Freight Shipping between Malaysia and Switzerland | Rates – Transit Times – Customs Clearance

The main products exported from Malaysia to Switzerland by freight transport

Electronic products, RM 3.04 billion (about CHF 678 million) such as computers, smartphones, and electronic components are exported to Switzerland.

Palm oil, RM 2.07 billion (about CHF 461 million), This product is exported to Switzerland for use in various industries.

Petroleum products, RM 1.06 billion (approximately CHF 236 million), such as crude oil and liquefied natural gas, are exported to Switzerland for use in industry.

Rubber Products, RM 849.5 million (approximately CHF 189 million), this product is exported to Switzerland for use in the automotive and other industries.

Wood products, RM 153.5 million (approximately CHF 34 million) , such as furniture and panels, which are exported to Switzerland for use in the construction and interior design industry.

Textile products, RM 289.5 million (approximately CHF 64 million), such as clothing, fabrics, and bedding products, are exported to Switzerland for use in the fashion and interior design industry.

What are the most suitable modes of transport for freight between Malaysia and Switzerland?

Freight transportation between Malaysia and Switzerland can be done by different modes of transportation such as sea, and air. Each mode of transportation has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, delivery time, security, and transport capacity. The choice of the mode of transportation usually depends on the nature and quantity of the goods to be transported, the urgency of the delivery, the available budget, and the distance between the two countries.

Sea freight between Malaysia and Switzerland

Ocean freight is a commonly used mode of transporting goods for international trade. It is often the preferred choice for companies seeking to transport large quantities of goods over long distances.

The advantages of maritime freight

Maritime transport offers several advantages, such as lower costs for long distances and large transport capacity for large cargoes and volumes. In addition, shipping is considered one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation, thanks to modern ships designed to be energy efficient and reduce CO2 and other pollutants.

Negative aspects of maritime freight

Maritime transport also has some disadvantages, such as : 

-Longer transit time: sea transport is generally slower than air transport, which can be a disadvantage for urgent shipments.

-Increased risk of delay or loss: Due to the length of time in transit and changes in carriers, there is an increased risk of delays or loss of goods during ocean transport.

-Risk of damage to goods: Due to the handling of containers and cargoes, there is an increased risk of damage to goods during ocean transport.

The main seaports in Malaysia for freight transport 

Port of Klang- located about 38 km southwest of Kuala Lumpur, it is the largest port in Malaysia and one of the largest container ports in Asia.

Port of Tanjung Pelepas - located in Gelang Patah district, Johor region, this port is one of the most modern and efficient container ports in Asia.

Port of Penang - located on the island of Penang in the northwest of Malaysia, it is one of Malaysia's most important ports for international trade.

Port of Johor - located in the Johor region, this port is one of Malaysia's major ports for the transportation of bulk cargo, including crude oil and liquefied gas.

The main seaports in Switzerland for freight transport

Port of Basel - located on the Rhine, the Port of Basel is the most important inland port in Switzerland and one of the most important logistics centers in Europe.

Port of Muttenz - located on the Rhine near Basel, the port of Muttenz is an important transport center for river and rail freight traffic. It is mainly used for the transport of chemicals and fuels.

Port of Zurich - located on the Limmat River, the Port of Zurich is one of Switzerland's most important inland ports for the transport of bulk goods.

Port of Lugano - located on Lake Lugano, the port of Lugano is an important port for the transport of bulk goods and containers.

Transit time between Malaysia, Switzerland and ports

The expected sea transit time from Malaysia to Switzerland is 18 to 21 days. And this will vary depending on several factors such as customs formalities, the distance between the different ports. As well as other factors.

Freight rates for sea transport between Malaysia and Switzerland

The cost of sea freight transportation between Malaysia and Switzerland may vary depending on several factors, such as:

- the distance between the ports

- the type of cargo

- seasonality and market demand

- taxes and port charges

- handling, storage, and insurance costs

- transportation routes

- selected shipping lines and exchange rate fluctuations.

It is recommended to compare the rates of different shipping companies and to take into account all costs associated with shipping to determine the total rate.

Should I use a full container or groupage for my shipments from Malaysia to Switzerland?

It is important to understand the difference between the two methods, to be able to compare and make the right decision to reduce the maximum costs.

What are grouped containers (LCL)?

If you need to ship products that do not completely fill a container in terms of size or quantity, LCL shipping can be a good option. This will allow you to pay only for the space you actually use, which is ideal for smaller shipments. Your products will be transported alongside other goods to the same destination.

