New customs limits: more wine and beer, less meat

A Swiss border guard at Geneva checks the boot of a Swiss car filled with goods bought in a French supermarket Keystone

From July 1, people travelling into Switzerland must follow new guidelines for importing goods. The regulations apply to items purchased for private use, such as food and beverages.

For example, whereas you used to be able to bring 500 grams of fresh meat or fish and 3.5 kilograms of other meat products, now you can only bring in one kilo – regardless of the type of meat. However, pet food doesn’t count.

The limits for alcohol have increased. Each person over the age of 17 may now bring up to five litres of wine, beer or any other beverage with an alcohol content of less than 18%. The limit for hard liquor – more than 18% alcohol – is still one litre per person.

The maximum value of goods eligible for import without being subject to value-added tax (VAT) remains the same as before: CHF300 ($337).

The Swiss Customs Administration has published a bookletExternal link in English detailing the new regulations.