Healthcare in Switzerland is considered among the best in the world, but access to certain medicines can still be a challenge. High costs, limited local availability of specific drugs, or delays in procurement push many families to look abroad for alternatives. In such cases, India, known globally as the “Pharmacy of the World,” plays a key role in supplying affordable, high-quality medicines to patients in need.
From Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Lucerne, and St. Gallen to smaller towns and villages, Indian medicines are in demand for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, thyroid disorders, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. With reliable courier networks and proper documentation, sending medicines from India to Switzerland has become a safe, legal, and convenient process.
This detailed guide covers everything you need to know, including courier charges, packaging rules, customs requirements, documents, and delivery options.
🌍 Why Indian Medicines Are Preferred in Switzerland
Affordable Treatment: Indian generic medicines are much cheaper compared to Swiss or European brands.
Global Quality Standards: Manufactured under WHO-GMP, US-FDA, and EU regulations.
Wide Range of Options: From basic antibiotics to advanced oncology and HIV medicines.
Trusted Worldwide: India exports medicines to more than 200 countries, including Switzerland.
Long-Term Care Solutions: Effective for chronic illnesses like diabetes, thyroid, and BP.
💰 Courier Charges for Sending Medicines from India to Switzerland
Medicine Weight | Delivery Time | Pickup Cost | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
0.5 kg | 2–5 Days | None | ₹4,100 |
1 kg | 2–5 Days | None | ₹5,300 |
1.5 kg | 2–5 Days | None | ₹6,100 |
2 kg | 2–5 Days | None | ₹7,200 |
⚠️ Charges may vary depending on courier partner, urgency, and type of medicine.
📦 Packaging Guidelines for Medicine Courier
Proper packaging ensures the medicines reach Switzerland without damage:
Keep medicines in original packaging (sealed strips, bottles, or blister packs).
Use tamper-proof cartons with bubble wrap for protection.
For cold-chain drugs (like insulin, vaccines, or biologics), use insulated boxes with ice packs.
Label the parcel clearly as “Medicines for Personal Use.”
Place doctor’s prescription and invoice in a transparent pouch outside the package.
📄 Documents Required for Sending Medicines to Switzerland
The Swiss Customs Administration requires certain documents for medicine clearance:
1. Doctor’s Prescription
Issued by a licensed doctor.
Must include patient’s name, medicine details, dosage, and treatment duration.
Should carry doctor’s stamp, registration number, and signature.
Must state: “For Personal Medical Use.”
2. Pharmacy Invoice / Bill
Proof of purchase from an Indian pharmacy.
Must include pharmacy’s details, medicine name, price, and date.
Ideally, should mention patient’s name.
3. Patient’s ID Proof
Needed to verify authenticity.
Acceptable IDs include:
Passport copy
Swiss National ID Card
Residence Permit (B, C, or L permit)
4. Sender’s ID Proof
Required by courier authorities in India.
Accepted documents: Passport, Aadhaar Card, or Driving License.
5. Customs Declaration Form
Provided by the courier service.
Must specify: medicine details, purpose (personal use), and declared value.
6. Import Permit (Special Cases)
For controlled or restricted medicines, prior approval may be required from Swissmedic (Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products).
Common medicines like those for diabetes, BP, arthritis, or thyroid typically do not require a permit.
⚖️ Customs Regulations for Medicines in Switzerland
Only medicines for personal use are allowed.
Quantity permitted: 30–90 days’ supply.
Both doctor’s prescription and invoice are mandatory.
Controlled substances require Swissmedic approval.
Parcels without documents may be delayed or rejected by customs.
🚚 Courier Networks for Medicine Delivery from India to Switzerland
Shipmeds partners with trusted courier companies to ensure smooth delivery:
1. DHL
Delivery Time: 3–5 working days
Strengths: Fast customs clearance, reliable express shipping.
2. FedEx
Delivery Time: 3–6 working days
Strengths: Specialized healthcare logistics, real-time tracking.
3. UPS
Delivery Time: 4–6 working days
Strengths: Insured delivery, strong European network.
4. Aramex
Delivery Time: 5–7 working days
Strengths: Cost-effective shipping, door-to-door delivery.
✅ Why Choose Shipmeds for Sending Medicines to Switzerland?
Specialized Medicine Courier – Focused on safe pharmaceutical delivery.
Fast Deliveries Across Switzerland – Medicines reach Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Lucerne, and smaller towns within 3–6 working days.
Affordable Shipping Costs – Competitive rates through DHL, FedEx, UPS, and Aramex.
Customs Assistance – Support with Swissmedic regulations and clearance.
Door-to-Door Service – Pickup in India and doorstep delivery in Switzerland.
Cold-Chain Expertise – Temperature-sensitive drugs shipped safely with ice packs.
Real-Time Tracking – Monitor your shipment at every stage.
24/7 Customer Support – Guidance on paperwork, customs, and courier queries.
❓ FAQs – Sending Medicines from India to Switzerland
1. Can I courier medicines from India to Switzerland?
Yes, but you must provide a doctor’s prescription and pharmacy invoice.
2. How long does delivery take?
Generally 3–6 working days, depending on courier service.
3. Do I need Swissmedic approval?
Only for controlled or restricted medicines.
4. Can medicines be delivered outside major cities?
Yes, Shipmeds delivers to both urban and rural areas across Switzerland.
5. What documents are required?
Doctor’s prescription, pharmacy invoice, patient ID, sender ID, and customs declaration form.
6. What’s the maximum medicine quantity allowed?
Usually up to 90 days’ personal supply.
7. Can I send medicines without a prescription?
No, Swiss customs will not clear parcels without valid prescriptions.
8. Are urgent deliveries available?
Yes, express shipments can deliver in 2–4 working days.
9. Can Shipmeds handle cold-chain medicines like insulin?
Yes, insulated packaging with ice packs is used.
10. Can I track my parcel?
Yes, Shipmeds provides real-time shipment tracking.
Share the destination country and medicine details with ShipMeds on WhatsApp or email at info@medspro.in
