Published on 5 September 2024
Questions and answers QuickZoll
No, QuickZoll automatically deducts the tax-free limit and duty-free allowances. This means you can use the app to check whether you have to pay any VAT or customs duties at all.
No. If you know the allowances and tax-free limits and your purchases are within these, you do not have to use QuickZoll. However, the app can also be used to check in case you are not entirely sure how the allowances and tax-free limits apply.
You can enter your purchases into the app at any time before crossing the border. For example, you can enter goods into QuickZoll while you shop or during your trip as you go. Taxes and duties can be paid a maximum of 48 hours before crossing the border. During the payment process, you will be asked to choose a two-hour timeframe. Your choice of timeframe determines when you will cross the border.
NB: QuickZoll does not require an internet connection until you reach the tax/duty payment stage.
By using the QuickZoll app, you accept that the VAT rate of 8.1% is also applied to goods that are subject to the reduced rate of 2.6% (in particular food, animal feed, medicines and books). This standardisation makes the customs clearance process noticeably simpler and faster. If you would like the reduced tax rate to be applied, you must declare the goods verbally at a border crossing manned by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) staff.
Goods which are subject to certain controls (goods subject to certification or authorisation), restrictions or bans cannot be cleared using QuickZoll. These goods must be declared verbally at a manned border crossing. Goods which are intended for reselling or commercial use, even in your own business, must be declared electronically.
Special proof of customs clearance must be issued for vehicles. In addition, cars are subject to automobile duty. The customs declaration can only be made at a customs office for merchandise, and only during opening hours.
The net value is the value of the goods after deduction of foreign VAT. You should enter the value after deduction of foreign VAT, provided this is indicated on the receipt/invoice.
Note that the net value also contains prepayments/instalments, the cost of transport to the place of delivery in the foreign border region if you collect the goods yourself, storage costs at the foreign place of delivery and fees charged by tax refund firms if the foreign VAT has already been refunded abroad.Yes. If you are clearing goods for two or more people, you have to enter the value of these goods again separately. These details are necessary in order to the calculate VAT and/or for the correct deduction of the tax-free limits.
If the app is deleted for any reason, the receipts will be lost. We therefore recommend that you send yourself the receipt by email. You can enter your email address as part of the payment transaction, or send yourself the receipt later.
The export form is for the refund of VAT paid abroad. The relevant foreign authority is responsible for this procedure. QuickZoll allows you to pay customs duty and VAT owed in Switzerland.
No. The foreign VAT is not refunded by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. Refund of foreign VAT
The receipt in the app serves as proof of customs clearance. A stamp on the invoice/till receipt is not required. If you still need a stamp, go to a border crossing that is attended by FOCBS staff and present the invoice/till receipt together with the QuickZoll receipt. The invoice will be stamped if the presented documents clearly show that the invoice/till receipt belongs to the relevant QuickZoll receipt (matching amount of duty, date of invoice/entry into Switzerland).