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AcademyMonth: August 2026
Smart Border Austria: Digital customs clearance for more efficient border processes
IIn cross-border freight transport, smooth and predictable customs processes are essential. With Smart Border Austria, procedures at border crossings between Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are being gradually digitalised.
The aim of the project is to replace the current paper-based routing slip procedure and make customs clearance more efficient, transparent and straightforward. For companies, this can mean fewer manual intermediate steps, more transparent processes and more predictable clearance at the border.
Gradual introduction in Vorarlberg
Smart Border Austria is being introduced gradually at border customs offices in Vorarlberg. Since 24 June 2026, processes at the Tisis border crossing have been handled digitally. Further border crossings will follow over the course of the year.
According to the current schedule, the existing routing slip procedure is expected to be fully discontinued in September 2026. Regular operation of Smart Border Austria across the entire area is planned from December 2026.
Digital support on the Swiss side
On the Swiss side, the Activ app provided by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security supports the digital processing of transit procedures, among other things. Vehicle and transit data can be recorded before the border is crossed. This simplifies processes and can help make border crossings more efficient.
However, digitalisation does not necessarily mean that the process is completely paperless in every case. Depending on the customs procedure, certain documents must still accompany the transport.
Your benefits at a glance
The new digital processes are intended to provide the following benefits in particular:
- More efficient and predictable border clearance
- Fewer manual and paper-based process steps
- Improved traceability of customs processes
- Early detection of missing or incorrect information
Our customs department is actively addressing the new requirements, adapting the necessary processes accordingly and will continue to support our customers in ensuring reliable customs clearance.
Smart Border Austria therefore represents an important step towards modern and future-oriented customs procedures for the movement of goods between Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
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Smart Border_Austria 2026 -German
Infographic – German
Thomas Bleiker has been active in the Swiss fitness industry for more than 30 years and is one of its established figures. His extensive experience in planning, equipping and implementing fitness facilities forms the foundation of
BZ Solutions AG‘s work.
Drawing on his expertise, he supports clients in the delivery of complete fitness studios and provides high-quality solutions for professional training environments.
A fitness centre spanning around 2,000 square metres
A recent project demonstrates just how complex such implementations can be: a modern fitness centre spanning around 2,000 m² was completed in Bulle in the canton of Fribourg. The studio was equipped with more than 100 pieces of fitness equipment as well as a complete interior fit-out from BZ Solutions and is operated by the client.
“Projects like these are highly demanding, particularly when numerous components from different countries have to come together,” says Thomas Bleiker.
Demanding requirements in day-to-day project work
The fitness equipment is sourced from China, Korea, the United States and various European countries. For BZ Solutions, we manage the international transport, import handling, customs clearance and on-time delivery.
This involves complex processes that require precise coordination and extensive experience in international logistics.
“Our products are large and heavy. Without reliable logistics, it is almost impossible to deliver projects like these efficiently.”
Projects of this scale come with demanding requirements. Lead times are long, while progress also depends on numerous external factors. Only when materials, equipment and schedules are perfectly aligned can installation and commissioning proceed smoothly.
Flexibility is essential
Long delivery times, international transport routes and last-minute changes are all part of projects like these. What matters is not whether challenges arise, but whether they are met with flexibility and a solution-focused approach.
For Thomas Bleiker, the priority is clear: “In the end, everything has to be in the right place at the right time. That is the only way to complete a project like this on schedule.”
One partner for the entire logistics process
BZ Solutions works with Sieber to manage the logistics. Our support covers everything from international transport coordination, import handling and customs clearance to delivery at the relevant site.
Sieber is also involved in on-site installation and commissioning. This creates a seamless end-to-end solution that noticeably reduces the workload for BZ Solutions throughout the project.
“Sieber supports us across the entire transport chain – from import handling and customs clearance through to on-site delivery and installation.”
Quality through to the final step
A good solution does not end with planning. Its true quality becomes evident in the implementation, at the customer’s premises and in the way everyone involved works together.
Through reliability, care and professional execution, we help ensure that BZ Solutions AG’s commitment to quality is reflected in every stage of delivery.
These are precisely the moments that demonstrate the difference made by a logistics partner that does more than simply execute – one that also thinks ahead.
Reliable when it matters
For Thomas Bleiker, one thing matters most in a partnership: a reliable partner that thinks ahead and acts pragmatically. During particularly intensive project phases, he especially values direct communication, quick coordination and a straightforward partnership on equal terms.
His conclusion on working with Sieber:
“With Sieber, you know you have a partner you can count on. The partnership is reliable and solution-focused. They do not just talk – they deliver.”
About BZ Solutions AG
At BZ Solutions AG, high-quality equipment meets decades of experience in the fitness industry. By operating its own fitness studios, the company knows first-hand what truly matters in day-to-day operations: well-designed solutions, reliable equipment and facilities that perform over the long term.
This hands-on expertise feeds directly into every client project, making BZ Solutions AG a strong partner for modern fitness facilities.
Thomas Bleiker, Owner
