Shipping to Switzerland? Easy with SmartGate Flex

Discover SmartGate Flex - your solution for efficiently sending e-commerce shipments to Switzerland. Leave the paperwork to us. Transportation, customs clearance, returns management - we take care of it so you can concentrate fully on your business.
SmartGate Flex: The simple end-to-end logistics solution for shipments to Switzerland

Discover how easy it is to send parcels to Switzerland with SmartGate Flex, the innovative logistics solution from Swiss Post. From pick-up and customs clearance to delivery and returns management – everything from a single source.

 

No more customs chaos!
Put an end to tedious paperwork and the unpleasant headache of customs clearance. With our innovative and automated customs solution, we navigate your shipments seamlessly and efficiently through the complex customs processes. You no longer have to worry about the tedious details or waste valuable time with forms and documents. Once integrated with us, shipping to Switzerland is as relaxed as a national shipment in your home market. Ship and Forget - simple, uncomplicated and effective.
No more hidden shipping costs!
High and unexpected shipping and customs costs can quickly become an obstacle for online and mail order retailers. Not so with SmartGate Flex! We offer you transparent, competitive shipping rates that are specially designed to make even smaller shipping volumes cost-efficient . Avoid unpleasant cost surprises and benefit from our clear price structure, which helps you to plan your budget precisely. Benefit from automatically decreasing unit prices with increasing quantities. Are you a potential reseller - e.g. a fulfiller? Benefit from reseller conditions and the fact that we factor in your consolidated volumes.
Returns? Easy as pie!
Processing returns can often be a headache and disrupt the smooth running of your business. SmartGate Flex makes it easy for you: we use the data from your outbound shipment to simplify and speed up the process. You also don't have to worry about paying customs duties again when re-importing, as we ensure the seamless return of your goods. This allows you to focus more on your core business while offering your customers hassle-free returns management. Start immediately and make returns a smooth part of your shipping process.
Satisfy your customers - always and everywhere!
Every retailer knows the challenge: dissatisfied customers due to delivery delays and additional customs clearance fees can have a significant impact on trust and satisfaction. With SmartGate Flex, we put an end to this. We guarantee fast, reliable and convenient deliveries - even during the busiest times and peak season. Our optimized processes and expertise in customs clearance ensure that your goods arrive on time and without additional and hidden costs. Customs duties, VAT and customs clearance fees are already taken care of at checkout (DDP Incoterm). This not only puts a smile on your customers' faces, but also strengthens their loyalty and trust in your company. With SmartGate Flex, you can rest assured that every order is an opportunity to demonstrate your customer service and strengthen positive customer relationships.
Always stay up to date!
With SmartGate Flex, the guesswork of parcel tracking is a thing of the past. We offer advanced tracking technology and reliable notifications that give both you and your customers full transparency about the location of your shipments at all times. With this service, you always know exactly where your parcels are and when they are expected, which not only increases customer satisfaction but also improves the efficiency of your logistics process. The ability to seamlessly track the shipping route (including returns) reduces uncertainty and increases your customers' trust in your service. SmartGate Flex ensures that you and your customers are always informed and that delays or problems can be proactively addressed.
Customized solutions for unique needs
With personal advice on the optimal shipping and logistics setup

At Swiss Post, we understand that every market has its own unique challenges. That's why we're here to help you export to or from Switzerland. With our extensive experience and customized approach, together we will find the optimal solution for your shipping and logistics setup.

Why book a consultation with us?

  • Customized solutions: We know that no two companies are the same. That's why we offer personalized advice to meet your exact needs.
  • Comprehensive expertise: Our experts have in-depth knowledge of all aspects of international shipping and logistics.
  • Simple process: We make exporting and importing as straightforward as possible so that you can concentrate on your core business.
  • Trusted partner: As Switzerland's national postal company, we stand for reliability, security and quality.

