Protection against import-export risks
Swiss SMEs working in the import-export sector are exposed to multiple risks, but protection is available. Here is some advice.
Several solutions are available for SMEs wishing to protect themselves against import-export risks. Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV) enables companies to cover themselves against political and commercial risks. Private insurance also offers benefits not covered by SERV, such as assumption of foreign exchange risk or transport risk.
What are import/export risks?
Whether dealing with import or export, any international business activity has risks. They can be of various types:
- Political
- Economic
- Logistical
- Administrative
- Other
The different risks associated with import-export
How to protect yourself against import/export risks
If not controlled, risks affecting a company’s import-export activities can jeopardize its operation. There are several additional options available to Swiss companies to protect themselves:
- Private insurance companies. In addition to SERV, numerous private insurance companies offer Swiss companies protection for their import-export operations. A certain number of risks are also handled only by the private insurance market, including foreign exchange, transport and fire risks.
- Stay informed. To limit their risks as much as possible, companies are advised to stay informed about all aspects of their import-export activities. For this, they can contact industry professionals as well as institutional agencies such as the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) or the Swiss Federal Customs Administration (FCA).
Services provided by Switzerland Global Enterprise to SMEs
Foreign exchange risks: How SMEs can protect themselves
International trade exposes companies to the volatility of the currency market, both when importing and exporting. Financial institutions offer various type of customized coverage.
Foreign exchange risks: How SMEs can protect themselves
Import-export financing
Solutions such as documentary credit and supply-chain finance help reduce the financial risks associated with import-export.
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Import-export financing
Solutions such as documentary credit and supply-chain finance help reduce the financial risks associated with import-export.
Services of Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV)
To mitigate the risks of international trade, Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV) offers various services.
Foreign exchange risks: How SMEs can protect themselves
International trade exposes companies to the volatility of the foreign exchange market, both when importing and exporting. Various types of tailor-made coverage exist.
The different risks associated with import-export
Import-Export comprises a certain number of risks which SMEs need to bear in mind. The most significant of these concern exports.