Switzerland
Key advice
Photography gear already owned before your trip is exempt without limit as personal travel effects. From January 2025, the VAT threshold for new goods will be lowered to CHF 150. To avoid any issues upon returning to Switzerland, have expensive equipment registered with the BAZG office before leaving the country.
- Customs authority
- Office fédéral de la douane et de la sécurité des frontières (OFDF / BAZG)
- Personal duty-free allowance
- 165 USD (~CHF 150)
- ATA Carnet
- Accepted
- Official website
- bazg.admin.ch ↗
Practical scenarios
You're traveling to Switzerland with a GoPro Hero 12 and its waterproof housing, valued at approximately CHF 500. At Swiss customs, simply declare it as your personal diving equipment, already in your possession. As personal travel effects you already own, these items are exempt from VAT and customs duties. There's no major risk; the process is quick and straightforward if the equipment is visibly used and personal.
You're entering Switzerland with an APS-C mirrorless kit (e.g., Sony A6700) in an Isotta housing, total value CHF 3,500. Before departing Switzerland, you had this valuable equipment registered by the OFDF. Upon your return, present this proof to customs. If you haven't done this, you might be asked to prove that the equipment was purchased outside Switzerland or that VAT has already been paid, otherwise you risk having to pay it again (8.1% on CHF 3,500, which is approximately CHF 283.50).
You're arriving in Switzerland with a complete full-frame system (e.g., Nikon Z8) in a Nauticam housing, lenses, and arms, valued at CHF 12,000. An ATA Carnet is the ideal solution. Present it to Swiss customs upon entry and exit. Without an ATA Carnet or proof of prior possession (OFDF registration), you risk having to pay Swiss VAT (8.1% on CHF 12,000, which is CHF 972) and potentially customs duties, as the equipment might be considered a temporary import without guarantee of re-export.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to declare my underwater photography equipment if I already bought and used it before my trip to Switzerland?
No, if your underwater photography equipment is already in your possession and is part of your personal travel effects, it is exempt from declaration and taxes upon entry into Switzerland. This is a general rule for personal travel effects already owned.
What is the VAT threshold for new photography equipment acquisitions in Switzerland?
Since January 2025, the VAT threshold for new goods imported into Switzerland is CHF 150. If the value of your new acquisition exceeds this amount, you will be required to pay the Swiss VAT of 8.1%.
Where can I find official information on Swiss customs regulations for my photo equipment?
For detailed and official information, it is recommended to consult the website of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (OFDF) directly. For more information, please visit the official website: https://www.bazg.admin.ch/bazg/en/home.html.