Full Container Load (FCL)

This means that from the time of departure until the time of arrival, only one customer uses the entire container. The container will be sealed from the time it leaves the company's property until it is delivered to the customer to minimize risk and expense.

It is a fantastic way to transport if you intend to buy a lot of products. Therefore, whether you fill it completely or not, using an FCL container for a large number of products will also be safer and cheaper. Undoubtedly, from 15 m3, a full container can be cheaper than the LCL.

Specialized maritime transport between Malaysia and Switzerland

Reefer container

A refrigerated container is a container that is thermally insulated and equipped with a temperature control system. This type of container is designed to transport goods that require regulated temperatures. Products such as meals or chemicals are often transported in refrigerated containers.

Ro-Ro

The Ro-Ro vessel is specifically designed to transport motor vehicles and other cargo, using one or more ramps to load and unload them. This type of vessel differs from traditional cargo ships that load goods vertically using cranes.

Bulk

Bulk products are goods that are transferred directly into the hold of a ship or into dedicated facilities, which distinguishes them from conventional goods. Bulk products can be solids (such as coal, ferrous, and non-ferrous ores) or liquids (such as oil and petroleum products). Bulk carriers, which are specialized vessels for each type of cargo (such as ore carriers, coal carriers, etc.), are used to transport bulk products.

OGG

OOG cargo, which stands for "Out of Gauge", represents a subset of goods that cannot be transported in regular containers due to their non-standard size or weight. As a result, these types of cargo are usually transported on special platforms or trailers.

Air freight from Malaysia to Switzerland

Air freight between Malaysia and Switzerland is a fast and efficient way to transport goods. Air freight is often used to transport perishable, high value or urgent goods between these two countries.

Traditional air freight or express air freight?

Express air freight, is a faster service that is typically used for urgent shipments and time-sensitive deliveries. DocShippze has efficient and optimized logistics networks to ensure fast delivery of cargo. In general, express air freight shipments are processed with high priority and benefit from reduced transit times.

Traditional air freight, on the other hand, is a more economical service that is often used for less urgent or time-sensitive cargo. It is generally slower than express air freight but can offer more affordable rates for larger shipments.

Malaysia’s main airports for air cargo transport

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 

Malacca international airport

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah international airport         

Penang international airport

Kuching international airport

Switzerland’s main airports for air cargo transport

Zurich International Airport

Geneva International Airport 

Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport             

Bern-Belp Airport

Lugano-Agno Airport

The average transit time for freight transport between Malaysian ports and Switzerland

The flight between Malaysia and Switzerland can take 14 hours from Zurich airport to Kuala Lumpur airport.

Remember that the logistics don't end with the flight; it is possible that customs may hold the cargo for various reasons. When that happens, you can contact DocShipper to release your parcel in record time.

Freight rates for air transport between Malaysia and Switzerland

The freight rate for air transport between Malaysia and Switzerland varies depending on several factors, such as:

- Type of cargo

- Size and weight of the cargo

- The operating costs of the airline 

- Customs and import fees

In general, air freight is more expensive than ocean freight, but it is often faster and more reliable for urgent or high-value shipments. Therefore, it is best to contact us for an accurate quote based on your needs.

Customs clearance of goods between Malaysia and Switzerland

You probably know that when traveling from one country to another with personal belongings, it is necessary to go through customs and have the items cleared. DocShipper Malaysia, having experience in customs matters, will be able to assist you in the process of clearing your goods through customs.

The necessary documents for freight transport between Malaysia and Switzerland

The documents required for the transportation of cargo between Malaysia and Switzerland may vary depending on the products transported and the regulations in force. Here is a list of the most commonly required documents:

-Commercial invoice: A legal document used in international trade to provide information about the goods sold and their value. It is usually issued by the seller and provided to the buyer to facilitate payment and clearance of goods.

-Packing list: A document that lists all items contained in a shipment, with information such as quantity, weight, dimensions, and serial numbers. It is usually issued by the carrier and used to facilitate the processing and delivery of the shipment.

-Certificate of origin: A document that indicates the country of origin of a product. It is generally required for imported products to determine applicable duty rates and trade restrictions.

-Payment documents: Documents such as invoices, letters of credit, and account statements that provide information on financial transactions related to the purchase and sale of goods. They are generally used to facilitate payment and financial risk management.

-Certificates of conformity: Documents that certify that products or services meet specific standards or requirements. They are generally used to facilitate the export of products to foreign countries that have strict safety and quality regulations.

