WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
8 August  2017 
(17-4283) Page: 1/165 
Trade Policy Review Body  
16 and 18 May 2017  Original: Engl ish/French/Spanish  
anglais/français/espagnol  
inglés/francés/español  
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN  
MINUTES  OF THE MEETING  
Addendum  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Gonzalez (Colombia)  
This document contains the advance written questions  and additional questions by WTO 
Members , and replies provided by  Switzerland and Liechtenstein . 
 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
16 et 18 mai 2017  
EXAMEN DES POLITIQUE S COMMERCIALES  
SUISSE ET LIECHTENSTEIN  
COMPTE RENDU DE LA R ÉUNION  
Addendum  
Président : S.E.  M. Juan Carlos Gonzalez (Colombie)  
Le présent docume nt contient les questions écrites communiquées à l'avance par les 
Membres de l'OMC, leurs questions additionnelles, et les réponses  fournies par  la Suisse et le 
Liechtenstein . 
 
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
16 y 18 de mayo de 2017  
EXAMEN D E LAS POLÍTICAS COME RCIALES  
SUIZA Y LIECHTENSTEIN  
ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN  
Addendum  
Presidente: Excmo.  Sr. Juan Carlos Gonzalez (Colombia)  
En el presente documento figuran las preguntas presentadas anticipadamente por escrito  y 
las preguntas adicionales de los M iembros de la OMC,  así como las respues tas facilitadas por  Suiza  
y Liechtenstein . WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 2 - 
 
CONTENTS  
CONTENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  2 
1  CHINESE TAIPEI  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  3 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  BY CHINESE TAIPEI  ................................ ................................  7 
2  UNITED STATES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  9 
3  CHINA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  18 
4  CANADA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  29 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  BY CANADA  ................................ ................................ ...........  30 
5  EUROPEAN UNION ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 36 
6  UKRAINE  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  49 
7  MOLDOVA, REPUBLIC OF  ................................ ................................ ............................  58 
8  AUSTRALIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  61 
9  MEXICO  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  71 
10  NORWAY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  85 
11  KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARA BIA ................................ ................................ ...................  86 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  BY THE KINGDOM OF SA UDI ARABIA  ................................ .... 86 
12  NEW ZEALAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  88 
13  BRAZIL  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  95 
14  HONG KONG, CHINA  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 98 
15  COLOMBIA ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  103  
16  ARGENTI NA ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  105  
17  ECUADOR  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  111  
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  BY ECUADOR  ................................ ................................ ....... 114  
18  COSTA RICA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  116  
19  MALAYSIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  118  
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  BY MALAYSIA  ................................ ................................ ...... 119  
20  GUATEMALA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  121  
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  BY GUATEMALA  ................................ ................................ ... 123  
21  EL SALVADOR  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  127  
22  CHILE  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  128  
23  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ................................ ................................ ...........................  132  
24  SINGAPORE  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  134  
25  THAILAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  138  
26  JAPAN  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  140  
27  TURKEY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  142  
28  KOREA, REP. OF ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 152  
29  FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS BY THE UNITED STATES  ................................ ..................  153  
30  FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS BY CHIN A ................................ ................................ ........  158  
31  FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS BY THE EUROPEAN UNION  ................................ ..............  161  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 3 - 
 
1  CHINESE TAIPEI  
PART I: REGARDING TH E SECRETARIAT REPORT  (WT/TPR/S/ 355) 
 
3. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affect ing Production And Trade  
3.3.8 Trade -related intellectual property rights  
3.3.8.7 Trademarks  
 
Page 89 (Para 5) 
3.194. The "Swissness legislation" also permits the registration of a previously recognized 
geographical indication as a geographical trademark. This new IP title is introduced as an 
additional instrument in order to further facilitate the protection and enforcement of GIs' rights 
abroad under trademark law regimes. A geographical mark may be used by any person provided 
that the requirements of the  GI regulations are fulfilled, and the holder of a geographical mark 
may prohibit others from using the mark in the course of trade for identical or comparable goods 
where such use contravenes the regulations. However, the proprietor of a geographical mark  
cannot oppose the registration of a later trademark that contains the geographical indication and is 
applied on goods fulfilling the GI regulations. The geographical mark may not be transferred or 
licensed.  
 
