Shipping to Liechtenstein: Package costs, customs and delivery time
Why customs clearance is necessary with our small neighbor despite the EEA
Liechtenstein is located in the heart of Europe and borders directly on Austria and Switzerland. Nevertheless, shipping goods from Germany is not comparable to a normal EU delivery.
- Shipping from Germany to Liechtenstein
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Short transport routes
- International shipment tracking
- Take into account the Swiss customs system
- Please allow 8,1% import tax.
- Examine DAP and potential DDP solutions
- Suitable for regular B2B shipments
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Short transport route, but separate customs rules
The geographical proximity to Germany makes shipping to Liechtenstein relatively fast.
However, from a customs perspective, the shipment remains an export from the European Union. Description of goods, value of goods, origin and Customs tariff number or HS code They should therefore be fully available before booking.
Do not confuse the EEA with the EU.
Liechtenstein is part of the European Economic Area (EEA). However, the EEA is not a customs union. Therefore, customs clearance between Germany and Liechtenstein remains necessary.
Please observe Swiss customs law
Due to the customs treaty with Switzerland, Liechtenstein is part of the Swiss customs territory. Import and export clearances are generally handled by the Swiss customs authorities.
Industrial goods often benefit from duty-free status.
Since January 1, 2024, the Swiss customs territory generally no longer levies import duties on industrial products in tariff chapters 25 to 97. However, some goods in chapters 35 and 38 are still considered agricultural products and are exempt.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Liechtenstein: Who pays for the import?
Even for short shipments to Liechtenstein, it should be clearly regulated who handles the import clearance.
For DAP The seller organizes transport to the agreed destination. The recipient is generally responsible for import clearance, any applicable taxes, and other import costs.
For DDP The seller, on the other hand, will cover the agreed import costs.
The specific carrier solution should be examined. Not every DDP service supports Liechtenstein.
For example, Liechtenstein is explicitly excluded from the DHL service Postal Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) for Switzerland.
Other carriers and shipping products may offer different options.
You can find more information about the delivery terms in our guide to DAP and DDP for international shipping.
Are there customs duties for a package sent to Liechtenstein?
That depends heavily on the type of goods.
Since 1 January 2024 Import duties on industrial products have been generally abolished in the Swiss customs territory. This applies to goods in tariff chapters 25 to 97, with a few exceptions for goods treated as agricultural products under customs law.
For typical B2B goods such as machines, spare parts, electrical appliances or tools, this often means:
Import duty 0%.
A customs declaration is still required.
Separate customs and duty rules continue to apply to agricultural products, food, alcohol, tobacco products and certain other goods.
Therefore, proper product classification remains important.
You can find more information in our guide to HS code and customs tariff number.
What is the VAT rate in Liechtenstein?
The standard Liechtenstein VAT rate is 8,1 percent.
The reduced rate applies to certain goods. 2,6 percentThis includes, for example, food, non-alcoholic beverages, books, and certain medications.
These tax rates also apply to imports.
The tax base generally includes not only the value of the goods. Costs incurred up to the destination, such as freight, insurance, or customs clearance fees, can also be taken into account.
VAT: 8,1%
Reduced rate: 2,6%
Liechtenstein is part of both the EEA and the Swiss customs territory.
It is precisely this combination that makes Liechtenstein special in terms of customs law.
The country has been a member of the European Economic Area since 1995. A customs agreement with Switzerland is also in place.
As a result, two systems exist side by side in trade with the European Union:
- EEA rules of origin
- the free trade agreement between Switzerland and the EU, which also applies to Liechtenstein due to the customs treaty
The Liechtenstein state administration explicitly points out that both areas of origin exist in parallel.
Goods of EEA origin belonging to the industrial product groups covered are generally exempt from customs duties within the EEA.
Nevertheless, border controls remain necessary, as the EEA itself no customs union at a hunt.
In practice, since the abolition of Swiss industrial tariffs, this is mainly relevant for questions of origin, onward exports and specific product groups.
Shipping to Liechtenstein: Easier than many third countries, but not EU shipping
Liechtenstein is located only a few hundred kilometers from many German economic regions. However, this geographical proximity should not obscure the fact that shipping goods involves crossing an EU external border.
The country is part of the EEA, but not of the EU customs union.
At the same time, Liechtenstein forms a customs territory together with Switzerland. As a result, largely the same customs regulations apply to imports as in Switzerland.
This creates an unusual combination of short transport times and classic third-country clearance for German companies.
What documents do I need for a shipment to Liechtenstein?
A full commercial invoice should be provided for any commercial sale of goods.
It should include, in particular:
- Sender and recipient
- detailed product description
- Quantity
- Value of goods and currency
- Country of origin
- Customs tariff number
- Delivery terms
Since Liechtenstein is outside the EU customs territory, parcel shipments also require corresponding customs information. DHL requires a customs declaration CN22 or CN23 for shipments to non-EU countries.
