All goods that are imported into Switzerland have to be assessed, i.e. cleared, in accordance with the Swiss customs tariff "Tares". Tares lists all products in a database and assigns them tariff codes or product codes. Based on these numbers, and other information such as country of origin or destination and transport direction (import / export), one can call up the applicable rates of customs duty, other levies such as VAT, tobacco duty or fees on alcoholic beverages, as well as other information, for example, about prohibitions, restrictions and permit requirements.
Many goods are assessed duty-free or taxed at a reduced rate under free trade agreements and in line with preferential tariffs for developing countries. Please refer to the information on the Free Trade Agreement on this page.