Question(s)  
1. In general, the range of the pro tection of a registered trademark is limited to the territory of the 
country or the union where the trademark is registered. Accordingly, why is it that the 
"geographical trademark" under the "Swissness legislation" is conducive to protection and 
enforceme nt of GIs' rights abroad?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The principle of territoriality applies to geographical marks equally as to regular trademarks. The 
possibility of protecting a GI through a geographical mark (clearly identifying the right holder, i.e. 
a trade association which can use the IP title to take legal action) - and thus through the 
trademark system - shall help facilitate protection and enforcement of a geographical indication in 
jurisdictions in which GIs do not easily enjoy the same range of pro tection and recognition as 
trademarks do.  
2. According to Subparagraph c, Article 27a of Federal Act on the Protection of Trade Marks and 
Indications of Source, it is possible for a foreign indication of source that is based on an 
"equivalent foreign regu lation" to register as a geographical mark. What are the factors concerning 
the determination of whether the foreign regulation is "equivalent" or not?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In order to be recognized as equivalent to an ordinance taken by the Federal Coun cil according to 
Art. 50 TM Law, a foreign regulation must define in greater detail the requirements under which an 
indication of source may be used for specific goods and services, taking into account the opinions 
of local authorities, professional and tr ade associations as well as consumers organizations.  
4.2 Mining a nd Energy  
4.2.1.2.1 e lectricity  
Page 110 (Para.4.57.)  
As an interim measure, on 21 June 2013 the Parliament adopted a partial revision of the energy 
law which entered into force on 1 January 2014 and increased the minimum amount of the "grid 
surcharge" from 1.3 centimes per KWh to 1.5 centimes per KWh, while exempting large electric 
consuming enterprises from it (i.e. the fee paid by the final consumer that covers the difference 
between the pr oduction cost and the market price, and guarantees producers of electricity from 
renewable sources - solar, wind, geothermal and bio -mass -) a price that corresponds to their 
production costs. A partial revision of the Law on the Use of Hydro -Force (RS 721 .90) in 2012 also 
clarified that there is no obligation to tender for the award of concessions for electrical networks 
and hydropower plants, but that transparent and non –discriminatory procedures must be followed.  
 
Question  
According to the interim measur e, large electric consuming enterprises would be exempted from 
the "grid surcharge," what is the benchmark of large electric consuming enterprises?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 4 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Les consommateurs finaux dont les coûts d 'électricité représentent au moins 5% de la  valeur 
ajoutée brute (intensité électrique >= 5%) peuvent déposer auprès de l 'OFEN une demande de 
remboursement du supplément réseau. Les consommateurs finaux qui présentent une intensité 
électrique égale ou supérieure à 5% obtiennent un remboursement par tiel du supplément réseau, 
ceux dont l 'intensité électrique est égale ou supérieure à 10% obtiennent un remboursement 
intégral. Si l 'intensité électrique se situe entre 5 et 10%, le remboursement est défini de manière 
linéaire. En cas d 'intensité électriqu e de 5%, l 'entreprise se voit rembourser 30% du supplément 
réseau acquitté. Dans tous les cas, le remboursement ne peut être effectué qu 'à partir d 'un 
montant minimum de 20 000 francs. De plus, l 'entreprise doit s 'être engagée par une convention 
d'objectif s avec l 'Office Fédéral de l 'Énergie à accroître son efficacité énergétique et le rapport 
élaboré dans le cadre de la convention d 'objectifs visé à l 'art. 3n OE  ne doit satisfaire aux 
exigences de la Confédération.  
 
