Whether hemp seeds or prohibited gadgets from cheap platforms: If Swiss customs intercept your order, you could face expensive penalties and an entry in the criminal register. Find out here how to react correctly in the event of a seizure.
💡 Update & note (December 2025)
We have comprehensively updated this article. As purchasing behavior (keyword: Far East stores) and investigative tactics have changed, the text has been supplemented with the latest findings. The original PDF version from 2021 is no longer available.
Holo and the hemp seeds at customs
Question from Holo Hofer:
Someone ordered feminized cannabis seeds from Holland in my name and address over the Internet. The parcel was intercepted by customs and I now have to make statements to the police. What should I do?
Answer:
It is theoretically conceivable that a third party could order drugs to your address in order to intercept the delivery. In many cases, however, this is a common protective claim, which the police and public prosecutor’s office are also aware of. The decisive factor is often whether the prosecution authorities have further evidence (e.g. order confirmations in your name) or can implicate you in contradictions (How do you know that the seeds are “feminized”?). We recommend that you consult a lawyer before the hearing to discuss the specific case.
In principle, of course, you never have to incriminate yourself and can refuse to testify.
In-depth: The new reality at customs (Update 2025)
What began with hemp seeds in the example above is now part of a massive phenomenon. Around 100,000 parcels from abroad are processed at Zurich Airport every day. This is no longer just about narcotics.
The chief customs officer’s “Temu ban”
Just how precarious the situation is is illustrated by a recent report from 20 minutes about the flood of illegal shipments at Zurich customs. The boss there, Nicole Suter, has even gone so far as to impose a strict ban on ordering Temu or Wish in her own family. Their argument: the risk of unknowingly importing goods that violate the Weapons Act, the Therapeutic Products Act or trademark protection is almost incalculable for laypersons.
From bargain to penalty order
What many buyers underestimate: In Switzerland, importers are held fully legally responsible. Whether it is a deceptively real toy weapon (imitation weapon), a laser pointer that is too powerful or even hemp seeds – the consequences are identical:
- Confiscation and destruction of the goods.
- Criminal proceedings with high procedural costs
- In the worst case, a heavy fine and entry in the criminal record
Our article published in 2021 also shows that we are correct in this assessment “Alibaba and the 40 customs officers”in which we warned early on about the legal pitfalls of imports via online trading platforms.
Your contact for criminal law – FF-Law
Was your order confiscated at customs? Have you received mail from customs or the police and would now like to know what penalty you could face? Don’t wait until a fait accompli is created.
Our on criminal law specialized in criminal law in Winterthur are familiar with the tough practices of public prosecutors and customs authorities. We support you in defending yourself in criminal proceedings and avoiding unnecessary entries in your criminal record.
We offer a detailed initial consultation (1 hour at CHF 330.-), on site or via video call. Together we analyze your situation and clarify the next strategic steps.
FAQ: Problems with Swiss customs
Before you make a statement or fill out a questionnaire, a lawyer should examine the specific case. We can help you to avoid contradictions that are quickly interpreted by the authorities as unbelievable claims. An early strategy can often prevent a “harmless” purchase from becoming a permanent entry in your criminal record.
No. As an accused person, you have the right to refuse to testify and cooperate in Swiss criminal proceedings. You never have to incriminate yourself. Since thoughtless statements are often considered incriminating, silence is often the safest first strategy.
Seeds from plants with a THC content of over 1 % are prohibited in Switzerland. If customs confiscate the goods, criminal proceedings usually follow. The sanction usually consists of a fine and substantial procedural fees. Larger quantities or repeated cases can result in significantly higher fines.
Many products on Far East platforms do not comply with Swiss law. These are often prohibited knives (Weapons Act), laser pointers that are too powerful or counterfeit brands. The recipient is legally considered the importer and bears full responsibility. Even Zurich’s chief customs officer warns against ordering from such stores due to these unpredictable risks.
This is the crucial question for your professional future. A pure fine (misdemeanor) does not usually appear in the private record. However, if the offense is qualified as a misdemeanor and a fine in daily rates is imposed, an entry is made in the criminal record. Early intervention by a lawyer aims to limit the proceedings to a pure fine or to obtain a dismissal.
Matthias Fricker
Attorney at law and partner at Fricker and Füllemann Attorneys at Law
Studied at the University of St. Gallen, graduating with a Master in Law (M.A. HSG in Law) in 2012, registered in the Bar Register of the Canton of Zurich, member of the Zurich Bar Association.
Fabian Füllemann
Attorney at law and partner at Fricker and Füllemann Attorneys at Law
Studied at the Universities of St. Gallen and Zurich, graduating with a Master of Law UZH in 2013, registered with the Zurich Bar Registry, member of the Zurich Bar Association.
