ESTONIA

Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Estonia

Political relations between Switzerland and Estonia are excellent. This is partly due to the help that Switzerland gave Estonia in the area of security and defence in the early years following independence. High-level bilateral visits have also strengthened the relationship. Estonia is one of the countries to benefit from the Swiss contribution to the enlarged EU.

Economic cooperation

Economic relations between the two countries are on an upward trend. The volume of trade amounted to approximately CHF 200 million in 2014. Since Estonia joined the EU in 2004, bilateral trade has been based on the free trade agreement between Switzerland and the EU. Swiss investment in Estonia has risen steadily over the past ten years, and some 90 Swiss firms have invested in the country.

Business language

Estonian, Russian, German, English.

Dimensions and weights

Metric system.

Currency

National currency: € (since 01/01/2011)
ISO code: EUR

Customs tariff (for non-EU goods)

Harmonised system. Customs clearance based on the transaction value.

Import control

EU goods are freely available. The is a free foreign currencies market. There are no longer any restrictions on foreign exchanges. The following import levies apply: government levies, import turnover tax, excise duties, packaging taxes and service fees for custom administration. Import authorisations are only required for internationally prohibited goods (e.g. weapons, drugs). Export authorisations are required in particular for antiquities.
Standard VAT rate: 20% (reduced rate: 9%)
Reimbursement of VAT paid is possible.

Terms of payment and tenders

Payment in advance recommended; or the agreement of an irrevocable letter of credit. Documents against payment is associated with a risk. Regardless of the terms of payment agreed, the contract should set out sufficient securities such as the provision of a bank guarantee of payment on placing of the order. In the case of state export guarantees for Swiss exports, there are possibilities of cover after a careful examination of the individual case.
Tenders submitted at the tenderer’s discretion. Correspondence and brochures should be in English or German; Russian is problematic due to historical issues.

Designations of origin

Usual markings, special provisions: for food, wine and alcoholic drinks. Information should be obtained from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce or the importer. Designations of origin recommended.

Packaging

Conventional packaging regulations apply. The EU Directive sets out that packaging materials made of wood must be manufactured from round logs. This EU regulation goes beyond the necessary treatment set out in the ISPM 15 standard.

Product samples

Duty free.