30 April 2020

Optimization of goods traffic at the border

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The Federal Customs Administration (FCA) expects the easing measures adopted by the Federal Council on 16 April to lead to a noticeable increase in the movement of goods.

The Federal Customs Administration (FCA) expects the easing measures adopted by the Federal Council on 16 April to lead to a noticeable increase in the movement of goods. In dialogue with the business community, existing measures have been optimised and expanded, and the next steps outlined to ensure the rapid processing of commercial goods traffic at the border.

The measures adopted in Switzerland and worldwide to contain the coronavirus are having a considerable impact on the economy and the movement of goods. Compared with a year earlier, the movement of goods in Switzerland in the period from 1 March to and including 23 April fell in exports (approx. - 21%), imports (approx. - 4%) and transit (approx. - 24%). With the gradual easing of protective measures, cross-border trade in goods will now increase again.

In order to accompany the increasing volume of traffic, the FCA has optimised the measures already taken and discussed further improvement measures, with the involvement of the trade associations and based on the recommendations of the World Customs Organisation and the European Union.

Accelerated border crossing of goods

The priority lanes (so-called green lanes) for certain goods that serve the country's supply (such as food or medical goods) will be maintained.

Simplification of procedures

The FCA points out that customs declarants have the possibility of completing Swiss customs formalities before the truck arrives, so that goods transports only have to stop at the border in certain necessary cases. The "Libero Export" procedure enables a completely electronic export process, so that over 95% of consignments can be handled by the carrier without additional Swiss customs formalities.

Digitalisation

With its DaziT digitization and transformation program, the FCA wants to shift the processing of customs formalities from the border to the Internet. Customs declarants are expected to be able to submit all customs declaration documents (accompanying documents) and applications online from July 2020. Communication with the FCA will also be digital, eliminating the need for counters, courier trips and paper forms. The "Activ" app, currently in pilot use, should be available at all Swiss border customs offices by the end of 2020 and accelerate transit journeys through Switzerland. The payment of the performance-related heavy vehicle fee (HVF) at the border will be gradually replaced by the European EETS collection system from the beginning of 2021. The DaziT programme will, building on these first interim results, completely digitalise the processes of the FCA.

MME Team will help you with all questions relating to cross-border trade. Don't hesitate to contact us.