The 2026 Diplomatic Fuel Revolution: Navigating the New Tax-Free Digital System in Switzerland

For the diplomatic and international community in Geneva and Bern, the start of 2026 has initiated a fundamental shift in how fiscal privileges are exercised. As of January 1, 2026, the Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (OFDF) officially transitioned to a modernized, digital-first procedure for tax-free fuel.

If you are still utilizing legacy fuel cards, you may find your administrative "moat" shrinking. This guide breaks down the new 2026 standard and how to ensure your mission remains compliant.

 
1. The New Standard: TAMOIL and Forax
The centerpiece of this transition is the partnership between TAMOIL Suisse and Forax. Under the new OFDF guidelines, the "traditional" paperwork for fuel tax recovery is being replaced by a real-time, digital system.

The core benefit is simple: Both the Mineral Oil Tax and VAT are now removed at the point of invoice. You no longer pay the full price at the pump and wait for a refund; you are invoiced the net diplomatic price directly.

Key Fact: The new TAMOIL DiplomaticCard is accepted at over 250 service stations across Switzerland, offering the densest coverage in the "International Geneva" and Vaud regions.

 
2. Step-by-Step: How to Transition Your Mission or Private Vehicle
To avoid service interruptions, all eligible holders of Legitimation Cards (Types B, C, K, etc.) should follow this protocol:

Digital Pre-Registration: Visit the official portal at tamoil.ch/en/diplomaticcard.
Verification of Status: You will need to provide your valid FDFA Legitimation Card details.
The Forax Portal: Once approved, you gain access to the Forax online portal to manage your cards and monitor quotas in real-time.
Phasing Out Legacy Cards: Communication about the old system is managed by the legacy operators, but the new TAMOIL solution is the independent standard for 2026.

 
3. Why This Matters for Your 2026 Financial Planning
The modernization of the fuel system is part of a broader "Digital Switzerland 2026" initiative:

Updated VAT Forms: New versions of Form B and Form BB were released in late January 2026. You can find the updated PDF versions (dated Jan 16/23, 2026) on the Official Mission of Switzerland Website.
Pillar 3A "Catch-Up" Year: 2026 allows diplomats to leverage new retroactive buy-back rules. Check your status before the March 31 deadline.
Tax Deadlines: Ensure your déclaration ordinaire is prepared. For specific guidance, consult the FDFA Tax Privileges Manual.

Conclusion:
The 2026 transition to the TAMOIL/Forax system is more than a convenience; it is a requirement for staying aligned with Swiss Federal Customs. By digitizing your fuel privileges today, you free up administrative capacity for the more complex challenges of the 2026 tax year.

Sources & Official Links:
TAMOIL Diplomatic Portal: tamoil.ch/en/diplomaticcard
Federal Tax Administration (ESTV) 2026 VAT Forms: estv.admin.ch
FDFA Protocol Manual: eda.admin.ch/protocol