10 Years of the Gotthard Base Tunnel
Jun 1, 2026 at 8:33 AM
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) has updated the QuickZoll app to facilitate the processing of duties on purchases made abroad for travelers. Users can now pay the value-added tax for their goods at both the standard rate of 8.1% and the reduced rate of 2.6%. This feature allows for the separate recording of the value of goods for each VAT rate, resulting in a more precise calculation of the duties owed.
Enhanced Features of the QuickZoll App
Upon entering Switzerland, travelers must pay duties if the value of their carried goods exceeds the established exemption limits. The updated QuickZoll app now offers the ability to record VAT for different categories of goods separately. This is done in accordance with the customs regulations that also apply to oral or written customs declarations. The app automatically calculates the total VAT owed, simplifying the process for users.
Since its introduction in 2018, the use of the QuickZoll app has steadily increased. In its first year of operation, 13,000 customs declarations and revenues of 1.1 million francs were recorded. By 2025, the number of customs declarations rose to over 192,000, leading to revenues of 13 million francs. This development demonstrates the growing interest and acceptance of the digital solution among travelers.
The further development of the QuickZoll app was originally planned for 2026 to meet the requirements of the digitalization program DaziT. The basic option, where the total value of goods is stated without distinguishing between VAT rates, remains available. This option can be particularly advantageous when the share of products subject to the reduced rate is low or to simplify the recording process.
Flexibility and User-Friendliness
The QuickZoll app can be used without prior registration, allowing for high flexibility when crossing borders. Travelers can specify any two-hour time window for their border crossing and enter Switzerland at any border crossing without an additional trip to the customs counter. However, it is necessary to keep the receipt generated in the app for inspections.
It should be noted that the QuickZoll app cannot be used for all categories of goods. The import of live animals, cars, or commercial goods must still be declared at a customs counter. The app also provides important information for entering Switzerland and is available for free on the Android and iOS operating systems.
