Shipping to Switzerland: Costs, Duration & Providers

Switzerland is one of Germany’s most important trading partners outside the EU. Every day, thousands of parcels cross the border and that’s where the differences start.

While deliveries within the EU are usually straightforward, shipping to Switzerland requires much more attention: customs documents, precise address details, and additional cost factors are part of the process. For B2B companies, these aspects are critical, as even small mistakes can lead to delays, returns, or unnecessary costs.

“Just a few kilometers to the border” think many shippers when they send a parcel to Switzerland. But between Stuttgart and Zurich lies more than just a distance: there are customs formalities, regulations, and special requirements for packaging and delivery. Companies that manage shipping to Switzerland professionally and understand these specifics can avoid pitfalls and ensure that customers receive their orders quickly and reliably.

How much does shipping to Switzerland cost?

The question “How much does shipping to Switzerland cost?” cannot be answered with a flat rate, since several factors influence the price: the weight and dimensions of the parcel, the chosen shipping method (standard or express), optional services such as additional parcel insurance or cash on delivery, and, of course, the provider. Customs clearance can also incur extra fees if certain goods require special documents. For B2B companies, a structured comparison of shipping providers is essential.

Typical differences between standard and express shipping, as well as provider-specific features, are shown below (figures serve as orientation and may vary depending on region, service, or shipment size):

Businesses should not only look at shipping costs to Switzerland but also at services such as shipment tracking in Switzerland, returns handling, or the availability of pickup stations. Transparent cost calculation and tools such as a shipping cost calculator in Switzerland provide planning reliability and help reduce long-term expenses.

How to pack a parcel from Germany to Switzerland correctly?

“Packaging is the first insurance.”

This phrase may sound trivial but highlights the core principle. Transport damage often occurs not because of the shipping route but due to poor packaging. Anyone sending a parcel from Germany to Switzerland should consider more than just a sturdy cardboard box.

The rule is simple: hard on the outside, soft on the inside. Durable corrugated cardboard protects from impacts, filler material stabilizes the contents, and sensitive items like glass or electronics require double packaging. Liquids should be placed in sealed bags. Adhesive tape should be applied along all edges, not just on the top, ensuring that the box remains secure even under pressure or in humidity.

Permissible size of shipments to Switzerland

In international shipping, size and weight are limiting factors. Most parcel services specify maximum dimensions, such as girth (length + 2 × width + 2 × height) and weight limits. If exceeded, the shipment may be classified as bulky goods or a pallet shipment to Switzerland.

For merchants, it makes sense to adhere to standard sizes. This keeps costs predictable and delivery uncomplicated. Especially in everyday B2B operations, this means it is better to pack cartons efficiently rather than choosing ones that are too large. Even a single extra centimeter can change the rate. Those who ship regularly work best with fixed carton formats that match the common parcel classes exactly.

Which goods are not allowed to be shipped to Switzerland?

What can be shipped without any problems within Germany may be stopped at the border. For shipping to Switzerland, strict regulations apply, which concern not only customs but also safety and consumer protection. Even small mistakes can lead to a parcel being blocked for days or not being delivered at all.

The following groups of goods are particularly affected:

• Weapons, ammunition, and explosives of any kind.
• Flammable liquids or gases such as fuel or fireworks.
• Drugs and narcotics, even in small quantities.
• Food of animal origin without special permits.
• Medicines and remedies are subject to strict import regulations.
• Plants and seeds are regulated for plant protection reasons.
• Electronics with large lithium-ion batteries (e.g., e-bike batteries).

Anyone who wants to send a parcel to Switzerland should carefully check these restrictions. A shipment stopped at the border not only causes additional costs but can also damage a company’s reputation. Especially for B2B businesses, it is crucial to inspect every shipment to Switzerland beforehand, include all customs documents completely, and pay attention to special regulations. This makes parcel shipping to Switzerland predictable, safe, and reliable.

Delivery time for parcels to Switzerland

Speed is a promise that matters in cross-border trade. Standard shipping from Germany to Switzerland usually takes two to five working days. Express shipping to Switzerland can be completed in one to two days, sometimes even within 24 hours, which is a clear advantage for time-sensitive orders. Those who use shipping to Switzerland regularly are aware of the differences depending on the provider and service level.

