Switzerland–China agreement, August 2026: duties abolished for Swiss goods

In force since 2014, expanded in August 2026

The free trade agreement between Switzerland and China, in force since 2014, was expanded in August 2026 and extended to the free circulation of all Swiss goods, with the abolition of customs duties. It is the outcome of a modernisation process that makes exporting to China significantly more accessible for those manufacturing in Switzerland.

What changes in practice

Goods of Swiss origin enter China without customs duties. The condition is preferential origin: it must be demonstrated product by product, against the specific customs code, with the certificate of origin. It is not an automatic formality — it is a technical verification, and it is exactly where our analysis starts.

The opportunity for Italian and European companies

Italian and European manufacturing know-how, combined with the Swiss commercial pass, becomes a concrete competitive advantage: a manufacturing or assembly phase in Switzerland can qualify products as goods of Swiss origin and open duty-free access to the Chinese market. China is Switzerland's third trading partner after the European Union and the United States: the expansion of the agreement further strengthens this route.

Key points of the expansion

• Free circulation of all Swiss goods to China, with customs duties abolished
• Guaranteed access for Swiss investors to the Chinese market
• Strengthened provisions on environment and workers' rights

How to move now

The first step is a feasibility check: the product's customs code, the applicable rules of origin, the real margin of the operation. Our preliminary assessment is free and non-binding: we tell you with data whether your product can benefit from the new agreement and which track — international trade or manufacturing in Switzerland — is the right one.