Guide · updated September 2026
Bringing food from Malaysia to Switzerland: what's allowed
Kaya, sambal, laksa paste, Milo, snacks: most of us come back with a bag of food. Here is what Swiss rules allow for travellers from Malaysia and other non-EU countries, with links to the official pages.
The rules in short
For travellers arriving from outside the EU, including Malaysia and Singapore (BLV):
- Meat and meat products are not allowed. This includes food that contains meat, meat extract or organ powders.
- Milk and dairy products are not allowed.
- Fish and fishery products: up to 20 kg per person. Shrimp and other crustaceans count as fishery products.
- Egg: composite foods with egg are allowed if egg is less than half of the product and there is no meat or dairy in it.
- Honey: up to 2 kg per person.
- Infant formula: up to 2 kg per person, unopened branded products.
On top of that, VAT applies when your goods are worth more than CHF 150 per person per day (BAZG). Liquids in hand luggage are limited to 100 ml per container, so pack pastes and sauces in checked luggage.
Common items
Always read the ingredients. The same product can differ between brands and flavours.
| Item | Usually | Check for |
|---|---|---|
| Laksa paste, sambal, rempah | OK | Meat extract, milk |
| Belacan, dried shrimp, ikan bilis | OK up to 20 kg | Total fish weight |
| Kaya | Check | Egg share, milk |
| Instant noodles | Check | Chicken or beef seasoning |
| Milo, 3-in-1 coffee, milk tea | Not allowed if it contains milk | Milk powder |
| Biscuits, cakes, chocolate, sweets | OK if no meat | Meat floss, meat fillings |
| Bak kwa, meat floss, lap cheong | Not allowed | Meat |
| Tea, spices, dried chillies | OK | Value above CHF 150 |
This table is a summary, not legal advice. Rules change; check the BLV page before you travel.
Can't bring it yourself?
On Hashiruu you post what you need with a price, and someone already flying from Malaysia buys it new in a shop and brings it. You pay into escrow when you hire, and the traveller is paid when you confirm you have it. The fee is 5% each side.
Questions
Can I bring kaya into Switzerland?
Kaya is made with eggs and usually coconut milk, not cow milk. Composite foods with egg are allowed if eggs are less than half of the product and it contains no meat or dairy. Check the label.
Can I bring instant noodles from Malaysia?
Only if neither the noodles nor the seasoning contains meat, meat extract or milk. Many flavours contain chicken or beef powder, which is not allowed.
How much dried shrimp or belacan can I bring?
Shrimp counts as a fishery product. Fishery products are allowed up to 20 kg per person.
When do I have to pay VAT?
When the goods you bring are worth more than CHF 150 per person per day. Then VAT is due on the whole value, at the reduced 2.6% rate for food. Declare it in the red channel or with the QuickZoll app.