Buying a luxury watch from Switzerland: your comprehensive guide

Waltana
Nov 11
3 min read

Buying a luxury watch from Switzerland is not just a statement of taste; it's also a smart investment. Especially when you're purchasing internationally, understanding how Swiss VAT (now 8.1%) and import customs duties apply is crucial. Let’s break it down clearly.

What is Swiss VAT?

As of January 1, 2024, Switzerland applies an 8.1% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most goods, including luxury watches. Prices listed on Swiss websites, including Waltana.ch, typically include VAT for domestic customers.

However, if you live outside Switzerland and the watch is exported, you are typically exempt from paying the 8.1% tax.

VAT refund for international buyers

If you’re located outside Switzerland — such as in the USA, UK, Asia, or the Middle East — you don’t have to pay Swiss VAT, as long as the watch is exported properly.

At Waltana, we manage this in two ways:

International Courier Shipping: We remove the 8.1% VAT before invoicing. Your invoice clearly shows the export price (excl. VAT), and the package is shipped with a proper commercial invoice for customs.
In-Person Collection in Switzerland with Export: If you visit our showroom in Lausanne and plan to export the watch personally, you will initially pay the price including VAT. We then provide you with a stamped export form (or official invoice) that can be used at the Swiss border for a VAT refund, provided it's validated by customs.
You must send us a proof of export (e.g., stamped form) within a few days to process the VAT refund.

What about import duties in your country?

Even though you may save 8.1% by avoiding Swiss VAT, most international buyers are required to pay import taxes, VAT/GST, or customs duties when receiving a shipment in their home country.

The amount you will pay depends on several factors:

The declared value of the watch (which we always state accurately)
Your country’s customs and tax laws
Whether there are any applicable free trade agreements or new tariffs

Import charges are assessed by your local customs authority, not by Waltana. These may include VAT/GST, import duty, handling fees or other local taxes.

We recommend that you:

Check with your local customs office or a customs broker for exact rates and thresholds.
Be prepared to pay duties upon delivery or prior to release from customs.
Ensure the name and address you provide are accurate to avoid delays.

At Waltana, all international shipments are fully declared and insured at their actual sale value to comply with international regulations and ensure your watch is protected in transit.

Can I avoid paying taxes by under-declaring?

No — and you shouldn’t. At Waltana, we believe in full transparency and legal compliance. We do not under-declare the value of watches for customs, as this puts you at risk of:

Insurance claims being denied.
Seizure of goods at customs.
Potential fines and delays.

What will I receive when ordering from Waltana?

If you're an international customer, you’ll receive:

A VAT-free invoice (export price).
A properly declared commercial invoice for customs.
A tracked and insured shipment.
Support for any customs documentation issues.

Summary of costs involved

Questions about VAT or import costs?

We work with clients from the USA, UK, EU, Asia, and the Middle East. We can help you estimate your total landed cost and assist with the correct documents for customs.

Feel free to get in touch with us at: contact@waltana.ch