Transport process with Passar

The new basic process in goods traffic for transit and export is being rolled out with Passar 1.0. Along with the familiar goods process, a new transport process has been added.

The new, uniform basic process in goods traffic requires a goods declaration to be linked (referenced) to a transport declaration so that it can be activated. The goods declaration does not become legally binding until it is activated.

Referencing to a transport declaration is also the prerequisite for fully automated activation of goods declarations – and for a corresponding acceleration of border processes.

FAQ

• Who enters the transport declaration?

  The person responsible for transport reports the means of transport with which the goods are to be transported across the border. In practice, this role can be performed by different people or organisations, provided they are authorised to do so (e.g. forwarding agent, transport company, lorry driver).

• Where can a transport declaration be entered?

  With Passar 1.0, transport declarations can be entered and transmitted to the FOCBS via three digital channels:

  • Activ app: lorry drivers can generate transport declarations by using a smartphone to scan the MRN barcodes on the goods declaration. At present, the Activ app is only available for transit when travelling by road.
  • Transportcockpit: transport declarations can be entered in ePortal using a free web application. This is subject to prior registration in ePortal with the «Freight» or «Transport» business partner role.
  • Customs clearance system (B2B): like goods declarations, transport declarations can generally be submitted via industry software as well. Please contact your software provider in this regard.

• What is the easiest solution?

  The Activ app , which is free of charge, is very easy to use and does not require registration. It also has the advantage that it can be used for both entering a transport declaration and transmitting a signal for automated activation at the border.

• What information does a transport declaration contain?

  • Mode of transport (e.g. road)
  • Identification of the means of transport (e.g. country of registration and vehicle registration number)
  • Number of the corresponding goods declaration(s) (MRN or GDRN)

• When does a transport declaration have to be entered?

  As soon as the goods declaration relating to the goods to be transported has been entered. In principle, a transport declaration can be entered up to 30 days before the goods are transported across the Swiss border. At the latest, it must be done before the goods cross the border.

• Is a transport declaration required for each goods declaration?

  With the rollout of Passar 1.0, transport declarations are initially required only for transit (from 1 June 2023) and export (from 1 October 2023). Each transit and export goods declaration must be linked to a transport declaration. However, a transport declaration can contain several goods declarations.

• Is it mandatory to enter a transport declaration?

  With Passar 1.0, entering a transport declaration is still optional for the time being, but we recommend doing so to speed up the border processes. The transport declaration will become mandatory with Passar 2.0 or with the revised Customs Act.

• What happens at the border if no transport declaration exists?

  The Passar goods traffic system requires a transport declaration in order for a goods declaration to be activated. If no transport declaration exists at the time of arrival at the border, it is entered manually by FOCBS employees on site and then also activated manually. This can lead to waiting times, which is why the FOCBS recommends entering a transport declaration in advance.

• What needs to be done if the transport of the goods changes?

  Like the goods declaration, the transport declaration can be changed multiple times or even deleted before the goods cross the border. The goods declaration and the transport declaration do not become legally binding until they are activated.

• What is the link between a transport declaration and activation?

  The transport declaration must exist in order for a goods declaration to be activated. However, the transport declaration alone is not sufficient for activation. In order to trigger the activation process, Passar needs a signal indicating that the means of transport for the corresponding transport declaration, containing the goods with the corresponding goods declarations, has actually arrived at the border. This signal can be transmitted automatically (e.g. Activ app with geofencing) or manually (e.g. by FOCBS employees at the border crossing).

• What applies for the other modes of transport?

  • Rail: it is not yet possible to submit a transport declaration with Passar 1.0. It is always generated by Swiss Customs.
  • Waterway: it is not yet possible to submit a transport declaration with Passar 1.0. It is always generated by Swiss Customs
  • Air: it is possible to submit a transport declaration via the transportcockpit. Activation is carried out manually by Swiss Customs.

Further information

Passar 1.0