Published on 18 March 2026

A day at the border

Summary of the key facts and figures on FOCBS operations in 2025.

A border crossing with multiple lanes, where a blue truck is passing through. In the background, a pink truck is visible and traffic cones are placed on the left. In the foreground, statistical figures about people, vehicles, and trucks are displayed.

Every day, around 2.2 million people, 1.1 million cars and 21,000 lorries cross the Swiss border. In addition, thousands of tonnes of goods from all over the world are imported into Switzerland or transitthrough the country en route to other destinations, while Swiss products are exported abroad.

Among the core tasks are the efficient clearance of goods, including the collection of any applicable duties and charges, as well as the control of cross-border movement of persons. FOCBS is also responsible for the security policing tasks delegated to it and contributes to combating irregular migration. As a federal criminal prosecution authority, FOCBS also conducts investigations within the scope of its original mandate.

Thanks to the developments implemented under the DaziT transformation programme, the FOCBS is able to fulfil its legal mandate even more efficiently and effectively – for the benefit of the population, the economy and the state

Here are some of the activities that form part of an average day for FOCBS staff:

  • CHF 64 million in receipts
  • 35 cases of product piracy
  • 67 people who are wanted or have an arrest warrant issued against them
  • 4 forged identity documents
  • 11 prohibited weapons
  • 19 kg of drugs
  • 40 cases of illegal residence
  • 21 consignments of medications or doping preparations
  • 28 defective lorries

You can gain an overview of the wide range of services performed by the FOCBS in 2025 here:

The FOCBS intercepts an average of 67 wanted persons or persons with arrest warrants daily.

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Facts and Figures

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