Within this article we will explain the process and the required documents for customs clearance when exporting from Germany to Switzerland.
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 from us to fill out. This will be sent to you automatically after booking the transport.
The commercial invoice/proforma must contain the following information:
- 8-digit customs tariff number (information directly from customs)
- Delivery term (e.g. DAP)
- Origin of the goods
- Signed copy of the invoice in block letters
- Reason for export (e.g. sale, return, repair, processing procedure)
- Product description for each customs tariff number from the german customs
- Gross and net weight of the shipment
How do I deal with preferential goods and declaration of origin?
If the goods transported are preferential goods, please add a declaration of origin to your invoice:
"The exporter of the goods to which this commercial document relates declares that, unless otherwise indicated, these goods are preferential EU originating goods".
When can I use EUR.1?
For shipments with a net value of more than 6,000 €, the EUR.1 form can be considered. The EUR.1 form replaces the declaration of origin for higher values of goods and allows you to benefit from reduced customs duties. Check with customs to see if your goods can benefit from reduced rates of duty according to EUR.1.
>>>For information on the subject of EUR.1, please contact customs.<<<
If no preferential goods are sent, please note on the invoice:
"These are not preferential goods".
In this case, the shipment is made as a dutiable DAP.
For more information on the Incoterm DAP, please visit our Help-Center:
You can find more information on preferential goods in our Help-Center:
➡ What are originating goods and preferential goods?
We know that the customs clearance process can be challenging, especially for new customers. Our customs team will be happy to answer any further questions or concerns you may have.