Also, how would the Hydropower industrie s comply with the transparent and non -discriminatory 
procedures if these industries do not need to tender for the award of concessions for electrical 
networks and hydropower plants?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Law on the Use of Hydropower (RS 721.80) was ch anged due to the parliamentary initiative 
10.480 "No unnecessary bureaucracy in the domain of the power grids". By the same initiative the 
Federal Electricity Supply Act (RS 734.7) was changed. In effect the discussion was around the 
question whether tende rs should be mandatory or not. The Parliament came to the conclusion that 
this would go too far and be linked to unnecessary bureaucracy. As a consequence and also in 
analogy to legislation in neighbouring countries, it was prescribed that the procedure fo r the 
attribution of a hydropower concession must be non -discriminatory and transparent.  
In the domain of Hydropower the Confederation only has the competence for laws imposing 
guidelines, as the Cantons have a great degree in sovereignty concerning the u se of their 
watercourses; they have no obligation to issue concessions and could also use the hydropower 
themselves. In some Cantons the attribution of concessions is even in the hands of the 
communities, which can also use the water right themselves. Ther efore the disposition concerning 
the procedures does not exclude auctions, and Cantons could even prescribe auctions in their own 
Laws on the Use of Hydropower (most Cantons have such own laws). At the moment tenders are 
rarely chosen for the attribution o f hydropower concessions, nevertheless in Grisons it was already 
used for the issuing of a new concession (case of Tinizong hydropower plant, which was 
inaugurated last year).  
A non -discriminatory and transparent procedure is assured in Switzerland. The ap plication for a 
new concession is published and the procedure provides the possibility for objection and complaint. 
For new concessions it is the risk of the designing enterprise to make plans and submit them. If 
there is a second or third enterprise, that  is demanding a concession, according to the  law on the 
use of hydropower (A rt. 41) it is the project of the enterprise that serves public welfare the best 
(energy production, flexibility etc.), that gets the concession and if two projects bring the same 
welfare, it is the criteria of economic efficiency that counts. For new concessions it is mainly the 
future concessionaire, who is identifying a new emplacement for a hydropower plant and less 
frequently the Canton who is offering a concession. This may als o be a reason why auctions are 
rarely used.  
For the renewal of a new concession, there may be several applicants and the public welfare 
criteria also applies here. The date of the end of all concessions over 300 kW is known as a figure 
that is given yearly  with the statistics of Swiss hydropower plants, see 
http://www.bfe.admin.ch/geoinformation/05061/05249/index.html?lang=en&dossier_id=01049 . 
Therefore int erested companies can prepare an own application.  
 
4.2.1.2.1 Electricity  
Page 110 (Para. 4.59.)  
In addition, the feed -in tariffs will be replaced by feed -in premiums to entice producers to sell their 
electricity when demand is high, giving them an incentiv e to sell electricity when it is in short 
supply and thus fetches a higher price. This system is of limited duration, as it will only be granted 
for up to five years after the coming into force of the new law.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 5 - 
 
Question  
What is the current competitive cond ition between domestic and foreign enterprises of photovoltaic 
market? Would the feed -in premiums mostly subsidize local producers? Are there any market 
access restrictions for foreign photovoltaic investment?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Dans le cadre de la lég islation sur l'énergie, il n'existe pas de restrictions pour les investissements 
dans des installations de production photovoltaïques en Suisse. Pour être éligibles à recevoir un 
soutien, les installations doivent néanmoins se situer en Suisse, c'est -à-dire que des installations 
situées à l'étranger n'ont pas droit à la rétribution à prix coûtant du courant injecté suisse.  
 
4.2.1.2.5 Renewables  
Page 114 (Para.4.82.)  
Switzerland is well endowed with renewable energy resources. The government estimates that 
hydropower production could feasibly increase by about 8% (3.2 TW h); while a lower estimate of 
2 TWh has been suggested by groups concerned about public acceptance. Various studies rate 
photovoltaic (PV) technical potential at 6 to 17 TWh. Wind resource  potential is relatively low 
(4 TWh) and public acceptance is a concern. Biomass estimates according to the Energy Strategy 
2050 are 4.7 TWh (1.9 TWh from biogas (agricultural residues and sewage sludge), 1.1 TWh from 
wood, and 1.7 TWh from municipal waste). G eothermal potential for electricity generation is 
estimated to be about 4 TWh.  
 
