Passar 1.0

On 1 June 2023, the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) will put the first version of the new goods traffic system Passar into operation. Passar is gradually replacing the current freight applications NCTS and e-dec. Find out what improvements and innovations Passar brings, and which companies can benefit from it.

Teaser-Passar

Passar in brief

Passar is the name of the FOCBS's new goods traffic system for the digital processing of customs procedures. Passar will be put into operation in several stages from June 2023. By the end of 2026, all processes related to transit, exportation, importation, special customs clearance and the collection of other levies will be simplified, harmonised and fully digitalised. This is a key objective of the digitalisation and transformation programme DaziT.

What companies need to know

Advantages for businesses

The benefits for businesses are linked to the various expansion phases of Passar and its peripheral systems; their benefits will become progressively apparent as a result. The most significant phase will take place with Passar 2.0 (import) from early 2025.

Businesses will benefit on several levels:

  • The administrative burden (regulatory costs) is reduced thanks to the simplification and standardisation of processes.
  • End-to-end digitalisation will gradually introduce seamless processing and eliminate paper handling at the border, in particular.
  • Increased automation and the use of technological innovations will accelerate border crossings.
  • Processes at the counter will no longer be necessary: provided that those involved in the procedure use the digital solutions to process customs formalities and pay other levies (e.g. LSVA), in future those involved in the procedure will only have to stop at the border if checks are made.
  • Technological modernisation increases system security and stability. Compatibility with the EU remains guaranteed (NCTS Phase 5, ICS2).

Staggered changeover

There is no change to the introduction of Passar 1.0. The FOCBS will put the first version of the new goods traffic system into operation on 1 June 2023. In other words: from that date, the Passar technology will be available for processing transit and export operations.

To ensure better coordination of all those involved, the FOCBS and the business community have agreed the following staggered rollout for the changeover from the existing freight applications NCTS and e-dec to Passar 1.0:

Transit

1.06.2023–31.10.2023

 

Changeover to Passar during this phase for:
  • Direct transit
  • Initiation of transit through Switzerland (border process)
  • Initiation of transit through Switzerland (domicile process for authorised consignors)*
1.10.2023 Changeover to Passar at cut-off date for:
  • Transit with destination in Switzerland (border process)
  • Transit with destination in Switzerland (domicile process for authorised consignors)
  • Domestic transit in Switzerland
31.10.2023

Last goods declaration for transit in NCTS (unchanged)

01.12.2023

Transit now only with Passar, NCTS is deactivated (unchanged)
* If authorised consignors (ACor) also have authorised consignee status, it is recommended to change over everything on 1 October 2023.
Export

1.10.2023–31.10.2023

Changeover to Passar during this phase for:
  • Companies that only use NCTS *
  • Companies that use NCTS for tobacco products

1.10.2023–30.06.2025

Changeover to Passar during this phase for:
  • Companies that use e-dec Export
31.10.2023

Last goods declaration for export in NCTS (unchanged)

30.06.2025

Export now only with Passar, e-dec Export is deactivated (extended for one year)

* If you are unable to change over directly from NCTS to Passar within this period, it is possible to switch to e-dec Export.

Contacts

https://www.bazg.admin.ch/content/bazg/en/home/services/services-firmen/services-firmen_einfuhr-ausfuhr-durchfuhr/passar.html