Switzerland is revamping its national custom services to make it fit for the digital era. The differentiation between border guard and custom specialists will disappear under a new organisational structure.
The government outlined its reform plan on Wednesday for the Federal Customs AdministrationExternal link (FCA), which will become the Federal Customs and Border Security Office, saying it wants to “seize the opportunities offered by digitalisation.”
Another aim is to make its services more flexible and agile. “If for example the migration situation becomes critical, the FCA will be able to better concentrate its forces in the regions concerned,” the government said in a statement.
All customs and border staff will be trained to check goods, people and transport vehicles. They will all wear the same uniform and carry a weapon, according to their task. This will not necessarily be a firearm.
The government decision is part of the DaziT transformation programmeExternal link under which customs, tax and duty collection processes are being simplified and harmonised and fully digitalised.
Parliament approved some CHF400 million ($400 million) for the programme in autumn 2017. DaziT was officially launched on January 1, 2018 and will run until the end of 2026.
More
More
How to simplify Swiss customs with new app
This content was published on
The new “QuickZoll” smartphone app aims to simplify customs clearance for holidaymakers and cross-border shoppers, but it has limitations.
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
Swiss multinational SGS to move HQ from Geneva to Zug
This content was published on
The Swiss multinational SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, plans to move its headquarters from Geneva to canton Zug in central Switzerland.
Swiss army takes part in international tank competition
This content was published on
Around 20 Swiss army personnel and two Leopard 2 tanks are taking part in an international tank competition in Grafenwöhr, Germany, this week.
Omega-3 supplements seem to slow ageing process, Swiss study finds
This content was published on
Taking a daily omega-3 supplement appears to slow down the rate of biological ageing by up to four months, according to a study by researchers at the University of Zurich.
This content was published on
The Swiss writer and translator Alain Claude Sulzer has been awarded the Solothurn Literary Days Prize 2025 for his lifetime's work.
Prix de Lausanne features 85 dancers from 23 countries
This content was published on
The 53rd Prix de Lausanne international ballet competition is underway. A total of 85 young dancers from 23 countries are competing in the Swiss city.
Swiss Solidarity charity collected CHF34 million in 2024
This content was published on
Swiss Solidarity, the humanitarian arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), raised CHF34.4 million ($37.7 million) in donations in 2024 and spent CHF63 million on humanitarian projects.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
More illegal weapons seized at Swiss border
This content was published on
The number of illegal weapons seized by Swiss customs officials doubled in 2018, according to Federal Customs Administration (FCA).
This content was published on
Switzerland and Italy have begun joint border patrols following a deal aimed at combatting illegal immigration between the two neighbouring countries.
This content was published on
Swiss border guards recorded 16,563 cases of illegal migration last year, down from 27,300 cases in 2017 and 48,838 in 2016.
‘Don’t come to Switzerland’ – the anti-tourism campaign
This content was published on
A Swiss-funded television series set in Nigeria paints a very different picture of Switzerland from the usual tourism campaigns.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.