From 1 May 2025, new rules for road freight transport will come into force in Switzerland. These are aimed at preventing bogus companies in Switzerland and ensuring fairer competition. Affected companies should familiarise themselves with the changes at an early stage to ensure compliance and avoid sanctions.
On 14 March 2025, the Federal Council adopted amendments to the Ordinance on the Licensing of Road Transport Companies for Passenger and Goods Transport (STUV). These amendments relate in particular to proof of the company’s registered office and the requirements for financial capacity. The aim is to make competition in the transport industry in Switzerland fairer and thus also promote the professionalisation of the sector.
Background to the legislative changes
In the 2024 summer session, Parliament passed various amendments to the Federal Act on the Licensing of Road Transport Companies. One key amendment is the introduction of a licensing requirement for companies that use delivery vans over 2.5 tonnes in cross-border transport. In addition, measures against bogus companies, so-called “letterbox companies”, have been adopted. These changes are intended to promote fairer competition and professionalisation in the transport industry.
Key changes at a glance
- Proof of company domicile: In future, the ordinance will contain more precise regulations on proof of company domicile. This is intended to prevent foreign transport companies from setting up letterbox companies in Switzerland in order to circumvent the ban on cabotage (cabotage = the provision of transport services within a country by a foreign transport company). In future, companies will have to prove that they are actually based in Switzerland and carry out their effective business activities here.
- Financial capacity: The requirements for financial capacity have been adjusted. Specific amounts have been set for light vehicles, which companies must provide as proof. At the same time, the existing amounts for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have been reduced. These adjustments are intended to ensure that companies have sufficient financial resources to fulfil their obligations.
- Exemptions from the licence requirement: Companies that only use vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and only transport goods within Switzerland remain exempt from the licence requirement. This exemption is intended to relieve smaller companies and reduce their administrative burden.
Practical implications and recommendations
The new regulations will come into force on 1 May 2025. Road transport companies should familiarise themselves with the changes at an early stage and adapt their internal processes accordingly. In particular, they should check whether they are affected by the new authorisation requirement and, if necessary, provide the required evidence. As an affected company, it is therefore advisable to take the following steps:
- Check the company’s registered office: make sure that your company has an actual legal domicile in Switzerland and can provide the relevant evidence (entry in the commercial register);
- Financial capacity: Check whether your company fulfils the new financial capacity requirements and prepare the necessary documents;
- Licence requirement: Clarify whether your transports fall under the new licence requirement and, if necessary, apply for the required licence(s) in good time.
Conclusion and outlook
The amendments to the Ordinance on the Licensing of Road Transport Companies for Passenger and Goods Transport are aimed at ensuring fairer competition in the transport industry and promoting the professionalisation of the sector. Companies should use the time remaining until the new regulations come into force to prepare themselves accordingly and ensure their compliance.
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