What are Swiss VAT rates and how is import VAT applied?

Swiss VAT rates in force since 1 January 2024: 8.1% (standard) for most goods and services; 2.6% (reduced) for food, medicines, books, newspapers, water and, from 1 January 2025, menstrual hygiene products; 3.8% (special) for hotel accommodation (overnight with breakfast). Import VAT is calculated on: goods value + customs duties + transport/insurance costs to the Swiss border. Payment at customs in cash or via PCD/ZAZ deferred payment account (monthly cumulative invoice). VAT-registered Swiss businesses can recover import VAT as input tax. Registration threshold: CHF 100,000 global turnover. From 2025, SMEs under CHF 5,005,000 turnover can file annually. A rate increase planned for January 2026 has been delayed by Parliament, likely to 2028.

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