The centralized accounting procedure of the customs administration - Part 2: Accession and account opening

When goods are imported into Switzerland, exported from Switzerland, or transported through Switzerland, this must be declared to Swiss Customs. This is associated with some bureaucracy. For those who have to do this regularly, there is the option of the centralized accounting procedure of the Customs Administration (ZAZ). In a three-part series of articles, Findea shows what this involves, how it works, and what needs to be considered. In this second article, it is explained how to join the ZAZ and how the account opening works.

Joining and opening an account in the centralized accounting procedure of the Customs Administration (ZAZ) go hand in hand. The process is started by sending a completed declaration of accession to the Finance Department of the Federal Customs Administration (FCA). The declaration of accession is online available. Moreover, one can opt to participate in the direct debit scheme. For this, a charging authorization by oneself, as well as by the concerned bank, must be filled out and also sent to the Finance Department of the FCA. What must always be done is provide a security. This can be done in three forms: