Saving Tips

VAT Limit 150 CHF 2026

March 1, 2026

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8 min

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checkeverything.ch Team

Swiss duty-free limit drops to 150 CHF. What changes when shopping in Germany, online shopping, and returning from vacation?

Note: This article contains general information about customs regulations. If in doubt, please contact the FOCBS (Federal Office for Customs and Border Security) directly.

The Swiss value exemption limit is dropping in 2026 from CHF 300 to CHF 150. This affects everyone who regularly shops abroad - whether it's weekend shopping in Germany or online shopping.

In this article, you'll learn what's changing and how best to deal with it.

⚠️ Important Change 2026The VAT exemption limit drops from CHF 300 to CHF 150. For purchases over CHF 150, you must pay Swiss VAT.

Key Changes at a Glance

Aspect	Previously (2025)	New (2026)
Value Exemption Limit	CHF 300	CHF 150
VAT Rate (standard)	8.1%	8.1%
VAT Rate (reduced)	2.6%	2.6%
Applies to	All private imports from abroad

What Does This Mean in Practice?

Example 1: Weekly Shopping in Germany

Purchase Value	2025	2026
CHF 100	✅ Duty-free	✅ Duty-free
CHF 150	✅ Duty-free	✅ Duty-free (threshold)
CHF 200	✅ Duty-free	❌ VAT due (~CHF 16)
CHF 300	✅ Duty-free	❌ VAT due (~CHF 24)
CHF 500	❌ VAT due	❌ VAT due (~CHF 40)

Example 2: Online Shopping from Abroad

Situation	VAT Obligation
Order up to CHF 150	No Swiss VAT
Order over CHF 150	Swiss VAT due
Large online shops (Amazon, Zalando, etc.)	Often Swiss VAT already included
Smaller foreign shops	VAT charged upon entry

What Remains Unchanged?

Quantity Restrictions (unchanged)

Product	Allowance per Person/Day
Meat/Sausages	1 kg
Butter	1 kg
Cooking Oils	5 liters
Wine	5 liters
Spirits (over 18% vol.)	1 liter
Cigarettes	250 pieces

📊 Important: Quantity restrictions apply in addition to the value exemption limit. Even if you stay under CHF 150, you may not bring in more than 1 kg of meat, for example.

How to Declare Correctly

QuickZoll App - The Easiest Method

The QuickZoll App from the federal government makes customs clearance simple:

Download app (iOS/Android, free)
Enter goods (value, category)
Calculate VAT automatically
Pay online (credit card, Twint)
Show QR code at customs

Benefits of the App

Benefit	Details
Time Savings	No waiting in line at customs counter
Available 24/7	Also at night and on weekends
Clear Overview	Exact calculation of duties
Digital Receipt	Receipt saved in the app

Saving Tips: How to Avoid Unnecessary Duties

Legal Strategies

Split purchases - Stay under CHF 150 with multiple people
Check Swiss alternatives - Sometimes cheaper than customs + purchase
Order online from Swiss shops - No customs issues
Reclaim German VAT - Possible for purchases over € 50 (Tax Free)

When Is Shopping Abroad Still Worth It?

Product	Price Advantage DE vs. CH	Worth It with VAT?
Groceries	20-40% cheaper	✅ Yes, usually
Drugstore Items	30-50% cheaper	✅ Yes
Electronics	10-20% cheaper	⚠️ Calculate!
Clothing	Variable	⚠️ Depends on brand

💡 Calculation Example

Purchase in Germany: € 200 (= ~CHF 190)

Swiss VAT: CHF 15.40 (8.1%)
= Total: CHF 205.40

Savings vs. Swiss price of CHF 260: Still saved CHF 54.60!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the CHF 150 Limit Apply per Person or per Household?

Per person. A family of 4 can therefore import goods worth CHF 600 if each person stays under CHF 150.

What Happens If I Don't Declare?

Fines and back payments apply if caught during inspections. Penalties can be substantial for repeat offenses. Honesty pays off!

Do I Have to Declare Gifts Too?

Yes, gifts also count toward the value exemption limit. A birthday present from abroad worth CHF 200 is subject to VAT.

How Is the Value Calculated?

The purchase price including foreign VAT applies. Keep receipts!

Conclusion: Shop Informed

The new CHF 150 limit means an adjustment for many cross-border shoppers. With the right strategy and the QuickZoll app, shopping abroad remains attractive.

Our Recommendations:

Install and use the QuickZoll app
Cleverly split purchases among people
Compare prices beforehand (including VAT)
Observe quantity restrictions
Keep receipts

Legal Notice: The information in this article is based on current customs regulations and is for informational purposes only. If in doubt, contact the FOCBS (Federal Office for Customs and Border Security). Status: March 2026.