GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 28, 2026

UID (Swiss business identification number)

The UID (Unternehmens-Identifikationsnummer, business identification number) is the unique business number of every company operating in Switzerland, in the format CHE-123.456.789.

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Last updated: 28 June 2026

Source: BAZG (bazg.admin.ch): Zollkundenverwaltung – UID; Information zur Angabe der UID in der Zollanmeldung; Passar 2.0 – Ablösung ZAZ-Konto durch GP-ID. UID-Register (uid.admin.ch). Stand: Juni 2026.

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Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

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Definition & Explanation

The UID (Unternehmens-Identifikationsnummer, business identification number) is the unique business number of every company operating in Switzerland, in the format CHE-123.456.789. Anyone importing, exporting or moving goods in transit needs it for customs processing: only the one-time registration of the UID in the BAZG customs client administration (ZKV) enables electronic goods declaration and the retrieval of electronic documents such as the eVV (electronic assessment decision) and the eBordereau. For freight forwarders, hauliers, customs agents and trading companies the UID is therefore the central identifier: it replaces the formerly separate forwarder number and tax number, also serves as the VAT number, and thus creates an unambiguous link between declarations, assessments and duties. In the new Passar goods traffic system the UID held in the ZKV is the basis of the business partner ID (GP-ID); it must be stated in the goods declaration and controls through which account assessment documents are retrieved. The UID should be distinguished from the EU's EORI number (which identifies economic operators there) and from pure login accounts such as AGOV. Related terms: customs client administration (ZKV), business partner ID (GP-ID), ZAZ, eVV, eBordereau, Passar, ePortal, BAZG. As of June 2026.

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⚡ 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

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UID (Swiss business identification number)

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Related Terms

Customs Tariff Number Switzerland

Movement Reference Number (MRN)

GDRN (Goods Declaration Reference Number)

ePortal (BAZG)

ZAZ (Centralised Settlement Procedure of the Swiss customs administration)

ZKV certificate (BAZG)

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

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