Since Brexit, every shipment between Switzerland and the UK requires dual customs clearance: on exit from Switzerland and on entry into the UK. Franzosini SA is one of the few Swiss forwarders with its own operational branches in the UK — at Dover and Felixstowe — the two main British ports for European trade.
This direct presence allows us to manage the entire process without intermediaries: Swiss export clearance (e-dec), T1 transit through the EU, UK import clearance via CDS (Customs Declaration Service). For goods from Switzerland, the Switzerland-UK free trade agreement allows preferential tariffs: the EUR.1 certificate of origin reduces or eliminates duties on many products.
Road transport via Eurotunnel (Folkestone-Dover) with 48–72 hour transit from Switzerland, or via Calais-Dover ferry. FCL and LCL ocean freight from Felixstowe, Southampton and London Gateway for larger volumes. Air freight via Heathrow for urgent 24–48 hour shipments.
UK EORI number (mandatory for all imports/exports), commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin for preferential tariffs, specific licences for regulated goods (food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals). For temporary imports (trade fairs, exhibitions, samples): ATA Carnet accepted in the UK.
Key sectors served: watchmaking and jewellery (Geneva–London), pharmaceuticals, precision machinery, Swiss food products (chocolate, cheese), cross-border e-commerce. Our Dover branch handles over 500 customs clearances per month.