What is Passar Hub and why is it important?

Passar is the digital successor to e-dec (FOCBS). Rollout is phased: export already migrated; import/transport declarations run in parallel until 30 Sep 2027 (e-dec import ends then). Forwarders, customs agents and importers must register on the ePortal and adapt processes.

What customs thresholds apply to parcels from China or USA to Germany?

Since 1 Jul 2026 the EU €150 duty relief is abolished (Reg. (EU) 2026/382). Until 1 Jul 2028 a transitional €3 flat duty per line applies for distance sales (IOSS/post) ≤ €150, plus import VAT (in DE typically 19% on customs value incl. shipping). Above €150: duty by HS/TARIC rate. Travel allowances remain separate (€300 / €430 air). Private gifts: up to €45 duty-free (other conditions).

What is the EU customs reform 2026?

EU customs reform combines several measures: 1) abolition of the €150 duty relief since 1 Jul 2026 with a transitional €3 flat duty per line for distance sales until 1 Jul 2028 (Reg. (EU) 2026/382), 2) an EU Customs Authority, 3) a central EU Customs Data Hub (from ~2028), 4) stronger e-commerce controls and platform responsibility. Especially affects Temu, Shein, AliExpress and similar.

How does a customs declaration work in Germany?

In Germany, customs declarations are made electronically via the ATLAS system (Automated Tariff and Local Customs Processing System). For import customs declaration: commercial invoice, packing list, waybill (CMR/B/L), certificate of origin/EUR.1 if applicable. Customs valuation uses the CIF method (Cost, Insurance, Freight = goods value + insurance + freight to EU border).

What is an HS code and how do I find it?

The HS code (Harmonized System Code) is an internationally standardized goods classification code of 6 digits (in the EU with 8 digits as CN code, with 10 digits as TARIC code). It determines the duty rate, possible anti-dumping measures and import bans. Find it: via the EU TARIC browser (ec.europa.eu), the Swiss Tares system or with the help of a customs broker.

How do you clear a vehicle through Swiss customs?

Vehicle import Switzerland: 1) Import customs declaration (Form 13.20 A or via Passar), 2) Vehicle registration document from export country + COC document, 3) Customs duties (duty-free for private individuals who lived abroad for 12+ months), 4) VAT (8.1% standard rate since 1 Jan 2024), 5) Registration at the Road Traffic Office. Preferential duties apply for EU vehicles. CO₂ levy depending on emissions.

What is the difference between e-dec Web and Declar?

e-dec Web is the free online application of the BAZG for customs declarations available today. Declar is the new, free web application in the ePortal and is referred to by the BAZG as the successor to e-dec Web. In its current stage (as of June 2026, pilot phase), however, Declar only creates transport declarations and links them to an existing Passar goods declaration; goods declarations for import (planned Q1 2027) and export (planned Q3 2027) follow later. The last e-dec Web declaration is planned for 30 Sep 2027.

What can Declar do today – and what not?

Today Declar can create a transport declaration, reference an existing Passar goods declaration, generate a Digital Transport Slip (DTS) and hand it over to the Activ App. Declar currently cannot create a goods declaration (import/export) and therefore does not replace commercial customs software. It requires an ePortal registration with the business-partner role «Transport». Our Declar whitepaper provides a detailed assessment.

Low-risk preparation: practical steps

If timelines or details are unclear, date-independent preparation is still valuable. This page bundles measures that improve the quality and stability of your customs processes without speculation.

1) Process documentation

Capture the current workflow (who does what, when, with which data). Document special cases, escalations and key evidence documents.

2) Data quality

Review item master, partner data, classification, origin and document storage. Define minimum standards so evidence is easy to find.

3) Roles and responsibilities

Clarify responsibilities (business, IT, external partners). Define backups and plan training and onboarding.

4) Test cases and checklists

Collect typical shipments and exceptions. Use checklists to spot error sources early.

5) Monitoring

Define who checks authority updates and shares them internally. This keeps the organization ready to act.

Authority guidance

BAZG: migration guidance (Passar export)

Back to the Declar hub

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