Passar is the new goods traffic system of the Federal Customs Administration (BAZG). Transit and export have already been switched over. Imports are different: standard imports have been undergoing live testing with selected companies since this year. Companies not part of these pilot firms continue to report imports in e-dec Import. The BAZG must first approve the switch for general use.
At a meeting with business representatives on September 7, the BAZG confirmed the timeline. The last import customs declaration in e-dec is possible on September 30, 2027. After that, imports must go through Passar. The first two expansion phases cover standard imports. In the third phase, remaining functions will be added that are intended to completely replace e-dec Import – such as quotas, permits, and special customs relief. The BAZG will provide more detailed information on availability in December. No data from e-dec will be transferred to Passar.
For many businesses, registration is currently the more pressing issue. In Passar, the Business Partner ID (GP-ID) replaces the previous ZAZ account. However, the ID alone is not sufficient. An invoice recipient also needs the appropriate role for receiving customs documents; anyone declaring goods requires the "freight" role. If a required role is missing, the import declaration will not be accepted and cannot be activated at the border either. According to the meeting minutes, only about one-third of approximately 27,000 invoice recipients are registered with an ID and roles. During the transition period, the ZAZ account remains necessary for declarations in e-dec.
The transport process is also changing. A Passar import declaration only becomes legally binding through automatic activation. In road transport, it must therefore be clear who prepares the transport declaration, who hands it to the driver, and how it gets into the Activ app. The Declar web application for such transport declarations remains in the pilot phase; its general release is still pending.
An earlier deadline affects companies with customs relief based on intended use: as of November 1, 2026, new rules and a digital use obligation will apply to them in e-dec. In the Rhine Valley, the BAZG also announces changes at six border crossings for October 1, 2026. In Oberriet, Kriessern, and Diepoldsau, only digital processing without staffed counters will be possible. Those traveling there should clarify the route and customs procedures with their service provider in advance.