CO2 emission regulations for new vehicles apply in Switzerland just as they do in the EU. Since 2021, under the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure), the average level of emissions from passenger cars registered in Switzerland for the first time may not exceed 118 grams of CO2 per kilometre, while emissions from vans and light articulated vehicles (collectively known as light commercial vehicles or LCVs) registered for the first time may emit a maximum of 186 grams of CO2/km. From 2025, a target value of 93.6 g CO2/km will apply for passenger cars and 153.9 g CO2/km for new vans and light articulated vehicles.
A CO2 target regulation for lorries and articulated vehicles (collectively known as heavy duty vehicles or HDVs) will also come into force for the first time in 2025. Importers of new HDVs must reduce average emissions by 15% against the EU regulation's reference values (emissions of the new 2019/2020 fleet).
Each importer's vehicle fleet has to meet an individual target based on these values. If the target is exceeded, the importer must pay a penalty.
Small-scale and large-scale importers
The CO2 regulations apply to all importers of new passenger cars, LCVs and HDVs, although a distinction is made between small-scale and large-scale importers. A large-scale importer is one who registers at least 50 passenger cars or at least six LCVs or two HDVs for the first time in Switzerland each year. All HDV importers and large-scale importers of passenger cars and LCVs must be registered with the SFOE. Importers may join forces to form emissions pools in order to attain the minimum number of vehicles to qualify as large-scale importers and so collectively meet the specified target level. Emissions pools have the same rights and obligations as large-scale importers.
Private individuals who import a new car directly are classified as small-scale importers. They have the option of registering their vehicle via a large-scale importer. In this way, they can reduce any penalties or benefit from a bonus that applies to privately imported efficient vehicles.
Registering as a large-scale importer or emissions pool
To register as a large-scale importer or emissions pool, go to the DETEC eGovernment portal at www.uvek.egov.swiss.
Vehicle attestation
Small-scale importers of passenger cars and LCVs must pay any carbon penalty before registering vehicles in Switzerland. To start this process, the necessary vehicle data must first be recorded in digital form with the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). This can be done via the FEDRO KDI portal for vehicle imports: FEDRO website.
The same obligations and procedures apply to small-scale and large-scale importers of HDVs.
