The Federal Council has broken off negotiations with the EU on an institutional framework agreement. What impact will this decision have on Swiss foreign trade? In our dossier you will find an overview of the latest developments for Swiss exporters and information on where to get support.
Current Situation
Current situation
The relationship between Switzerland and the EU is currently governed by a large number of treaties. Around 20 central bilateral agreements and more than 100 other agreements define cooperation. As the Federal Council decided at its meeting on May 26, 2021, not to conclude the institutional framework agreement due to substantial differences, it is still unclear how economic relations with the EU will develop in future.
Further information and current articles can be found on the Economiesuisse website: Institutional Agreement for Swiss EU Relations
Medtech exports
Medtech: Exporting to the EU
Since May 26, 2021, Swiss medtech manufacturers have been treated as a third country in the European Union. Furthermore, Swiss manufacturers need to appoint an authorized representative in the EU. The reason for these changes is the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), which could not be updated with the EU. Up until now, the agreement has governed Switzerland’s participation in the EU’s internal market for medical devices. An update was needed by May 26, 2021, but the EU had linked this to progress being made on the Institutional Agreement. This means the new EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) will come into force from May 26, 2021.
Read more about it here:
MEM exports
MEM exports to the EU
It is not yet clear what the breakdown of negotiations will mean for the Swiss mechanical, electrical engineering and metal industry. It is however clear that the EU market is of significant importance for the MEM sector. 80% of all MEM products are exported abroad, 55% of which go to EU countries.
The MEM industries are at risk of changes in two to three years at the latest when the Machinery Directive is updated. Furthermore, there may be restrictions on the participation of Swiss companies in the EU’s Horizon Europe research program.
Find out more about possible initiatives and Swissmem’s demands here.
Webinar
Webinar
Mit dem Scheitern des Rahmenabkommens liegt die Zukunft des bilateralen Wegs in der Schwebe. Findet die Schweiz mit der EU keinen Kompromiss, könnte sie zukünftig zu einem «Drittstaat» werden.
Das folgende Webinar ist Teil der Veranstaltungsreihe «Zukunft Schweiz-Europa» der Handelskammer beider Basel in Zusammenarbeit mit stark+vernetzt, der Allianz für eine konstruktive Europapolitik. Es wird der Frage nachgegangen, was es für die Schweiz bedeuten würde, wenn die bilateralen Verträge wegfallen und die Schweiz das Verhältnis mit der EU künftig allein auf Basis des Freihandelsabkommens und internationalen Rechts regeln würde.
Das Inputreferat gibt Patrick Dümmler, Senior Fellow & Head of Research "Open Switzerland", Avenir Suisse. Der Gespräch findet mit Eric Nussbaumer, Nationalrat SP BL und Martina Gmür, Head Export Promotion und Mitglied der Geschäftsleitung, Switzerland Global Enterprise statt. Moderiert wird es durch Gabriel Schweizer.
Support
How we can support you
Do you have specific administrative questions regarding your exports?
The ExportHelp team at Switzerland Global Enterprise is the first port of call for Swiss and Liechtenstein SMEs for administrative export-related issues of any kind. They will also be happy to help you when exporting to the EU.
If you have any questions about export documents, origin of goods, value added tax in cross-border trade in goods or services, customs clearance, CE labels or posting people abroad, you can reach us at 0844 811 812 or via e-mail or chat.
Would you like to clarify questions about your international business in an EU country?
Do you want to clarify your legal questions regarding a specific EU export market in relation to the current uncertain situation? Are you looking for a new business partner in an EU country or would you like to evaluate an EU location for a local branch? Our country consultants, together with our international network of experts, support you in all aspects of your internationalization project.
The services of S-GE at a glance
Contact
Contact us
Alberto Silini
Senior Director Global Consulting
Exporting is a good growth option for any SME, provided you have the right attitude, can offer the right product (or service) and involve the right partners.Contact details
