An Italian national has been arrested after attempting to smuggle dozens of panettones into Switzerland as part of an undeclared 100kg cross-border haul.
An Italian national has been arrested after attempting to enter Switzerland via the border crossing at Brustata with 100kg of undeclared foodstuffs.
The man crossed the border in Ticino canton in a van and was picked up by a mobile police unit, Switzerland’s Federal Office of Customs and Border Protection said on Tuesday.
It was then discovered the man was transporting 66 panettones weighing 81kg in total. The Italian also had loaves of focaccia, 164 litres of oil, 5kg of meat and 28kg of mozzarella.
The man, who Swiss reports suggest has a food truck business near the Gotthard pass, not only has to clear the undeclared foods through Swiss customs but will also be fined several hundred francs.
So-called ‘shopping tourism’ is very popular among people living in one of Switzerland’s border regions, as food and many other goods are cheaper in neighbouring countries.
However, in 2024 Switzerland’s Federal Council decided on to cut the tax-free allowance by half — that is, from 300 down to 150 francs per person and per day.
Swiss customs officials intercepted over 200 tonnes of smuggled meat in 2024 alone.
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Bringing any living plant matter, such as plants, fruits, vegetables, roots, cut flowers, and seeds into Switzerland from outside the European Union and EFTA states (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) is banned.
Between Switzerland and Italy there are 30 land borders and seven services by public transport.
Switzerland and Germany have 86 land borders and 11 public transport connections; Switzerland and France have 95 land crossings and 14 by train or tram; Switzerland and Austria have 13 road crossings and one by train; while Switzerland and Liechtenstein share 10 road crossings and one by train.
To avoid any problems at customs on your return to Switzerland, find out about the specific import regulations that apply via the Swiss customs authorities’ app.
READ ALSO: What souvenirs are you not allowed to bring into Switzerland?
