CO2 emission regulations for new cars and light commercial vehicles

CO2 emission regulations for new cars apply in Switzerland just as they do in the EU. As of 2021, under the WLTP (world harmonized light-duty vehicles test procedure), the average level of emissions from cars registered in Switzerland for the first time may not exceed 118 grams of CO2 per kilometre, while the maximum level of CO2 emissions from delivery and light articulated vehicles (collectively referred to as light commercial vehicles) will be 186 grams per kilometre. These targets correspond to those previously applied based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) measurement procedure of 95 grams per kilometre for new cars and 147 grams per kilometre for new light commercial vehicles. Each importer's vehicle fleet has to comply with an individual target based on these values. If the target is exceeded, the importer will have to pay a penalty.

Small and large-scale importers

The CO2 regulations apply to all importers of new cars and/or light commercial vehicles. Here a distinction is made between large-scale and small importers: the term “large-scale importer” applies to importers who register for the first time at least 50 new cars or at least 6 new light commercial vehicles a year in Switzerland. These importers have to be registered with the SFOE. Importers may join forces to form emissions pools in order to attain the minimum number of vehicles for qualifying as large-scale importers and collectively comply with the specified target level. Emissions pools have the same rights and obligations as large-scale importers.

Private citizens who directly import a new car are classified as small importers. They have the option of clearing their vehicle via a CO2 exchange. In this way they can reduce any required penalty payments or benefit from a bonus that applies to the private import of efficient vehicles.

Links to the application forms for registration as a provisional large-scale importer and for emissions pools are listed under “Forms and fact sheets”.

Small and private importers are required to have the CO2 emissions certified by the Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) before they can register their vehicle(s). The same applies to large-scale importers who want to register vehicles without type approval. The application form for certification, plus more detailed information concerning the procedure for the import and registration of vehicles, can be obtained from the FEDRO website.

Documents

Industry information

• Info 10/23: Information on digitalisation of CO2 enforcement services – No 3
  (PDF, 997 KB, 09.10.2023) ID: 11522 | 581
• Info 09/23: Information on digitalisation of CO2-enforcement services - no.2
  (PDF, 124 KB, 25.09.2023) ID: 11506 | 581
• Info 05/23: Information on digitalisation of CO2 enforcement services
  (PDF, 137 KB, 01.05.2023) ID: 11381 | 581
• Vollzug der CO2-Emissionsvorschriften für Neuwagen. Richtlinie für Grossimporteure
  (PDF, 603 KB, 01.12.2022) ID: 11148 | 581
• Brancheninfo 07/2019. Einführung CO2-Emissionsvorschriften für Lieferwagen und leichte Sattelschlepper ab 2020
  (PDF, 383 KB, 03.07.2019) ID: 9769 | 581

Display more publications ID: 581

• Einführung WLTP in der Schweiz. FAQ
  (PDF, 144 KB, 27.06.2018) ID: 9016 | 581

Brochures and reports

• Auswirkungen der CO2-Emissionsvorschriften für neue Personenwagen, Lieferwagen und leichte Sattelschlepper 2012 – 2021. Bericht des Bundesrates
  (PDF, 627 KB, 02.06.2023) ID: 11420 | 309
• Auswirkungen der CO2-Emissionsvorschriften für neue Personenwagen, Lieferwagen und leichte Sattelschlepper 2012 – 2021. Grundlagenbericht des Bundesamts für Energie
  (PDF, 3.9 MB, 02.06.2023) ID: 11421 | 309
• Auswirkungen der CO2-Emissionsvorschriften für neue Personenwagen 2012 – 2018. Bericht des UVEK zuhanden der Kommissionen für Umwelt, Raumplanung und Energie UREK des National- und Ständerats
  (PDF, 3.9 MB, 18.02.2020) ID: 10033 | 309
• CO2-Emissionsvorschriften für Personenwagen und leichte Nutzfahrzeuge. Grundlagenbericht
  (PDF, 2 MB, 23.02.2017) ID: 8589 | 309
• Auswirkungen der CO2-Emissionsvorschriften für neue Personenwagen 2012 – 2015. Bericht des UVEK zuhanden der Kommissionen für Umwelt, Raumplanung und Energie UREK des National- und Ständerats
  (PDF, 1.5 MB, 20.12.2016) ID: 8537 | 309

Links

CO2 exchange (in German)

FEDRO website (in German)

Antrag auf Bescheinigung bezüglich Art. 23 der Verordnung über die Reduktion der CO2-Emissionen für PW

Antrag auf Bescheinigung bezüglich Art. 23 der Verordnung über die Reduktion der CO2-Emissionen für LNF

Cars

Calculation of penalties cars

Tool for calculating the penalty for small importers of cars

Questions & Answers

Key data relating to alternative drives (in German)

Energy label for cars

Light commercial and light articulated vehicles

Calculation of penalties LCV

Tool for calculating the penalty for small importers LCV

Questions & Answers (in German)

Media

30.11.2012

Federal Council approves new CO2 Ordinance

Further press releases in German

Law

Article 74 of the Swiss Federal Constitution - Protection of the environment

Federal Act of 23 December 2011 on the Reduction of CO2 Emissions (CO2 Act) (in German)

Ordinance on the Reduction of CO2 Emissions (CO2 Ordinance)

Ordinance of 19 June 1995 on technical requirements on road vehicles (in German)

Ordinance of 19 June 1995 on the homologation of road vehicles (in German)

Liechtenstein National Legal Gazette 814.065: Act of 16 December 2009 on the Reduction of CO2 Emissions (CO2 Act) (in German)

Liechtenstein National Legal Gazette 814.065.12: Ordinance of 19 June 2012 on the Reduction of CO2 Emissions from motor cars (in German)

Regulation (EC) No 443/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 setting emission performance standards for new passenger cars as part of the Community’s integrated approach to reduce CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicle

Last modification 29.06.2023