Switzerland’s Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) issued a notice on 23 February 2026 confirming that the national customs tariff database ‘Tares’ will be updated on 1 March. Although the revision mainly affects goods nomenclature, it also carries practical consequences for international household-goods movers and expatriates shipping personal effects into Switzerland.
![Customs authority updates ‘Tares’ tariff ahead of 1 March roll-out]()
For assignees needing both visas and compliant customs paperwork, VisaHQ can simplify the process. Through its dedicated Switzerland page (https://www.visahq.com/switzerland/), the service combines real-time entry-permit support with guidance on current import rules—helping employees and relocation managers ensure that shipments and travel documents meet the new tariff requirements before arrival.
Key changes include new sub-headings for lithium-battery powered micro-mobility devices and a consolidated schedule for smart-home equipment—items frequently imported by relocating employees. FOCBS will automatically migrate existing binding tariff rulings to the new codes, but forwarders are being urged to double-check declarations to avoid delays or retroactive duties. Global relocation firms contacted by our newsroom welcomed the early warning. “Peak spring assignment season starts in March; knowing the exact commodity codes now lets us pre-populate customs manifests and keep delivery promises,” said the head of operations at a major Geneva-based mover. Companies using employer-paid lump-sum relocation allowances should also note that revisions to the dutiable value tables could slightly increase import tax on high-value electronics. FOCBS has published an English-language FAQ and will operate an extended help-desk from 26 February to 8 March. Electronic declarations lodged via the ‘Passar’ platform after 00:00 CET on 1 March must quote the new codes or risk being rejected at the border.
For assignees needing both visas and compliant customs paperwork, VisaHQ can simplify the process. Through its dedicated Switzerland page (https://www.visahq.com/switzerland/), the service combines real-time entry-permit support with guidance on current import rules—helping employees and relocation managers ensure that shipments and travel documents meet the new tariff requirements before arrival.
Key changes include new sub-headings for lithium-battery powered micro-mobility devices and a consolidated schedule for smart-home equipment—items frequently imported by relocating employees. FOCBS will automatically migrate existing binding tariff rulings to the new codes, but forwarders are being urged to double-check declarations to avoid delays or retroactive duties. Global relocation firms contacted by our newsroom welcomed the early warning. “Peak spring assignment season starts in March; knowing the exact commodity codes now lets us pre-populate customs manifests and keep delivery promises,” said the head of operations at a major Geneva-based mover. Companies using employer-paid lump-sum relocation allowances should also note that revisions to the dutiable value tables could slightly increase import tax on high-value electronics. FOCBS has published an English-language FAQ and will operate an extended help-desk from 26 February to 8 March. Electronic declarations lodged via the ‘Passar’ platform after 00:00 CET on 1 March must quote the new codes or risk being rejected at the border.