For free samples, replacement deliveries or other non-commercial goods movements, a pro forma invoice may be used, depending on the reason for shipment.
You can find out more at Commercial invoice or pro forma invoice.
Why a customs declaration is necessary despite 0% industrial duty
Since 2024, industrial products have generally been duty-free within the Swiss customs territory.
However, this does not mean that customs clearance is no longer required.
The shipment still needs to be registered. Duty-free status and customs clearance are two different things.
The customs declaration is required, among other things, to:
- to classify the goods
- to calculate the import tax
- to review prohibitions and restrictions
- To collect statistical and source data
This difference is particularly important when shipping to Liechtenstein.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Liechtenstein?
Due to the short distance, transport times are comparatively short.
DHL Parcel currently specifies a delivery time estimate of 3 to 5 working days.
DHL Express Worldwide is also available for particularly urgent shipments.
The actual delivery time may be extended due to customs clearance, missing documents or queries.
Correctly state the address for Liechtenstein
Addresses should be written in Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
An address might look like this, for example:
Sample AG
Industriestrasse 10
9490 Vaduz
LIECHTENSTEIN
DHL also recommends providing the recipient's phone number and email address. This allows delivery information to be transmitted directly.
Compare shipping costs to Liechtenstein
The short distance does not automatically mean that every carrier offers the same prices.
The price depends on several factors, including:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Destination address
- Runtime
- Type of goods
- Carrier
Via the <strong>integrated datalog</strong> the measuring values can be stored on the humimeter RH5 paper moisture meter and additional data can be added. You also have the possibility to use the Autolog function. This function automatically saves measuring values in adjustable time intervals. Shipping cost calculator from Paket International Businesses can compare available shipping options.
These mistakes happen particularly often when shipping to Liechtenstein.
The biggest source of error is surprisingly trivial:
Liechtenstein is treated like an EU country.
Although the country is part of the EEA, it is not part of the EU customs territory. Therefore, goods from Germany still require customs clearance.
Other typical problems include:
- missing commercial invoice
- missing customs declaration
- inaccurate product description
- incorrect customs tariff number
- Import tax not included.
- DDP availability not checked
- Agricultural goods are incorrectly treated as industrial goods.
- incomplete recipient data
The distinction between industrial and agricultural goods is particularly important.
The abolition of industrial tariffs does not mean that all goods can automatically be imported duty-free. Agricultural products are still subject to the regulations of the Swiss customs territory.
What goods are delivered from Germany to Liechtenstein?
Germany is a particularly important trading partner for Liechtenstein.
2025 37,7 percent of Liechtenstein's direct goods imports from Germany. This made Germany the most important country of origin for imports outside of Switzerland.
Examples of goods relevant for B2B shipping include:
- Machines and machine components
- Metal goods
- Tools
- Electrical equipment
- Electronics
- car parts
- Measurement and testing technology
- Industrial supplies
Metals, metal products and machinery were among Liechtenstein's most important import groups in 2025.
Imports are particularly interesting for industrial products, as industrial tariffs in the common Swiss customs territory have been largely abolished since 2024.
You can find other shipping destinations in our Country overview.
Shipping information: Liechtenstein
From standard parcel to express shipping to Vaduz
For normal business goods, a classic international parcel service is often suitable.
Due to the geographical proximity, the delivery time for DHL Parcel is currently about 3 to 5 working days.
For time-critical spare parts or business documents, a Express Shipping be useful.
For larger or heavier shipments, additional options are available. Pallet shipping and individual freight solutions are possible.
You can find all the options at international shipping methods.
How do goods get from Germany to Liechtenstein?
Due to its location in the Alpine region, a large part of the freight transport takes place by road.
Parcels are transported to Liechtenstein via European parcel and rail networks. Customs clearance takes place within the common Swiss customs territory.
Liechtenstein does not have its own international airport or seaport. However, this hardly matters for normal B2B deliveries due to the good road connections.
For larger goods or multiple pallets, freight forwarding and road transport may be advisable.
You can find further options at international freight shipping.
What import costs are incurred in Liechtenstein?
For many typical B2B industrial products, the situation is now relatively simple.
Since 2024, the import duty on industrial products has generally been 0 percent.
However, additional costs may still arise:
- 8,1% import tax
- 2,6% import tax on certain eligible goods
- Carrier's customs clearance fees
- Possibly tariffs on agricultural products
- Excise taxes or other product-specific levies
The import tax is normally 8,1 percent.
Transport, insurance and customs clearance costs up to the destination can be included in the tax base.
General information can be found in our guide to Customs and import duties.
How much does a package to Liechtenstein cost?
Shipping costs depend on the specific shipment.