Question  
Notwithstanding the Energy Strategy 2050 contains various renewable energies developmental 
strategies, such as photovoltaic, biomass, and wind power, would the electri city generated from 
these energies be capable of replacing nuclear power by 2050 since the nuclear plants represent 
33% of the total electrical production?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
D'après la stratégie énergétique 2050, la sortie de l'énergie nucléaire se fe ra par étapes, de façon 
à donner à la Suisse le temps nécessaire pour transformer son système énergétique. Après la 
catastrophe de Fukushima en 2011, le Conseil fédéral et le Parlement ont pris la décision de 
principe de sortir progressivement de l'énergie  nucléaire. La stratégie énergétique 2050 prévoit 
l'interdiction de construire de nouvelles centrales. Les centrales existantes ne seront ainsi pas 
remplacées après leur mise hors service, car aucune nouvelle autorisation générale ne sera 
accordée. La Suis se est en mesure de couvrir ses futurs besoins en électricité sans centrales 
nucléaires. Les perspectives énergétiques 2050 de la Suisse précisent le potentiel des énergies 
renouvelables et contiennent diverses variantes d'offre d'électricité jusqu'en 2050 . Elles illustrent 
et détaillent les possibilités de la Suisse de couvrir ses besoins en électricité. Afin de garantir la 
sécurité de son approvisionnement, le Conseil fédéral et le Parlement misent sur l'efficacité 
énergétique et le renforcement des énerg ies renouvelables (force hydraulique et nouvelles 
énergies renouvelables telles que l'énergie solaire et l'énergie éolienne, la géothermie, la 
biomasse). La production indigène d'électricité issue d'énergies renouvelables doit être 
progressivement augmenté e. La production d'électricité fossile thermique (centrales à gaz et à 
cycle combiné (CCC) et les installations de couplage chaleur -force (CCF)) permettront de combler 
le déficit restant de l'offre (variante C & E des Perspectives énergétiques 2050). Selon  le 
développement de l'offre d'électricité sur le marché européen, particulièrement en ce qui concerne 
les énergies renouvelables, les importations d'électricité constituent une option complémentaire.  
 
Le graphique suivant met bien en évidence la croissanc e à long terme des énergies renouvelables 
jusqu'en 2050.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 6 - 
 
Chart 1.1 Offre d'électricité, variante C&E, scénario "mesures politiques du Conseil 
fédéral" (PCF)  
(Année hydrologique en TWh)  
 
Source:  Message relati f au premier paquet de mesures de la Stratégie énergétique 2050, Graphique 8, 
p6861 . Viewed at:  https://www.admin.ch/opc/f r/federal -gazette/2013/6771.pdf . Pour plus de 
détails: http://www.bfe.admin.ch/themen/00526/00527/06431/index.html?lang=fr.  
 
4.2.1.3 Liechtenstein  
4.2.1.3.1 Electricity  
Page114 (Para.4.85.)  
As of 2005, independent power producers ( IPPs) may sell electricity to any customer. The first 
IPPs started to enter the market in 2011. There are a number of small -scale hydro -electric power 
producers besides LKW and the contribution of independent solar power producers has been 
increasing. Acco rding to the Government's Energy Strategy 2020, adopted in 2012, the objective 
is to increase the share of renewable energies from 8.2% in 2008 to 20% by 2020, through 
subsidies for improved insulation, sun -collectors, and tighter energy standards in const ruction. 
Liechtenstein has implemented a new 5 -year feed -in tariff scheme, which ends in February 2020.  
 
Question  
What kind of enterprises, either local or foreign industries, are the subsidized targets in 
Liechtenstein's FIT programme? What are the distri butions between local and foreign enterprises in 
both hydro and solar power industries? Also, are there regulations regarding the local content 
requirements in solar power energy development? In addition, would there be any market access 
restrictions for f oreign investors in solar power?  
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
The Liechtenstein support scheme does not foresee any restrictions regarding enterprises or 
products as long as the normative requirements are fulfilled. There are no statistical data available 
regarding the distribution foreign/local enterprises in the hydro - or solar sector. Most providers are 
however local enterprises that usually buy the products internationally.  
 
