Switzerland extends export control exemptions to all EU and EFTA states export control classification number
Date of publication: July 1, 2026
The Swiss Federal Council has taken significant action to harmonize its export control framework with the broader European Economic Area. On 27 May 2026, the Federal Council decided to extend country-specific exemptions under Swiss export control legislation on trade in military equipment to include all EU and EFTA states, with the annexes to three federal ordinances amended accordingly. As of 1 July, states added to the lists will benefit from the same concessions as those already applicable to most EU member states and to Norway.
Key updates
Newly added states:
EFTA member Iceland and EU members Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia will be added to the country lists, meaning that all European Economic Area (EEA) States will benefit from export control exemptions from that date.Basis for inclusion:
All EU member states already apply the internationally harmonised control lists under the relevant EU regulations and are bound by the same export control principles as Switzerland, and Iceland likewise subscribes to these export control principles.Scope of exemptions (Annex 2, WMO):
No specific licence is required for the brokerage or trade in war materiel, or for the transfer of intellectual property and know-how related to war materiel. A general transit licence may be granted, and as a general rule no non-re-export declaration is required for individual parts and assembly packages where their manufacturing value accounts for less than 50% of that of the finished goods. Additionally, there are no post-shipment verifications of war materiel supplied from Switzerland.Goods control & Ukraine ordinances:
Annex 7 to the Goods Control Ordinance contains the list of countries for which an ordinary general export licence may be issued for the export of nuclear goods, dual-use goods, specific military goods and nationally controlled goods. Annex 34 to the Ukraine Ordinance covers countries to which goods intended for incorporation may be delivered, exempting such goods (where manufacturing costs are less than 50% of the finished equipment) from the military equipment embargo and related prohibitions and licensing requirements.Conclusion
These provisions underscore SECO's central role in administering Switzerland's export control regime across dual-use, military, strategic, and nationally controlled goods. We recommend reviewing your product portfolio and export operations to ensure compliance with the applicable definitions, classification rules, and licence requirements.
This action expands the pool of partner states eligible for streamlined licensing and reduced documentation under Swiss export control law. Businesses with supply chains touching Switzerland or the newly added EEA states should review their classification and licensing procedures to ensure they capture the new exemptions and remain aligned with the updated ordinances effective 1 July 2026.
These changes will be implemented into the ONESOURCE Global Trade content.
For more information on how ONESOURCE Global Trade solutions can assist you, please contact your Account Manager or Customer Success Manager.