Fact Sheet
Questions: free trade agreement with the Philippines
Apr 30, 2026
Following ratification by the individual countries, the free trade agreement between EFTA (Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and the Philippines took effect on 1 June 2018. It particularly benefits industrial and various food products, but the agreement also covers a number of technical trade barriers, protection of intellectual property and investment protection.
How does the tariff reduction for imports to the Philippines work?
The tariff reduction or exemption is progressively applied to most of the products listed in Chapters 25–97.
How does the tariff reduction work for imports to Switzerland?
Most duties were lifted in one step when the agreement entered into force. At the same time, the Philippines is no longer granted tariff preferences under the Generalized System of Preferences for developing countries.
What is considered proof of origin in this FTA?
The proof of origin is exclusively the declaration of origin. It can be issued by the exporter regardless of the value of the goods and must be made out in English only.
A particular feature of this FTA: value tolerance
There is a general value tolerance of 20% of the ex-factory price of the product for non-originating materials in the list rules that require a position or chapter jump. Excluded from this tolerance are list rules based on value criteria and products for which complete extraction or production is to be claimed.
Can I cumulate in this FTA?
The cumulation of originating goods between EFTA countries and the Philippines is permitted. However, cumulation with goods from other free trade partners is not allowed.
Non-alteration rule
The non-alteration rule applies to this agreement. The imported originating goods must be the same as those exported from the contracting party. They must not have undergone working or processing in an unauthorized manner during the journey and must have remained permanently under customs control.
Wording of the declaration of origin
The exporter of the goods covered by this document (customs authorisation No…) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, the goods satisfy the rules of origin to be considered as originating under the PH–EFTA FTA (country of origin: …).
Place and date
………………………………
Signature above the printed name of the authorised signatory
How long is the grace period for provisional assessments (imports into Switzerland)?
Under this FTA, proof of origin must be submitted within two months according to current administrative practice (validity period of the provisional assessment). The notifiable person may also apply for a time extension in writing before the deadline expires.
More information regarding this FTA
The complete EFTA-Philippines Agreement is available on the EFTA homepage in English via the following link.
The currently valid preferential tariffs, as well as the rules of origin and list rules, are available in the customs database via the following link.
Please contact our ExportHelp team should you have any further questions:
