Residents of Switzerland spend almost 15 billion francs a year on online purchases from companies abroad. Products may seem cheaper but, as one lawmaker points out, this merchandise may not be safe to use.
According to MP Benjamin Roduit, products ordered from abroad, which should not actually be sold in Switzerland because of the risks to health and safety – he mentioned toys as an example – are currently being delivered to many Swiss households.
He has therefore filed a motion in the National Council, seeking to block access to certain foreign trading platforms known for violations of safety measures that are in place in Switzerland and the European Union.
An impossible task?
However, not all politicians are on board with this move.
The Federal Council, for instance, argues that the sheer volume of these imports makes it difficult to institute effective inspections.
That is because an estimated 100,000 to 500,000 shipments from Asia arrive at Zurich Airport every day.
And contrary to commercial imports – which must comply with Swiss safety standards – those intended for personal use are not covered by these rules.
Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider also pointed out that rigorous checks of the contents are not logistically possible, while random controls would give consumers a false sense of security.
This means that if you buy from foreign merchants, you do so at your own risk.
But can you really save money on foreign products sold online?
It depends.
There are things other than safety to consider before you go on a shopping spree “abroad” – such as additional charges you may have to pay.
While something may appear to be a really great deal in comparison to Swiss prices, keep in mind that the purchase may be subject to customs duties.
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) says on its website that “the customs duties are generally calculated according to the gross weight (including packaging), and are often less than 1 franc per kilo. Particularly alcoholic beverages, tobacco goods, foodstuffs, textiles and jewellery items are subject to higher customs duties”.
In other words, before you order something that you think is a really good deal, find out if any additional charges will be due. Depending on the amount, the final cost may not make it worthwhile for you to purchase abroad.
The good news is that, as BAZG points out, goods ordered from “countries with which Switzerland has concluded a free trade agreement can usually be imported duty-free or at reduced rates”.
You can find out more information about which countries are included, here.
READ MORE: Can I save money in Switzerland by buying products on foreign websites?