For more information, I advise you to read this article.

Customs clearance in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the documents required for the customs clearance process may vary depending on the nature of the goods and the regulations in force. However, the most common documents required are the commercial invoice and the bill of lading. If the goods being shipped are subject to controls or restrictions, the authorities may also require additional authorization or license.

In order for your products to be imported into Malaysia, it is necessary to pay all the tariffs and taxes required for their clearance. However, if there are any problems with your product and/or documents, the shipment may be held for 24–48 hours after the arrival. This means that your products will not be available for shipment until customs requirements have been met.

Customs clearance in Switzerland

Companies wishing to import or export goods to Switzerland must register with the Federal Customs Administration (FCA) and obtain an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number. This number is used to identify the company during the customs clearance process.

Thus, the transport document, the certificate of origin, the commercial factor....

Excise tax in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the excise tax is an indirect tax that is imposed on certain specific products, such as tobacco, alcoholic beverages, and fuels. It is usually included in the selling price of these products.

Excise tax rates in Switzerland vary depending on the type of product. Here are some examples of current tax rates:

• Tobacco: The tax rate varies according to the type of tobacco and the quantity. For example, the rate for cigarettes is 25 Swiss francs per 1000 cigarettes, while the rate for smoking tobacco is 60 Swiss francs per kilogram.
• Alcoholic Beverages: The tax rate depends on the type of alcoholic beverage. For example, the rate for beer is 70 Swiss centimes per liter, while the rate for spirits is 48 Swiss francs per liter of pure alcohol.
• Fuels: The tax rate varies depending on the type of fuel. For example, the rate for gasoline is currently 70 Swiss centimes per liter, while the rate for diesel is 80 Swiss centimes per liter.

It should be noted that tax rates may be revised periodically, and that exceptions may apply in certain cases, such as for products intended for industrial or agricultural use.

How to estimate your taxes and customs duties?

As Malaysia and Switzerland do not have free trade agreements, there are three main taxes that you may have to pay when doing business.

In Switzerland, the arrival of commercial products may result in the imposition of various fees, such as customs duties, VAT or other charges. The amount of these charges depends on several factors, including the tariff number of the goods, their quantity, weight, and value, and the country of origin of the goods. You can find all the necessary information in the Tares customs tariff

The HS code

The HS code is a universal classification system used to identify and describe products traded around the world. It is composed of six digits, each digit representing a specific product category.

The HS code is used to determine applicable customs duties and taxes on imported or exported products, as well as to control imports and exports of certain products.

Where to find the HS code?

You can find your HS code on several websites, such as the World Customs Organization (WCO) website, which provides a complete list of all HS codes. You can also check the website of your local customs agency for information on the HS codes applicable in your country.

The use of the HS code

Once you have your HS code, you can use it to find out how much duty and taxes will be levied on your product when it is imported.

You will need to enter the following 2 pieces of information on the website, as seen on the screen above:

Customs contact 

Additional  DocShipper Services

Storing and warehousing

DocShipper has strategically located warehouses to store your products for as long as you need them before export. We can offer you a solution tailored to your needs, whether you want to store your products individually or in combination with other suppliers.We can also help you optimize the space in your containers, either by filling them completely or by dividing them into different destinations upon arrival.Our experts can help you develop an effective strategy to maximize the use of your containers and reduce your shipping costs. We invite you to consult our page for more information.

Service - packaging

To ensure the stability and optimal protection of your products during shipping and storage, the packing and preparation stage is essential. At DocShipper, we have a wide range of packaging supplies such as pallets, cartons, boxes, tape, bubble wrap and more to meet your specific business needs.

We invite you to explore our dedicated page to find the most suitable packaging solutions for your product to ensure safe delivery and optimal preservation of your goods.

Cargo Insurance 

Insurance costs for the transportation of goods can vary depending on several factors such as the type of vehicle used, the product transported and the insurance provider chosen. We offer you the possibility of adjusting the declared value of your items by up to 20% to take into account the risk of possible damage.

The insurer will determine the value of the goods as well as the initial transportation costs. To learn more about our insurance services, please visit our specialized page available on our website.

Moving service

If you are planning to move or relocate to Malaysia or other countries in the world, you may need to transport a large amount of luggage or personal souvenirs.At DocShipper, our professionals handle every step of the relocation process, including packing, pressing and customs clearance of personal belongings, to ensure safe delivery to your home.

To learn more about our moving assistance services, please visit our dedicated page.