Switzerland’s customs system landscape underwent a major transformation in 2025 with the full transition from the legacy e-dec system to Passar. As of 2026, all companies handling exports in Switzerland are operating exclusively through Passar. What began as a regulatory requirement quickly evolved into a complex IT adaptation project which many organizations in Switzerland had to face in a short period of time.
The decommissioning of e-dec Export on December 31, 2025 marked a firm and irreversible deadline. Unlike system upgrades that allow parallel runs for extended periods, it was allowed to run in parallel with e-dec and Passar for a very short period of time.
One of the most important lessons from 2025 was that early preparation directly influenced project success. Companies that initiated their migration programs in early or mid-2025 were better positioned to handle technical adjustments, SAP GTS updates, middleware changes, and testing cycles. In contrast, organizations that delayed preparation faced compressed timelines, increased resource pressure, and higher operational risk during the final quarter of the year.
Throughout 2025, SAP released a substantial number of notes addressing Passar-related functionality. These included new message mappings, structural adjustments, corrections, fallback procedures, and post-correction capabilities. Importantly, the release of notes was not a one-time event. Updates continued in waves, with delta corrections issued even after initial implementations. Cases which were raised by the companies, during implementation (test phase/UAT) were also helpful to create new notes on those specific topics. Functional consultants and technical teams had to collaborate closely to assess prerequisites, implement updates, and perform regression testing.
A key takeaway from this experience was the necessity of documentation. Configuration guides, mapping documents, and testing protocols had to be continuously updated.
Another critical factor was middleware strategy. The transition from traditional IDoc-based interfaces to CME (customs message exchange)/ xml represented a fundamental architectural change. Standard integration via SEEBURGER BIS offered a supported and structured pathway aligned with SAP updates. While alternative middleware solutions such as CPI or custom APIs were technically feasible, they often required additional development work and increased internal maintenance responsibility. Some companies experienced temporary testing disruptions due to missed mappings or delayed updates in non-standard environments.
Testing proved to be more extensive than many organizations initially anticipated. Export processes—particularly those without transit components—required coordinated validation with customs authorities. Companies that invested early in integration testing, end-to-end simulations, and fallback scenario validation entered 2026 with stable operations. Those that postponed comprehensive testing encountered significant pressure during the final implementation phase.
Beyond technical adjustments, organizational readiness played a crucial role. Onboarding to Passar required ePortal registration, role configuration, UID validation, and token management. While these steps appeared administrative at first glance, they had direct operational implications.
Now, in 2026, the benefits of the transformation are evident. Real-time customs communication has increased transparency and reduced manual interventions. Faster feedback on submission errors enables quicker corrections and minimizes shipment delays. The modernized customs environment aligns Switzerland with broader digital trade developments and creates a more scalable framework for future regulatory updates.
For many organizations, the Passar migration also acted as a catalyst for broader modernization within their SAP GTS landscape. Companies strengthened governance models, improved cross-functional collaboration, and gained clearer visibility into export processes.
In retrospect, the 2025 migration demonstrated that regulatory transformations extend far beyond technical configuration. They require proactive planning, strong governance, structured documentation, strategic technology decisions, and sustained testing efforts. Organizations that embraced these principles not only met all requirements but also entered 2026 with operational stability and greater confidence in Switzerland’s new Customs system.
By completing this exercise for Passar exports in 2025, companies established a solid foundation and gained practical experience. This preparation will position them well for the subsequent phase of implementation: Passar 2.0 Imports.
The next phase will be introduced in the second quarter of 2026 and it marks the beginning of the pilot and pre-production phase (more details on www.bazg.admin.ch).
The transition to Passar marked a significant milestone for organizations operating in Switzerland’s export landscape. Companies that approached the migration with structured planning, strong collaboration, and the right technology strategy were able to maintain uninterrupted export operations, achieve full regulatory compliance, and improve efficiency through increased automation. Drawing from multiple successful Passar implementations across industries, ArchLynk has supported organizations in navigating this transformation with minimal disruption and stable go-live outcomes.
To learn more about how ArchLynk can support your Passar implementation or upcoming Passar 2.0 initiatives, speak with one of our experts.
