Cross Border | Switzerland | International E-Commerce
Banks, mountains, watches and chocolate - that's what most people associate with Switzerland. International online retailers, on the other hand, have completely different thoughts when they think of the Alpine republic. Many are attracted by the potential there, but at the same time they shy away from the numerous regulations.
Customs, own currency and a complicated tax law keeps many companies from expanding their e-business to Switzerland. This is because all items imported into Switzerland must be cleared through customs. Errors in customs clearance mean expensive additional payments for the end customer. In addition, companies above a certain sales threshold are liable to pay tax in Switzerland and require local fiscal representation.
Despite its entry barriers, Switzerland is an attractive market for cross-border e-commerce. This is because the Swiss generate the second highest gross income per capita in the world. The unemployment rate in the Alpine state is at a record low. In online retail, the fashion, food and electronics sectors in particular are currently booming.
Find a fulfillment partner in Switzerland. He will take care of import and export customs clearance, duties and taxes for you. As an authorized consignee and consignor, he can post customs declarations 24/7. You benefit from short delivery times and low shipping costs. You also ensure perfect returns processing. Because what applies to the import of goods also applies to the export of returns. These goods must be declared for export so that the import duty refund can be applied for. With a local fulfillment partner who knows the legal requirements inside out, you are on the safe side.
Only perfect localization enables you to run a successful e-business. Use terms commonly used in Switzerland in your product names. Small subtleties like Jupe instead of Skirt or Velo instead of Bike are important details. This also includes placing the price indication CHF in front of the price and not behind it as in other European countries. In addition, you should clearly list the costs for shipping, duties and taxes in the ordering process.
PVS Europe's Swiss branch, PVS Scherrer, is headquartered in St. Margrethen near Bregenz on Lake Constance. The fulfillment and logistics professionals there support well-known international brands from various industries with their B2C and B2B business in Switzerland.
"We ensure that goods are cleared through customs quickly and correctly, carry out transit clearances and, where necessary, provide duty-free storage for the items. As an authorized consignee and consignor, we can post customs declarations around the clock. Thus, our customers benefit from extended clearance times. For foreign suppliers without a registered office in Switzerland, we set up and manage fiscal agencies. There, we take care of the correct handling of Swiss VAT," explains Andreas Scherrer, Managing Director of PVS Scherrer AG.
Would you like more information on how to successfully establish your e-commerce in Switzerland? Our experts on site will be happy to help you.
If you have any questions or are interested, please contact Miroslav Gligoric directly: miroslav.gligoric@pvs-scherrer.ch Tel. +41718866565.