Council of States agrees to totally revised customs law
Published: Thursday, Dec 12th 2024, 14:20
Back to Live Feed
On Thursday, the Council of States began discussing the totally revised Customs Act and passed the bill without opposition. It has not yet made any substantive decisions due to a lack of time.
Thierry Burkart (FDP/AG), speaking on behalf of the advisory committee, said that a fundamental revision of the legal regulations on customs was necessary. Among other things, he cited 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 banner on which the proposals of the Council of States committee are listed comprises more than 500 pages. The debate on the bill is expected to continue next Tuesday, said Council President Andrea Caroni (FDP/AR).
©Keystone/SDA
English 
German 
French 
Spanish 
Arabic