However, theory and practice often differ. Holidays such as August 1st (Swiss National Day) or regional specifics can significantly extend transit times. Customs clearance also plays a role: Even if no duties are due, the inspection may take several additional hours or even days.

This is why it is advisable to always plan with some buffer. Those who ship parcels to Switzerland and proactively inform customers about potential delays reduce complaints and build long-term trust.

Address format for shipping to Switzerland

An incorrect address is one of the most common reasons for delayed deliveries. Swiss Post requires a uniform and clear address format: name, street with building number, postal code and city, and finally the country in capital letters.

Example address:

Anna Meier 
Bahnhofstrasse 20 
8001 Zurich 
SWITZERLAND

Accuracy is crucial: Even a single wrong digit in the postal code can delay delivery by days. In addition, special characters like “ß” should be replaced with “ss” to avoid issues in electronic processing systems. Especially in international shipping, the correct address format for Switzerland ensures smooth delivery. Companies that use automated address checks can prevent returns and unnecessary extra costs.

Customs regulations for shipping to Switzerland

Switzerland does not belong to the EU, and this makes shipping from Germany more complex. Parcels must be declared for customs upon import, regardless of whether it is a single small parcel or a larger goods shipment. For the sender, this means that accompanying documents such as a commercial invoice or a customs declaration are mandatory.

Particular attention should be paid to:

• A commercial invoice with exact details of value, contents, and recipient.
• Customs declaration (CN22 or CN23), depending on value and shipment type.
• An EORI number for businesses exporting regularly.
• Special certificates for alcohol, tobacco products, cosmetics, or medicines.
• Electronic pre-registration if trade volume exceeds certain thresholds.

Not all goods are free of charges. Certain categories like alcohol, tobacco, or cosmetics may incur additional customs duties and VAT. Companies that ignore these requirements risk delays, penalties, and added handling fees. By preparing Swiss customs documents correctly, you can avoid unnecessary delays for your customers.

Parcel tracking in Switzerland

Transparency in international shipping is not optional, it is expected. Modern parcel tracking in Switzerland provides visibility of every step, from pickup at the sender to final delivery to the recipient. For merchants, this is doubly valuable: customers remain informed, and internal processes can be planned more efficiently.

Most providers issue tracking numbers that work with both German and Swiss carriers. This allows customers to see whether a parcel from Germany to Switzerland is still with customs or already out for delivery. For B2B businesses, this level of transparency is invaluable because it makes supply chains more predictable and reduces service requests.

Shipping to Switzerland with Shipstage

Overall, it is not only the choice of the carton or the correct customs tariff number that matters, but the entire process. A platform like Shipstage brings together all the decisive steps and makes parcel shipping to Switzerland more efficient and more transparent.

Key advantages for businesses include:

• Real-time price comparison: multiple providers side by side, without tedious individual queries.
• Automated documents: customs papers and invoices are generated without manual duplication.
• Centralized control: standard, express, returns, and even special shipments are managed through a single dashboard.
• Easy label creation: shipping labels for multiple orders can be printed with just a few clicks.
• Transparency for all: complete shipment tracking Switzerland, from pickup to delivery.

For merchants, this means fewer sources of error, better oversight, and a shipping process that can be scaled flexibly. Those who regularly send goods to Switzerland save time and costs and strengthen their customers' trust through reliable workflows.

FAQ 

Which holidays in Switzerland can delay parcels?

Deliveries may take longer during Christmas, Easter, and the National Day on August 1st, as carriers are under heavy demand.

What is the cheapest parcel shipping to Switzerland?

There is no universal answer. Using a shipping cost calculator Switzerland helps compare options by weight, dimensions, and delivery method.

Are parcels delivered on Saturdays in Switzerland?

Yes, many carriers offer this service, though availability depends on the chosen shipping option.

Is my parcel to Switzerland covered by insurance?

In general, parcels are insured, but the coverage amount can vary depending on the provider, especially when a parcel from Germany to Switzerland is sent with a higher declared value.

Can I arrange parcel pickup in Switzerland?

Yes, both for larger shipments and small parcels to Switzerland, carriers offer pickup services directly from the recipient.

Are there special rules for returns from Switzerland?

Yes, returns must follow the same customs information and import regulations as outbound shipments, meaning that extra documents are required.