If you’re shipping orders to Switzerland or Liechtenstein, you’ve likely noticed a VAT charge on your invoices. This is because Printful is registered as a VAT taxpayer in Switzerland. This registration requires us to collect Swiss VAT on all orders destined for Switzerland and Liechtenstein to ensure your packages move through customs without delay.
Even though Liechtenstein is a separate country, it shares the same VAT rules as Switzerland.
How much VAT is charged?
As of June 1, 2022, we collect 8.1% Swiss VAT on all orders going to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
VAT is calculated on:
(Printful product price + shipping + services) × 8.1%
“Services” include things like digitization fees or premium image use.
Why is VAT charged on these orders?
Switzerland and Liechtenstein require businesses like Printful to collect VAT upfront. It’s a consumption tax applied to goods and services sold within these countries, similar to how VAT works in the EU.
By collecting VAT upfront:
- Your customers won’t need to pay VAT at the border.
- Orders are processed more smoothly through customs.
Submitting your Swiss or Liechtenstein VAT ID
If your business is registered for VAT in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, you can submit your VAT ID to us so it appears on your invoices. However, please note - submitting your VAT ID won’t exempt you from Swiss VAT charges.
Here’s how to add your VAT ID:
- Go to your Printful Dashboard
- Go to Billing → Tax information → Switzerland VAT
- Enter your VAT ID number and click Submit
Examples of VAT ID formats:
- Switzerland: CHE-123.456.789
- Liechtenstein: 123456
No extra documents are needed—once submitted, we’ll automatically add your VAT ID to invoices for shipments to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
What is Swiss VAT?
Swiss VAT is Switzerland’s version of a consumption tax. Locally, it’s called:
- Mehrwertsteuer (MWST)
- Taxe sur la valeur ajoutée (TVA)
- Imposta sul valore aggiunto (IVA)
Still need help? Our Support Team is here for you—reach out anytime through our contact form or start a chat with us.