Customs Clearance for Precious Metals — Import and Export Switzerland
The import and export of precious metals in Switzerland are subject to special customs, tax, and marking regulations. Whether investment gold, silver bars, jewelry, or watches with precious metal content — we ensure legally compliant, efficient, and discreet handling.
Our Services Include
- Customs declaration and tariff classification for precious metals and jewelry
- Verification of marking requirements (fineness marking, responsibility mark) prior to import
- Correct processing of import duty and VAT, including exemptions for investment gold
- Consulting on licensing requirements and import duties
Tax Treatment on Import
Tax treatment depends on the type of precious metal and its processed form:
Investment Gold — VAT-exempt. The tax exemption for investment gold is anchored in the VAT Act (Article 23). The exemption applies to gold bars with a minimum fineness of 995/1000 bearing the stamp of a recognized assayer-melter, as well as government-minted gold coins of the corresponding tariff codes. Gold in granulate form is also exempt, provided it meets the minimum fineness requirement and has been packaged and sealed by an accredited assayer-melter.
Silver, Platinum, Palladium — 8.1% VAT. All so-called “white precious metals” are subject to the standard Swiss VAT rate of 8.1% on import — regardless of whether they are bars, coins, or other forms. Margin taxation, as exists in some EU countries, does not apply in Switzerland.
Jewelry, Watches, and Processed Precious Metal Articles — 8.1% VAT. From a customs perspective, jewelry and watches are classified as commercial goods. Import tax of 8.1% is levied on the goods value. Scrap gold and gold that does not qualify as investment gold are also subject to this rate.
Precious Metals Control and Marking Requirements (PMCA)
The Federal Act on the Control of the Trade in Precious Metals and Precious Metal Articles (Precious Metals Control Act, PMCA) imposes strict requirements on imports:
Responsibility Mark. All precious metal, multi-metal, and plated articles offered for sale in Switzerland must bear a responsibility mark registered with the Central Office for Precious Metals Control. This requirement applies to imported goods as well as articles manufactured in Switzerland. Important: The marking must be applied to the goods at the time of import. Since May 2024, registration and renewal are conducted exclusively via the digital platform PREZIUS.
Fineness Marking. In addition to the responsibility mark, the declaration of the legally prescribed fineness in thousandths (Arabic numerals) is mandatory. The marking must be visible, legible, and indelible, with a minimum height of 0.5 mm. The legally recognized minimum fineness standards in Switzerland are defined in Annex 2 of the PMCA.
Watch Cases Made of Precious Metals. Watch cases made of precious metals are subject to mandatory official inspection and hallmarking (the St. Bernard hallmark). For multi-metal watch cases, official hallmarking is optional.
Reporting Requirement to the Precious Metals Control Office. All shipments containing precious metal articles must be reported to a Precious Metals Control Office at the time of import. If a shipment is marked as “blocked” during screening, the documentation must be submitted to the responsible Precious Metals Control Office for inspection.
Licensing Requirements
- Commercial purchase of scrap precious metals (melt material) requires registration or licensing with the Central Office for Precious Metals Control
- Manufacture of melt products and testing of fineness are licensing-required activities
- Commercial trading in bank precious metals by assayers is additionally subject to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA)
Counterfeiting Protection — Zero Tolerance
A strict zero-tolerance policy applies at the Swiss border for counterfeit jewelry and watches. Customs is obligated to confiscate and destroy counterfeits — regardless of whether the importer has already paid for the goods. If the actual fineness falls below the declared value, the shipment will also be rejected. We therefore recommend purchasing exclusively from recognized suppliers and maintaining all documentation of origin.
Precious Metals and Forms
- Gold: Bars, coins, granulate, alloys, jewelry
- Silver: Bars, coins, jewelry
- Platinum and Palladium: Bars, industrial products, jewelry
- Watches: Cases made of precious metal or multi-metal
- Other: Medals, small bars, plated articles
Confidentiality and Security
We handle all precious metal shipments with the highest level of confidentiality and ensure swift, seamless customs clearance directly at the border crossing.
Contact Us
Are you planning to import or export precious metals, jewelry, or watches? We are happy to advise you on current regulations, verify your shipment for compliance with the PMCA, and handle the complete customs clearance. Contact us for an initial consultation.
Note: The above information is provided for general guidance and does not replace legally binding advice. The applicable provisions of the BAZG, the Precious Metals Control Act/Ordinance, and the VAT Act are authoritative.