UK Bespoke Staircase Supplier with Swiss Delivery — Customs Process, MWST Treatment & Bilateral EU-CH Free Trade
How Continox supplies bespoke staircases from a UK-trading entity to Swiss projects — manufactured at our EN 1090-1 EXC2 facility near Kraków, shipped via Basel customs corridor with T1 transit, MWST 8.1% handled, and zero import tariffs under the bilateral EU-CH free trade agreement.
Pre-assembled staircase sub-modules packaged for Swiss customs dispatch — Continox supplies the EUR1 origin certificate, T1 transit document and MWST schedule with every shipment to Switzerland.
The most common question we receive from Swiss architects, Bauingenieure and developers considering Continox for the first time is: "how does customs work — and what about MWST?" The short answer: Continox manufactures at our EN 1090-1 EXC2 certified facility near Kraków in Poland (EU Single Market), shipping into Switzerland via the Basel customs corridor. Switzerland is not a member of the EU customs union, so a T1 transit document plus customs clearance applies — but the bilateral EU-CH free trade agreement means zero import tariffs on EU-manufactured goods. MWST 8.1% applies as standard Swiss VAT and is processed at the border. Total customs overhead: 4–8 hours at Basel. The UK trading presence (continox.uk, English-language client communications) is a service convenience — goods do not pass through the UK during the Switzerland supply chain.
This guide explains the supply chain, the customs documentation pack we provide for Swiss projects, the MWST 8.1% treatment options (DDP vs DAP), the FX risk management for CHF/EUR pricing, and how the whole process compares to ordering from a Swiss-domestic fabricator. For the broader regulatory framework see our SIA standards guide, classification details in the private vs commercial guide, glass specification in the glass balustrade regulations guide, and regional context in our Zürich, Zug & Goldküste, Geneva & Lac Léman, Bern, Basel & Aargau, St. Moritz, Engadin & Davos and Gstaad, Saanenland & Valais regional guides. Visit the Continox Switzerland hub for the full product range, plus matching glass balustrades, balcony railings and external staircases.
Continox manufactures at our EN 1090-1 EXC2 facility near Kraków, Poland (EU Single Market). Shipments to Switzerland: T1 transit document required, MWST 8.1% applied at the border, zero import tariffs under the bilateral EU-CH free trade agreement (EUR1 origin certificate). Transit time 4–6 working days door-to-door via Basel customs corridor (4–8h customs clearance). Every delivery includes SIA 358 + EN 1090-1 EXC2 + Eurocode structural calculations + MWST schedule + EUR1 origin + T1 transit + bilingual installation manual. CHF or EUR fixed-price quote within 48 working hours; pricing locked 30 days at quotation. MWST handling options: DDP (Continox includes MWST) or DAP (your Swiss broker handles) — your choice at quotation.
- The Continox Supply Chain — Manufacture, Trade, Swiss Delivery
- Switzerland Is Not in the EU Customs Union
- MWST 8.1% — DDP vs DAP for B2B Buyers
- Swiss Customs Documentation Pack
- Customs Corridors & Lead Times by Region
- Continox vs Swiss-Domestic Fabricator
- CHF / EUR Pricing & FX Hedging
- The 5–9 Week Project Programme
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Continox Supply Chain — Manufacture, Trade, Swiss Delivery
Three entities and one logistics route define the Continox Switzerland supply chain:
Manufacturing — EN 1090-1 EXC2 Facility, Poland
Continox bespoke staircases are manufactured at our EN 1090-1 EXC2 certified facility near Kraków, Poland. Full structural-steelwork certification covering execution class 2 — sufficient for residential staircases (Wohnbau privat), multi-family Treppenhaus and Öffentlich zugängliche Bauten across the SIA framework. The facility holds welder qualifications per EN 9606-1, weld procedure qualifications per EN 15614-1, and post-weld inspection per EN ISO 17637. EU CE marking applies; Swiss bilateral framework recognises this for construction product import.
