Half-Time in the Swiss Customs Digitalization Project DaziT

The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) is in the midst of digital transformation. In the first half of the DaziT program, numerous digital solutions have been implemented. The digitalization is carried out in close collaboration with neighboring countries, aiming to facilitate and expedite border crossings. The latest development is currently being implemented in Customs South. Pilot project at the border with Italy.

(Bern(Chiasso/Stabio) In a pilot project with Italy, the issuance of the previous paper transit document is being abolished, thereby removing a significant hurdle on the path to the complete digitalization of customs formalities. Since the launch of the transformation and digitalization program DaziT on January 1, 2018, numerous applications have already been put into operation. These new digital solutions simplify customs procedures and expedite the border crossing of commercial goods. At the same time, digitalization improves the efficiency and effectiveness of controls by the BAZG. Reducing regulatory costs for businesses and strengthening the security of Switzerland are two of the main goals of the DaziT program. Digitalization is taking place step by step (agile method) and in close collaboration with neighboring countries.

Integration into the EU Toll Service

The current status of customs digitalization was presented to the media today in Chiasso, using Customs South as an example. The pilot project with Italy and the interplay of the previous interim results of DaziT illustrate how customs will look nationwide after the completion of the DaziT program. The integration of Switzerland into the EU’s Europe-wide compatible electronic toll service (European Electronic Toll Service, EETS) enables the automatic payment of the performance-dependent heavy vehicle fee (LSVA). In the area of customs procedures, the Activ and Periodic apps facilitate border crossings without the truck driver having to leave their vehicle. The latest innovation was implemented in close collaboration with Italy: the elimination of the paper transit document that each truck driver previously had to fill out by hand at the border removes a significant hurdle on the path to digitalization. When using the new digital solutions, goods transports can utilize the fast lanes that have been established for them, taking into account local geographical possibilities.

Introduction at the Customs Offices of Chiasso and Stabio

The new procedures introduced in Stabio and Chiasso are already showing results. As of today, more than 40 percent of transit trips at both border crossings are being processed through the fast lane. This means that these goods transports no longer have to stop for administrative matters at customs, but only in the event of a control.

Continuation of DaziT until the end of 2026

The DaziT program will continue until the end of 2026. Between 2023 and 2025, the main applications will be put into operation, including the new goods traffic system Passar, the new border control system with the Entry/Exit System, and the new generation of the collection system for the heavy vehicle fee (LSVA). International coordination plays a particularly important role in realizing simple, digital solutions with all countries bordering Switzerland.

Photo: © BAZG