In this article the process and documents required for customs clearance for exports from Switzerland to Germany are clarified.
What should the commercial invoice/proforma and customs power of attorney look like?
For customs clearance, we need your commercial invoice or proforma invoice and the customs power of attorney or customs declaration in PDF format.
If you do not wish to make the customs declaration yourself, you will receive a customs power of attorney to fill out from us. It will be sent to you automatically after booking the transport.
The commercial invoice/proforma must contain the following information:
- 11-digit customs tariff number (information directly from customs)
- Delivery term (e.g. DAP)
- Origin of goods
- GER-EORI number and VAT ID of the consignee/importer in GER
- German product description for each customs tariff number (can also be sent by e-mail)
- Reason for export (e.g. sale, return, repair, processing procedure)
How do I handle preferential goods?
If the transported goods are preferential goods, please add a declaration of origin to your invoice:
"The exporter of the goods covered by this commercial document declares that, unless otherwise indicated, these goods are preferential EU originating goods."
If no preferential goods are sent, please note on the invoice:
"These are not preferential goods".
For more information on preferential goods, please visit our Help Center:
➡ What are originating goods and preferential goods?
If you do not ship preferential goods, the shipment will be made as a dutiable DAP.
Who pays import customs clearance and import duties?
Import customs clearance and import duties (VAT/customs duties) are settled directly with our customer.
We know that the customs clearance process can be a challenge, especially for new customers. Our customs team will be happy to answer any further questions or concerns you may have.