Trading Entity — UK-based Service & Communications
Continox operates a UK trading presence — continox.uk website, English-language client communications, UK customer-service standards. For Swiss clients this means working with a specification-grade English-speaking team who understand UK Building Regulations, EN 1090, UKCA marking and BS standards alongside Swiss SIA 358, SIA 500 and SIA 261. Multilingual project coordination available in English plus German, French or Italian depending on canton. The UK trading presence is a service convenience, not a logistics constraint — goods never pass through the UK during the Switzerland supply chain.
Logistics — Direct EU + Swiss Customs Corridor
Shipments to Switzerland travel directly from our Poland facility to the Swiss border by dedicated EU motorway freight — Germany–Basel motorway corridor most common, France–Geneva alternative for Romandie projects. At the Swiss border (Basel, Chiasso or Schaffhausen depending on routing), the Swiss customs clearance is processed by our nominated Swiss freight partner: T1 transit document validation, MWST processing, EUR1 origin verification, typically 4–8 hours. Final delivery from border to project site by Swiss-registered transport.
A finished Continox bespoke staircase ready for Swiss customs dispatch — manufactured at our EN 1090-1 EXC2 facility near Kraków, packaged for direct delivery to Swiss projects via the Basel customs corridor.
Switzerland Is Not in the EU Customs Union
The single most important difference vs intra-EU supply: Switzerland is not a member of the EU customs union. Goods crossing the Swiss border require formal customs clearance — but the bilateral EU-CH free trade agreement means no import tariffs apply on EU-manufactured goods. The customs overhead is procedural rather than financial.
| Element | EU Country (e.g., France, Germany) | Switzerland |
|---|---|---|
| Customs declaration | None — intra-EU supply | T1 transit document + Swiss customs entry declaration |
| Border clearance time | None (Schengen free movement) | 4–8 hours typical at Basel |
| Import VAT / MWST | Reverse-charged via VAT return | MWST 8.1% applied at border |
| Import tariffs (EU-manufactured) | None | None — bilateral EU-CH free trade |
| Origin documentation | Standard commercial invoice | EUR1 origin certificate required |
| Documentation processing | Continox | Continox + nominated Swiss customs broker |
| Border crossings used | Schengen free movement | Basel (Mittelland), Chiasso (Ticino), Schaffhausen (rare) |
| Total transit overhead vs EU | 0 days additional | ~1 day additional (vs equivalent EU lowland route) |
Switzerland and the EU operate a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in 1972, periodically updated. Under the agreement, industrial goods of EU origin enter Switzerland duty-free when accompanied by a valid EUR1 movement certificate proving EU origin. Continox staircases are manufactured at our Polish facility (EU origin), so the EUR1 certificate is supplied as standard with every Swiss shipment. The result: zero import tariffs, only the procedural customs clearance and MWST 8.1% apply.
MWST 8.1% — DDP vs DAP for B2B Buyers
Swiss MWST (Mehrwertsteuer / TVA / IVA — Swiss VAT) is currently 8.1% standard rate, charged on the imported goods value at customs entry. For Continox B2B Swiss projects, we offer two handling options at quotation stage:
Delivered Duty Paid
- What it means: Continox handles the entire customs process including MWST
- Invoice: single Continox invoice in CHF or EUR including MWST 8.1%
- Buyer handling: none — Continox manages T1 transit, EUR1, MWST
- Recovery: Buyer recovers MWST input via Swiss MWST return as standard B2B input-VAT recovery
- Best for: private clients, smaller B2B without dedicated customs broker, projects below CHF 25,000
- Cash flow impact: MWST sits on Continox invoice for ~30–60 days until your Swiss return
- Timing: simplest — no separate Swiss broker engagement needed
Delivered at Place
- What it means: Buyer's appointed Swiss customs broker handles MWST processing
- Invoice: Continox invoice in CHF or EUR excluding MWST; broker invoices MWST separately
- Buyer handling: appointed Swiss customs broker manages clearance + MWST
- Recovery: Buyer recovers MWST input directly from broker invoice — keeps MWST in Swiss accounting flow
- Best for: larger architect-led projects, contractors with established customs broker relationships, projects above CHF 25,000
- Cash flow impact: MWST stays in your own Swiss accounting flow throughout
- Timing: requires nominating Swiss broker at quotation; standard for established Swiss B2B
For typical Continox Switzerland B2B projects (architect-led, contractor-coordinated), the majority of clients select DAP (Delivered at Place). This keeps MWST inside the project's own Swiss accounting flow — simpler for input-VAT recovery on the larger architect-led project, easier reconciliation against the Bauleitung accounting. Continox supplies all required pre-shipment documentation; the buyer's broker handles the border clearance. We coordinate broker handover at quotation stage.