There are requirements regarding health and safety at work and salaries which are b ased on the 
applicable legislation. The solar installations need to be installed in Liechtenstein. No market 
access restrictions regarding foreign investors are foreseen.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 7 - 
 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  BY CHINESE TAIPEI  
PART I: REGARDING TH E SECRETARIAT REPORT  (WT/ TPR/S/ 355) 
 
2. TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME  
2.4 Investment Regime  
2.4.1  Switzerland  
 
Page 41 (Para 1) 
2.60. Overall, the World Bank's 2016 Doing Business Report ranks Switzerland 26th worldwide, a 
rank unchanged as compared to 2015 Regarding the subcomponen ts of this index, Switzerland 
ranks 5th for getting electricity, 16th for registering property, 19th for paying taxes, 40th for trading 
across borders, 44th for resolving insolvency, 46th for enforcing contracts, 56th for dealing with 
construction permits,  69th for starting a business and 105th for protecting minority investors.  
 
Question  
Does Switzerland have any specific plan for improving the environment of doing business, 
particularly in the areas of trading across borders, resolving insolvency,  dealing  with construction 
permits, starting a business and protecting minority investors?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss government is constantly making efforts to improve the framework conditions for 
businesses. Every four years the report "Administrative Entl astung" (reduction of administrative 
burden) is adopted, containing a package of measures to reduce administrative cost for 
businesses.  
 
For instance, the legislation on companies is currently being reformed to provide more flexibility in 
company foundatio n and to relax the capital requirements. Further, the government is expanding 
online services (e -government) and is working on creating a "one -stop-shop" which allows the 
businesses to operate all contacts with authorities through one single online desk.  
Regarding trade, the promotion of openness to trade and ensuring market access by bilateral as 
well as pluri - and multilateral agreements is key to the Swiss economic policy. Furthermore, 
Switzerland is currently assessing the economic potential of easing import restrictions 
autonomously.  
 
PART I: REGARDING TH E SECRETARIAT REPORT  (WT/TPR/S/ 355) 
 
3. TRADE POLICIES AND P RACTICES BY MEASURE  
Competition policy and price controls  
Page 74 (Para 7)  
3.135. The Synthesis Report also observed that, due to certain d eficiencies in the  Swiss measures 
to effectively enhance competition, mergers that may have a strong negative effect on competition 
might be approved.  
 
Question  
We note that the Swiss retail market features 2 major retailers, Migros and Coop, which togeth er 
take up about 75% of market share. Could Switzerland please advise if there is any measure to 
increase competition of retail market and to assist with the development of SMEs and their 
participation in the supply chain?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In 2007, C omco approved the acquisition of Denner by the market leader Migros only subject to 
conditions. The same holds for the acquisition of 12 Carrefour -outlets by Coop, the number two in 
the Swiss grocery market, in 2008. While most of the conditions imposed by  the merger control in 
the meantime no longer apply, Migros and Coop committed themselves for an unlimited time not 
to enter into exclusive distribution agreements with their suppliers. The aim of this condition was – 
in the downstream grocery market - to facilitate the access to procurement markets for (new) 
competitors and in this sense to eliminate artificial barriers to entry. In the upstream markets, the 
condition aimed to increase the substitutability between distribution channels and therefore 
betwee n grocery retailers as well as to facilitate the development of new distribution channels for 
suppliers, amongst others SME. For this latter reason, Coop was moreover obliged for an unlimited WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 8 - 
 
time to make its process for the introduction of new products an d for the delisting of products 
publicly accessible.  
In response to different mandates, Switzerland is currently assessing the potential of revising the 
Swiss merger control. However, no specific measures are planned in order to increase the 
competition o f the retail market.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 9 - 
 
