Paperless in the Suisse Romande
The forwarder ATM Global Logistics, headquartered in La Chaux-de-Fonds, has tested the new communication system with which the Swiss customs authorities are digitalising processes. The procedures have already been introduced in ATM’s Le Locle office.
The Swiss customs authority FCA has already been implementing its comprehensive digitalisation strategy for a while now. Under the project name DaziT, customs processing is being digitalised and made simpler. The project will effect the work of the FCA and customs agents, as well as that of every forwarder and logistician in the country involved in customs matters.
A step-by-step introductory process, with test phases for the various segments carried out, has already been going on since the project was launched early in 2018. The logistics sector was closely involved in all processes from the beginning, including the development of e-com and electronic accompanying documents (EADs), both of which were designed to enable smooth paperless interaction between customs agents and the FCA.
A pilot phase carried out before the system was introduced saw thorough tests of e-com and EAD. The La Chaux-de-Fonds-based forwarder ATM Global Logistics was one of the firms closely involved. Its paperless customs-clearance activities operate at the border crossings in Le Locle, Orbe, Boncourt and Bardonnex / St Julien, near Geneva, the newest customs agency opened by ATM Global Logistics.
Introduced in a small customs agency
These tests were all positive, allowing the FCA to make both e-com and the EAD available to every interested party from spring 2020 onwards. Since ATM Global Logistics had already gathered some experience with the electronic exchange of documents, the forwarder was once again amongst the pioneers.
ATM operates a customs agency in the small town of Le Locle, in the canton of Neuchâtel, directly on the Franco-Swiss border. The branch now operates e-com, the company has said.
