Federal Finance Department: 24-hour service at the General Customs Administration

In its report to the Federal Parliament, the Court of Audit examines the permanent (24-hour) operation system implemented in the Customs Department in order to further ensure the attractiveness of the national access points to the European market as well as to intensify the monitoring of the flow of goods. The Court notes that the objectives of the reform have been achieved but that the administration is facing a significant risk of staff defections. It therefore advises that these risk be better regulated by enforcing regulatory provisions and recruiting contract agents. The Court has also found that an allowance for actual work performed to ensure a 24-hour service is being paid in a monthly lump sum, which results in different hourly labour costs between the regional directorates.