HVF recording technology: consultation opened
The Federal Council wants to replace the current collection technology for the Distance-related Heavy Vehicle Fee (HVF) by 2025 and harmonise it with the European system (HVF III). The consultation procedure was recently opened by the Federal Council.
Since its introduction in 2001, the heavy vehicle fee has been collected using a recording device from the Federal Customs Administration (FCA) that is authorised exclusively in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Both the roadside infrastructure and the recording devices will have to be replaced by the end of 2024 due to their age. With the introduction of the European Electronic Toll Service (EETS), the EU has created uniform standards for toll collection in Europe. This has significantly simplified and accelerated the collection of tolls, particularly in cross-border traffic.
Relief for transport companies
The Federal Council wants to align HVF III with the EETS and, with effect from 1 January 2024, to introduce the Heavy Vehicle Fee Act as well as the -Vordnung accordingly. This would make it unnecessary for the FCA to develop and issue a recording device. According to the Federal Council's communication, the processes can also be simplified and increasingly digitalised and automated. The adjustments would relieve the administrative burden on transport companies and enable them to process the levy in European countries with the help of an EETS provider.
The alignment with the EETS has no influence on the tariff, the duty, the exemptions, the special regulations or the use of the revenue, according to the statement. However, the assessment of the trailer will no longer be based on the permissible total weight, but on the number of axles, as in other European countries. This change is to be designed in a revenue-neutral way, according to the Federal Council.
Source: Confederation
List of consultation addresses
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