Could the shopping carts of Swiss customers filled to the brim in supermarkets in neighboring France become rarer? Since January 1, the rules regarding shopping tourism have in fact tightened: the customs exemption has gone from 300 to 150 francs. Beyond that, the goods are now subject to Swiss VAT. However, “it’s not going to change much,” assure Geneva and Vaud consumers present this weekend in the commercial area of Ferney-Voltaire (Ain), on the border with the canton of Bout du Lac.
“We don’t buy caviar every day! a couple laughs. Our purchases never exceed 150 francs, so we are not concerned.” Same observation among most of the people interviewed, almost all of whom were aware of the change of rule. The halving of the customs exemption does not matter to them; their bill usually remains below the new legal threshold. “Here, it’s cheaper than in Switzerland, so we’re not going to change our consumption habits,” explain two friends, in front of the entrance to a hypermarket. Especially since “these businesses are very close to us, that also makes them attractive,” adds a mother. A customer responds: “There is also more choice, even if the prices are no longer as advantageous as before.”
To get around the tightening conditions for shopping tourism, “I will perhaps spend less at one time, but I will come more often,” speculates a young Genevan. Some people note, however, that the threshold of 150 francs, valid only once per person (including children) and per day, can represent a problem for large families. “So, we’ll all come shopping together,” retort a woman and her mother.
There is still one worry: “Perhaps there will be more checks at customs?” asks a customer from Vaud. “Given the number of races I do in France for less money, even if I were to get caught once – but that has never happened in ten years – I will still be a winner,” asserts a sixty-year-old while loading the trunk of his car.
Billions spent abroad
For the moment, the Federal Customs Administration has not mobilized its staff unduly: “We have not intensified our controls,” confirms its spokesperson, David Venetz. The latter also specifies that it is “still far too early” to take stock of the effects of the new standard. Swiss shopping tourism reached 8.5 billion francs in 2023, or more than 23 million per day, according to figures from the association of retail companies Swiss Retail Federation. In 2023, VAT on shopping tourism brought in 35 million francs for the Confederation.
