Swiss Chinese parcel loophole

Switzerland could become a back door into Europe for cheap Chinese parcels, an NGO warns, because it has not matched the EU's new tax on small imports.

Since 1 July, orders under EUR 150 arriving in the EU face a flat three-euro levy, but shipments routed through Switzerland by rail or road can dodge it. 

Swiss customs already handle several hundred thousand parcels a day and cannot inspect them all. 

Public Eye accuses the Federal Council of failing to legislate in step with Brussels, warning that goods breaching safety and health standards could flood Europe via Switzerland. 

Parliament has approved its own tax on small Chinese parcels, but it will not take effect before 2028.

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