Welcome to digital Switzerland
Bern, 02.05.2019 - Increased customer friendliness, lower administrative costs: Thanks to the new Via app from the Federal Customs Administration (FCA), foreign campervans and coaches can enter Switzerland more quickly and flexibly. The heavy vehicle charges are processed in a few digital steps – whatever the time or place. The FCA is pursuing the same goal in goods traffic with the pilot project Activ. Via and Activ are interim results of the DaziT transformation programme.
In Switzerland, a lump-sum heavy vehicle charge (PSVA) is levied on certain types of vehicle weighing a total of more than 3.5 tonnes. This mainly concerns heavy motorhomes and coaches. PSVA for foreign vehicles has up to now been levied exclusively using paper forms. In 2018, 117,000 assessments were made. This generated revenue of CHF 7.6 million. The charge could only be paid at the designated border crossings and only to a limited extent outside office hours.
Via changes this. The PSVA can now be easily and independently managed and paid for - anytime and anywhere. The new app offers greater flexibility regarding the place and time of entry. Via also reduces the workload for FCA staff. Domestic vehicles are not affected by the change and the cantonal driver and vehicle licensing offices continue to levy the PSVA on Swiss vehicles. Via is available for the iOS and Android operating systems and has been available for free download since 2 May 2019.
Via is an interim result of the DaziT transformation programme. By the end of 2026, all customs, duty and control processes will be simplified, optimised and digitalised. DaziT reduces regulatory costs, collects revenues more efficiently and strengthens security through more effective controls.
Activ pilot project
In May, the FCA will launch a pilot operation in goods traffic. In the future, consignments of goods are to be fully digitally registered in advance and automatically identified when crossing the border. This objective is to be achieved in stages and with various intermediate technological steps. The first step is a smartphone app called Activ. The procedure and the technology will be tested in transit operations with pilot companies at the Basel/Weil am Rhein motorway customs office between May and November 2019.
Address for enquiries
This information is available in German, French and Italian
Publisher
Federal Office for Customs and Border Security
https://www.bazg.admin.ch