Ready to take the next step? Arrange your consultation now and find out how we can simplify the complexity of international shipping.

Georg Pohl
Product Consultant International Affiliates & Partner

Everything you need to know about SmartGate Flex

What is SmartGate Flex?
SmartGate Flex is an innovative logistics solution for retailers that automates and simplifies shipping, customs clearance (export EU, import CH, export CH and import EU for returns) and the pre-customs clearance delivery of products. The solution was developed in such a way that small and medium-sized retailers can also benefit from it. This product is also of interest to fulfillers and virtual carrier networks.
How does automated customs clearance work?
Our platform uses state-of-the-art technology to automatically generate the necessary customs documents. Based on the product information you provide, these are created and all customs processes are carried outwithout any admin effort. Once integration is complete, operational shipping for the online store company is just like local shipping - just add the label and off you go.
What costs can I expect with SmartGate Flex?
Our rates are transparent and competitive. Our unit prices include all services (handling, customs clearance, transfer to Switzerland, last mile delivery) from the injection hub. The exact costs depend on the size and weight of your shipment. You can find our price structure here on our website.
How long does delivery take with SmartGate Flex?
The delivery time depends on the shipping destination. Within Europe, the standard delivery time is 2-5 working days. International delivery times vary depending on the region. I.d.R. from DE and AT 3 days are realized.
Does SmartGate Flex offer real-time tracking?

Yes, with SmartGate Flex you and your customers can track parcels and receive regular notifications about the status of the shipment. Customers can use the following tracking options:

  • Tracking system of the online store - Swiss Post transmits all relevant events to the e-commerce company via API.
  • Tracking page of Swiss Post
  • The "My Post 24" app from Swiss Post

 

How does the returns process work?
Our optimized returns solution enables retailers to manage returns easily and efficiently. The shopper can conveniently send the returns to a local Swiss Post hub, just like when making a local purchase. You can find the details in our returns manual.
What customs duties are incurred?

The customs duties depend on the product. Customs collects these upon import and settlesthem via the so-called ZAZ account. If the retailer is registered, their account is used. If he is not registered, the account of the post office is used. In the latter case, customs duties and VAT are paid with the monthly SmartGate Flex statement.

From 2024, industrial customs duties will no longer be levied for the vast majority of e-commerce-related products. Consequently, customs duties will also no longer apply. Details can be found in this special article

What happens if my shipment is damaged?
From our Injection Hub, consignments in the parcel channel are insured up to CHF 500 as standard.
Do I need special software to use SmartGate Flex?
No, our platform is web-based and does not require any special software. In principle, any shop, ERP or warehouse management system can be integrated with us. The effort involved varies from case to case. 
Is there a minimum contract duration?
No, there is no minimum contract period. You can cancel SmartGate Flex at any time. 
How do I manage my invoices and payments?

You will receive a monthly invoice. This includes the following items:

  • Logistics costs for the SmartGate Flex services (all services from the DE entry point)
  • First Mile costs (optional). If you want us to pick up your shipments from your warehouse, this will be charged separately.
  • Customs duties and VAT (optional). If you are not registered and do not have your own customs account, we will pay customs duties and VAT for you in advance and charge these to you with the monthly logistics invoice plus CHF 1 presentation commission per parcel.
What payment methods does SmartGate Flex accept?
Payment must be made by bank transfer. 
Where can I find more information and support?

For more information and support, visit our smart hub. You can search there for general topics on cross-border e-commerce and SmartGate Flex.

Can I also use SmartGate Flex for heavy or bulky items?
You can send up to 30kg in the Swiss Post parcel channel as standard. Bulky goods are also accepted. 
How are customs documents provided?
Customs documents are automatically generated and provided digitally. We take care of the operational processing with customs. Furthermore, we provide you with a daily export notification so that you do not have to pay VAT in Germany or Austria. 

We work with standard interfaces to all common store systems and ERP systems and offer individual integration options via API and data upload.

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