2  UNITED STATES  
PART I: QUESTIONS ON THE SECRETARIAT REPORT (WT/TPR/S/355)  
 
SUMMARY  
Page 10, Paragraph 17 : The Secretariat says that Switzerland is considering further autonomous 
trade liberalizing measures to further open up the econom y to imports.  Beyond the suspension of 
MFN tariff rates for textiles, what sectors or goods is Switzerland considering for similar action and 
what is the expected timeline for future implementation of these actions? Will this include 
agricultural products in particular?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Given high prices in Switzerland and the possible links to trade barriers, the Federal Council 
decided in 2016 to commission a series of reports on the economic potential of the unilateral 
easing of import restrictions . The reports are currently in the production phase and it is expected 
that they will be published in the latter part of 2017.  
 
Page 10, Paragraph 18 : Regarding SPS and TBT measures, the Secretariat Report notes that 
Switzerland is harmonizing its standard s with that of the EU. The Secretariat Report further notes 
that no specific trade concerns (STCs) have been raised in the SPS or TBT Committees regarding 
measures maintained by Switzerland or Liechtenstein. Several STCs have been raised to the WTO 
in the SPS or TBT Committees regarding EU measures. If Switzerland and Liechtenstein had 
adopted the EU measures that were raised to the WTO, would Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
consider that those STCs had been raised regarding Switzerland and Liechtenstein meas ures?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In the area of SPS and TBT, the EU and Switzerland benefit of a uniquely intense contractual 
relationship and the technical requirements are widely harmonized with those of the EU in order to 
reduce unnecessary barriers to tra de. As a consequence, Switzerland continues to follow closely 
the developments in the WTO and the STCs being raised regarding EU measures in areas where 
the technical requirements are widely harmonized.  
 
Page 10, Paragraph 18 : The Secretariat report notes that: "The new [Swiss] food safety regime 
entering into force on 1 May 2017 will … bring about a paradigm shift in the Swiss approach to 
food safety." Will this new set of food safety measures be notified to the WTO SPS Committee?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland notifies its draft regulations in accordance with the WTO Agreements, when they may 
have a significant effect on trade and when they are not in accordance with relevant international 
standards. In line with the decisions and recommendations of t he WTO Committees Switzerland 
acknowledges the importance of the notification requirements to achieve a greater degree of 
clarity, predictability and information about trade policies, rules and regulations, of submitting 
those notifications at an early sta ge to ensure time and adequate opportunity for comments, and 
of establishing mechanisms to facilitate internal coordination for the effective implementation of 
the notifications obligations. Even though Switzerland is widely harmonized with the EU in this 
area, the new food safety regime which only partly deals with SPS measures was notified to the 
WTO TBT Committee in 2015. In addition, as recommended by the WTO Committees, Switzerland 
will notify the final measures of the new food safety regime to the SPS  and TBT Committee.  
 
Page 10, Paragraph 20 : We would appreciate updates regarding the new "Swissness" legislation 
that came into force on January 1, 2017. This legislation appears to create new requirements 
regarding the identification of country of origin  for food and industrial products and also appears to 
impact requirements regarding labeling of foods. Does Switzerland intend to notify this legislation 
to the WTO?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The purpose of the Swissness rules is the protection of consumers a gainst deceptive and false 
indications of source on goods and services. The use of Swiss indications of source  (such as the 
Swiss cross or the word "Swiss") on products and s ervices is optional. No authoriz ation procedure 
applies. In that respect, the Swis sness rules are different from labelling regimes governed by e.g. 
food law or customs law and have no impact on the latter.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 10 - 
 
