Switzerland is entering the final phase of its overhaul of the LSVA heavy vehicle charge, bringing an end to the long-used Emotach on-board unit and introducing a new route-based ticketing system. For international hauliers, the changes mean that familiar border routines will disappear and planning ahead will become essential.
The transition has been gradual, but 2025 marks the decisive shift. From 1 January this year, Swiss customs authorities stopped installing, replacing and servicing Emotach units. Although existing devices may still be used, their days are numbered: all Emotach equipment will be removed from the system on 31 December 2025, after which it will no longer be valid.
The phase-out became more visible this spring. On 31 March, Switzerland stopped issuing the vehicle-specific LSVA ID cards required for Emotach. And on 31 May, the terminals located at border crossings and within the country – used for validating journeys and inputting mileage – were switched off entirely. Drivers expecting to register their journey at the border now find that the machines have gone dark.
New payment options: EETS or route ticket
To support the transition, the Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) opened an alternative payment channel on 1 April: an online route ticket that allows operators to purchase road-use rights for a specific journey. This option is designed especially for foreign hauliers whose Emotach units are no longer functioning or have already been removed.
At the same time, many fleets may not need to change anything. According to the BAZG, vehicles equipped with EETS on-board units do not need to take any additional steps, as LSVA reporting will be handled automatically. Operators are still encouraged to confirm the details with their EETS provider to ensure the device is fully updated for Swiss tolling.
For those not using EETS, the shift requires some operational adjustment. With terminals offline and Emotach approaching its end-of-life, drivers may only enter Switzerland if the vehicle has a functioning EETS device or a valid pre-purchased route ticket. The responsibility for correct LSVA coverage now lies entirely with the operator.
A decisive year for compliance
The reforms represent one of the most significant modernisations of the LSVA system in years, reflecting Switzerland’s push towards fully digital tolling and more automated compliance processes. For hauliers, 2025 is a year of preparation.
Operators should review which vehicles still carry Emotach units, confirm EETS compatibility where relevant, and update driver instructions for Swiss trips. From 1 January 2026, Emotach will no longer be accepted under any circumstances, making early planning crucial for uninterrupted transit through a key European corridor.
Official updates and guidance are available from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG).
