Sending international express parcels involves multiple steps, including cross-border transportation and customs clearance. There are many things to be aware of, and a single mistake can lead to package delays, fines, or even detention.
Below, Weefreight will share some key considerations, covering aspects such as item selection, declaration, packaging, and customs clearance. We hope this will be helpful.
- Identify prohibited and restricted items to avoid violations
Different countries have strict regulations on imported goods. It’s important to understand the prohibited/restricted lists of your destination (such as Switzerland) in advance to avoid sending items that violate regulations:
Generally prohibited items: Dangerous goods (flammable, explosive, corrosive substances, etc.), drugs, weapons, controlled knives, pornographic materials, counterfeit and substandard goods (infringing goods), etc., are strictly prohibited from entry into any country.
Specific restrictions in Switzerland:
Food: Animal-derived foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy products require advance import permits; otherwise, they may be destroyed. Some plants and products (such as fresh fruit and flowers) require quarantine certificates.
Pharmaceuticals: Prescription medications require a doctor’s prescription and import authorization from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH); medications containing narcotic ingredients are strictly prohibited from entry.
Electronic Products: Devices containing lithium batteries (such as mobile phones and laptops) must comply with UN38.3 safety certification, and the battery capacity must be within the specified range (generally, a single battery should not exceed 100Wh).
Luxury Goods/High-Value Items: Items priced over CHF 1,000 may be subject to high customs duties; confirm the tax rate in advance.
Tip: If you are unsure whether an item complies with regulations, consult the courier’s customer service or check the Swiss Customs website (Swiss Federal Customs Administration).
II. Accurately declare to avoid customs clearance delays
Customs clearance is the most problematic step in international express delivery, so the information declared must be truthful and detailed:
Complete declaration: The commercial invoice (or pro forma invoice) must clearly indicate the item name (avoid ambiguous terms, such as “scarf” instead of “gift”), quantity, material, intended use, unit price, and total price (in the destination currency or US dollars).
Declare the value accurately: Understating the value may result in customs fines or detention (for example, Swiss customs has strict penalties for understating). High-value items must be declared according to their actual value, and proof of purchase must be provided for inspection.
Distinguish between personal and commercial use: Personal items (such as a small amount of clothing) can be declared as “Personal Use” to qualify for a partial duty-free allowance. Commercial goods (such as bulk goods) require additional documentation such as a commercial contract and export license.
Third, Proper Packaging to Ensure Transport Safety
International transport involves long distances and numerous transit points, so packaging must meet pressure-resistant, moisture-proof, and drop-resistant requirements:
Basic Packaging: Use sturdy five-layer cardboard boxes (avoid thin corrugated boxes) filled with bubble wrap and foam padding (especially for fragile items such as glass and ceramics) to prevent movement.
Packaging of Special Items:
Liquids (such as cosmetics) should be sealed and wrapped in plastic bags before packing to prevent leakage and contamination of other packages.
Lithium batteries must be individually insulated and packaged (separated by foam boxes) and labeled “Lithium Battery” on the outside.
Large items (such as furniture) require wooden pallets, but confirm whether the destination permits wooden packaging (some countries require wooden packaging to bear the IPPC fumigation mark).
Clear Address: Fill in the recipient’s address in English or the official language of the destination (German, French, and Italian are acceptable in Switzerland). Include street, house number, city, postal code, and phone number (must be valid for easy contact during delivery).
- Choose a suitable courier and clarify service details.
Different courier companies have different advantages, prices, and service coverage. Choose based on the type of item and your needs:
Prioritize Time: DHL (2-5 days) is suitable for urgent items; FedEx and UPS (5-8 days) are less preferred.
Sensitive Items/Items with Difficult Customs Clearance: EMS has strong customs clearance capabilities (relying on the postal system) and is suitable for shipping small quantities of food, cosmetics, and branded goods (subject to compliance).
Prices and Surcharges: DHL and FedEx may charge fuel surcharges and remote area surcharges (some mountainous areas in Switzerland may be considered remote areas, so please inquire in advance). EMS offers no remote area surcharges and is more cost-effective for larger and lighter items (volume and weight are not considered within a certain size range).
Insurance and Insurance: High-value items (such as jewelry and electronics) are recommended to be insured to avoid being unable to fully compensate for loss or damage (insurance rates vary by company, but are generally 1%-3% of the declared value).
If you have any international logistics service needs, please contact us by clicking the floating chat icon in the lower right corner or using the other contact information in the lower right corner of the page!
