Since 1 January 2003, the Federal Act on the Implementation of International Sanctions (Embargo Act, EmbA) has formed the legal basis for the implementation of sanctions imposed by Switzerland. The Embargo Act is framework legislation that regulates general matters (aim, scope of authority, duty of disclosure, supervision of compliance, data protection, administrative and legal assistance, rights of appeal, criminal provisions). Specific measures such as those taken in relation to a particular state or regime are contained in separate ordinances based on this Act. Prior to the EmbA coming into force, sanctions were based directly on provisions of the Federal Constitution (Art. 184 Abs.3).
