CO₂ Sanction & Registration 2026

New Rule from 2026: CO₂ Sanction Before Registration

From 2026, an important change applies in Switzerland for vehicle registration: New cars may only be registered once any applicable CO₂ sanction has been fully paid.

What Is the CO₂ Sanction?

The CO₂ sanction is a fee that importers and manufacturers must pay when their sold vehicles on average exceed the CO₂ emission limit.

Current Limit (2026):

• Passenger cars: 118 g CO₂/km
• Delivery vehicles: 186 g CO₂/km

What's Changing Specifically?

Who Is Affected?

Directly Affected

• New car buyers – Delay in registration possible
• Importers – Must pay sanction before delivery
• Parallel importers – Particularly strict verification
• Direct imports (EU abroad) – Sanction must be paid before CH registration

Not Affected

• Used cars
• Already registered vehicles
• Electric cars (0 g CO₂/km)

eCoC: Digital Vehicle Documentation

The eCoC (electronic Certificate of Conformity) replaces the previous paper CoC and contains all vehicle-relevant data digitally.

Benefits of eCoC

• Faster registration – No more paperwork
• Forgery-proof – Digital signature
• Automatic verification – CO₂ values transmitted electronically
• Europe-wide standardization – Uniform format

eCoC and CO₂ Sanction

The eCoC contains the vehicle's CO₂ emissions. The road traffic authority automatically checks:

1. Vehicle's CO₂ value
2. Sanction payment status with the importer
3. Approval for registration (yes/no)

Calculating the CO₂ Sanction

The sanction is calculated based on exceeding the limit:

Important: The sanction is calculated based on the importer's average, not per individual vehicle. However, importers can pass the surcharge on to the buyer.

Tips for New Car Buyers 2026

1. Clarify Delivery Timing

Ask the dealer:

• Has the CO₂ sanction already been paid?
• When is registration realistically possible?
• Are there delay risks?

2. Choose Electric or Hybrid

No CO₂ sanction for:

• Fully electric vehicles (0 g/km)
• Plug-in hybrids with low consumption

3. Compare Car Insurance in Advance

While waiting for registration, you can already find the best car insurance:

4. Order Tires on Time

A price comparison also pays off for tires – especially for new vehicles that are often delivered with summer tires.

Inspection Drive for Direct Imports

Anyone who imports a vehicle themselves from the EU must complete an inspection drive to the road traffic authority.

Inspection Process

1. Schedule appointment at the cantonal road traffic authority
2. Bring documents:
   • Foreign vehicle registration
   • Purchase contract
   • eCoC or paper CoC
   • Proof of CO₂ sanction (if applicable)
3. Vehicle inspection on site
4. Registration if inspection passed

Direct Import Costs

FAQ

Does the Change Affect Used Cars?

No, the CO₂ sanction only applies to new vehicles (first registration). Already registered vehicles are not affected.

What Happens If the Importer Doesn't Pay the Sanction?

The vehicle cannot be registered. As a buyer, you must complain to the dealer or possibly withdraw from the purchase contract.

Can I Pay the CO₂ Sanction Myself?

For direct imports, yes. The sanction is calculated by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) and must be proven before registration at the road traffic authority.

Are There Exceptions to the CO₂ Sanction?

• Electric vehicles: No sanction (0 g CO₂/km)
• Hydrogen vehicles: No sanction
• Small series: Special regulations possible
• Classic cars: Not affected

How Long Does Registration Take with the New Rule?

With proper documentation and paid sanction, there should be no delay. Problems only arise if the sanction is still outstanding.

CO₂ Limit Development

Conclusion

The new rule CO₂ sanction before registration primarily affects buyers of new vehicles with high consumption. Those who choose an electric car or an economical hybrid are not affected.

For direct importers, the change means additional bureaucracy – but the eCoC digitalization should simplify this.

Tip: When buying a new car, always clarify the CO₂ sanction status to avoid delays in registration.