GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 30, 2026

Automated Customs Declaration

Quick Answer

Last updated: 30 June 2026Published: 22 November 2025

Source: BAZG (bazg.admin.ch): e-dec – elektronische Zollanmeldung; Passar Warenverkehrssystem / Transportprozess mit Passar (Richtlinie R-10-TP); DaziT digitale Transformation. WCO (wcoomd.org): WCO Data Model / Digital Customs. Stand: Juni 2026.

Category

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

Reading time

1 min

Words

194

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

Unlike paper-based filing, an automated customs declaration transmits commodity description, quantity, customs value, country of origin, and consignee data directly from the declarant's ERP or logistics system into the customs authority's electronic processing system. Freight forwarders, shippers, and customs brokers connect via EDI interfaces – commonly EDIFACT-based or through national portals such as the UK Customs Declaration Service (CDS) or the US Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). The approach cuts clearance times significantly, reduces data-entry errors, and enables advance risk assessment before cargo arrives. Pre-arrival electronic filing is now mandatory or standard practice in air and sea freight across most major jurisdictions. Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) can additionally benefit from simplified procedures and expedited release. In Switzerland, automated customs declaration currently runs through e-dec and is being migrated step by step to the new goods traffic system Passar (BAZG) under the DaziT programme: the electronic goods declaration is transmitted via certified software or API; with Passar, the transport declaration and activation at the border via the Activ App are added. The electronic assessment decision (eVV) serves as proof of clearance. Related terms: goods declaration (Switzerland), e-dec, Passar, transport declaration, BAZG, DaziT. As of June 2026.

Next steps

Matching tools and partners

Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Check sea freight costEstimate FCL/LCL costOpen Check transport insuranceEstimate coverage and premiumOpen Find a matching partnerFreight forwarders and logistics partners worldwideOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

Declar

Declar is a free web application of the Swiss BAZG in the ePortal that enables, above all, smaller companies and transporters with…

Learn more

BAZG Interfaces Transport

Transport interfaces are the digital connections through which data is exchanged between forwarder, carrier, customs and other par…

Learn more

DaziT information page

DaziT is not a single "portal" but the transformation and digitalisation programme of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Se…

Learn more

customs office

At the moment of customs declaration – whether at a land border, seaport, or airport – the customs office acts as the competent go…

Learn more

e-dec data archive

The e-dec data archive refers to the long-term, legally compliant retention of customs and transaction data from Switzerland's for…

Learn more

Passar API message

A Passar API message is a structured electronic message exchanged between a company's software and Switzerland's Passar goods-traf…

Learn more

⚡ Current 2026

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

Passar replaces E-dec and NCTS. Passar 1.0 (export) is live, Passar 2.0 (import) starts from Q2 2026. Roadmap, ePortal registration, deadlines and FAQ — all on one page.

Passar 1.0Passar 2.0 → Q2 2026Passar 3.0 → Q2 2027

Passar Hub →Declar Info

Connect

Find a matching partner on this lane

Verified forwarders, ranked by coverage and profile — premium capped at 10%.

Search partners

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.

Automated Customs Declaration

Next steps

Related Terms

Declar

BAZG Interfaces Transport

DaziT information page

customs office

e-dec data archive

Passar API message

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

Find a matching partner on this lane

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers