Switzerland: International Trade & Investment

The debate over replacing investor-State arbitration with a permanent standing investment court has moved from theory to practice, with UNCITRAL Working Group III now considering detailed draft statutes. While proponents argue that a permanent bench would reduce repeat-player incentives and improve consistency, critics warn that concentrating appointment power in States' hands, eliminating party participation in tribunal selection, and creating hierarchical appellate structures may introduce new problems of

The European Union has comprehensively reformed its design law, establishing a modern foundation for design protection that will significantly impact Swiss companies operating in the EU market. These changes, effective July 1, 2026, affect businesses offering products, spare parts, or digital products in the EU or seeking protection there.

In August 2025, Washington imposed a 39% tariff on Swiss exports, later reduced to 15% through a framework arrangement. Following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling...

The Trump II administration's tariffs – whether as "reciprocal tariffs" or as part of political "deals" – are currently one of the most discussed topics in cross-border trade.

Alors que l'UE a récemment adopté des barrières douanières supplémentaires affectant le commerce d'objets, la Suisse, elle, demeure fidèle au statu quo.

If I heard it once, I've heard it a thousand times, China is the sourcing capital of the world.

On 21 August 2024, the Swiss Federal Council adopted a new set of sanctions against Russia, further aligning the Swiss sanctions with the European Union's 14th sanctions package.

Anyone importing emissions-intensive goods into the EU will have to purchase CBAM certificates in future to compensate for the difference between the cost of CO₂ emissions...

In response to Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine, Switzerland has adopted the EU's 13th sanctions package.