Swiss Beer: A Guide To Buying Imports

Swiss customs regulations allow for the import of goods for private use or as gifts, which are duty-free up to a certain quantity. For alcoholic beverages, the limit is 5 litres for drinks with an alcohol content of under 18% and 1 litre for drinks over 18%per person per day and individuals must be at least 17 years old. When importing goods into Switzerland, it is important to be aware of the customs duties and VAT that may apply, especially for goods with a total value exceeding CHF 300. The Swiss customs clearance app, Quickzoll, can be used to declare goods and calculate the applicable duties and taxes.

Importing Swiss beer: customs duties and VAT

When importing Swiss beer, it's important to be aware of the applicable customs duties and value-added tax (VAT) requirements. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:

Customs Duties

When importing goods into Switzerland, certain rules and regulations must be followed. Customs duties may apply depending on the type and quantity of the goods. In the case of alcohol, including beer, there is a duty-free allowance for a certain amount per person per day. For alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of less than 18%, the allowance is 5 litres per person per day, while for beverages with an alcohol content of more than 18%, the allowance is 1 litre per person per day. If you exceed these limits, you will be charged customs duties.

Value-Added Tax (VAT)

In addition to customs duties, you must also consider VAT when importing Swiss beer. Switzerland applies a VAT rate of 7.7% to the total value of imports worth over 300 Swiss francs. This VAT is payable regardless of any customs duties that may apply. It's important to note that the QuickZoll app, which is used for customs clearance, always applies the higher VAT rate of 7.7%, even for goods that would typically be subject to a reduced tax rate of 2.5%. Therefore, if you wish to pay the reduced rate, you need to look for a border control point with staff and register the goods there.

Importing Process

To import Swiss beer, you can utilise the QuickZoll app provided by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. This app allows you to declare your goods and pay any applicable customs fees directly. Alternatively, if there are customs officials at the border crossing, you can make a verbal declaration of the goods you are carrying. If you are travelling by rail, you can declare to a customs official on the train, or at any customs office during business hours within seven days of your arrival in Switzerland if there are no officials on the train.

Documentation

When importing goods into Switzerland, certain documentation is required. For importing beer, you will need a Bill of Lading and/or an Airway Bill, as well as a Certificate of Origin established by the country of origin's competent authorities. While not mandatory, a packing list may also facilitate the clearance of goods.

Labelling Requirements

When importing beer into Switzerland, the labels on the bottles or containers must comply with specific requirements. These include providing the name and address of the producer, the volume in metric quantities, allergen information for any sulfites present, and a declaration of the importer's name and address. The labels must also be designed to be easily destroyed if removal is attempted.

Other Considerations

It's important to note that the import of alcohol into Switzerland is generally permitted, but there may be additional restrictions, authorisations, or prohibitions for certain goods. Additionally, the Federal Commission for Control in Trade of Wine and the Federal Office for Agriculture oversee most of the regulations for beer, as it falls outside the scope of the Swiss Alcohol Board's responsibilities.

Beer labelling requirements

Switzerland has stringent labelling requirements for food, including ingredients and health information, as well as the country of production and origin of ingredients. Beer labelling requirements are as follows:

• Name and address of the producer
• Geographical indication
• Volume (in metric quantities only)
• Allergen labelling for beers containing sulfites
• “Importer:” or “Imported by”, along with the importer’s name and address (at least postcode and location)
• Quantitative Ingredients Declaration (QUID) – list of ingredients
• Actual alcoholic strength (this applies to drinks with an alcohol content of more than 0.5% by volume, with the symbol “% vol.”, and the tolerance margin should not be more than 0.5% by volume)
• Lot identification number
• Special storage conditions (if applicable)

Labels must be made so that they are easily destroyed if removal from bottles or containers is attempted.

Importing beer for personal use

Understand the Regulations:

Research the specific laws and regulations for the country you are importing to. For example, if importing to the United States, you will need to comply with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations.

Permits and Licenses:

Determine if you need any specific permits or licenses for the country you are importing to. For instance, in the US, you need an Importer's Basic Permit from the TTB, which can be obtained by submitting the necessary forms online or on paper.

Quantity and Frequency:

Consider the quantity of beer you wish to import and the frequency of importation. Some countries, like the US, allow one-time imports for personal use without requiring an Importer's Permit. However, repeated or continuous imports may raise suspicion of commercial purposes and require additional permits.

Taxes and Duties:

Be prepared to pay applicable taxes and duties. Even for personal use, federal, state, and local taxes and duties may apply. These vary based on factors such as quantity, product type, and country of origin. Contact the relevant authorities to understand the specific taxes and duties you may incur.

Shipping and Transportation:

Familiarize yourself with the shipping and transportation regulations. If using a commercial carrier, contact them in advance, as they may have strict guidelines for shipping alcohol. Understand the transloading process, which involves moving the beer between different modes of transportation.

