Guide · Spain → Switzerland
Spain → Switzerland customs: how an import clears
Switzerland isn't in the EU, so every Spain-origin truck crosses a hard customs border. The good news is the flow is well-trodden — here's what actually happens.
5 min read
Step 1: Spanish export declaration
Our team in Castellar del Vallès files the export declaration in Spain before the truck departs. We're EU EORI-registered and file directly — this isn't outsourced.
The commercial invoice, packing list, HS codes, and origin documents you supply feed into the declaration. The output is an MRN (Movement Reference Number) that tracks the load across the EU border.
Step 2: Transit through France to the Swiss border
Typical routing is Barcelona → Lyon → Geneva or Barcelona → Milan → Chiasso, depending on destination. The truck is in transit-mode across France or Italy (depending on routing); no additional customs stops until the Swiss border.
Step 3: Swiss import clearance
At the Swiss border (Chiasso, Geneva, or Basel depending on route), the Swiss import declaration is filed by our authorized Swiss broker partner — not by SAVA directly. They hold the Swiss EORI equivalent and are registered with Swiss customs.
Swiss VAT (MwSt/TVA/IVA — 7.7% standard) and any applicable duties are declared. If your Swiss consignee is VAT-registered, they typically reclaim the MwSt; the mechanics of that are between them and the Swiss authorities.
Most packaged goods clear without physical inspection. SPS goods, ADR, and flagged high-value loads can be pulled for checks.
Step 4: Delivery to final consignee
Once cleared, the truck delivers to the Swiss consignee. Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern are our primary destinations; other Swiss cantons available on request.
The closed customs file — MRN cleared, Swiss import declared — is filed back with you for your records.
Related
How does customs clearance work for freight from Spain to Switzerland?
Switzerland is outside the EU, so freight from Spain requires export declarations in Spain and import clearance in Switzerland. SAVA Logistic handles Spanish export filing in-house (EU EORI held) and coordinates Swiss import through licensed partner brokers. Pre-lodged paperwork runs clearance in parallel with transit, minimizing border delays at Basel or Geneva crossings.
- •Switzerland is non-EU: full customs clearance required
- •Spanish export declarations filed in-house by SAVA Logistic
- •Swiss import coordinated via licensed partner brokers
- •Pre-lodged paperwork enables parallel clearance during transit
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