GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 28, 2026

ZKV certificate (BAZG)

The ZKV certificate is a digital certificate from the customs client administration (ZKV) of the Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG).

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Last updated: 28 June 2026

Source: BAZG (bazg.admin.ch): Zollkundenverwaltung – UID; ZKV-Zertifikat bestellen und installieren; Handbücher zur Zollkundenverwaltung; Bezug elektronischer Dokumente (eVV). Stand: Juni 2026.

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Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

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Definition & Explanation

The ZKV certificate is a digital certificate from the customs client administration (ZKV) of the Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG). In plain terms: it is the electronic "ID card" with which a company identifies itself to the customs systems so that it can securely transmit customs declarations and retrieve electronic documents. For professionals: the certificate is ordered, downloaded and installed in the ZKV; it identifies the declarant or software connection when submitting declarations in e-dec (import/export) and in NCTS and when retrieving the electronic assessment decision (eVV). The prerequisite is the prior registration of the business identification number (UID) in the ZKV. Certificates have a limited validity and must be renewed in good time. As part of the digitalisation (DaziT programme), authentication is increasingly shifting to the BAZG ePortal and the authorities' login AGOV, as well as to API access for the new Passar goods-traffic system (transition ongoing, dates may shift). Distinction: the ZKV certificate is the technical authorisation/security means – not the UID (the identification number) and not the business-partner role (the functional authorisation). Related terms: customs client administration (ZKV), UID, e-dec, NCTS, assessment decision (eVV), Passar, ePortal, AGOV, 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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ZKV certificate (BAZG)

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Related Terms

BAZG Enforcement Tasks Act (BAZG-VG)

Instruction / Directive (BAZG)

API Portal BAZG

BAZG-VG

Customs Duties Act (ZoG, Switzerland)

Passar API authentication

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

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