What exactly are VCPs (heavy commercial vehicles) and why do CO2 regulations apply to them?

Heavy commercial vehicles (HGVs) are trucks and means of transport used for the transport of goods by road. In 2025, CO2 emission requirements apply to newly registered VCPs in Switzerland. In the first year, about 6,300 VCPs were registered in Switzerland and about 2,000 fall within the scope of the legislation. The legislation aims to incentivise the adoption of more sustainable technologies in freight transport, which accounts for a significant share of national greenhouse gas emissions.

Why is it important that 20.8% of VCPs are fully electric?

An all-electric VCP share of 20.8% in 2025 is well above the European average. This shows that the Swiss market is adopting zero-emission technologies faster than other countries. The high penetration of electric vehicles has allowed importers to achieve their average emissions targets, avoiding penalties and reducing the overall environmental impact of freight transport. The positive trend of Swiss sustainable mobility is internationally recognizable.

Just one penalty among 13 importers in 2025: what does this result mean?

In 2025, only one of the 13 large importers (those with a fleet of at least five vehicles) did not stay below the CO2 emissions target and had to pay a penalty of around CHF 303,000. This positive result reflects the effectiveness of the legislation in incentivizing the transition to more sustainable fleets and the industry's readiness to adapt to the new federal rules without significant resistance.

Where does VCP penalty money go and how is it used?

Penalties paid by VCP importers flow into the FOSTRA (National Roads and Agglomerate Traffic Fund). This fund is used to finance transport infrastructure and mobility interventions at national and regional levels. In 2025, the total of around CHF 303,000 flowed into FOSTRA along with penalties for cars and light commercial vehicles, creating a virtuous circle between environmental compliance and public investment.

What should transport companies that buy VCPs actually do?

Transportation companies that purchase VCPs from registered and compliant importers should not take additional action. Any VCP registered in Switzerland from 2025 onwards automatically complies with federal CO2 compliance requirements. The responsibility for compliance lies entirely with the importer, not with the final purchaser.

VCP CO2 emissions: 2025 results and achievable targets (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 3 September 2026

Electric heavy-duty truck on Swiss road with Alpine mountains in the background

In 2025, the CO2 requirements for heavy commercial vehicles in Switzerland come into force: importers reach their targets with 20.8% of the fleet being fully electric.

Context

In brief

From 2025, CO2 regulations for new heavy commercial vehicles in Switzerland
Electric VCP quota: 20.8%, well above the European average
One fine among 13 major importers: 303,000 CHF goes to FOSTRA

Key facts

What: CO2 emission regulations for newly registered VCP
When: 2025, first year of application
Where: Switzerland and Principality of Liechtenstein
Who: 13 major importers (fleet ≥5 vehicles) + small importers
VCP registered: approximately 6,300 in Switzerland, 30 in Liechtenstein (2,000 under regulations)
Electric VCP quota: 20.8% of newly registered fleet
Total fines: approximately 303,000 CHF (1 importer out of 13)

Berne, September 3, 2026 — The Swiss Federal Administration has published the first results of the application of CO2 emission regulations for new heavy commercial vehicles (VCP). The balance is encouraging: in 2025, importers achieved the vast majority of their environmental targets, thus containing the total fines to approximately 303,000 francs. A result that reflects the commitment of the transport sector towards sustainable mobility and a much higher quota of fully electric vehicles compared to the European average.

In 2025, approximately 6,300 heavy commercial vehicles were registered for the first time in Switzerland, of which approximately 2,000 fall within the scope of the new CO2 emission regulations. In the Principality of Liechtenstein, VCP registrations amounted to around 30 vehicles. Among the importers, 13 large operators (with a fleet of at least five vehicles) brought approximately 1,950 vehicles to market, while around fifty small importers distributed the remaining ones. This fragmented segment illustrates how the Swiss VCP market remains concentrated on a limited number of large players, who ensure more agile regulatory compliance.

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Operational details

The impact on the competitiveness of Swiss logistics

The CO2 emission regulations for VCP represent a strategic challenge for the entire logistics and freight transport ecosystem in Switzerland. Unlike in other European countries, where vehicle manufacturers have had more time to adapt, Swiss importers have moved quickly, driven by both regulations and the increasing availability of battery-powered technological solutions. This ability to adapt is crucial to maintaining Switzerland's international competitiveness as a logistics and transit hub in the heart of Europe. Transport companies operating in Switzerland face different operational costs depending on their fleet. Fully electric vehicles, although having a higher purchase cost compared to traditional internal combustion engines, offer significant savings in fuel and maintenance costs in the long term. This economic element is not marginal: a company investing in an electric fleet reduces annual operating costs, which translates into more competitive transport prices and potentially wider margins. The reduction in operating costs for those choosing sustainable vehicles represents a natural incentive that goes beyond mere regulatory compliance.

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Key points

How the control and sanction system works

The control mechanism for CO2 prescriptions for VCP is structured around two pillars: monitoring new registrations and calculating the weighted average of emissions for each importer. Each importer must maintain an average CO2 emission below a specific target, determined based on the average mass of vehicles introduced to the market. This system, known as the average approach, allows flexibility: those who introduce highly efficient vehicles and various electric models can compensate for any vehicles with slightly higher emissions, as long as the average remains within the set limit.

In the first year of application (2025), out of 13 major importers, only one did not stay below the set target. This importer had to pay a penalty proportional to the target exceeded. The total amount of penalties, approximately 303,000 francs, was fully paid into the National Roads and Agglomeration Traffic Fund (FOSTRA). The same mechanism applies to penalties for cars and light commercial vehicles, creating a coherent system of public funding for mobility and transport infrastructure at the national level.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are VCPs (heavy commercial vehicles) and why do CO2 regulations apply to them?: Heavy commercial vehicles (HGVs) are trucks and means of transport used for the transport of goods by road. In 2025, CO2 emission requirements apply to newly registered VCPs in Switzerland. In the first year, about 6,300 VCPs were registered in Switzerland and about 2,000 fall within the scope of the legislation. The legislation aims to incentivise the adoption of more sustainable technologies in freight transport, which accounts for a significant share of national greenhouse gas emissions.
Why is it important that 20.8% of VCPs are fully electric?: An all-electric VCP share of 20.8% in 2025 is well above the European average. This shows that the Swiss market is adopting zero-emission technologies faster than other countries. The high penetration of electric vehicles has allowed importers to achieve their average emissions targets, avoiding penalties and reducing the overall environmental impact of freight transport. The positive trend of Swiss sustainable mobility is internationally recognizable.
Just one penalty among 13 importers in 2025: what does this result mean?: In 2025, only one of the 13 large importers (those with a fleet of at least five vehicles) did not stay below the CO2 emissions target and had to pay a penalty of around CHF 303,000. This positive result reflects the effectiveness of the legislation in incentivizing the transition to more sustainable fleets and the industry's readiness to adapt to the new federal rules without significant resistance.
Where does VCP penalty money go and how is it used?: Penalties paid by VCP importers flow into the FOSTRA (National Roads and Agglomerate Traffic Fund). This fund is used to finance transport infrastructure and mobility interventions at national and regional levels. In 2025, the total of around CHF 303,000 flowed into FOSTRA along with penalties for cars and light commercial vehicles, creating a virtuous circle between environmental compliance and public investment.
What should transport companies that buy VCPs actually do?: Transportation companies that purchase VCPs from registered and compliant importers should not take additional action. Any VCP registered in Switzerland from 2025 onwards automatically complies with federal CO2 compliance requirements. The responsibility for compliance lies entirely with the importer, not with the final purchaser.