Swiss Customs Documentation Pack
Every Continox Switzerland delivery includes a complete documentation pack covering both the technical compliance (SIA + EN) and the customs requirements (T1 + MWST + EUR1). The four foundational documents:
| Document | Purpose | Swiss Acceptance |
|---|---|---|
| EUR1 Movement Certificate | Proof of EU origin under bilateral EU-CH free trade agreement | Required for zero-tariff entry; verified by Swiss customs at border |
| T1 Transit Document | EU customs transit declaration for goods crossing into Switzerland | Required at all Swiss customs entry points (Basel, Chiasso, Schaffhausen) |
| MWST Schedule | HS-coded line items with values for MWST 8.1% calculation at border | Standard Swiss customs input for MWST entry |
| Commercial Invoice + Packing List | Standard customs entry documentation with EUR or CHF pricing | Standard Swiss customs requirement |
| CE Marking + DoP | EU Construction Products Regulation 305/2011 compliance | Recognised under bilateral EU-CH framework for construction products |
| EN 1090-1 EXC2 Certificate | Structural steelwork execution class certification | Universal EU/Swiss standard; recognised by all cantonal Baubehörden |
| SIA-Aligned Compliance Schedule | SIA 358 + SIA 500 + SIA 260/261 cross-reference verification | Bilingual structuring for cantonal Baubehörde dossier |
Continox Switzerland — Standard Documentation Pack at Delivery
- EUR1 Movement Certificate: issued at our Polish facility, proves EU origin for zero-tariff entry under EU-CH free trade agreement
- T1 Transit Document: EU customs transit declaration tracking goods from EU origin through to Swiss customs entry
- Commercial Invoice + Packing List: CHF or EUR pricing with HS codes for MWST calculation
- MWST Schedule: line-by-line HS-coded breakdown for Swiss customs MWST entry (8.1% standard rate)
- CE Marking + Declaration of Performance (DoP): single combined document referencing EN 1090-1, EN 14449, EN 12150 harmonised standards
- EN 1090-1 EXC2 Certificate: facility certification document showing notified body identification and audit history
- SIA Cross-Reference Compliance Schedule: bilingual document mapping the design to SIA 358 (Geländer), SIA 500 (Hindernisfreie Bauten where applicable), SIA 261 (Einwirkungen) and SIA 263 (Stahlbau)
- Structural Calculation Pack: Eurocode 1991-1-1 with SIA national annex; signed by IStructE Chartered Engineer; includes anchor schedules, point load summary, dynamic deflection, seismic verification per project zone
- Material Mill Certificates (EN 10204 type 3.1): traceable structural steel batches
- Welder & WPS Qualifications: EN 9606-1 + EN 15614-1 records
- Glass Documentation: heat-soak test records (EN 14179), lamination certificates (EN 14449), tempering certificates (EN 12150), impact classification (EN 12600 1B1)
- Powder-Coat / Galvanising Certificates: RAL specification, DFT, salt-spray test records (BS EN ISO 12944)
- Bilingual Installation Manual: assembly drawings English + German/French/Italian, anchor torque sequence, snagging checklist
- 5-Year Warranty Certificate: conforming to Swiss consumer goods regulations
- Cantonal Baubehörde Summary: 2-page bilingual document specifically structured for cantonal review
Customs Corridors & Lead Times by Region
