Clothing production planning · Switzerland

Clothing Manufacturing for Swiss Brands

A clothing project starts with a product idea and a production brief. Before an order is confirmed, the buyer also needs to settle sample approval, quality criteria, material information, labels, customs information and transport. Fenalt coordinates development and custom clothing production with specialist production partners. Depending on the agreed scope, work may include technical review, material enquiries, sample development, production coordination, on-site quality checks and export-document coordination.

Fenalt does not own a manufacturing facility. Production partners and the manufacturing country depend on the product, specification, available capacity and conditions confirmed for the project. This page is a planning guide, not Swiss customs, tax or legal advice. The Swiss buyer and its advisers must confirm the obligations for the actual goods, import and intended sale.

Project brief

Prepare information that can be checked

Separate approved details from estimates and open decisions. A useful first review can include:

Brief item	Information to provide
Product	Garment type, construction, intended use, reference garment or images, fit, size range and special finishes.
Technical file	Current tech pack, drawings, measurement chart, construction notes, bill of materials, tolerances and revision date.
Materials	Known fibre composition, fabric weight, colour, trims, labels, packaging and any nominated supplier.
Order	Quantity by style, colour and size, target sample date, intended bulk window and repeat-order assumptions.
Quality	Critical measurements, appearance requirements, requested tests, defect categories and proposed inspection criteria.
Swiss import	Proposed importer, product description, materials, known origin, delivery point and customs adviser, if appointed.

If a technical pack is incomplete, mark what remains open. For example, distinguish a confirmed fibre mix from a fabric option still to be sourced. This helps identify decisions that may affect samples, cost, classification information or timing.

Product and requirements

Describe the garment, not a market assumption

A project may involve jersey garments such as T-shirts and sweatshirts, hoodies and other streetwear, woven trousers or shirts, outerwear or sportswear. These are examples of possible product groups, not claims about Swiss consumer preferences. The specification determines which production approach can be assessed.

Record the construction, intended use, measurements, fit, material composition, weight, colour, print or embroidery, trims, label and packaging requirements. Identify the version of every reference file. If a test or certificate is requested, name the evidence and scope expected; do not use a general phrase such as “premium quality” as an acceptance criterion.

Managed production

How a project can proceed

Brief review
Review the product, quantities and unresolved technical choices; list missing measurements, materials or construction details.
Material and development planning
Scope material enquiries, pattern work and other development for the actual product, colour, finish and order quantity.
Sample review
Compare the sample with the written specification. Consolidate comments on fit, measurements, construction and appearance.
Pre-production approval
Confirm the final sample and specification before bulk production. Document any later change that may affect cost, material or schedule.
Bulk production and inspection
Use the agreed production specification and quality plan. Inspection criteria should be product-specific; sampling does not promise every item is identical or defect-free.
Export handover
Agree the shipment route, handover point, export documents and who handles Swiss import clearance.

Fenalt’s current planning references are 10–15 days for sample production plus a separate 3–5 day courier estimate, and 15–20 days from pre-production sample sign-off to bulk export dispatch. These are not guaranteed arrival times. Material sourcing, approvals, revisions, capacity, inspection results and shipping arrangements can change the schedule. Transit after export dispatch into Switzerland is not included and depends on the booked route.

Order planning

Confirm the minimum in the quotation

Fenalt’s standard minimum order quantity is 50 pieces per style. This is a planning reference, not a promise that every fabric, colour or trim can be produced at that volume. Supplier and dye-lot minimums vary with the specification and must be confirmed in the quotation.

Quality planning

Agree what will be checked

Fenalt’s approved inspection reference is AQL 2.5 under ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 Level II. It is a sampling and acceptance method. It does not mean every garment is inspected or guarantee a defect-free shipment. Agree the sample size, defect definitions, inspection point and any buyer inspections before bulk production.

Define measurable criteria for the product, including critical measurements, appearance, seam construction, colour, print placement, packaging and quantity. If a test is required, identify the method, sample and party who reviews the result. Needle or metal detection, laboratory tests and supplier documents should be confirmed for the specific order, not assumed as a standard service.

Swiss customs and import costs

Use Tares for the actual goods

Switzerland has its own customs tariff. A buyer should not copy an EU TARIC result as a Swiss determination. The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS/BAZG) provides the Swiss working tariff through Tares. A lookup uses the date, origin, direction of movement and eight-digit tariff number; results can include customs rates, other charges or taxes, restrictions and permit information. The wording of the applicable legal acts remains authoritative.

