Summary
On August 24, 2026, system certificates for electronic customs declarations will expire. These certificates enable customs customers to send declarations encrypted via email to the e-dec system and to verify signatures on responses. New certificates have been available since May 22, 2026. Until the expiration date, customers can use both old and new certificates. The Service Desk of the Federal Customs Administration (BAZG) offers support.
Persons
- Federal Customs Administration (BAZG) – Authority
Topics
- Customs declarations
- Digital security
- E-Government
- System certificates
Clarus Lead
The certificate renewal is a routine measure to secure electronic customs communication. Customs customers who use the email channel must adapt their systems by August – a transition period provides flexibility for migration. This measure underscores the importance of regular security updates in digital administration.
Detailed Summary
The certificates serve the encrypted transmission of customs declarations and the signature verification of response emails. They are used both for encrypting outgoing requests (SMIME) and for validating incoming signed responses from the e-dec system.
The new certificates were made available 22 days before the announcement (May 22) to give customs customers sufficient preparation time. During the transition period until August 24, 2026, the system accepts both old and new certificates, enabling a smooth transition without operational interruptions.
The BAZG Service Desk is available at https://servicedesk.bazg.admin.ch/home for technical questions.
Key Messages
- System certificates for e-dec customs declarations expire on August 24, 2026
- New certificates have been available since May 22, 2026
- Transition period allows parallel use of old and new certificates
- Affected parties: Customs customers who encrypt email-based customs declarations
Critical Questions
Evidence/Source Validity: What technical specifications do the new certificates meet, and how are compatibility and security standards verified?
Conflicts of Interest/Dependencies: Which software manufacturers are affected by the certificate renewal, and are there dependencies on third-party providers?
Causality/Alternatives: Why was the expiration date set for August 24, 2026? Are there alternative transition mechanisms?
Feasibility/Risks: What consequences arise for customs customers who miss the expiration date? Are there escalation mechanisms?
Communication: How are all affected customs customers proactively informed about the renewal to minimize compliance risks?
Source Directory
Primary Source: New e-dec system certificates for encrypted transmission of customs declarations – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/Ld3zjVJ-SXF5N3mbSqsQ2
Verification Status: ✓ May 28, 2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: May 28, 2026