Switzerland customs rules & duty-free allowances
Switzerland is not in the EU, so EU duty-free rules do not apply. The biggest trap for travellers is the strict cash declaration threshold of CHF 10,000 — you must declare any amount over that in cash or equivalent monetary instruments. Non-resident adults (18+) get a flat duty-free allowance of CHF 300 for goods, but alcohol and tobacco have separate, lower limits. In 2026, expect spot checks on meat and dairy products from outside the EU/EFTA.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with a permit)
- Counterfeit goods (brand fakes, pirated items)
- Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (including pepper spray over 50ml)
- Endangered species products (CITES: ivory, rhino horn, etc.)
- Pornographic material depicting minors
- Meat and dairy products from outside the EU/EFTA (except small quantities for personal use with a health certificate)
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Cash over CHF 10,000 (must declare)
- Medications containing narcotics or psychotropics (permit required)
- Plants, seeds, and soil (phytosanitary certificate needed)
- Drones over 250g (must be registered and have insurance)
- Satellite phones and encrypted devices (may require approval from OFCOM)
Arriving: red vs green channel
Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare and are within limits. Use the red channel if you exceed allowances or have restricted/prohibited items. No arrival card is required; customs officers may randomly stop you. If unsure, use the red channel.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Tax-free shopping: minimum purchase CHF 300 per store per day. Look for 'Global Blue' or 'Tax Free' signs. Get a tax-free form at the shop, then get it stamped by Swiss customs at the airport (before check-in). Refund is processed at the airport or by mail.
Bringing medication
Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed without a prescription if you have a doctor's note or prescription. Narcotics and psychotropic drugs (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD meds) require a special permit from Swissmedic. Some common Western meds like codeine-based painkillers are controlled.
Food, plants & animal products
Meat, dairy, and animal products from outside the EU/EFTA are banned or strictly limited. Fruits, vegetables, and plants must be declared and may require a phytosanitary certificate. No raw milk products from non-EU countries. Honey and spices are generally allowed in small quantities.
Rules worth knowing
Non-EU origin goods
Goods bought in EU countries are not automatically duty-free. Switzerland applies its own CHF 300 allowance regardless of origin. If you arrive from an EU country, you still must declare anything over CHF 300.
Cash declaration is mandatory
If you carry CHF 10,000 or more in cash (or equivalent), you must fill out form 15.90 before customs. Failure to declare can result in seizure and a fine of up to CHF 10,000.
Meat and dairy from EU/EFTA
Up to 1 kg of meat and 1 kg of dairy per person is allowed from EU/EFTA countries. From non-EU/EFTA, only small quantities with a health certificate are allowed — best to avoid.
Tobacco and alcohol are separate
Even if your goods total is under CHF 300, you still cannot exceed the specific alcohol/tobacco limits. Over those limits, you must pay duty and VAT.