Importing a robot into Switzerland: what it really costs
Most robot dogs and humanoid robots reach Switzerland by import, from the European Union or from China. The big Swiss advantage: since 2024 robots carry no customs duty at all. What does apply is 8.1 per cent import VAT, plus shipping and a clearance fee from the carrier.
Estimated final price in Switzerland
CHF 2'089
Markup over the value of the goods: 12 %
- Value of goods (CHF)
- CHF 1'859
- Shipping
- CHF 60
- Customs duty
- CHF 0
- Import VAT (8.1 %)
- CHF 155
- Clearance fee
- CHF 15
- Total
- CHF 2'089
Without warranty. Estimate based on the rules of the Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. The current FOCBS rules and your carrier invoice are what count. This is neither tax nor legal advice. As of (2026-07-23)
How importing works
Customs duty: zero. Switzerland unilaterally abolished industrial tariffs, machinery and electronics included, on 1.1.2024, regardless of the country of origin. Robots fall under this, and no proof of origin is needed as long as the goods stay in Switzerland.
Import VAT: 8.1 per cent. The standard rate has applied since 1 January 2024 and is levied on the customs value, meaning the goods plus transport into Switzerland. If the tax comes to 5 francs or less it is not levied, which practically never happens with a robot.
Clearance fee. Swiss Post or the courier charge this on top, but only when import tax is actually due.
It may already be included. Large dealers, from CHF 100'000 of annual turnover in small consignments into Switzerland, must register for Swiss VAT and then show it directly on the invoice. In that case nothing is added on delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Is there customs duty on a robot imported into Switzerland?
No. Switzerland abolished industrial tariffs on 1 January 2024, robots included and regardless of the country of origin. Import VAT of 8.1 per cent does apply.
What is the import VAT calculated on?
On the customs value: the value of the goods plus transport costs to Switzerland, plus any customs duty, which is zero for robots. The rate is 8.1 per cent.
Is there a threshold below which nothing is charged?
Yes, but a small one: if the import tax comes to 5 francs or less it is not levied, which corresponds to roughly CHF 62 of goods value. A robot is almost always above that. The frequently quoted CHF 300 limit is outdated (CHF 150 since 2025) and only applies to travellers, not to postal orders.
What about the clearance fee?
Swiss Post or the courier charge a clearance fee on top, but only when import tax is actually levied. Roughly CHF 11.50 to 16 plus about 3 per cent at Swiss Post, similar amounts with a minimum around CHF 19 to 20 at private couriers.
Could it be that I owe nothing extra?
Yes. If the foreign dealer ships enough into Switzerland, from CHF 100'000 of annual turnover in small consignments, it must register for Swiss VAT and show it directly on the invoice. It then handles the import and nothing is added on delivery.
Specific models and where to buy them are listed in therobot database, which is kept in German but readable for prices and dealer names.