Customs Digitalization DaziT 2026
Ecological Sustainability
The topic of ecological sustainability is unfortunately, or fortunately, at the forefront. We are witnessing various effects of climate change, and every small measure can contribute to improvement, even if it may seem like just a drop in the ocean. Due to this growing interest in ecological sustainability, Swiss customs authorities have committed to the digitalization of border processes to help reduce environmental impact.
The Federal Customs Administration and Border Security (UDSC) have initiated a digitalization process in collaboration with neighboring countries, with the aim of simplifying and accelerating customs procedures. A pilot project has been launched in collaboration with Italy to eliminate the need for manually filling out the paper circulation card at the border, representing a significant step towards digitalization.
The digital transformation of the UDSC encompasses the entire organization: new professional profiles will be trained and incorporated, combining customs specialist and border guard roles; there will be further development of the organizational culture of the UDSC, supporting employees and managers with practical tools for daily work; the visual identity will also be unified, with vehicles and uniforms displaying the Swiss cross and the wording in four languages: Zoll-Douane-Dogana-Duana; the work tools will also be modernized, making greater use of smartphones and laptops.
DazIT
DaziT, a program of transformation and digitalization, was launched on January 1, 2018, and it allowed the implementation of applications that simplified customs procedures and accelerated the passage of commercial goods at the border. At the customs level, the Activ and Periodic applications facilitate crossing the border without the driver having to exit their vehicle. The latest innovation, implemented in close collaboration with Italy, “archives” the paper circulation card, which until now had to be manually filled out at the border by each transporter. The new procedures implemented in Stabio and Chiasso have already yielded excellent results. To date, over 40 percent of transits already take place using the fast access route at both border crossings. Now, these cargo transports no longer need to stop at Customs for administrative procedures, but only for inspections. Another available application is QuickZoll, for private tourist traffic, which allows individuals to independently declare imported goods for personal use or as gifts and directly pay the applicable customs duties.
Initial goals achieved and medium-term benefits
Since the launch of the DaziT program in January 2018, more than 30 systems have been put into operation: smartphone apps, specific applications in the ePortal, and technical services.
Along the Swiss border, 64 geofences have been installed. These have already enabled over 130’000 automatic activations with the Activ app.
The Via app (the official application for paying the lump-sum tax on heavy traffic – TFTP), awarded the title of “Best of Swiss Apps,” is increasingly replacing the old paper-based solution. Since its launch in the spring of 2019, Via has been used over 90,000 times.
However, the benefits of digitalization are not only in ecological terms: there is a clear improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of customs controls, a reduction in administrative costs, and an increase in Switzerland’s security.
DaziT will continue until 2026, and among the most important innovations it introduces is PASSAR, a new system for goods traffic that has started in recent weeks and aims to become the only official system usable by 2025.
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