Shipping from Spain to Switzerland: Customs Guide 2026

1. Why Switzerland Requires Full Customs

Switzerland has signed over 120 bilateral agreements with the EU but chose not to join the EU Single Market or Customs Union. This means goods moving between Spain (EU) and Switzerland (non-EU) are treated as international trade in both directions — full customs formalities apply at both borders.

However, the EU–Switzerland Free Trade Agreement (in force since 1973) grants preferential zero or reduced duty rates for EU-origin goods. A valid EUR.1 movement certificate or statement of preferential origin must accompany the shipment for the importer to benefit from these preferential rates. For most Spanish industrial goods, this means 0% Swiss import duty — a significant advantage only if the EUR.1 is correctly prepared.

2. Document Checklist: Spain & Switzerland

Spain — Export Side

Switzerland — Import Side

3. Step-by-Step Process

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4. Swiss Import Duty Rates for Spanish Exports

Most EU-origin goods enter Switzerland at 0% duty with EUR.1. Without proof of origin, MFN rates apply. Agricultural goods face the highest MFN rates.

Source: Swiss Customs Tariff (Tares) 2026. Always verify at tares.ch. Agricultural duties are weight-based (CHF/kg). Swiss VAT reduced rate (2.6%) applies to food, medicines, and books.

5. Full Cost Breakdown

6. RPLP: Switzerland's Truck Road Tax

The RPLP (Leistungsabhängige Schwerverkehrsabgabe) applies to every kilometre driven in Switzerland by trucks over 3.5 tonnes. The rate is calculated as: km × tonnes × emissions factor (CHF/tonne-km). Euro VI trucks pay the lowest rate; older trucks pay significantly more.

For a standard 40t articulated truck driving 300 km in Switzerland, RPLP is approximately CHF 200–350 (€180–320). Trans-road collects RPLP via an on-board GPS unit and includes the surcharge in the all-in rate for Spain–Switzerland groupage. No separate invoice item from Trans-road.

Frequently Asked Questions

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