Brexit: Changes for Swiss Exporters - What should be considered regarding the adjustments in preference calculations?

It's getting serious: On December 31, 2020, the transition phase of the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union will end. Switzerland acted early and was one of the first and few countries to conclude a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom before the initial exit date.

Regardless of whether an agreement is reached between the European Union and the United Kingdom, Switzerland's trade agreement with the United Kingdom will come into effect on January 1, 2021. Companies exporting from Switzerland to the United Kingdom or importing from there must familiarize themselves with the new rules and review or redefine their preference calculations. Ultimately, this may influence future supply routes.

Overview of the adjustments to preference calculations

In the article of the Customs Review, which you can download below, Annette Reiser provides an overview of the areas affected by changes in preference calculations. Many issues remain open as they depend on the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union. It is important to keep an eye on this. The changes do not only affect deliveries between Switzerland and the United Kingdom, but the preference calculations in trade with other countries may also be affected. We focus on the key points for the movement of goods:

The key points for the movement of goods: an overview in the article of the Customs Review

Download the article with the following topics below:

1. Preference calculation in trade between Switzerland and the United Kingdom from January 1, 2021
  1.1 Fully obtained and produced in Switzerland, Art. 2 No. 2 (a) Origin Protocol CH/UK
  1.2 Sufficiently processed in Switzerland, Art. 2 No. 2 (b) Origin Protocol CH/UK
  1.3 Cumulation possibilities in Switzerland, Art. 4 Origin Protocol CH/UK

2. Preference calculation in trade between Switzerland and the European Union from January 1, 2021
  2.1 Fully obtained and produced in Switzerland, Art. 2 No. 1 (a) Annex I PEM Convention
  2.2 Sufficiently processed in Switzerland, Art. 2 No. 1 (b) PEM Convention
  2.3 Cumulation, Art. 3 PEM Agreement

3. Transitional rules
4. Conclusion