Switzerland

Distributing a product

Market shares

Retail business has known limited growth: in 2003, the Swiss spent 380 billion Swiss francs (CHF) but the market-share of spending on retail business is in decline, with more being spent on entertainment. Retail business in 2003 represented only 36% of spendingf, as against 69% in 1980.
The food sector is dominated by the duopoly Migros et Coop which together controlled 60% of the Swiss food business in 2003. The other players are:
- Bon appétit, a Swiss group which owns the stores Frimago and DiscountPay.
- The wholesaler Usego.
The number of discount stores is on the rise with the entry of Aldi and Lidl. Aldi opened its first discount store on 27th October 2005 while Lidl is still looking for a site. They hope to open 120 retail outlets in Switzerland.

In the specialised distribution sector, the market is becoming internationalised with various foreign brands having successfully establishing themselves in the country:

- Ikea in the furniture segment,
- H&M, C&A in the clothes segment.

Organizations in the retail sector

Market access procedures

International Conventions

Customs classification

Switzerland applies the Harmonised Customs System. The customs duties are calculated on the nature of the goods, mostly in relation to the weight, with a taxation in Swiss francs (CHF) for 100 kg gross or sometimes per unit, per metre or per litre. The gross weight includes the net weight of the goods and the weight of the packaging.

Import procedures

Switzerland applies the Harmonised Customs System. The customs duties are calculated on the nature of the goods, mostly in relation to the weight, with a taxation in Swiss francs (CHF) for 100 kg gross or sometimes per unit, per metre or per litre. The gross weight includes the net weight of the goods and the weight of the packaging.

For further information

Organizing goods transport

Ports

The airport of Geneva
The airport of Zurich
The airport of Basel
The airline company Swiss

Airports

Sea transport organizations

Air transport organizations

Road transport organizations

Rail transport organizations