Future Development of e-Customs

By means of a survey, this paper explores the current state of play regarding cross-border trade and logistics operations in Switzerland and thereafter it highlights possible future developments and potential benefits. In particular, the survey aims: (1) To identify how customs declarations are filed, (2) To understand the companies’ knowledge about compliance costs, (3) To understand future developments expected by companies, and (4) To determine the potential benefits of e-Customs platforms. This study will ultimately bring to light concrete functionalities to be included in future e-Customs platforms. The results unveil the importance of interactive and user friendly e-Customs services. In addition, design and implementation of e-Customs services need to be driven by tangible benefits for the private sector, including facilitating export procedures, improving flexibility, reducing the need to re-enter any customs data during the declaration processes, and enabling a seamless flow of data between the parties involved.