Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and the UK in the Customs Sector

The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 28, 2022, in London regarding cooperation in the customs sector. This agreement aims to further develop the existing customs and trade relations.

(London/Bern) As part of the MoU, bilateral contacts at the technical level regarding modernization and digitalization initiatives will be intensified, and close cooperation in the customs sector will be promoted. The intended further development of customs and trade relations also aligns with the Federal Council’s “Mind the gap” strategy, which it pursues regarding bilateral agreements following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union.

Experience exchange also in the areas of transformation and digitalization

The MoU aims to promote bilateral exchange regarding the implementation of reforms in the customs sector as well as in terms of modernization and digitalization initiatives. Since the BAZG is already implementing such solutions within its transformation program DaziT, HMRC is interested in the relevant experiences of the BAZG. Additionally, within the framework of the non-binding MoU, the development and interoperability of “Single Trade Windows” for simplified information collection, the use of supply chain data, the digitalization of paper-based customs and trade documents, e-commerce, as well as risk management and analysis will be examined for potential deepening of cooperation. As is customary in such agreements, regular exchanges of expert delegations in these areas are intended to promote mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation.

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