Swiss Customs Limits: Value Updates, Declaration, and Consequences (cross-border guide)

Context

Customs limits in Switzerland: update of values, declaration and consequences for the front

Switzerland has updated the duty-free limits for purchases in Switzerland, effective from 1 January 2024. These limits have been increased by €5,000 compared to the previous agreement, bringing them to €10,000.

This change has important consequences for borders and for companies dealing with transport and cross-border trade. The new duty-free limits introduce greater simplifications and certainty for consumers and businesses.

For example, businesses can now more easily keep track of their purchases and related customs charges thanks to the new registration system. This system simplifies the declaration of customs data and allows companies to submit their customs declarations in a standardised format, facilitating the verification and analysis of data.

With regard to the consequences for borders, most aspects relating to customs procedures and the transport register have remained unchanged compared to the previous agreement. However, there is one important novelty: borders no longer have to take into account duty-free limits for non-white-listed goods. This means that borders can continue to carry out their work without worrying about potential breaches.

New Duty-Free Limits Introduce

Operational details

New Border Agreement: updates to customs limits in Switzerland 📍

The entry into force of the New Frontier Agreement has resulted in significant changes for border guards purchasing in Switzerland. The customs exemption limit has been updated from €5,000 to €10,000, i.e. the declaration threshold.

> > For purchases above the new limit, a declaration must be submitted to Swiss customs.

Statement Changes

The new customs limits require a more detailed declaration than in the past. Here are some concrete examples:

• Amount of the asset: If the purchase exceeds 10,000 euros, it is mandatory to specify the exact amount.
• Personal data: Please provide information such as the buyer's name, residential address and place of origin.
• Currency: If the purchase amount is in a currency other than Euro, you must specify the Euro equivalent and the exchange rate.

Rules and Consequences of High Deductible

The declaration is mandatory for purchases over 10,000 euros, but it is not the only consequence. Here is a list of other factors to consider:

• Waiting time: The wait for the validation of the purchase may vary depending on the amount and type of goods purchased.
• Taxation: Purchases over the limit may be subject to customs taxes and/or VAT.
• Customs verification: The product can be submitted

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Key points

Customs limits in Switzerland: update of values, declaration and consequences for the front

The Italian-Swiss border is located in Ticino, a region of southern Italy that borders Switzerland, one of the richest countries in Europe. The border between the two countries was opened for more people and goods after the loosening of anti-COVID-19 restrictions. However, to avoid the consequences of exceeding the duty-free limit, border guards must follow certain rules and procedures.

The duty-free limit is €10,000 per person and for each entry or exit. This means that, for example, if an Italian resident in Ticino buys goods for an amount greater than €10,000, he will have to declare their value to Swiss customs. Exceeding the limit can lead to fines and other penalties. For example, the fine for an undeclared overrun can range from 5,000 to 10,000 Swiss francs (CHF) per person and for each case of overrun, as provided for by the law on wholesale trade and buying and selling for the purpose of public interest.

To avoid these consequences, border workers must follow these best practices:

1. Mandatory declaration : If the value of the purchases exceeds the limit of €10,000, it is mandatory to declare their value to Swiss customs. The declaration can be made in cash or by means of a signed and authenticated written declaration at

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