Since Switzerland is not a member state of the European Union (EU), the EU laws do not apply on the Swiss territory. However, in order to ensure good trading relations among the two entities, the Swiss authorities have created a legal framework which is compatible with the EU regulations.
Businesses incorporated in this country do not have to complete the steps for
EORI registration in Switzerland, as the
EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) system is not applicable here. However, there is a
corresponding identification number available for
Swiss businesses, which is represented by the
Enterprise Identification Number (UID). This
number is necessary for
Swiss businesses involved in the
import or the export of goods and
our team of consultants in company registration in Switzerland can present the legal requirements for obtaining this
identification number.
What are the regulations for import-export operations in Switzerland?
Businessmen who want to
open a company in Switzerland that develops business activities related to the
import or the export of goods should consider the fact that the legislation in the field was modified a few years ago. During the procedure of
company formation in Switzerland, a legal entity must also
obtain the UID number. Since 2014, the
UID number is used by a wide range of
Swiss institutions, such as the
Commercial Register of the
VAT Register.
With regards to the
UID number for customs operations, it is necessary to know that the
Federal Customs Administration also uses the
UID number for the verification of the company. Starting with the 1st of January 2016, the
customs authorities can process
customs declarations completed by
Swiss entities only if they provide the
UID number.
Our team of specialists in company formation in Switzerland can assist with more details on the new rules.
Although the
EORI number in Switzerland does not apply to
Swiss companies, it is necessary to know that
Swiss entities developing
trading activities in the EU, or other activities that are related to the
EU customs, will need to
apply for an EORI number. Thus, in the case of
Swiss businesses that fall under these categories, the
EORI in Switzerland will not apply, but the entity will
need to obtain an EORI number in the EU country where it is considered a
customs declarant.
From here,
Swiss companies should follow the
EORI registration procedure available in the country where they develop their
trading activities, but only in the case in which the entities are considered
active declarants. The
application for an EORI number has to be done prior to
engaging in customs operations. If not, the goods that will be traded between
Switzerland and the respective EU country will be blocked by the
customs authorities of the importing country.
What are the requirements for importing goods into Switzerland?
As a business located outside
Switzerland which
imports goods into this country, various procedures will apply. European companies
importing products into this country must present their
EORI number in Switzerland. In the relation with the
Swiss authorities, including the
customs authorities, all such businesses are required to present their
EORI number in various types of documents required by the local institutions.
The rule is available for
importers, exporters, transporters and other entities engaging in trading operations. Businesses located outside the EU must also present their
EORI in Switzerland and, considering that the country is not a member state of the EU, it is necessary to know that all the products imported here must
obtain customs clearance.
What is the current situation of the import-export levels in Switzerland?
The
Federal Customs Administration has gathered the latest data regarding the situation of the
import-export levels registered by the
customs offices in this country. Persons engaging in trading activities can request additional information on the current regulations from
our team of consultants in Swiss company formation, who can advise on any particular requirements applicable to certain groups of products imported here. At the moment, the
import-export activities in Switzerland are represented by the following:
- • at the level of 2019, the total value of the exports accounted for CHF 312 billion (an increase of 2,6% compared to 2018);
- • the total value of the imports into Switzerland accounted for CHF 275 billion (increase of 0,7% compared to 2018);
- • the highest share of Swiss exports was represented by chemical and pharmaceutical products (with a total value of CHF 115 billion and a share of 36,7% of all the exports);
- • the highest demand for an import product in Switzerland was observed in the case of precious metals and gemstones, accounting for CHF 68 billion and a share of 24,6%;
- • the top trading partner was Germany (exports of CHF 48 billion and imports of CHF 57 billion).