Export Control Regimes and International Treaties
Switzerland implements the disarmament and nonproliferation treaties that are binding under international law and is a member of the four politically binding export control regimes.
International Treaties
Internationally binding disarmament and non-proliferation treaties exist in the area of weapons of mass destruction with the aim of preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and banning biological and chemical weapons worldwide. Export controls contribute to the implementation of the non-proliferation obligations of these conventions.
- Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
- Biological Weapons Convention
- Chemical Weapons Convention
Export Control Regimes
In addition to the conventions, there are four politically binding regimes, in which the respective participating states expand and harmonize their export controls. Effective controls are an essential contribution to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540, which is binding under international law.
SECO’s role
Members of the Export Controls of Industrial Goods Section represent SECO as part of the Swiss delegation at the conferences of the international treaties. They assess the impact of international decisions on the Swiss economy and support companies and research institutions in national implementation.
The Section is in charge of the political and technical negotiations in the Wassenaar Arrangement. In the other three export control regimes, the Section supports the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and represents Switzerland in the technical negotiations.
Within the framework of a consensus-based negotiation process, detailed lists of goods are drafted and regularly updated. In order to obtain technical expertise, the Section's staff consult with concerned companies, research institutions, associations and authorities, whose assessments are integrated into the international negotiations.
The negotiated lists of goods are subsequently adopted by Switzerland into the goods control legislation, where they form the basis of the national export controls. However, in addition to listed goods, non-listed goods can also be subject to Swiss export controls if there is reason to believe that the goods are intended for a weapons of mass destruction programme (catch-all).
Further information
Index
Related topics
Legal Basis and forms
Information on the legal basis, as well as forms and information sheets.
Classification of Industrial Goods
Information on the classification of goods and the export of firearms under the Goods Control Act.
Contact
Foreign Economic Affairs Directorate
Export Controls and Sanctions / Export Controls of Industrial Goods
Holzikofenweg 36
CH - 3003 Bern
Telephone service hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM