MetEx House, 496a Great West Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW5 0TE  ·  Shipping since 1998
0800 096 38 39
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🇨🇭 Moving to Switzerland • Luggage Shipping • Est. 1998

Moving to Switzerland
Shipping Your Belongings from the UK

Moving to Switzerland from the UK. Air freight in 5–7 working days, subject to space and flight availability with the carriers. Swiss Customs (BAZG). Clear quote before collection. 28 years experience.

📍 Part of our complete Shipping to Switzerland hub — customs, Form 18.44, costs & every service ›
How it works

Shipping personal effects to Switzerland when you move

Relocating to Switzerland means getting your belongings there safely. We ship luggage, send suitcases and move boxes of personal effects to Switzerland door-to-door (subject to your destination) from anywhere in the UK. From a suitcase to a household’s worth of boxes, our service to Switzerland covers collection, customs clearance and delivery for your move.

Moving to Switzerland from the UK means deciding what travels with you and what ships ahead. For most people — professionals, returning diaspora, retirees — luggage shipping handles the personal effects while furniture follows by sea or stays behind. Here is the process.

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Door collection across the UK. Within M25: Mon–Fri 09:30–16:00 • Outside M25: Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00.
Air freight to Switzerland. Zurich ZRH cargo. Transit: 5–7 working days from UK collection.
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Customs: Swiss Customs (BAZG). Switzerland is NOT in the EU — own customs regime. Personal effects duty-free under Swiss Moving Goods Relief when establishing Swiss residency, items owned 12+ months, arriving within 2 years. Swiss BAZG is meticulous.
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Sender must equal receiver. The fundamental personal effects rule worldwide. Any name mismatch reclassifies the shipment as a commercial import — full duties apply.
Restrictions

What to know before you pack for Switzerland

No alcohol beyond personal import limits (strictly enforced). Swiss BAZG inspects thoroughly. VAT exemption requires proof of residency. Always call us on 0800 096 38 39 before packing if you are unsure about any item — a 5-minute call prevents a customs hold at the destination.

ItemShip?Notes
Clothes, shoes, personal items✓ YesUp to 30kg per bag
Laptop / tablet (battery removed)✓ YesRemove lithium battery — carry in cabin
Books, kitchenware, household goods✓ YesWeigh before booking — dense items add up fast
Furniture, appliances✗ NoUse our sea freight service to Switzerland
Lithium batteries, aerosols, perfumes✗ NoProhibited in air freight — no exceptions
28 years experience

Why customers moving to Switzerland choose Excess Luggage Co.

Zurich and Geneva are major financial services destinations for UK professionals. We have been shipping personal effects from the UK since 1998 — operating 2 miles from Heathrow cargo terminals. Community discussions and expat networks consistently cite our confirmed pricing and customs documentation support.

25+
Years
2mi
From Heathrow
FAQs

Moving to Switzerland — your questions answered

Does Switzerland have its own personal effects customs rules separate from the EU?
Yes — Switzerland is not EU. BAZG applies its own Moving Goods Relief: items must be owned 12+ months, arriving within 2 years of residency establishment. A detailed packing list with realistic values is essential. Swiss customs is meticulous.
Do I need a Swiss residence permit before shipping?+
Your B or C permit or confirmed work contract and Swiss address are required for BAZG clearance. Call us — we advise on acceptable BAZG documentation for your specific Swiss canton and employer situation.
What is the maximum weight per bag?+
30kg per item. This is one of the advantages over airlines — many airlines cap at 23kg and charge heavily for overweight bags. Our 30kg standard means most bags travel without overweight surcharges.
How far in advance should I book?+
Minimum 10 working days for Switzerland. We recommend 14 working days to allow for customs clearance. Book early — our collection slots fill up, particularly during peak periods (September, December, Ramadan). See our booking lead times guide.
What happens if customs holds my shipment?+
Contact us immediately on 0800 096 38 39 with your Air Waybill reference. A hold is almost always a documentation issue. We advise on the exact documentation needed for Switzerland customs and the fastest resolution route. See our customs holds guide.
Is there a limit on how many bags I can ship?+
No bag limit. The same quoted rate per bag regardless of quantity. This is a significant advantage over airlines which may refuse extra bags at busy periods.

Ready to ship to Switzerland?

Clear quote before we collect. No guesswork. Established 1998.

📋 Get a Quote📞 0800 096 38 39💬 WhatsApp
📋 Official Customs Authority — Switzerland

For official customs requirements, import duties and restricted items guidance, visit the Swiss Federal Customs Administration — the official customs authority for Switzerland. Always verify current requirements before shipping.

UK Collection

We collect from your door anywhere in the UK

Door collection Monday to Friday from any UK address. Select your nearest city for local collection times and details:

LondonManchesterBirminghamLeedsGlasgowEdinburghLiverpoolBristolSheffieldNewcastleNottinghamLeicesterBradfordCardiffCoventrySouthamptonPortsmouthOxfordCambridgeReading/SloughBrightonLutonMilton KeynesDerbyStokeWolverhamptonSwanseaAberdeenDundeeMiddlesbroughExeterPlymouthYorkBelfastHounslowHeathrow

✍ Within M25: Mon–Fri 09:30–16:00 • Outside M25: Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00

Moving to Switzerland • Excess Luggage Co. • Est. 1998
Get a Quote 📞 0800 096 38 39
💬 WhatsApp