Parliament backs new tax on Shein and Temu parcels

Wednesday, 3 June 2026 06:32

Parliament is moving to tax the small parcels arriving from Chinese platforms such as Shein and Temu.

The National Council on Monday backed a motion by 130 votes to 63 to introduce the tax, after the Council of States had already approved it.

A second motion, passed 140 to 47, will require these platforms to clearly label any products that do not meet Swiss legal standards.

Supporters say the move will help fund stronger checks on the millions of small packages crossing into Switzerland each year.

A minority of the SVP and the Federal Council had opposed both proposals.

More from Bitesize News

Your pictures of the eclipse

You sent in your pictures of the eclipse - many thanks
Copernicus reports hottest summer ever measured

Switzerland is in the grip of a level 3 heat alert, with Geneva heading for temperatures of up to 36°C on Friday.
Tough new banking rules possible

The Federal Council has launched consultations on new banking rules that could withhold or claw back bonuses from top banking executives.
Speed crackdown affects all of Switzerland

The Federal Council has tightened the rules for imposing 30 km/h zones on city streets, requiring cantons to prove that a slowdown will not push traffic into residential neighbourhoods
Back to school concern over heat

Vaud is preparing to map every school building in the canton to identify the classrooms most vulnerable to extreme heat
Eye warning for eclipse watchers

Anyone who watched Wednesday's solar eclipse without proper glasses should watch for signs of retinal damage, doctors are warning