Age and Origin Requirements:

Obtain any necessary certificates of age and origin for the beer. These certificates identify the nation importing the beverage and when it was produced. Requirements may vary depending on the country of origin, so ensure you comply with the specific requirements of your source country.

Labels and Ingredients:

Ensure that the beer's labels comply with the destination country's requirements. This may include information such as the name and address of the producer, volume, ingredients, and actual alcoholic strength. Some countries, like Switzerland, have specific labelling laws, including the need for a Swiss contact responsible for the beverage.

Customs Clearance:

Understand the customs clearance process and any associated apps or forms. For example, Switzerland has the Quickzoll app, which allows private individuals to declare goods and pay applicable customs duties and VAT.

Prohibited Items:

Be aware of any prohibited items or restrictions on certain goods. For instance, the import of counterfeit goods is prohibited in Switzerland.

State and Local Requirements:

Research the state and local requirements for the destination country. These can vary widely and may include limits on the amount of alcohol that can be imported without a license.

By following these steps and staying informed about the regulations, taxes, and permits, you can effectively import beer for personal use while complying with the necessary legal requirements.

Importing beer by air or sea

When importing beer, you can choose between air and sea transportation. Each option has its own advantages and drawbacks, which are important to consider when making your choice.

Air transport is the faster option, but it is also more expensive, especially for larger volumes of beer. If you are working with a tight deadline, this may be the preferred option. However, if you are importing in bulk, sea transport is the more cost-effective choice. While it is slower and more susceptible to delays due to weather conditions, sea transport allows for the shipment of large quantities of beer by container ship.

Regardless of your chosen mode of transportation, there are several key steps and considerations to keep in mind when importing beer. Firstly, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the legal and regulatory landscape of the destination country. In the United States, for example, the importation of beer is governed by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Understanding the requirements of these agencies is crucial to ensure a smooth importation process.

Another important consideration is the involvement of a logistics operator specialising in beer export. Their expertise can be invaluable in navigating the complex customs and logistical procedures associated with importing beer. They can guide you through the necessary documentation, which typically includes a commercial invoice, customs declaration of value, transport insurance, freight documents, and a certificate of origin.

Additionally, it is worth noting that certain countries, like the United States, do not allow the importation of beer by individuals. This means that shipment by mail or parcel is not a viable option, and you must work with a qualified logistics operator to ensure compliance with the destination country's regulations.

Lastly, when importing beer, it is crucial to be mindful of any applicable duties, taxes, and fees. These can vary depending on the destination country and the type of beverage being imported. For instance, import taxes on beer in Vietnam differ depending on the alcohol content and country of origin. Understanding these financial implications is essential to ensure a seamless and cost-effective importation process.

Importing beer by land

When importing beer by land, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to be aware of the regulations and requirements that may apply to your specific situation. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Understand the regulations: Different countries have different rules for importing alcohol. In Switzerland, the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) oversees customs regulations. Make sure you understand the rules and any applicable duties, taxes, or restrictions.
• Quantity restrictions: The amount of beer you can import by land may be limited. For example, when travelling by land into Switzerland, individuals over 17 years old can bring a maximum of 16 litres of beer for personal use, according to Swiss customs regulations.
• Customs declaration: Depending on the quantity and value of the beer, you may need to complete a customs declaration. In Switzerland, this can be done electronically using the e-dec web Import platform or through a forwarding agent.
• Duty and tax payments: When importing beer, you may be subject to customs duties and taxes. These charges vary depending on the alcohol content of the beer and the country of import. In Switzerland, for example, there is a standard customs duty rate for wine, regardless of the country of origin.
• Labelling requirements: If you are importing beer for commercial purposes, ensure that the labelling complies with the regulations of the destination country. In Switzerland, labels must include specific information such as the name and address of the producer, volume in metric quantities, allergen information, and more.
• Permits and licences: Depending on the quantity and purpose of the import, you may need to obtain specific permits or licences. For example, in Switzerland, wine importers must register with the Swiss Wine Trade Control and obtain a general import permit from the Federal Office for Agriculture.
• Transport and storage conditions: Ensure that the beer is transported and stored according to any applicable regulations and that it complies with any special storage conditions specified by the producer.
• Restricted and prohibited items: Some countries have restrictions or prohibitions on certain types of goods. For example, the import of certain counterfeit goods and protected species products is prohibited in Switzerland.
• Health and safety standards: Ensure that the beer complies with any health and safety standards, such as those related to food additives or GMOs, that may be in place in the destination country.
• Payment methods: Familiarise yourself with the payment methods accepted by the customs authorities in the destination country. In Switzerland, the official FOCBS application, Quickzoll, allows individuals to declare goods and pay applicable customs duties and taxes directly through the app.

By following these steps and staying informed about the regulations in the country of import, you can effectively navigate the process of importing beer by land.

Frequently asked questions