Importing goods from Turkey into Switzerland

Why source from Türkiye?

Türkiye has a broad manufacturing industry and sits between Europe and Asia. For Swiss buyers this means shorter transit times than from the Far East, flexible order sizes and often the chance to visit production sites in person.

Typical product categories Swiss companies source from Türkiye include, for example:

• Textiles and apparel, home textiles (towels, bed linen, curtains)
• Food such as dried fruit and nuts
• Ceramics, tiles and sanitary ware
• Furniture and interiors
• Metal and machinery parts, automotive components

The EFTA–Türkiye free trade agreement

Through EFTA, Switzerland has a free trade agreement with Türkiye. The modernised agreement was signed on 25 June 2018 and entered into force on 1 October 2021. It covers industrial goods, fish and processed agricultural products, as well as services, intellectual property and public procurement. Agricultural products fall under a separate, likewise modernised bilateral Switzerland–Türkiye agricultural agreement that entered into force the same day.

The key practical point: since 1 January 2024 Switzerland has unilaterally abolished tariffs on industrial goods. For textiles, machine parts or furniture there is usually no customs duty on import anyway – so the agreement adds no extra tariff advantage here. Preferential origin still matters mainly for agricultural and processed agricultural products, which remain dutiable in Switzerland, and for Swiss exports to Türkiye.

As of September 2026 – details may change; the information published by the FOCBS (BAZG) and SECO and the Tares customs tariff are authoritative.

Getting the proof of origin right

To claim a preferential rate you must prove preferential origin. The agreement’s rules of origin follow the Regional Convention on Pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin (PEM), which under certain conditions allows cumulation of materials from Türkiye, the EFTA states and other PEM countries.

Depending on the agreement and the consignment value, the proof is either an EUR.1 movement certificate or an origin declaration on the commercial invoice. Agree in the contract which proof the supplier will provide and check it before shipment – a missing or incorrect proof is hard to fix afterwards.

The process step by step

From the first enquiry to cleared goods in Switzerland.

1. 01
   Classify the goods

   Determine the eight-digit tariff number in the Swiss customs tariff Tares. It drives duty, VAT rate and any permit requirements.

2. 02
   Vet the supplier

   Check the commercial register extract, references, certificates and production capacity; for larger orders, visit or audit the factory.

3. 03
   Approve samples

   Order and test samples, then keep an approved reference sample against which series production is measured.

4. 04
   Agree contract and Incoterm

   Put specification, price, payment terms, delivery date, proof of origin and the Incoterm with place in writing.

5. 05
   Inspect before shipment

   A pre-shipment inspection by an independent inspection body on site confirms quantity, quality and packaging before the balance is paid.

6. 06
   Arrange transport and transit

   Appoint a forwarder; goods usually cross the EU under a transit procedure to the Swiss border or an inland customs office.

7. 07
   Clear customs in Switzerland

   The forwarder or customs broker declares the goods; any duty and import VAT are charged, often via the ZAZ customs account.

Transport: truck, container or air freight

The right mode depends on volume, urgency and the goods. Türkiye is a party to the Convention on a common transit procedure (NCTS), so goods can cross the EU under customs control and be cleared only in Switzerland.

Payment terms and risks

With a new supplier, payment terms are a key lever for limiting risk. Common options:

• Advance payment: simple, but the buyer carries all the risk – only for small amounts or proven partners.
• Deposit plus balance after inspection or against shipping documents: a frequent compromise.
• Documentary letter of credit: the bank pays only against compliant documents – high security, but fees and formalities.
• Documentary collection: documents released against payment or acceptance – cheaper, but less secure.
• Open account: common in established, trusted relationships.

Mind the currency risk: prices in euros or US dollars and moving exchange rates can shift your calculation noticeably. Fix the contract currency and price validity clearly.

How ZETA supports you

ZETA supports sourcing projects from Türkiye, from finding suppliers to delivery in Switzerland. We help select and vet suppliers, coordinate samples and quality checks, and align the process with suppliers, forwarders, customs brokers and inspection bodies.

The customs declaration itself is filed by a forwarder or customs broker; detailed legal and tax questions are clarified with the FOCBS, the Federal Tax Administration or your accountant. We make sure everyone has the right information at the right time.