The Swissness legislation was notified to the WTO on 24 February 2017 as part of a broader 
notification up -date by Switzerland, incl uding changes of relevant laws since its last notification.  
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/FE_Search/F E_S_S008.aspx?NotifyingCountryList="Switzerland
"&CrnSubjectList=&IssuingDateFrom=01%2f01%2f2017&IssuingDateTo=31%2f12%2f2017&FullT
ext=&IsFullTextFull=False&FullTextHash=371857150&SymbolList=&MeasureList=&AffectedCountr
yList=&ReceptionDateListFrom=&Receptio nDateListTo=&HSClassificationList=&ServicesClassificati
onList=&EnvironmentClassificationList=&ICSClassificationList=&ICSClassificationDescList:Environm
entClassificationDescList:ServicesClassificationDescList:HSClassificationDescList=&Language=ENG
LISH&Sourc ePage=FE_S_S003&SearchPage=FE_S_S003&ShortNameMatchList=&languageUIChan
ged=true#<https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/FE_Search/FE_S_S008.aspx?NotifyingCountryList=
%22Switzerland%22&CrnSubjectList=&IssuingDateFrom=01%2f01%2f2017&IssuingDateTo=31%
2f12%2f2017&F ullText=&IsFullTextFull=False&FullTextHash=371857150&SymbolList=&MeasureLi
st=&AffectedCountryList=&ReceptionDateListFrom=&ReceptionDateListTo=&HSClassificationList=&
ServicesClassificationList=&EnvironmentClassificationList=&ICSClassificationList=&ICSClassi ficatio
nDescList:EnvironmentClassificationDescList:ServicesClassificationDescList:HSClassificationDescLis
t=&Language=ENGLISH&SourcePage=FE_S_S003&SearchPage=FE_S_S003&ShortNameMatchList
=&languageUIChanged=true>  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND  PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.1 Customs Procedures and Requirements  
Page 43, Paragraph 3.7 : Can Switzerland and Liechtenstein elaborate on plans to expand the 
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) agreement beyond the EU?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland aims to conclude mutual recognition agreements regarding the Authorized Economic 
Operator (AEO) with its most important trading partners. Besides the EU, a mutual recognition of 
AEO schemes has been agreed upon with Norway in 2016 and will enter  into force later this year. 
It is currently applied on a provisional basis. An agreement regarding mutual AEO recognition with 
China has been signed earlier this year and will enter into force once both sides complete their 
ratification procedures. Given the large volume of trade between Switzerland and the U nited 
States. , Switzerland sees a benefit in a mutual recognition of the Swiss AEO scheme and the U .S. 
C-TPAT.  
 
Link to the press release for the customs agreement with Norway: https://www.ezv.admin.ch / 
ezv/en/home/news/news/medienmitteilungen.msg -id-61736.html . 
 
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
3.2.5 Export Finance, Insurance, Guarantees  
Pages 60 -61, Paragraph 3.68 -3.72: According to the Nairobi Ministerial Decision on Export 
Competition (WT/MIN (15)/45), dated 21 December 2015, developed countries are required to 
report information to the Committee on Agriculture (COA) on the use of export credits for the 
export of agricultural products as described in the Annex. Switzerland submitted very little  
information to the WTO/Committee on Agriculture Export Competition survey last year (COA 
Survey - G/AG/W/125/Rev.4/Add.2, dated 11 May 2016).  
 
Switzerland responded to question #3 of the COA Survey that the total value of export of 
agricultural products w as "Negligible owing to very low demand." The United States interprets the 
term "negligible" to mean that Switzerland is providing export financing support for agricultural 
products that is subject to the Nairobi Ministerial Decision, including the reporti ng outlined in the 
Annex. Would Switzerland please provide the total value of exports of agricultural products 
covered by the Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV) by program me – including programs such as 
the supplier credit insurance, pre -shipment, contract  bond, counter guarantee, confiscation risk, 
multi-buyer and buyer credit services (as listed in Table 3.13 of the Secretariat report)?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The total value of agricultural exports covered by SERV in 2016 (exposure) was SwF 12.57 Mio  
which is 0.40% of total new exposures (agricultural and non -agricultural exports) during 2016, 
hence the term "negligible" in Switzerland's reporting. For details by "program me" 
(insurance/guarantee product) please see the following table.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 11 - 
 
