France–Switzerland parcel shipping

ROUTE GUIDE • FRANCE

Prepare a parcel between mainland France and Switzerland by confirming the address, contents and customs documents before collection. Ask EPS to assess your exact route in either direction; a short distance across the border does not make it a domestic shipment.

Customs clearance is part of the preparation

Parcels entering Switzerland from abroad must be declared. The courier normally prepares the declaration from the sender’s information. Goods and genuine gifts both require accurate details; a possible exemption does not mean the shipment can be left undeclared. Consult the Swiss customs guidance on receiving parcels.

Ask how any import tax or duty and the carrier’s clearance charges will be handled. These are separate from the transport service and depend on the actual shipment. Do not assume that sending from an EU country makes the parcel exempt.

What to send with your request

• Full addresses, postcodes and the direction: France to Switzerland or Switzerland to France.
• A specific contents list with quantities, values and currency.
• The purpose: sale, private gift, personal belongings, return or repair.
• Number of packages, packed weight and dimensions of each.
• The invoice or other value evidence available, plus any previous references for a return.

EPS will confirm which documents the selected service needs. For a business shipment, flag the commercial nature immediately and ask what additional product or customs information is required. Do not declare a purchase as a gift or use a zero value merely because an item is used.

Addresses and access on this route

Include the exact Swiss municipality and postcode; do not replace them with a nearby better-known city. Add the recipient or company name shown at the entrance, a reachable telephone number and reception hours for business premises.

For mountain locations, seasonal accommodation or premises with restricted access, describe the constraint before booking. Service coverage and timing must be checked for the actual address. In France, include building and intercom information where needed.

Sending from Switzerland to France

An arrival in mainland France follows the relevant EU/French import rules. The French customs guidance for private parcels explains why a private gift and a purchase are treated differently. Keep accurate descriptions and value evidence for the return direction too.

Route questions

My tracking says “held in customs”. Who should I contact?

Ask EPS or the carrier for the specific reason using the tracking reference. The status may refer to an ongoing clearance process. Check whether the sender or recipient has been asked for a document; do not assume the parcel has been seized.

Can a repair or return use the same label?

No: ask for instructions and an appropriate booking for that movement. Retain the original invoice and shipment reference so the purpose can be assessed correctly.

Is every household item suitable for a personal parcel?

No. Check the EPS exclusions before packing food, liquids, batteries, fragile objects or valuables. A customs allowance does not oblige a carrier to accept an item.

Request collection and transit estimates for your actual shipment. Customs queries and access constraints may affect delivery; no fixed delivery date is promised here.

Transport availability, accepted contents, documents and timing must be confirmed by EPS before booking. Shipping prices are supplied in an individual quote.

Request a quote for this route

Need help? Read the shipping questions and answers or contact EPS.