Which vehicles are handled?
Under the CO₂ Ordinance, handling applies to vehicles first registered abroad less than 6 months before the customs declaration – as well as vehicles between 6 and 12 months old with less than 5'000 km. Older vehicles count as used cars and go straight to the vehicle inspection without handling. Every handling requires a CO₂ assignment form: it assigns the vehicle's CO₂ levy to CO₂ Börse AG. Important:
- After import, each vehicle can be assigned to another company only once
- Assigned vehicles must be registered within the same calendar year, because the federal government only charges the CO₂ sanction after the Swiss registration. If a vehicle is not registered in the same year, CO₂ Börse AG reserves the right to reclaim paid bonuses or to levy CO₂ charges again
Handling without type approval
If the vehicle is registered at the road traffic office without type approval, a document dossier must be sent to the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA). Small and large importers register for free on the dealer platform, enter the vehicle electronically and receive the CO₂ assignment form by e-mail within seconds. The following then go to ASTRA: form 13.20 A, the COC, the CO₂ assignment form and, where applicable, the foreign registration certificate. Processing via ASTRA: 2–3 working days.
Handling without type approval – private individuals
Private individuals first calculate the CO₂ levy and then send the original documents to the CO₂ Börse AG headquarters in Winterthur: form 13.20 A, the COC and, where applicable, the foreign registration certificate. We check the documents, send the dossier including the CO₂ assignment form to ASTRA in Bern and return the originals once payment is received. Processing time: usually 3–5 working days.
Handling with type approval: same day
With a self-inspection (Selbstabnahme) and a type approval number, the CO₂ levy can be handled the same day: enter the vehicle electronically on the dealer platform – the notification to ASTRA happens automatically. Only form 13.20 A and the type approval sheet are needed. You receive a confirmation by e-mail; no further steps are required.