Ordering PCBs from the EU to the UK or Switzerland: customs, VAT and delivery
Both countries are outside the European Union, so a shipment from Romania is an export with customs formalities. This is general information, not tax or customs advice.
Why these two countries are different
Between EU member states a delivery of boards needs no customs declaration. The United Kingdom and Switzerland are not part of the EU customs territory, so the goods are declared when they leave the EU and again when they enter the destination country. This adds a few steps, but they are routine for a B2B buyer who imports regularly.
What to expect
| Topic | United Kingdom | Switzerland |
|---|---|---|
| Customs declaration | Required on import | Required on import |
| Duty | Can be zero when the boards qualify as originating in the EU and the paperwork shows it | Can be zero when the boards qualify as originating in the EU and the paperwork shows it |
| Import VAT | Charged on import; VAT-registered buyers can often account for it in their VAT return | Charged on import; registered businesses can usually reclaim it |
| Importer details | An importer number (EORI) is needed | Your Swiss company and VAT details are needed |
| Documents | Commercial invoice with the origin of the goods | Commercial invoice with the origin of the goods |
Rules and rates change, so confirm the details with your customs broker or tax adviser.
What to agree before you order
- Who acts as importer of record and who pays duty, import VAT and brokerage fees.
- Which courier is used and who arranges the customs clearance.
- The delivery address and the contact person who will receive the customs messages.
- The numbers that must appear on the invoice (company registration, VAT, EORI).
Shipping outside the EU is shown in the calculator as quoted on request; our offer states the shipping terms. Tell us in the request that the destination is the UK or Switzerland.
Plan the time
Customs adds time on top of production and transport (see lead time). If the schedule is tight, order earlier or choose urgent production only for the boards that need it. The comparison with suppliers outside Europe is in European or overseas PCB supplier, and the whole ordering path is in how to order PCBs.
Frequently asked questions
Does PCB-ELECTRA ship to the UK and Switzerland?
Yes, as a delivery outside the EU. The shipping cost is quoted on request and the offer states the terms; mention the destination in your request.
Do I have to pay duty?
Often not, when the boards qualify as originating in the EU and the documents show it, but this depends on the current rules. Confirm it with your customs broker.
Who clears the shipment through customs?
This is agreed before the order. State in the request whether you act as importer and whether the courier or your broker clears the goods.
Browse the questions and answers →
Get the price of your PCB
Upload your Gerber files in the calculator and get an instant estimate in euros.
Open the price calculator →Ask an engineer
Not sure what applies to your board? Describe it in a few lines and our engineers will advise you.