The heavy goods vehicle charge (HGVC) applies to all trips made by lorries and other heavy goods vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes. Its purpose is to contribute towards infrastructure costs not otherwise covered and external costs generated by this traffic in terms of harm to the environment, human health etc. The external costs are calculated by the Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE).
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The HGVC is a key element of Switzerland's traffic transfer policy and is guaranteed internationally in the Land Transport Agreement with the EU. The graded tariffs provide an incentive to use modern, more environmentally friendly vehicles.
The HGVC is levied by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS). The annual revenue amounts to around CHF 1.6 billion, one third of which goes to the cantons and two thirds to the federal government. The federal government uses most of its share of the revenue to finance the rail infrastructure.
The FOT is responsible for the conceptual development of the HGVC. In 2021, the Federal Council instructed the FOT to draw up proposals for the further development of the HGVC. A consultation on these proposals was opened on 14 February 2024.
