuring
and weighing equipment, heating installations, pressurized tanks and
mopeds. The reason in some cases is due to public health and safety
requirements, environmental protection, consumer protection and national
or international standards.
Custom Duties
Swiss customs duties are based on the "harmonized system",
which is also applied by the EU in which the first six numbers are
identical.
The Swiss taxation system is based on the gross weight, i.e., the
weight of the goods together with packaging. In exceptional cases
this is based on the value or number of items.
Switzerland imposes very modest customs duties, amounting an average
of less than 2% of the value of the industrial goods concerned.
As in all other countries, Switzerland maintains certain tariff barriers
to protect the products of its most vital industries, notably agricultural
products.
Commercial Samples, Material for Trade
Fairs
Samples which are not intended for sale are exempt from customs duty
at least up to the value of Swiss Frank 50 per sample, or Swiss Frank
50 per consignment in the case of tobacco derivatives, alcoholic beverages,
medicines and cosmetic products.
Samples that are covered by ATA carnet and the ATA carnet do not require
a security deposit. The Chamber of Commerce may obtain the ATA carnet.
Import Taxes (includes Local products)
 |
Value added tax (VAT). The lowest
is in Europe at 6.5%. |
|
Monopoly duties and compensatory
taxes. All products containing alcohol, including products having
technical applications. |
|
Excise Taxes. Varies with the retail
price (tobacco) and origin (beer). |
|
Special Tax on imported cheese and
imported wines. |
|
Environmental Tax on vehicles. |
| |
|
Foreign Exchange Controls
There are no exchange controls in Switzerland and no distinction is
made between national accounts and foreign accounts. There are no
restrictions on importing foreign capital. Fund transfers are made
on convertible currencies.
Packaging, Marking and
Labelling
Packaging
There are no restrictions or special requirements for packaging.
Marking and Labelling
Labels should be in one of the three national languages and all weights
should be in the metric system. Special regulations apply for marking
of matches, certain food items, gasoline, pharmaceutical products
and pre-packaged and canned foods. No indication of origin is required
for industrial goods.
Documentary Requirements
The basic documentation required includes, the customs declaration,
which must be accompanied by the invoice, mentioning the weight (in
duplicates) and an attestation from the exporter as to the origin
of the goods.
A Certificate of Origin is required only in the case of re-export.
Documents that accompany goods travelling by rail are as follows:
One international freight waybill, and two international customs declarations.
Goods carried by post require the following: International dispatch
note, customs declaration (two copies in the case of precious stones
and metals, watches and jewellery).
Accompanying documents should mention whether or not the consignment
is to be cleared through customs at the border, or at a particular
customs office in the interior.
Useful Trade Fairs
A handy calendar giving detailed information on trade fairs that are
coming up in the next 4 years is available at:
Swiss Office for Trade Promotion (OSEC), Switzerland’s official
body for promotion of foreign trade.
Switzerland’s
Most Important Trade Fairs:
Basel
Art
27/96 - International Art Fair
Basel
96 - World Watch, Clock and Jewellery Show.
Ineltec
95 - International Exhibition for Electronics, Automation and Electrical
Engineering
Muba
96 -The Great Experience, for the general public
Swisstech
96 -Trade Fair for Subcontracting, Production, Technology and Industrial
Supplies.
Worlddidac
96 - International Education and Training Exhibition.
Lausanne
Computer
Suisse
Swiss
National Fair
St. Gall
OLMA
Swiss
Agricultural and Dairy Farming Fair
Zurich
Fera
- World of Electronics, International TV, Radio, Hi-Fi and Consumer
Electronics Show.
HILSA
- International Trade Exhibition of Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning.
Well-developed industrial areas are located strategically all over
Switzerland and solutions can be found for even the most unusual requirement. |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
