Customs clearance will be digital

As of 1 January 2016, the company identification number (UID) will finally replace the forwarding number and must be indicated with the address of the consignee and importer for imports and with the address of the consignor for exports. The UID has already replaced the old VAT number in all relevant documents since 1 January 2014. The date for the implementation of the electronic accompanying documents has not yet been determined. The productive use of e-claims has been possible since 1 June 2015 on a voluntary basis and in consultation with the customs offices concerned. eIndividual and eGeneral authorisations are being issued in a pilot operation. The eCITES project is currently on hold and is unlikely to be launched before 2017.

Detailed information and further workshops about the UID obligation are offered by the Swiss company www.sisa.ch