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co₂börse

CO₂ levy

The CO₂ levy on light commercial vehicles

There is no flat rate for vans and light semi-trailer tractors: a CO₂ levy only applies if the vehicle exceeds its individual target value. Here you find target values, exemptions, calculation and handling at a glance.

The current target values

The decisive figure is the combined WLTP value. There is no flat tax – the levy only applies when the individual target value is exceeded:

  • 2025–2029: 153.9 g CO₂/km for vans and light semi-trailer tractors
  • From 2030: 90.6 g CO₂/km
  • Sanction: CHF 95 per g CO₂/km above the target value (as of 2026; statutory range CHF 95–152, set annually by DETEC)

Which vehicles count as light commercial vehicles?

The light-commercial-vehicle rules cover:

  • Classic vans and panel vans
  • Chassis cabs and flatbed vehicles up to 3.5 t
  • Light semi-trailer tractors

New vehicle or used?

The period between the first registration abroad and the Swiss customs declaration is decisive:

  • Registered less than 6 months before the customs declaration: practically always counts as a new vehicle – subject to the CO₂ levy
  • 6–12 months old with less than 5'000 km: also within scope
  • Older than 12 months, or over 6 months with more than 5'000 km: usually a used car without CO₂ levy

Exemptions: special-purpose vehicles

Certain vehicles are exempt from the CO₂ levy, provided they meet the respective criteria:

  • Motorhomes and caravans
  • Armoured vehicles
  • Ambulances and hearses
  • Wheelchair-accessible vehicles
  • Mobile cranes (load moment ≥ 400 kNm) and other special vehicles

How the levy is calculated

Your vehicle's individual target value depends on the kerb weight and is compared against the WLTP CO₂ value. The reference is the average kerb weight of all new light commercial vehicles (2026: 2'130 kg). Since 2025 the inverted target-value line applies: the heavier the vehicle, the lower the permitted CO₂ emissions. With our online calculator you determine the target value and excess within seconds.

Handling for private individuals

Send us the following documents to CO₂ Börse AG, Büelrainstrasse 15a, 8400 Winterthur:

  • Completed handling form
  • Form 13.20 A
  • CoC / EC certificate of conformity
  • Swiss customs receipt
  • Foreign vehicle registration document
  • Current mileage

Large importers: fleet instead of individual vehicle

Anyone importing light commercial vehicles regularly settles via the fleet. We take over fleet management, punctual SFOE filing and CO₂ pool management: analysis by CO₂ class and kerb weight, pool administration, target monitoring and integration of low-CO₂ vehicles.

Checklist for your light-commercial import

Six steps to a correct CO₂ handling:

  • Prepare the vehicle data: COC, WLTP value, kerb weight, first registration, mileage
  • Check the scope (new vehicle or used?)
  • Determine the levy with the online calculator
  • Choose the handling route (private by post, dealers electronically)
  • Prepare the documents for registration
  • As a large importer: consider CO₂ pool management

Questions and answers on the CO₂ levy for commercial vehicles

What is the CO₂ target value for light commercial vehicles?

153.9 g CO₂/km (WLTP) for the years 2025–2029, from 2030 only 90.6 g CO₂/km. Your vehicle's individual target value additionally depends on the kerb weight.

Is there a flat CO₂ tax on commercial vehicles?

No – a levy only applies if the vehicle exceeds its individual target value. CHF 95 is due per gram of excess (as of 2026).

Which commercial vehicles are exempt?

Special-purpose vehicles, for example motorhomes, ambulances, hearses, armoured and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, as well as mobile cranes.

When does an imported commercial vehicle count as used?

If it was registered more than 12 months before the customs declaration – or more than 6 months with over 5'000 km. Used vehicles are not subject to the CO₂ levy.

How do large importers settle?

Across the entire vehicle fleet with the Swiss Federal Office of Energy instead of per individual vehicle. With our CO₂ pool management we take over filing, monitoring and optimisation.

Calculate the target value now

Determine the target value and excess for your commercial vehicle within seconds – or register for electronic handling.

To the CO₂ calculator

Get in touch

Questions or a request? Write to us – we reply within 24 hours on business days.