The industrial-tariff abolition entered into force on 1 January 2024 and concerns goods in chapters 25–97, with exceptions for some products in chapters 35 and 38 classified as agricultural products. Classification still needs to be checked. The reform is not a landed-cost calculation and does not automatically remove import tax, other charges, documentation, restrictions or other requirements. Have the Swiss importer or broker check the current treatment of the actual goods and origin in Tares.

Import tax is a separate question. FOCBS collects import tax on imported goods and publishes general information about its tax base and applicable rates for different goods. This page does not calculate a rate or tax base for a particular clothing shipment. The importer should confirm the goods value, transport and incidental costs, importer role and current treatment with a Swiss customs representative or tax adviser.

A Tares inquiry needs an accurate product description, construction and composition details, and origin. Customs origin is a legal fact; it cannot be inferred from the brand’s address, invoice address or dispatch route. Do not promise preferential treatment until the applicable rule and evidence have been checked for the goods. No tariff number or amount is assigned here.

Product labeling

Confirm Swiss requirements for the product

Textile labeling must be checked for the actual product and Swiss sales context. This page does not state a complete Swiss label obligation and does not assume that EU rules automatically govern Swiss sales. Before labels are printed, the brand should ask a qualified Swiss adviser which fibre details, languages, care information, origin statements or other product information apply to the product, sales channel and buyer role. Sector-specific rules may take precedence over general product-information guidance.

If a retailer has additional requirements, distinguish them from legal obligations and document who checks each one. Keep the approved composition, supplier records, label artwork and product description consistent. A supplier sheet or sample label alone does not demonstrate that a finished garment meets every rule that may apply to a specific sale.

Keep composition evidence from material specifications and production records. If a garment combines materials or includes components requiring separate treatment, ask the responsible reviewer how the composition should be described. Use certification, environmental or performance claims only when current evidence supports the exact wording.

Shipping and export documents

Set the named place and responsibilities

Fenalt’s approved references are DAP for small-batch courier shipments and FOB Chattogram for bulk sea freight. Production origin, destination, shipment size, route and the agreed Incoterm can change the practical arrangements. The quotation should name the delivery place or port, the included transport legs, import clearance and who is responsible for charges. Do not assume a DAP quotation includes Swiss import tax or other import costs.

Export and shipping documents are prepared for the confirmed order. Before declaration, the buyer or customs representative should check that the commercial invoice, packing list, goods description, quantities, origin and classification information are complete and consistent. Use an origin statement or other product evidence only when it applies to that shipment and is supported by records. No route, transit duration or total landed amount is promised.

Before placing an order

Resolve the decisions in writing

Final product specification and sample-approval owner.
Quantity by style, material requirements and quality standard.
Who reviews labels and which product information applies.
Named importer and customs representative.
Swiss tariff classification, origin evidence, required documents and import-tax treatment.
Agreed Incoterm, named delivery point and allocation of costs.

For a first project review, send the current tech pack or product file, reference garment or images, quantities by style, requested materials, target calendar and delivery point. Include requested tests, labeling or packaging details, and identify decisions still open. Fenalt can review the scope and identify questions to settle before sampling or a quotation.

Questions to resolve

Before confirming an order

What should a Swiss brand send for a first project review?

Share the current tech pack or product brief, reference garment or artwork, quantity by style, material requirements, target calendar and delivery destination. Include requested tests, label or packaging needs, and mark which decisions remain open. Fenalt can assess the scope and identify decisions needed before sampling or quotation.

Are Swiss customs costs always zero for apparel?

That cannot be answered for every item and shipment with a blanket statement. The industrial-tariff abolition has a defined scope. Classification, origin, other charges, import tax, restrictions and required documents must be checked for the actual case in Tares and with qualified advice.

Does Fenalt pay Swiss import tax?

This page does not make that promise. The importer, declaration roles and agreed Incoterm must be defined for the order. Confirm the customs and tax treatment with a Swiss representative.

Are the production timelines guaranteed?

No. Fenalt’s planning references are 10–15 days for sample production plus 3–5 days for courier shipping, and 15–20 days from pre-production sample sign-off to export dispatch for bulk production. Confirm the start point, approvals, revisions and separate transport to Switzerland in the project schedule.

Next step

Scope the production discussion

Share the product brief, quantity by style, current specification and delivery point with Fenalt. A first discussion is not a final price, customs decision or compliance approval; those depend on the confirmed goods, origin, importer and agreed commercial terms.

Start a project brief

Manufacturing services Review Fenalt capabilities See the managed workflow

Official sources for further checks

These sources support general planning only; Swiss product-label, tax and customs treatment must be confirmed for the specific product and transaction.