| Destination Region | Primary Corridor | Border Crossing | Total Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zürich, Zug, Goldküste | Poland → Germany → Basel border → A2 to Zürich Kanton | Basel (4–8h) | 4–6 working days |
| Bern, Aargau, Solothurn | Poland → Germany → Basel border → A1/A2 Mittelland | Basel (4–8h) | 4–6 working days |
| Basel, Bruderholz, Riehen | Poland → Germany → Basel border (direct) | Basel (4h fastest) | 4–5 working days |
| Geneva, Lausanne, Vaud Riviera | Poland → Germany → Basel + A1 to Lausanne / France route + Geneva border | Basel or Geneva (4–8h) | 4–6 working days |
| Luzern, Vierwaldstättersee, Innerschweiz | Poland → Germany → Basel → A2 Lucerne corridor | Basel (4–8h) | 4–6 working days |
| St. Moritz, Engadin, Davos | Poland → Germany → Basel → A2 Chur → A13 mountain road | Basel (4–8h) | 5–7 working days (mountain logistics) |
| Gstaad, Saanenland | Poland → Germany → Basel → A1/A8 Bernese Oberland → mountain road | Basel (4–8h) | 5–6 working days |
| Verbier, Crans-Montana, Valais French | Poland → Germany → Basel + A9 Sion / France route + Geneva border | Basel or Geneva (4–8h) | 5–7 working days |
| Zermatt | Poland → Germany → Basel → Brig/Visp → Täsch railhead transfer | Basel (4–8h) | 6–7 working days (car-free village) |
| Saas-Fee | Poland → Germany → Basel → Visp → Saas valley road | Basel (4–8h) | 5–7 working days |
| Ticino — Lugano, Locarno | Poland → Germany → Basel → Gotthard → Chiasso (or direct Chiasso route) | Chiasso (4–8h) | 5–7 working days |
The Basel border crossing is the fastest customs route into Switzerland for the majority of Continox projects. Basel's customs throughput, dedicated commercial freight lanes, and our nominated freight partner's established processes typically deliver 4-hour clearance for direct Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft projects, 4–8 hours for downstream Mittelland and beyond. Chiasso (Ticino) and Schaffhausen are alternatives but with slightly longer typical clearance times.
Continox vs Swiss-Domestic Fabricator
The honest comparison — when does a Swiss-domestic fabricator make more sense, and when does Continox?
| Factor | Swiss Domestic Fabricator | Continox (EU + Swiss customs) |
|---|---|---|
| Lead time (order to delivery) | 10–16 weeks typical | 5–10 weeks typical |
| Pricing structure | Often hourly + materials, variable; CHF only | Fixed-price quote within 48 hours, CHF or EUR locked 30 days |
| Premium pricing premium | Swiss labour cost (~CHF 90–120/h) drives total project cost | EU labour cost (~PLN 60–80/h equivalent) makes premium spec accessible |
| Specification range | Constrained by individual fabricator's standard kit | 9 systems + bespoke geometry from single supplier |
| Documentation | SIA-native, generally good | SIA cross-reference + EU harmonised standards (universal recognition) |
| 3D visualisation | Sometimes included; often CHF 1,500–3,000 extra | Always included; 5-day delivery from order |
| Customs & MWST | None — domestic | 4–8h border + DDP/DAP options |
| Best for | Projects requiring on-site fabrication, repeat-business relationship, traditional Schlosserei-craft | Bespoke design, fixed-price certainty, premium specification at competitive price, multi-system coordination |
Installed Continox staircase with matching glass balustrade — single supplier delivery, single CE/DoP + SIA package, single Swiss customs clearance.
