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Business & Administration · EFZ

Customs Specialist EFZ

Carry out goods and people checks at borders.

About this profession

Carry out goods and people checks at borders. Over 3 years you learn this profession in a host company, at the vocational school and in inter-company courses. At the end you receive a nationally recognised Federal VET Diploma (EFZ).

Day-to-day responsibilities

  • ›Inspect goods and individuals
  • ›Detect hazardous goods and smuggling
  • ›Apply customs regulations and laws
  • ›Check documents, collect duties

Skills you'll need

DiligenceLegal knowledgeCommunicationPhysical fitnessLanguage skills

A typical week as an apprentice

Host company

3 days/week — you learn the trade hands-on alongside experienced professionals.

Vocational school

1–2 days/week — general education plus job-specific theory.

Inter-company courses (üK)

Several blocks per year — practise core techniques together with other apprentices.

Where you'll work

Offices, banks, insurers, public administration, larger companies of any sector.

Entry requirements

  • Completed compulsory school (Sek A or B, depending on profession). Strong school report in relevant subjects helps.
  • A 'Schnupperlehre' (1–5 day taster) is the best way to find out if the profession suits you.

What you earn at the end

Federal VET Diploma (EFZ) — a nationally recognised qualification that opens doors to higher VET (HF), the vocational baccalaureate (BM) and universities of applied sciences.

Apprentice wage

Typical monthly gross wage (CHF). Actual wages vary by sector and region.

Year 1

CHF 700 – 900/ Mt.

Year 2

CHF 900 – 1’200/ Mt.

Year 3

CHF 1’200 – 1’600/ Mt.

Future-readiness

Score 3/5
SolidSolid
Demand trend3/5
Adaptability3/5
Automation risk3/5

Our take

Demand remains stable, automation is limited but requires continuous adaptation to new technologies and evolving regulations.

Early contract endings in this field

Across Business & Administration apprenticeships, roughly 12–18% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.

Further education & career

  • Federal VET Diploma (BP) in Customs
  • Higher Vocational School (HF) in Security
  • Vocational Baccalaureate, then University of Applied Sciences
  • Specialization in financial control or expertise

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.