The United Kingdom is an important economic partner for Switzerland. Until 1 January 2021, relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom were predominantly governed by the bilateral agreements with the European Union (EU).
In order to ensure that the mutual rights and obligations in Switzerland’s relationship with the United Kingdom continue to apply as far as possible beyond the UK's withdrawal from the EU (Brexit), and to create a basis for expanding relations in future, Switzerland has concluded agreements with the United Kingdom in certain areas, including trade. The trade agreement came into force on 1 January 2021.