CHF / EUR Pricing & FX Hedging
Continox Publishes Both Currencies
Continox publishes both EUR and CHF prices for the Swiss market — see system pricing on the Switzerland hub page in both currencies. Approximate parity 1 CHF ≈ 1.06 EUR; CHF pricing typically 5–10% higher than EU equivalent reflecting Swiss market positioning.
30-Day FX Lock at Quotation
CHF pricing is locked for 30 days at quotation regardless of currency movements. This protects you from FX risk during the 4–8 week project programme — even if EUR/CHF moves significantly between quotation and order, your CHF price remains as quoted. After 30 days, requotation may apply if FX has moved more than ~3%.
Final Invoice in Your Choice
Final invoice in CHF or EUR at your election. Payment terms standard 30/60/10 (30% on order, 60% on dispatch, 10% on installation completion). For DDP supply (Continox handles MWST), the invoice includes MWST 8.1% with line-item detail. For DAP supply (your Swiss broker handles MWST), the Continox invoice excludes MWST — broker invoices separately.
The 5–9 Week Project Programme
Week 1 — Brief, Quote & 3D
Architect or main contractor sends site dimensions, classification, design intent. Continox returns fixed-price quote in CHF and EUR within 48 working hours. DDP vs DAP MWST handling discussed and agreed. Order confirmed; 3D visualisation delivered within 5 working days.
Week 2 — Sign-Off & Documentation
Architect signs off final 3D design. Continox releases manufacturing drawings; SIA-aligned compliance schedule, CE/DoP and structural calculations prepared in parallel. For Bern UNESCO Altstadt, Engadin Denkmalpflege or other heritage-protected projects, the documentation can be sent ahead of fabrication completion for cantonal Baubehörde dossier preparation.
Weeks 3–7 — Fabrication + Pre-Shipment Customs
Fabrication at our EN 1090-1 EXC2 facility — 3–4 weeks for standard configurations, 4–6 weeks for fully bespoke geometry, 6–8 weeks for high-altitude alpine specifications with extended thermal-expansion provisioning. Pre-shipment customs documentation (T1 transit, EUR1, MWST schedule, commercial invoice) prepared during final fabrication weeks.
Week 8–9 — Delivery & Installation
4–6 working days transit (5–7 to alpine resorts) including Swiss customs clearance. Delivery to site; installation by the project's appointed Swiss metalwork contractor with remote technical support from Continox throughout. Snagging documentation completed within 1 week of installation.
Start Your Continox Switzerland Project
Free 3D visualisation, fixed-price quote in CHF or EUR within 48 hours, full intra-EU + Swiss customs supply. Complete SIA + EN + Eurocode + customs documentation pack included.
Get Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Is Switzerland in the EU customs union?
No. Switzerland is not a member of the EU customs union — goods crossing the Swiss border require formal customs clearance. However, the bilateral EU-CH Free Trade Agreement (signed 1972, periodically updated) means zero import tariffs apply on EU-manufactured goods when accompanied by a valid EUR1 movement certificate. The customs overhead is procedural rather than financial: 4–8 hours typical clearance time at Basel border, plus MWST 8.1% applied at entry.
How does Swiss MWST work for B2B Continox projects?
MWST (Swiss VAT) is currently 8.1% standard rate, applied on imported goods value at customs entry. Continox offers two handling options: DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) — Continox includes MWST in the invoice and handles all customs processing, simplest option for smaller projects; or DAP (Delivered at Place) — your appointed Swiss customs broker handles clearance + MWST, keeping MWST in your own Swiss accounting flow, standard for larger architect-led projects. Buyer recovers MWST input via standard B2B Swiss MWST return regardless of option chosen.
Are there any import tariffs on Continox staircases entering Switzerland?
