Dangerous goods within Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Send dangerous goods safely
Some goods are classified as dangerous for shipping. Special statutory provisions apply. This also applies to seemingly harmless products such as perfume, mobile phones, lithium batteries or spray cans. Such dangerous goods require special labelling and packaging for mailing.
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Swiss Post transports dangerous goods permitted for mailing within Switzerland as a parcel. It is also possible to send biological laboratory consignments as letter mail. Dangerous goods that are not permitted in the parcel channel can, under certain conditions, be transported as small consignments.
Here’s how it works
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Find out in the manual (PDF, 1.8 MB) and in the legal basis whether your goods are dangerous goods and what regulations apply.
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Package the dangerous goods in accordance with the regulations.
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Label the parcel correctly.
Which dangerous goods are prohibited?
Dangerous goods are prohibited when sending letters. Exceptions are biological laboratory consignments.
When sending parcels, many dangerous goods that pose too great a risk are prohibited. Example:
- Car batteries that are not leak-proof
- Defective lithium batteries
- E-bike batteries
- Fireworks, table bombs
- Radioactive substances
- Gas cylinders
The list is not exhaustive
More information can be found in the Dangerous goods manual (PDF, 1.8 MB).
Dangerous goods prohibited as letters or parcels are often permitted for small consignments transport.
Dangerous goods permitted for parcel post
The “Dangerous goods” value-added service allows you to send permitted dangerous goods in the appropriate quantity and correctly packaged as a parcel.
Examples of dangerous goods permitted:
- Spray cans, maximum 1 litre per container
- Colour thinner (UN 1263), maximum 5 litres per container
- Perfume, maximum 5 litres per container
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer, maximum 1 litre per container
- Lithium batteries up to 100 Wh
- Dry ice
You can find more information on permitted quantities, the correct packaging and declaration in the Dangerous goods manual (PDF, 1.8 MB).
Services for the transport of dangerous goods
We offer a comprehensive range of services for transporting dangerous goods. This enables you to send dangerous goods safely and inexpensively within Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Important information
As the sender, you are responsible for complying with the dangerous goods regulations.
Our support unit will be happy to provide you with information on Swiss Post’s shipping regulations. However, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with the legal provisions and the maximum permissible quantities.
We only accept correctly labelled and correctly packaged consignments.
Breaching these rules can lead to additional costs or criminal proceedings.
Swiss Post reserves the right to claim for any inconvenience, damage or costs resulting from dangerous goods that are not declared, prohibited or insufficiently packaged.
The legal basis for the transport of dangerous goods is governed by the following two provisions:
- Ordinance on the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (SDR)
- Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR)
You can obtain details directly from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO)Target not accessible.
Do you have any questions about sending dangerous goods?
Contact us. We will be happy to help.
By e-mail
Send your query to consignments with dangerous goods in Switzerland directly to our specialists online.
Address
Post CH Ltd
Swiss Post Contact Center
Wankdorfallee 4
3030 Berne
Switzerland