As part of the joint management of the Federal Administration’s core data, the UID register will be expanded to include foreign enterprises that are managed by Swiss administrative bodies.
The integration of the UID register into the core data project and the life cycle of the UID application commissioned in 2011 mean that the register also needs to be modernised. All elements of the IT architecture, the data model, the basic infrastructure and interfaces with the UID units should be reviewed. The aim is to adapt the application to future challenges and to meet the current requirements for data security and access management. The go-live is planned for 2026/27.
2022
Connection to the official address directories
In the context of data harmonization, the use of standardized address data is a priority goal to which we have come a step closer. According to the Ordinance on Geographical Names (GeoNV), the Federal Office of Topography maintains the official directory of roads (Art. 26a) and the official directory of building addresses (Art. 26c). The directories are binding on the authorities and have been in operation since mid-2021. The UID register already uses these validated and geo-referenced address data. The cantonal commercial registers will now also use these addresses.
2020
Business core data
On 19th December 2018, the Federal council decided on the “Strategy and Concept for the Development of the joint management of the Federal Administration’s core data”. The core data of enterprises was defined a priority.
In collaboration with the “joint management of the Federal Administration’s core data” steering committee, the FDHA (FSO) subsequently drew up the “business core data” definition paper. This created a common understanding of core data by clarifying the central terms and also defining attributes, the joint core enterprise data to be used.
As already existing central registers, the Business and Enterprise Register (BUR) and the UID register are well positioned to implement the joint management of core data in the area of business core data. They already allow for the wide use of data for personal purposes in the public interest.
The development of the Federal Administration's joint management of core data is a long-term project that will be implemented at Federal Administration level as a first step.
Applying for COVID-19 bridging loans via UID
To apply for bridging loans, enterprises had to provide a valid UID. In this context, the COVID-19 Loan Guarantees Ordinance which came into force in December 2020 stipulates that the core characteristics of all UID entities will be publicly available in the register until the end of 2032. Previously this was only the case for entities already published in another register (e.g. in a commercial or economic activity register).
eCH-0108 data standard for business registers, version 5.1
The eCH-0108 standard (business register data standard), together with the data standards eCH-0097 (identification of enterprises), eCH-0098 (enterprise data) and eCH-0116 (reporting reasons UID register), defines the exchange format for the transfer of information on enterprises between the UID register and the partners. The current version 5.1 was approved in November 2020.
2019
Address validation
Another step was taken in the validation of enterprise addresses: Via web service, the UID system receives a message from the post office as to whether a delivery can be made to an address. The UID unit sends out an information and confirmation letter on a one-off basis to each new enterprise added to the register every month. This additional check saves costs for postage and working time, as undeliverable letters are not sent. An exception is made for enterprises with an entry in the commercial register. When a letter is returned, the relevant commercial register office is informed.
2018
Transmission of the federal dwelling identification number (EWID)
The addresses in the UID register are linked to the official swisstopo directories (street and building addresses) and the FSO’s Federal Register of Buildings and Dwellings (RBD). All enterprise sites can thus be seen at map.geo.admin.ch.
Webservice V5.0
Version 5.0 of the UID webservice was published in October and made available to partners. The current version recommended for use offers an automatic duplication check, the entry of personal data for sole proprietorships and improvements in search options.
Use of the OASI number
In the UID register, the OASI number may be kept for sole proprietorships if necessary for the identification of natural persons in the UID register. The quality of the UID register is thus greatly improved. The unique identification number can efficiently prevent double entries for sole proprietors.
2017
Start of allocation of the Legal Entity Identifiers (LEI)
The LEI is a unique and globally valid identifier of legal entities involved in financial transactions. In December, the Federal Statistical Office was accredited as the official LEI issuing authority by the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF). To use synergies with the UID register, the LEI working group was integrated into the UID unit.
After the introduction of the UID at most of the administrative offices provided for by the UID legislation, the UID project entered the regular operational phase. The necessary work for the continuous further development of the UID interface and the UID web services of course continued.
2015
End of the introductory phase
The UID introductory phase ended in 2015. The UID was used by most partner registers in their role as UID units. In addition to the commercial register and VAT which already introduced the system in 2014, these partner registers included the OASI compensation funds, the accident insurance (UVG) insurers, the economic activity registers, the customs administration and the business register of the Principality of Liechtenstein.
2014
Use of the UID in the commercial register and VAT
The UID replaced the previous commercial register number (CH-ID) and has been the valid identification number at the 28 cantonal commercial registers since January 2014. The UID is also used in the VAT register (with the addition "MWST") as an official identification number.
2011
Go-live of the UID register and start of the five-year introductory phase
Since 2011, the UID register has been maintained by the Federal Statistical Office.
It is a central database which serves exclusively to identify enterprises and is publicly accessible at www.uid.admin.ch. The UID legislation regulates which data are accessible. Through daily exchange with the partner registers, the data maintained in the register are constantly updated.
2010
Federal Act and Ordinance on the Business Identification Number
In June 2010, the Federal Act on the Business Identification Number (UIDG) was decided by the Federal Assembly. In accordance with the Act, enterprises can be clearly identified using a unique Business Identification Number so that information can be exchanged simply and safely within administrative and statistical processes.
2009
Dispatch on Federal Act on the Business Identification Number
In October 2009, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the Federal Act on the Business Identification Number. The UIDG set out the formal legal foundation for the introduction across Switzerland of a uniform and unique business identification number (UID).
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