No — under the bilateral EU-CH Free Trade Agreement, EU-manufactured industrial goods enter Switzerland duty-free when accompanied by a valid EUR1 movement certificate. Continox staircases are manufactured at our EN 1090-1 EXC2 facility near Kraków (EU origin), and the EUR1 certificate is supplied as standard with every Swiss shipment. The only border charge is MWST 8.1% — which is recoverable as input VAT for B2B buyers.
How long does delivery to Switzerland actually take?
Transit by dedicated EU motorway freight + Swiss customs clearance: 4–6 working days door-to-door for most regions of Switzerland. Mittelland (Bern, Basel, Zürich, Aargau) typically 4–5 days. Lakeside Geneva and Vaud 4–6 days. Engadin and Davos alpine 5–7 days due to mountain road logistics. Zermatt 6–7 days due to car-free village rail logistics at Täsch. Customs clearance at Basel typically 4–8 hours; full programme order to delivery 5–10 weeks depending on specification.
What customs documents accompany the delivery?
The customs pack includes: EUR1 Movement Certificate (proof of EU origin for zero-tariff entry), T1 Transit Document (EU customs transit declaration), Commercial Invoice + Packing List (CHF/EUR pricing with HS codes), MWST Schedule (line-by-line for 8.1% calculation). Plus the technical pack: CE marking + DoP, EN 1090-1 EXC2 certificate, SIA-aligned compliance schedule, structural calculations, material mill certificates, glass certifications, bilingual installation manual.
Where is the manufacturing facility?
Our manufacturing facility is located near Kraków in southern Poland — within the EU Single Market — holding full EN 1090-1 EXC2 certification for execution class 2 structural steelwork. The facility holds welder qualifications per EN 9606-1, weld procedure qualifications per EN 15614-1, and post-weld inspection per EN ISO 17637. Notified body identification and audit history available on the EN 1090 certificate supplied with each delivery.
Are EN 1090 and Eurocode standards accepted in Switzerland?
Yes. EN 1090, Eurocode (EN 1990, EN 1991, EN 1993), EN 14449, EN 12150 and EN 12600 are European harmonised standards. Swiss SIA standards (SIA 260, 261, 263, 264) are aligned with the Eurocode framework. Continox supplies Eurocode-based structural calculations with a Swiss SIA cross-reference schedule — universally accepted by cantonal Baubehörden across all 26 Swiss cantons. EN 1090-1 EXC2 certification is recognised under the bilateral EU-CH framework for construction products.
Can I get pricing in CHF rather than EUR?
Yes — Continox publishes both EUR and CHF prices for the Swiss market. CHF pricing is locked for 30 days at quotation regardless of currency movements, protecting you from FX risk during the 4–8 week project programme. Final invoice in CHF or EUR at your election. Payment terms standard 30/60/10 (30% on order, 60% on dispatch, 10% on installation completion).
Does Continox have a Swiss customs broker?
Yes — Continox uses a nominated Swiss freight partner who handles T1 transit document validation, customs clearance and MWST processing at Basel border (also Chiasso for Ticino, Schaffhausen for specific routes). For DDP supply, our broker handles the entire process. For DAP supply, your appointed Swiss broker handles MWST processing — Continox supplies all required pre-shipment documentation and coordinates broker handover at the border.
What's the warranty on Continox staircases supplied to Switzerland?
5 years on materials and manufacturing defects, transferable to the first end-user (typically the property owner upon completion). Warranty conforms to Swiss consumer goods regulations and includes labour costs for warranted repairs. Glass infill, powder-coat finish, structural steel and stainless components all covered. Wear-and-tear, installation defects (responsibility of the appointed Swiss installer), and force-majeure damage are excluded. Warranty registration completed at installation handover.
Ready to Specify Your Continox Switzerland Project?
From €8,999 / CHF 9,500 supply-only. Free 3D visualisation, full intra-EU + Swiss customs supply with EN 1090 EXC2 certification, complete SIA-aligned documentation pack. 4–6 day delivery to most regions of Switzerland.
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