Exporting goods –how to reclaim VAT

If you are leaving Switzerland, you can reclaim the VAT on goods you purchased in Switzerland in certain circumstances. For a VAT refund, the following criteria must be fulfilled:

• Your permanent residence is outside Switzerland
• The goods were purchased in Switzerland (and you have the receipts)
• You have an export permit (ask for this at the time of purchase)
• The value of the goods exceeds CHF 300 per day and sales outlet
• Validation by Swiss Customs takes place within 90 days of purchase

Please always export your purchases in your hand baggage whenever possible – this will simplify the refund procedure.

Purchases in the hand baggage

1. Check in as normal and pass through the security check.
2. After the security check, go to customs and present your receipts. You will receive a stamp for the goods that you purchased in Switzerland.
3. You will receive the refund from Global Blue or Travelex in cash or onto your credit card.

Purchases in the checked-in baggage

1. Check in first and tell the check-in staff that there are goods in your baggage for which you would like to reclaim VAT.
2. Take your baggage to customs in Check-in 1 (public area) and present your receipts. You will receive a stamp for the goods that you purchased in Switzerland.
3. The customs officials will take care of your checked baggage. You may now proceed through the security check.
4. You will receive the refund from Global Blue or Travelex in cash or onto your credit card.