Lidl has become the first grocery retailer to trial Germany's new digital customs app, allowing shoppers from Switzerland to complete export declarations digitally when taking purchases across the border.

The retailer has joined the pilot programme for the German customs authority's dAKZ (digitaler Ausfuhrkassenzettel, or digital export receipt) app, which aims to simplify the VAT refund process for private travellers. The service is currently available at 25 Lidl stores close to the German-Swiss border.

Lidl said the system has performed reliably during the first few weeks of the trial and made cross-border shopping more convenient for customers.

The app digitises the export confirmation process for goods purchased in Germany, speeding up VAT refunds, which customers can redeem against future purchases at Lidl.

Under the new system, customers no longer need to have paper export forms stamped by customs. After registering with both the dAKZ app and the German customs portal, shoppers can complete the process digitally.

In most cases, Lidl said customers will not need to stop at the border. Instead, the app automatically detects when the customer crosses into Switzerland using location services, generates a digital export receipt, and sends it directly to Lidl. Customs inspections will only take place if the app specifically requests that goods are presented.

Lidl said participation in the pilot remains voluntary, and customers who prefer the existing process can continue using paper export forms.

The retailer has encouraged customers to complete the one-off registration before shopping to ensure a smoother checkout and customs experience.

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