Export checklist with Passar

Since March 2024, the new Passar goods traffic system has simplified the exportation of commercial goods from Switzerland. Learn how to transition from E-dec to Passar and the steps necessary for successful exportation. Check available duty reductions and ensure all accompanying documents are complete. Registration in the ePortal is required.

The new Passar goods traffic system has been available since March 2024 for exporting goods from Switzerland. This page summarises the most important points for you to bear in mind when using Passar.

You can carry out the listed steps yourself using customs clearance software with an interface to Passar or, if necessary, you can appoint a service provider (freight forwarding or courier company, customs clearance agency) for some or all of the procedure.

How to go about exporting

• General prerequisites

  Check beforehand

  • whether your goods may be exported. General information on prohibited items, restrictions and authorisation requirements can be found on our website. You can find this information and the tariff number for your goods in the Customs tariff – Tares.
  • whether the accompanying documents intended for the consignee are complete. The most important accompanying documents are the commercial invoice, any proofs of origin and authorisations/certificates.
  • with the foreign customs authorities which entry and import regulations apply for the country of destination, and if applicable,
  • whether transit regulations apply for the transit countries. If so, you should organise the transit via a service provider due to the complexity involved.
  • whether your goods are subject to the security amendment. If you are exporting your goods by air from Switzerland, you may have to declare your goods in advance depending on the country of destination. Contact the foreign customs authority in the country of destination to find out.
  • whether a free trade agreement exists with the country of destination. If so, a certificate of origin can be issued under certain conditions. This serves as the basis for obtaining a customs duty reduction or exemption in the country of destination, depending on the agreement. Here you will find an information page on this topic.
  • whether duty refund is possible for the goods.

  To use Passar, you first need to register as an FOCBS business partner in ePortal with the business partner roles “Freight” and “Transport”.

• Goods declaration

  • The goods declaration (formerly customs declaration) can be in English, French, German or Italian.
  • Enter the required information based on the accompanying documents and any proofs of origin. If a refund is possible for your goods, you will need to request it.
  • Restrictions arising from non-customs legislative instruments: every goods declaration requires a statement as to whether the goods are subject to an authorisation requirement, restriction or other assessment-related restriction. Further information: Bans, restrictions and conditions
  • Timeframes: you have 30 days to activate created and accepted goods declarations. The goods declaration does not become legally binding until it is activated. It can be modified without limitation until it is activated. If the goods declaration is not activated within the timeframe, it will be deleted.

• Transport and border crossing

  • Referencing: each goods declaration in Passar must be linked to a transport declaration. The transport declaration is generally created by the person required to declare the goods. If no transport declaration exists at the time of arrival at the border, it is entered manually by FOCBS employees on site and then activated – also manually. This can lead to waiting times, which is why the FOCBS recommends entering a transport declaration in advance. Further information: Passar transport process
  • Activation: once the export goods declaration has been activated, the FOCBS immediately notifies the release of the goods or an inspection decision. The FOCBS may request supporting documentation (e.g. invoices, accompanying documents, etc.). We recommend that you only activate the goods declaration when the export is definitive (e.g. when the goods are dispatched). This will save you correction or cancellation procedures.

• Downstream procedural steps

  • Once the goods have been released, the person required to declare the goods can collect the export assessment decision (eVV). The following options are available with Passar: via an API interface, via ePortal (with registration) or with an access code (without registration). Further information
  • If a refund was requested when exporting or crossing the border, a refund application can be submitted to the competent FOCBS office (VOC, spirits tax, beer tax, tobacco duty, etc.).
  • If you have any questions regarding VAT, you can contact the Federal Tax Administration.
  • You can request a subsequent correction of your declaration or file an appeal against an assessment decision (eVV) within 60 days (appeals).
  • After exportation from free circulation, the goods can be declared for transit.

• Costs

  • Switzerland does not levy any customs duties or charges upon exportation.
  • However, customs duties or charges may apply in the country of destination – ask the authorities of the country of destination about this.
  • Declaration platforms:
    The FOCBS provides the Passar, e-dec web and e-dec Export platforms. You may incur licensing costs from a service provider or your own development costs if you use Passar. E-dec web, by contrast, is free of charge.
  • In certain cases, you may be able to claim a refund from us for charges already paid; see “Downstream procedural steps”.
  • If you hire a service provider for the transport and/or the goods declaration, corresponding costs will be incurred.

• Special procedures, depending on the case or company status

  • The export procedure is simplified if your company has authorised consignor status.
  • There are separate procedures for temporary exportation and re-importation and for temporary admission abroad: Customs declaration for temporary admission ZAVV and/or ATA Carnet. The goods are not altered abroad. Typical applications include trade fairs, exhibitions, horses, vintage cars, etc.
  • Repair traffic, or processing traffic, also called outward processing traffic, covers the temporary exportation of goods for treatment, processing and repair.
  • Returned goods
  • Bonded warehouses and goods in storage
    • Bonded warehouses
    • Open customs warehouses
    • Warehouses for bulk goods
  • Authorised Economic Operator AEO
  • Rural border traffic

Further info

• Applications and services

  link to applications and services to follow here

• Contact for companies

  The most important contacts on topics such as the CPS customs account, HVF, technical operating support or the customs information centre.