Politics Council of States approves completely revised customs law

On Thursday, the Council of States began discussing the completely revised Customs Act and approved the bill without opposition. Due to a lack of time, it has not yet made any substantive decisions.

Thierry Burkart (FDP/AG), speaking on behalf of the preliminary committee, said that a fundamental revision of the legal regulations on customs was necessary. Among the reasons he cited were the desire for simplification in the customs clearance of goods and the need for a legal framework for the organization of customs following the merger of customs and border guards.

Carlo Sommaruga (SP/GE) pointed out in the debate that the law would give the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) powers that were previously reserved for the police. This was problematic. However, the Geneva Council of States did not oppose the bill.

The revision of the Customs Act is a truly mammoth bill: the document containing the proposals of the Council of States committee comprises more than 500 pages. The debate on the bill is expected to continue next Tuesday, said Council President Andrea Caroni (FDP/AR).