Shipping a small spare part to Vaduz is calculated differently than shipping several heavy boxes or a pallet.
The decisive factors are:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- destination
- Runtime
- Type of goods
- Carrier
Customs duties and import taxes may also apply.
Current services can be accessed via the Shipping cost calculator to compare.
Online trade to Liechtenstein: Observe Swiss mail order regulations
For online retailers, Liechtenstein is closely linked to Switzerland in terms of taxation.
The standard import tax for postal and courier shipments is 8,1 percent. For administrative efficiency reasons, tax amounts up to... 5 Swiss francs Generally not levied.
This currently corresponds to a basis of assessment of approximately:
- 62 CHF including 8,1% VAT
- 193 CHF including 2,6% VAT
This is not a classic value-based exemption limit for goods. The decisive factor is the calculated tax amount. Shipping and other costs are also included in the tax base.
Foreign online retailers are subject to additional mail order regulations.
If a mail-order company generates a significant turnover of at least CHF 100.000 per year with corresponding small shipments, VAT registration in the Swiss-Liechtenstein tax territory may be required.
For DAP The recipient is generally responsible for the import costs.
In contrast, a DDP solution should be evaluated based on the specific carrier.
You can find more information about the delivery terms at DAP and DDP.
Why Liechtenstein is a special case in Europe under customs law
Liechtenstein combines several economic regions.
The country:
- is a member of the EEA
- does not belong to the EU
- It is not part of the EU customs union.
- forms a common customs territory with Switzerland
- uses the Swiss franc
- largely applies Swiss customs law
This combination is unusual.
For companies, it means, on the one hand, classic customs clearance when shipping from Germany.
On the other hand, many industrial products have benefited since 2024 from the fact that the Swiss customs territory abolished industrial tariffs.
Germany is also particularly important economically.
In 2025, 37,7 percent of Liechtenstein's direct goods imports came from Germany.
This means that trade with Germany is anything but unimportant for the small principality.
Which shipping provider is suitable for Liechtenstein?
Due to its geographical location, various international parcel and express services are available.
The appropriate carrier depends on the specific shipment.
The following should be compared:
- Shipping price
- Runtime
- Customs clearance costs
- DDP availability
- Weight limits
- maximum dimensions
- Tracking
- Insurance
Especially with DDP, a detailed comparison is worthwhile.
DHL Postal Delivered Duty Paid is currently available for Switzerland, for example, but explicitly excludes Liechtenstein.
Paket International allows companies to compare the carriers and services available for their specific shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Does Liechtenstein belong to the European Union?
No. Liechtenstein is not a member of the European Union. However, the country has been part of the European Economic Area since 1995.
Does a package destined for Liechtenstein have to go through customs?
Yes. The EEA is not a customs union. Therefore, shipments of goods from Germany to Liechtenstein must still be cleared through customs. Liechtenstein is part of the Swiss customs territory.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Liechtenstein?
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time of 3 to 5 working days. Express services may be faster depending on the product and destination address.
What is the VAT rate in Liechtenstein?
The standard VAT rate is 8,1 percent. A reduced rate of 2,6 percent applies to certain goods such as food, books, and medicines.
What is the customs duty on industrial products?
Since January 1, 2024, import duties on industrial products within the Swiss customs territory have been generally abolished. Special regulations continue to apply to agricultural products and a few exceptions.
What documents do I need for a shipment to Liechtenstein?
For commercial shipments, a complete commercial invoice and the necessary customs information should be provided. A customs declaration is also required for postal shipments to non-EU countries.
Does Swiss customs law also apply in Liechtenstein?
Yes. Due to the customs treaty, Liechtenstein has been part of the Swiss customs territory since 1923. Customs clearance is generally handled by the Swiss customs administration in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Is Liechtenstein duty-free because it belongs to the EEA?
Not automatically. Goods originating in the EEA can benefit from duty-free access within the covered goods category, but border and customs clearance is still necessary. The EEA is not a customs union.
Can I ship DDP to Liechtenstein?
That depends on the carrier and the chosen product. Not every DDP service supports Liechtenstein. DHL Postal Delivered Duty Paid, for example, currently explicitly excludes Liechtenstein.
Who pays the import tax under DAP?
Under DAP (Delivered on Postage and Delivery), the recipient is generally responsible for import clearance as well as any associated taxes, duties and customs fees.
Is there a duty-free allowance for small packages to Liechtenstein?
For postal and courier shipments, import tax amounts up to CHF 5 are not levied for administrative efficiency reasons. This currently corresponds to a tax base of approximately CHF 62 at the standard rate of 8,1 percent and CHF 193 at the reduced rate of 2,6 percent.
What currency is used in Liechtenstein?
Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc. Therefore, customs duties and import taxes are also calculated according to the rules of the Swiss-Liechtenstein customs and tax territory.
