Sending a parcel to Switzerland from France can be complex: choosing the right carrier, variable rates, customs formalities… We guide you through comparing DHL, UPS or PostPac Priority solutions to find the most economical or fastest option. Also discover our tips to optimize your shipments with online discounts and optimal preparation for oversized parcels.
Summary
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Options for sending a parcel to Switzerland: services and carriers
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Rates and discounts for shipping parcels to Switzerland
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Customs formalities and restrictions for shipments to Switzerland
Options for sending a parcel to Switzerland: services and carriers
Several specialized carriers make it easier to send parcels to Switzerland from France. PostPac Priority ensures fast delivery while PostPac Economy offers an economical solution. DHL, UPS and Colissimo complete the offer with services tailored to your specific shipping needs.
Several carriers allow you to send a parcel to Switzerland, each with distinct advantages:
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DHL: Reduced express delivery times, real-time tracking for urgent parcels.
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Colissimo: Reliable international service, delivery at post offices or directly to homes.
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UPS: Competitive rates for standard parcels, 2-day delivery.
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Packlink: Price and time comparison tool, tailored solutions.
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Upela: Discounts on shipping fees, insurance up to €1000.
Each option meets specific needs, from urgent shipping to volume cost savings.
The PostPac Priority and Economy services of Swiss Post show notable differences. PostPac Economy delivers within 2 working days in Switzerland, with maximum dimensions of 100 × 60 × 60 cm and a weight between 100 g and 30 kg. Its price varies by weight (up to 2 kg: 8.50 CHF). PostPac Priority, faster, is suitable for urgent international parcels. A CHF 1.50 discount applies for labels created online. Extra charges may be added for signature, insurance, or handling fragile items.
The express services of DHL, UPS and others guarantee fast delivery to Switzerland. PostPac Priority provides accelerated international shipping. Delivery times vary depending on the destination and urgency. These premium solutions address urgent shipping needs with enhanced tracking and reduced delivery times.
Rates and discounts for shipping parcels to Switzerland
Rates vary depending on parcel weight and dimensions. Discover our detailed rates for shipping to Switzerland. Swiss Post applies fees in CHF with a discount available when creating the shipping label online.
Rates and discounts for shipping parcels to Switzerland
| Carrier/Service | Pricing details | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| PostPac Priority (Swiss Post) | CHF 1.50 discount per parcel via online label creation | Includes shipments via DataTransfer, Webservice “Barcode” and Digital Commerce API |
| PostPac Economy (Swiss Post) | Same CHF 1.50 discount applies | Economical option for less urgent shipments |
| Swiss Post business clients | Discounts on monthly turnover: – 2% from CHF 500 – 8% from CHF 2000 |
Discounts cumulative depending on shipping volume |
| Swiss Post surcharges | CHF 100 (excl. VAT) for parcels 0–40 kg CHF 135 above 40 kg |
Applied if weight or size limits are exceeded |
| Tarif-Colis.com | Access to exclusive promo codes and real-time comparison | Partners: Delivengo, Relais Colis, TNT Express, UPS Express |
Swiss Post offers discounts through its online services. Create your labels via “Étiquettes colis Suisse” to save CHF 1.50 per shipment. Businesses sending parcels regularly benefit from discounts on their monthly turnover: 2% from CHF 500, 4% from CHF 1000, up to 8% above CHF 2000. These discounts apply to PostPac Priority, PostPac Economy and other services. Clients sending more than 5000 parcels annually can request a personalized offer via the SME Contact Center.
Parcels exceeding the authorized dimensions (60 × 60 × 100 cm) or maximum weight of 30 kg incur extra charges. A surcharge of CHF 100 (excl. VAT) applies for parcels up to 40 kg, and CHF 135 (excl. VAT) for those over 40 kg. These fees cover additional handling and transport costs for oversized parcels. Always check dimensions and weight before shipping to avoid such surcharges.
Customs formalities and restrictions for shipments to Switzerland
Sending a parcel to Switzerland from France requires customs formalities. To better understand deliveries to Switzerland from Amazon, it’s useful to become familiar with these specifics. Mandatory documents include a detailed commercial invoice and a declaration form. Swiss VAT applies, calculated on the parcel’s value, with a standard rate of 8.1% and a reduced rate of 2.6%. The sender must note “VAT exempt – article 262 I 2° CGI” on the invoice.
- Prohibited products: firearms, explosives, narcotics, perishable food items.
- Goods requiring authorization: gold items, artwork subject to regulation, veterinary products.
- Parcel restrictions: gift shipments limited to 100 CHF (excluding tobacco and alcohol).
- Mandatory documents: commercial invoice, customs declaration, specific certificates depending on goods.
- Simplified formalities: 5 CHF threshold for minor tax exemption, 63 CHF threshold for certain VAT.
- Swiss Post sets technical limits for parcels. Maximum authorized weight is 30 kg. Maximum dimensions are 60 × 60 × 100 cm for a standard parcel. For bulky shipments, maximum length is 250 cm or a maximum girth of 400 cm.
FAQ
Does Mondial Relay deliver to Switzerland?
No, Mondial Relay does not deliver directly to Switzerland.
Does Chronopost deliver to Switzerland?
Yes, Chronopost delivers to Switzerland, offering services for both individuals and businesses to send documents and goods. Delivery times usually vary from 1 to 4 working days, depending on the type of shipment selected.
For urgent shipments, the Chrono Express option is available, ensuring faster delivery, often within one working day. It is important to provide a detailed commercial invoice for goods and to consider Swiss public holidays when calculating delivery times.
What is the cheapest service to send a parcel to Switzerland?
The cheapest service depends on the parcel’s weight, dimensions, and desired delivery speed. Swiss Post offers online discounts via “Étiquettes colis Suisse”, saving CHF 1.50 per parcel.
To compare options, use online comparison tools such as Packlink or Expedismart.
Why is shipping to Switzerland expensive?
Because it includes customs duties, VAT, and clearance fees. Each shipment is subject to Swiss VAT, calculated on the total value (goods + shipping). Exceptions exist if the total tax amount is less than 5 CHF.