Federal Office for Customs and Border Security FOCBS
The Federal Customs and Border Security Office (FOCBS) ensures comprehensive border security for the population, the economy and the state and is well connected nationally and internationally. Its main tasks include the correct and speedy taxation of tradable goods, the rapid handling of tourist traffic as well as the areas of migration and security police. The FOCBS has its own prosecuting authority.
Main topics of the FOCBS
QuickZoll
With the integration of both VAT rates, QuickZoll becomes the ideal solution for most private imports. Declare your purchases easily in the app, cross the border where and when you want, at no additional cost.
G7 Summit in Évian: Canton of Geneva lifts temporary traffic restrictions at border crossings
The Geneva State Council has announced that the restrictions introduced at Geneva’s borders as part of the security measures for the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains will be lifted. This measure will come into force on Thursday, 18 June 2026 at 06:00.
E-vignette
The electronic toll sticker (e-vignette) can be obtained via www.e-vignette.ch from the «Via Portal» of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS).
Facts & figures
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security provides comprehensive security at the border – for the benefit of the public, the business community and the state. Would you like to know what we have achieved in the past year? Here you will find everything from species protection to customs clearance and the respective figures.
Warning against phishing messages
Citizens have recently been receiving growing numbers of messages that supposedly originate from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security is issuing a warning concerning these messages and recommends ignoring them and deleting them.
Media releases
G7 summit in Évian: Switzerland commits to ensuring security
With just a few days to go before the G7 summit starts in Évian, representatives from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), the Swiss Armed Forces and the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) joined cantonal authorities in Geneva to present the measures being taken to ensure the event's security and support the cantons involved: Geneva, Vaud and Valais. Organised by France, the summit will take place from 15 to 17 June 2026. On this occasion, President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin will welcome the heads of state and government of the participating countries to Geneva.
QuickZoll now takes both VAT rates into account
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) has further developed the QuickZoll application. Travellers can now pay Value Added Tax (VAT) for purchases made outside Switzerland at both applicable rates: the standard rate (8.1 %) and the reduced rate (2.6 %).
2025: Exports hit a new record, driven by chemicals and pharmaceuticals
Swiss foreign trade posted increases in both directions of trade in 2025. Exports rose by 1.4% to CHF 287.0 billion, a new record. Having posted negative figures in the two previous years, imports rose by 4.5% to CHF 232,7 billion. This is the second-highest value ever recorded. The trade surplus amounted to CHF 54.3 billion.
Special announcements and news on services
Specialist announcements
The page provides information about specialist announcements and how to view press releases with or without Java script. Users can access the Federal Administration News Portal via a link.
News on services
The page offers news on services.
Information for...
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Individuals
Are you looking, as a private individual, for information on customs regulations, travel, contacts or applications? Here you will find an overview.
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Companies
Are you looking, as a company, for information on customs regulations, the movement of goods, contacts or applications? Here you will find an overview.
Adress Directorate FOCBS
Taubenstrasse 16
CH - 3003 Berne