Federal Office for Customs and Border Security FOCBS
The Federal Customs and Border Security Office (FOCBS) ensures comprehensive border security for the population, the economy and the state and is well connected nationally and internationally. Its main tasks include the correct and speedy taxation of tradable goods, the rapid handling of tourist traffic as well as the areas of migration and security police. The FOCBS has its own prosecuting authority.
Main topics of the FOCBS
Our website: new design, familiar content
The FOCBS website now has a clearer and more modern look. The content and navigation structure remain largely unchanged. The design is new, and the previous "Documentation" section has been removed – documents can now be found directly under the relevant topics. Please note that links to our website will need to be updated by the end of 2026 because of the change of publishing system.
E-vignette
The electronic vignette can be purchased through the Via Portal of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. It's advised to beware of online fraud and acquire the vignette only through official channels. The validity of the e-vignette begins upon purchase and matches that of the adhesive vignette.
Passar
Passar is the FOCBS's new goods traffic system for the digital processing of customs procedures. Since June 2023, Passar has been gradually introduced and replaces the freight applications NCTS and e-dec.
Warning against phishing messages
Citizens have recently been receiving growing numbers of messages that supposedly originate from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security is issuing a warning concerning these messages and recommends ignoring them and deleting them.
Media releases
Reduction in US additional tariffs to enter into force retroactively
The US is applying a tariff ceiling of 15% on imports from Switzerland. This applies retroactively from 14 November 2025. In return, Switzerland will reduce import tariffs on certain fish and agricultural products from the USA. The basis for this is the joint statement published on 14 November between Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the USA.
Switzerland introduces Entry/Exit System
The Entry/Exit System (EES) will make it possible to register third-country nationals electronically when they enter or leave the Schengen area. The EES will be gradually introduced throughout the Schengen area from 12 October. Switzerland will begin by using the EES at Basel and Geneva Airports on 12 October, followed by Zurich Airport and the smaller airports from mid-November.
Simplified destruction of counterfeits in small consignments
In the future, it will be easier to destroy counterfeit products entering Switzerland in small consignments. The Federal Council adopted the Ordinance to the Federal Act on the Introduction of a Simplified Procedure for Destroying Small Consignments in Intellectual Property Law at its meeting on 14 May 2025. The new legal bases will come into force on 1 July 2025.
Special announcements and news on services
Specialist announcements
The page provides information about specialist announcements and how to view press releases with or without Java script. Users can access the Federal Administration News Portal via a link.
News on services
The page offers news on services.
Information for...
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Individuals
Are you looking, as a private individual, for information on customs regulations, travel, contacts or applications? Here you will find an overview.
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Companies
Are you looking, as a company, for information on customs regulations, the movement of goods, contacts or applications? Here you will find an overview.
Adress Directorate FOCBS
Taubenstrasse 16
CH - 3003 Berne