Ordering from China to Switzerland: the complete guide
Updated June 2026 · Customs, delivery & the best sites
The short version
- Best sites: AliExpress (deepest range), Temu (cheapest everyday), Shein (fast fashion).
- Delivery: ~1–3 weeks; faster from EU warehouses.
- Customs: small orders usually arrive untaxed (under ~CHF 62); big platforms charge Swiss VAT at checkout.
- Best for: cheap accessories, gadgets, hobby parts — not big-ticket items.
Buying directly from China can save a lot versus Swiss retail — if you pick the right platform and understand the customs rules. Here's the practical, Switzerland-specific playbook.
Which site should you use?
| Platform | Best for | Our guide |
|---|---|---|
| AliExpress | Deepest catalogue, electronics parts, hobby, sale events | AliExpress Switzerland |
| Temu | Cheapest everyday items, big first-order discounts | Temu Switzerland |
| Shein | Fast fashion & accessories | Shein Switzerland |
Not sure between the big two? See our head-to-head: AliExpress vs Temu in Switzerland.
Delivery times to Switzerland
Expect roughly one to three weeks for standard shipping, sometimes longer for the cheapest economy options, and just a few days when an item ships from a European warehouse. All three platforms offer delivery guarantees that credit you if they miss the promised date. For speed, filter for EU-warehouse stock.
Customs & VAT: what you'll actually pay
This is where Switzerland is friendlier than the EU. Import VAT under CHF 5 isn't collected, so goods up to about CHF 62 (at the 8.1% rate) generally arrive with no import VAT. On larger orders, the big platforms are registered for Swiss VAT and charge it at checkout, clearing the parcel for you — so no surprise bill at the door. And note: the EU's 2026 per-parcel fee does not apply to Switzerland. Full mechanics in our customs & VAT guide.
How to buy well (and avoid junk)
- Sort by orders & ratings, not just price — thousands of sales and 4.7★+ is the safest signal.
- Read the specs (size, material, weight) — "too cheap" often means tiny or thin.
- Stick to simple products — accessories, cables, organisers — and be cautious with complex electronics.
- Time big hauls to sale events like 11.11 — see Singles' Day Switzerland.
- Keep parcels under ~CHF 62 of goods to avoid import VAT and carrier handling fees.
Compare the big two yourself:
Open AliExpress → Open Temu →Affiliate links — Swiss Deal Radar may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth ordering from China to Switzerland?
For cheap accessories, gadgets and hobby items, yes — prices beat Swiss retail and small orders usually arrive untaxed. Expect 1–3 week delivery and variable quality.
How much can I order before paying customs?
No fixed limit for parcels — it depends on whether VAT reaches CHF 5 (about CHF 62 of goods at 8.1%). Big platforms often charge Swiss VAT at checkout instead.
Which site is best?
AliExpress for range and sales, Temu for cheap everyday items, Shein for fast fashion. AliExpress or Temu cover most needs.
General information for shoppers, not tax or legal advice. Platform terms and tax rules change — verify at checkout and, for customs, with BAZG.