Cross-Border Shopping Switzerland 2026: Customs Rules for Germany, France and Austria
Shopping tourism is significant: in 2025 Swiss residents spent around CHF 9.2 billion abroad (+10% versus 2022), of which around CHF 4.0 billion on food; about 72% of the population shop abroad at least once a year. Two rule sets matter: the Swiss duty-free value limit of CHF 150 per person per day (since 2025) and the foreign VAT refund, whose minimum amounts differ by country. Updated: July 2026.
Updated: July 2026. Rules change – check limits before travelling with customs (BAZG) and in the destination country.
Around three in four people in Switzerland shop abroad at least once a year – on average about five times. The most popular destinations are Konstanz, Pontarlier and Como. If you want to shop smart, know both sides.
Swiss side: the same for every border
Since 1 January 2025 the CHF 150 value limit applies per person per day (previously CHF 300). If exceeded, Swiss import VAT is charged on the full value of the goods (8.1%, 2.6% for food). On top come quantity limits: among others 1 kg of meat per person, 1 kg/litre of butter or cream and 5 litres of alcohol up to 18% vol plus 1 litre over (from age 17). Declaration is via the QuickZoll app.
VAT refund: different by country
| Country | Minimum purchase for VAT refund |
|---|---|
| Germany | previously EUR 50 (being abolished with the new digital app) |
| France | over EUR 100 per shop per day (via PABLO) |
| Austria | invoice total over EUR 75 (form U34) |
Germany is switching to an app
In Germany the previous EUR 50 minimum (Bagatellgrenze) is being abolished as the digital export certificate rolls out. The new customs app "dAKZ" started on 16 June 2026 in a pilot phase (including with Lidl stores). Until the full switch, the paper export certificate and the old minimum partly still apply – check the current status before travelling.
Is cross-border shopping worth it?
It depends on the product, exchange rate, fuel and time – and on whether you exceed the CHF 150 limit (then Swiss tax applies to the whole purchase). For large stock-ups of storables the trip can pay off; for a quick weekly shop, often not.
Before you cross the border: check how cheap your basket is in Switzerland too. Rappn compares prices across Migros, Coop, Aldi, Lidl, Denner & Co. live and neutrally – often the gap after customs and effort is smaller than expected.
Sources checked: .
Before you cross the border, check how cheap your basket is in Switzerland — Rappn's home screen shows live offers across every Swiss chain. Tap around to try it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I import into Switzerland duty-free?
Since 1 January 2025, CHF 150 per person per day (previously CHF 300). Above the limit, Swiss import VAT applies to the full value (8.1%, food 2.6%). Declaration is via the QuickZoll app.
What is the minimum purchase for a VAT refund?
It differs by country: France over EUR 100 per shop per day, Austria over EUR 75. In Germany the EUR 50 minimum is being abolished with the new digital app.
What is the new German customs app?
The "dAKZ" app replaces the paper export certificate. Its pilot phase started on 16 June 2026 (including with Lidl stores). Until the full switch, the old rules partly still apply.
How big is shopping tourism?
In 2025 Swiss residents spent around CHF 9.2 billion abroad (+10% vs 2022), of which around CHF 4.0 billion on food. About 72% shop abroad at least once a year.