The DaziT program comes to an end, the digital transformation continues

Context

In brief

• The FOCBS's DaziT programme will end on 31 December 2026.
• DaziT has digitized customs and border security processes.
• Digital transformation continues with new priorities.

Key Facts

• What: End of the DaziT program.
• When: December 31, 2026.
• Where: Switzerland.
• Who: Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS).
• Amount: Not yet specified.

The DaziT transformation programme of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) will come to an end on 31 December 2026 as planned. DaziT makes it possible to fully simplify, optimise and digitise processes relating to customs formalities, tax collection and border security. The FOCBS Executive Board took stock of the conclusion of the programme and the next priorities for digital transformation at a press conference attended by Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter and economiesuisse President Christoph Mäder.

The digital transformation within the FOCBS therefore goes beyond the mere DaziT framework and also includes adjustments to the organisation, processes, job profiles, working tools, infrastructure and legal bases.

The FOCBS's IT environment has been completely modernised thanks to DaziT. More than 40 specialised applications consisting of around 250 microservices have been created. New digital services are available for the economy and the population, which can be accessed via ePortal or app. These include "Passar", the new platform for cross-border commercial goods traffic, the "QuickZoll" app for customs clearance of private purchases, the electronic cash on delivery and digital solutions for the collection and refund of taxes. With regard to the performance-related heavy vehicle charge (HVF), a complete system overhaul and market liberalisation have been implemented. At the same time, border control systems have been modernised and adapted to Schengen developments. In addition, various digital solutions have been made available for carrying out mobile checks.

DaziT was implemented in close cooperation with the Federal Office of Information Technology, Systems and Telecommunication (FOITT). The programme planning was continuously adjusted in cooperation with the relevant user groups, in particular together with representatives of business circles and partner authorities. The basic version of the new solutions was implemented in practice as soon as possible in order to gather information that would be useful for its further development. The continuous development of the systems and the parallel operation of new and existing solutions proved to be challenging and continue to require constant adjustments to operational processes as well as continuous training of all those involved.

Efficiency gains and savings without cost overruns

DaziT aims to achieve three main goals: regulatory costs for the economy are to be reduced by CHF 125 million annually, efficiency gains within the FOCBS are to be reduced by 300 full-time jobs, and operating costs in the IT sector are to be stabilised. According to current forecasts, these goals can be achieved gradually by 2030. Some positive effects are already visible, for example in the areas of basic digital infrastructure, border control systems or the HVF. However, exploiting the full potential requires the consistent use of new digital solutions, the decommissioning of existing systems, the entry into force of completely revised customs legislation, and the creation of international conditions and infrastructure prerequisites. Around CHF 346.5 million of the CHF 393 million, or 88%, had been used for the special credit approved by parliament at the end of June 2026. The remaining funds will be used by the end of 2026 and in 2027 in the form of earmarked reserves for the further development and completion of individual projects. The commitment credit will therefore be respected.

Operational details

Practical implications

The conclusion of the DaziT programme will have a significant impact on the daily lives of Swiss citizens and businesses. The digitalisation of customs and border security processes will simplify procedures and reduce waiting times. This will result in greater efficiency for companies operating in the cross-border trade sector, saving them time and resources.

As regards the performance-related heavy vehicle charge (HVF), the complete renewal of the system and the liberalisation of the market are a step towards a fairer and more transparent management of road infrastructure. This could have a positive impact on the competitiveness of transport companies, which will benefit from reduced operating costs.

The modernisation of border control systems and adaptation to Schengen developments will ensure greater security for Swiss citizens. New digital solutions for carrying out mobile checks will make it possible to respond more effectively to extraordinary situations and improve border management.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the introduction of DaziT, customs and border security processes were still largely based on manual and paper-based procedures. This resulted in longer waiting times and increased complexity for companies and citizens. Digitalisation has made it possible to simplify and optimise these processes, making them more efficient and transparent.

The digital transformation has also led to greater flexibility for the FOCBS, which can now gain more flexibility to strengthen controls and improve handling in the event of extraordinary situations. This is particularly important in a context of increasing cross-border mobility and security challenges.

Future scenarios

With the conclusion of the DaziT programme, the FOCBS is preparing to face new challenges and opportunities. The digital transformation will continue with new priorities, which include adjustments in the areas of organisation, processes, job profiles, working tools, infrastructure and legal bases.

The aim is to gradually achieve the objectives of reducing regulatory costs for the economy, reducing the number of full-time positions within the FOCBS and stabilising operating costs in the IT sector. This will require a consistent use of new digital solutions, the decommissioning of existing systems and the entry into force of the completely revised customs legislation.

Conclusion

The conclusion of the DaziT programme is an important step towards greater efficiency and security at the Swiss borders. The digitalisation of customs and border security processes will simplify procedures and reduce waiting times, with significant benefits for businesses and citizens. The digital transformation will continue with new priorities, ensuring more efficient and transparent management of road and border infrastructure.

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Key points

Actions to take

To benefit from the new digital solutions introduced by DaziT, companies and citizens need to be informed and prepared. Here are some concrete actions that can be taken:

For companies

1. Inform yourself about new digital solutions: Companies should be aware of the new digital applications and services available, such as "Passar" for cross-border traffic of commercial goods and "QuickZoll" for customs clearance of private purchases.

2. Train staff: It is crucial that staff are properly trained in the use of new digital solutions. This will ensure a smooth transition and reduce adaptation time.

3. Update internal processes: Businesses need to review and update their internal processes to make the most of new digital solutions. This could include reviewing their merchandise and document management procedures.

For citizens

1. Use new digital services: Citizens can benefit from new digital services, such as electronic cash on delivery and solutions for tax collection and refund. These services simplify procedures and reduce waiting times.

2. Educate yourself about new regulations: It is important for citizens to be informed about new customs regulations and laws. This will ensure that they are in compliance with the new regulations and can benefit from the new digital solutions.

Useful tools

For more information and support, citizens and companies can use the following tools:

• ePortal: A digital platform that offers access to various services and information.

• "QuickZoll" app: An application for customs clearance of private purchases.

• Electronic Cash on Delivery: A digital service for the collection and refund of taxes.

Conclusion

The conclusion of the DaziT programme is an important step towards greater efficiency and security at the Swiss borders. The digitalisation of customs and border security processes will simplify procedures and reduce waiting times, with significant benefits for businesses and citizens. The digital transformation will continue with new priorities, ensuring more efficient and transparent management of road and border infrastructure.

Source: admin.ch