Imports into Switzerland & Imports into France

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Imports into Switzerland & Imports into France

The cross-border allowances on importing goods into either Switzerland and France are set by the respective customs authorities.

Imports into Switzerland 

The cross-border food and drink allowances imported personally into Switzerland, exclusively for domestic use, are as follows: 

• The total value of allowance for food and drink (excluding alcoholic beverages) is CHF 300 per person per day.

For the products listed below a quantity allowance applies. All excess quantity is taxable, independent of its value. In addition, if the total value of the imported merchandise is above CHF 300, all merchandise is taxable.

Quantity allowances

 Maximum allowance per person per day, as long as it does not exceed the value of CHF 300. 

Alcoholic drink allowances

The quantity limits for alcoholic beverages (for people over 17):

• Up to 15% alcohol content: 2 litres per person per day
• More than 15% alcohol: 1 litre per person per day

Imports into France 

The total value of merchandise under the cross border allowance is not subject to customs tax (except the products which fall under a quantity allowance listed below):

• People over 15 from outside the EU: €175.00
• Cross-border commuters (frontaliers) over age 15: €45.73

All merchandise above these values and quantities needs to be declared and is subject to customs tax and VAT. The tax is payable only on the total value of merchandise above the allowance limit.

Further Information

• Information from the Swiss Customs Authorities: Click here
• Information from the French Customs Authorities: Click here