GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026

Activation at border

Quick Answer

Last updated: 18 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://www.zoll.de/DE/Fachthemen/Import/Glossar/Glossar_node.html

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

138

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

Unlike pre-border activation, which covers advance preparation, activation at the border is the operational moment at which the competent customs authority formally releases a shipment for crossing at the border crossing point itself. At this juncture, any remaining control procedures – physical inspection, final document review, or risk-based clearance – are simultaneously triggered, and the relevant IT systems record the authorized crossing. The freight forwarder, customs officer, and driver receive the clearance signal in sync, at which point the shipment is both legally and logistically authorized for cross-border transport. Depending on the trade route, applicable agreement, and outcome of prior checks, this step may take only a few minutes or, where issues are identified, several hours. Activation at the border marks the conclusion of the customs clearance process, the groundwork for which is ideally laid during pre-border activation.

Next steps

Tools that match this term

Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

Activ App (BAZG)

The Activ App is the mobile app of the Swiss BAZG with which drivers trigger the border crossing in the digital customs process. T…

Learn more

Digital Transport Slip (DTS)

The Digital Transport Slip (DTS) is a digitally generated routing slip within Switzerland's new Passar goods-traffic system operat…

Learn more

Activation (Passar)

In the Swiss Passar goods-traffic system operated by the BAZG, activation is the moment at which an electronic goods declaration t…

Learn more

Customs app (BAZG)

"BAZG customs app" refers to the official smartphone apps of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) used to dec…

Learn more

Transport declaration (Passar)

In the Swiss Passar goods traffic system, the transport declaration is the digital registration of the transport that links one or…

Learn more

Passar 2.0 import

Passar 2.0 (import) is the expansion stage of the Swiss goods traffic system Passar (BAZG) covering the import domain and replacin…

Learn more

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.

Activation at border

Next steps

Related Terms

Activ App (BAZG)

Digital Transport Slip (DTS)

Activation (Passar)

Customs app (BAZG)

Transport declaration (Passar)

Passar 2.0 import

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers