Third country solutions

Third country solutions

Third country solutions

Deliveries to Switzerland

Thanks to direct transport routes and well-thought-out customs clearance processes during the parcel transport, which that way have no influence on transit times, deliveries to Switzerland are as easy as possible with GLS.

The possibility of creating different frankings allows corresponding costs to be allocated to the sender and recipient, collective customs clearances reduce the customs clearance costs per parcel and our collaboration with Swiss Post guarantees high delivery quality.

SWITZERLAND: Abolition of industrial tariffs

On January 1, 2024, industrial tariffs will be abolished In Switzerland.

Companies and consumers benefit equally from the abolition and the associated simplification of administrative procedures. By reducing trade barriers, Switzerland will not only be strengthened as a location of business, but consumers will also benefit from savings as prices might drop.

The removal of industrial tariffs affects goods covered by Chapters 25-97 of the Swiss Customs Tariff, with the exception of certain products covered by Chapters 35 and 38, which are classified as agricultural products. From January 1, 2024, these products will no longer be subject to customs duties when imported into Switzerland.

For GLS customers, this means that the normal (non-preferential) duty rate for industrial products imported into Switzerland is zero. When importing industrial products that are expected to remain in or be consumed in Switzerland at the time of import, the application of free trade agreements (FTAs) or the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for the benefit of developing countries is no longer necessary.

This means that preferential proof of origin does not have to be presented for such imports. Please find more information about the removal of industrial tariffs here:

Swiss State Secretariat of Economic Affairs

Reduction of Swiss customs tariff numbers

Along with the removal of industrial tariffs, the number of Swiss customs tariff numbers for industrial products will be greatly reduced in order to reduce complexity.

The removal of tariffs on industrial products and the streamlining of the tariff structure are leading to changes in the Swiss labor tariff. GLS customers must ensure that correct HS codes are included in their invoices or customs data files so that there are no disruptions in parcel and shipping data processing.

Here you will find a link to the Swiss tariff database to check the accuracy of your HS codes:

Check your HS codes

United Kingdom

Your export to the UK is in safe hands with GLS!

From 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) will have the status of a third country from the perspective of the European Union. This means that the movement of goods and thus parcel dispatch between the EU and the UK will be subject to customs supervision from this day.

For many years, GLS has been customers’ reliable partner for parcel deliveries across Europe and the world. This is why GLS customers rely on existing, proven processes for smooth imports and exports. This also includes deliveries requiring customs clearance. Thus GLS will give its customers extensive support for shipments to the UK also from 2021.

Get an overview of the customs regulations in the information which you can download further below.

GLS -location-with-a van

Requirements for export to the UK at a glance

EORI number

For shipping to countries outside the EU, you require a so-called EORI number for your business (Economic Operators' Registration and Identification). You can apply for an EORI number from the Austrian customs authorities.

Goods classification on basis of customs tariff numbers (HS code numbers)

Goods shipments to non-EU countries must be classified. For this, customs use goods or customs tariff numbers, so-called HS code numbers. This defines which goods are included in your shipment and how high the import duties and other import taxes are.

Documents required for customs

Commercial or pro forma invoice

For shipments to the UK a commercial or pro forma invoice in English is required. A commercial invoice is required for goods with commercial value and the pro forma invoice for goods without commercial value.

Export declaration

An electronic export declaration is required for every shipment to a third country. Gladly we prepare the export declaration for you. Please find the costs on our price list or get in touch with your contact at GLS.

An overall overview of the customs regulations can be found in the download area below.

 

UK information for download

Customer information
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Presentation
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