Shipping goods from Switzerland to Russia
Switzerland is outside both the EU and the EU customs union, so every shipment has an extra stage: a Swiss export declaration followed by T1 transit across the European Union. We handle both. Our truck collects from your premises in Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Bern or Lausanne, and the goods reach our consolidation warehouse in one to two days. You receive the export evidence for your VAT records; your Russian customer receives the goods cleared and delivered.
Road groupage via Strasbourg and Warsaw reaches Moscow in 6–8 days; sea groupage from Basel or Zurich via Rotterdam reaches St Petersburg in 14–18 days. Because of the double formalities, the transit time is usually a little longer than from neighbouring Germany — that is a normal feature of the route, not a delay. We work B2B only, from 50 kg (air freight has no weight limit), minimum service fee €200.
How we ship from Switzerland to Russia
Road via Warsaw
Groupage through our Warsaw warehouse: a weekly truck after the Friday cut-off, from €850 for 3 pallets to a bonded warehouse in Moscow, 4–7 days. Full trucks go direct from your premises, with trailer swap or reloading at the border.
Sea via Rotterdam
Deliver to our warehouse in the port of Rotterdam (Mon–Wed); the groupage container closes on Friday and sails to St Petersburg at the weekend. 20–35 days door to door, from €200 per place (from €500 per euro pallet). Independent of queues at land borders.
Air freight
From any country in 2–8 days door to door via Istanbul or Dubai, charged by volumetric weight (1 m³ = 167 kg), no weight limit. Minimum service fee €200.
Transit times to Moscow
| Mode | Door to door |
|---|---|
| Road | 6–8 days |
| Sea (via port) | 14–18 days |
| Air | 2–8 days |
What suppliers ship from Switzerland to Russia
Swiss suppliers typically ship precision instruments and machine tools from Zurich and St Gallen, pharmaceuticals and active substances from Basel, watch movements and components, laboratory and medical equipment and food ingredients. Pharmaceuticals and reagents travel with a verified temperature regime. Switzerland applies sanctions in line with the EU, and watches and other luxury goods are largely restricted, so every code is checked before we accept the cargo.
Where we collect from Switzerland
Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Bern, Lausanne and any other address.
Export formalities
Switzerland is not an EU member: the export declaration is lodged with Swiss customs, and for the journey across the EU we open a T1 transit document. Switzerland adopts EU sanctions measures, so HS code screening is mandatory as well as a check of the consignee. We prepare both declarations, track the transit until the goods leave the EU and send you the export confirmation. Invoice-value insurance is well worth it for expensive precision equipment.
How it works for you as a supplier
- 1Quote within 2 hours
Send the invoice or packing list — we check the HS codes against EU sanctions lists and quote transport, export formalities and customs clearance in Russia. - 2Collection from your premises
We pick up the goods from your warehouse or factory and take them to our consolidation warehouse or load a dedicated truck. - 3Export declaration
We lodge the export declaration on your behalf and send you the MRN and the proof of exit — the basis for zero-rating VAT. - 4Delivery to your customer
Border crossing, customs clearance in Russia and delivery to your buyer’s warehouse; tracking at every stage.
Practical tips
- Plan for one or two extra days compared with Germany — the Swiss export plus T1 transit is two sets of formalities instead of one.
- Insure precision instruments and equipment at invoice value; for high-value Swiss cargo this pays for itself.
- For pharmaceuticals and reagents, confirm the temperature range with us before booking so the right vehicle is allocated.
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from Switzerland to Russia take?
By road via Strasbourg and Warsaw, 6–8 days to Moscow. Sea groupage via Rotterdam takes 14–18 days to St Petersburg.
How can my Russian customer pay a Swiss invoice?
Your customer can use our supplier-payment service: they pay a payment agent under an agency agreement, and a partner company resident in the EU transfers the amount to your account by a standard bank transfer, quoting your invoice number.
Do I need an EX1 for Swiss goods?
No — the goods are declared for export with Swiss customs, and a T1 transit document covers their movement through the EU. We lodge both on your behalf and send you the export confirmation.
Do you check Swiss and EU sanctions?
Yes. Switzerland follows EU sanctions, and we screen every HS code and party against Swiss, EU, UK and US lists. Sanctioned goods, most luxury items and dual-use goods are declined.