E-commerce logistics · Switzerland
Switzerland e-commerce logistics: deliver Swiss customers fast, with no customs surprises
Switzerland is an attractive e-commerce market with high purchasing power. But it is outside the European Union: customs, Swiss VAT, lead times and returns complicate cross-border sales. Log Market helps you choose the right set-up, a warehouse in Switzerland or shipping from a neighbouring country, among 55 vetted logistics warehouses, several of them in Switzerland near Basel and Lausanne, and others just across the border in Bad Säckingen (Germany) and Strasbourg (France).
Vetted warehouses in Switzerland
Customs and VAT planned ahead
Local delivery and returns
Free assessment
What you get
The right set-up for Switzerland
Stock in Switzerland, shipping from neighbouring countries, or a mix of both: we compare based on your volumes and products.
Customs under control
Import formalities, any duties and Swiss VAT handled with warehouses and carriers used to crossing the border.
A local customer experience
Fast delivery, all-inclusive prices and simple returns for your Swiss customers.
Why Switzerland needs a specific logistics set-up
Switzerland is outside the European Union: every shipment crossing the border must be declared to customs and is subject to Swiss import VAT, sometimes to duties. For a customer, charges at delivery or a complicated return are enough to lose a sale. Logistics designed for Switzerland removes these pain points.
Two possible set-ups
- Store in Switzerland: goods are imported in bulk and cleared once, then orders are delivered locally, quickly and with no formalities for the customer. Returns stay in Switzerland.
- Ship from a neighbouring country: parcels leave a warehouse in France, Germany or Italy and are cleared on dispatch. A flexible option to start or test the market.
The right choice depends on your volumes to Switzerland, product value, target lead times and returns. Many brands start by shipping from a neighbouring country, then set up stock in Switzerland once sales take off.
Customs and Swiss VAT: points to plan for
- Above a certain turnover in Switzerland, a foreign seller must register for Swiss VAT and charge it to customers.
- Import formalities (declaration, origin of goods, any duties) must be planned before the first shipment.
- Prices shown to customers should include taxes to avoid charges at delivery.
- Returns must be organised so you do not pay formalities twice.
Rules change: we connect you with warehouses and carriers used to these formalities, and recommend confirming your tax position with an adviser.
Serving Europe and the UK from Switzerland
Are you a Swiss company? The reverse also applies: storing in an EU or UK warehouse lets you deliver European customers faster and simplifies formalities. The Log Market network has vetted warehouses in 9 countries, including France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. See our e-commerce logistics guide.
How the assessment works with Log Market
You describe your business in five minutes: volumes to Switzerland, products, parcel weights and dimensions, sales channels. We compare possible set-ups and offers from vetted warehouses on the same basis, then give you a reasoned recommendation. You sign directly with the warehouse you choose. Our support is free for you. See also: our vetted network.
Frequently asked questions about e-commerce logistics in Switzerland
Do I need a warehouse in Switzerland to sell to Swiss customers?
Not necessarily. Shipping from a neighbouring country works well to start. Stock in Switzerland becomes worthwhile as volumes grow, as it cuts lead times, per-parcel formalities and return costs.
Will my Swiss customers pay charges at delivery?
They should not if your set-up is well designed: taxes included in the price, clearance handled upstream and a suitable carrier.
Do I need to register for Swiss VAT?
Above a certain turnover in Switzerland, yes. Thresholds and rules change: we recommend checking your situation with a tax adviser.
How do I handle returns from Swiss customers?
With stock in Switzerland, returns stay local and go back into stock quickly. Without local stock, you need a returns solution that avoids paying formalities again: we include it in the assessment.
How much does Log Market's support cost?
Nothing: the assessment, the selection and the go-live follow-up are free and without commitment.
Further reading
Sell in Switzerland without the hassle
Free five-minute assessment, reply from a consultant within 48 working hours.
Assess my Swiss logistics