News
Published weekly, the articles in this section provide information for SMEs on the following topics:
- The latest economic developments
- New studies related to SMEs in Switzerland
- Useful news for companies
The most recent articles are also posted on the SME Portal homepage.
Listed by date
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20 October 2026
SECO: Ordinance on measures against the Democratic Republic of the Congo
On 19 October 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) amended Annex 2 of the Ordinance on measures against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Three individuals and one entity have been removed from Annex 2 as they are already listed in Annex 1. The measures come into force on 20 October 2026 at 11 p.m.
17 October 2026
Switzerland and Vietnam strengthen ties in trade, investment and innovation
During his official visit to Hanoi on Saturday, 17 October, President Guy Parmelin was welcomed by President Tô Lâm and Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng. The discussions focused particularly on bilateral relations between Switzerland and Vietnam, with agreements reached in several policy areas. On Sunday, 18 October, the free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states and Vietnam will also be signed.
16 October 2026
Sanctions: Ordinance on Measures Against Certain Individuals, Groups, Companies, and Organisations Associated with ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaïda
The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has adopted the Ordinance on the automatic application of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists. Hence, the amendments of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists enter into force in Switzerland without delay.
15 October 2026
Switzerland and Thailand underscore opportunities offered by free trade
President Guy Parmelin met with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Bangkok on Thursday, 15 October, during his official visit to Thailand. The talks focused on bilateral relations, the free trade agreement negotiated between the European Free Trade Association and Thailand, and current international affairs. President Parmelin will then pay a presidential visit to Vietnam and, together with the EFTA partners, sign a free trade agreement.
14 October 2026
New agreement on digital trade
On 14 October, the Federal Council launched the consultation process on the plurilateral Agreement on Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce Agreement, ECA). The ECA establishes a common regulatory framework for digital trade among 67 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and enhances legal certainty for businesses. The consultation procedure will run until 28 January 2027.
13 October 2026
SECO: Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran
On 13 October 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER updated the authorisation form for money transfers pursuant to Art. 21 of the Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. As of today, only the updated form will be accepted. The form can be accessed here.