Insurance/Guarantee  Product  Exposure for Agricultural Products  
Supplier credit i nsurance  SwF 12.57 Mio  
Buyer credit i nsurance  - 
Working capital i nsurance  - 
Pre-shipment risk i nsurance  - 
Contract bond i nsurance  - 
Counter g uarantee  - 
Confiscation risk i nsurance  - 
Multi-buyer - 
Total (excl. double counting of exposure)  SwF 12.57 Mio  
 
Switzerland did not respond to several questions in the 2016 Export Competition survey, including 
questions #4, #6, and #7. Based on program mes specified in the 2016 Export Competition 
survey, what is the annual average premium rates/fees per program me, the annual average 
repayment period per program me, and the export destinations per program me? 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
#4 Annual Average Premium  
The total premium income from insurance policie s/guarantees for agricultural exports issued by 
SERV in 2016 was SwF 0.16 Mio. (E gypt 0.144 Mio/Russia 0.019 Mio ) which is 0.003% of total 
premium income (agricultural and non -agricultural exports) during 2016, hence the term 
"negligible" in Switzerland's reporting. As only two transactions related to agricultural products 
were covered in 2016 the annual average premium income for the insurance policies/guarantees 
issued for these transactions was SwF 0.08 Mio. For details by "program me" (insurance/guarante e 
product) please see the following table.  
 
Insurance/Guarantee Product  Annual Average Premium for Agricultural Products  
Supplier credit i nsurance  SwF 0.08 Mio  
Buyer credit i nsurance  - 
Working capital i nsurance  - 
Pre-shipment risk i nsurance  - 
Contract  bond i nsurance  - 
Counter g uarantee  - 
Confiscation risk i nsurance  - 
Multi-buyer - 
Total SwF 0.08 Mio  
 
#6 Annual average repayment term  
The two transactions related to agricultural products that were covered in 2016 by SERV had 
repayment terms of 60 an d 90 days respectively. For details by "program me" 
(insurance/guarantee product), please see the following table.  
 
Insurance/Guarantee Product  Annual Average Repayment Period for Agricultural Products  
Supplier credit i nsurance  75 Days  
Buyer credit i nsura nce - 
Working capital i nsurance  - 
Multi-buyer - 
 
#7 Export Destination  
The two transactions related to agricultural products that were covered in 2016 by SERV were 
exports to Egypt and Russia. For details by "program me" (insurance/guarantee product), please 
see the following table.  
 
Insurance/Guarantee Product  Export Destination  
Supplier credit i nsurance  Egypt, Russian Federation  
Buyer credit i nsurance  - 
Working capital i nsurance  - 
Pre-shipment risk i nsurance  - 
Contract bond i nsurance  - 
Counter g uarantee  - 
Confiscation risk i nsurance  - 
Multi-buyer - 
 
Switzerland responded to question #5 of the COA Survey as follows "The maximum repayment 
term has not currently exceeded 180 days." Which of the financing program mes operated through 
Swiss Export Ri sk Insurance (SERV) is Switzerland referring to in this response?  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 12 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland's response to question #5 is related to all export credit and working capital insurance 
policies that SERV has issued for exports related to agricultural pr oducts. However, it is equally 
valid for the insurance and guarantee durations of coverage for all other SERV products.  
 
Switzerland responded to question #8 of the COA Survey as follows: "Practically only non -
agricultural goods." What agricultural product s or product groups were covered under each 
program me notified in the 2016 Export Competition survey?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
SERV has issued two insurance policies related to exports of agricultural products out of 780 total 
issued insurance policies/guara ntees during 2016. The two e xports can be categorized in 
HS Heading 20.09 "fruit juices" (baby food) and HS Heading 04.06 "cheese and curd".  
 
Has Switzerland provided a complete reporting of its export financing program mes for agriculture 
for the WTO/Commi ttee on Agriculture Export Competition survey dated 31  October 2016? If not, 
why not?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The demand for agricultural risk insurance has been negligible (see answers above). The services 
of SERV are fully demand driven. There is no secto ral bias. The Swiss Export Risk Insurance SERV 
is a public entity with approximatively 45 employees. It has a maximum framework of obligation of 
SWF 14 billion.  
 
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.4 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Requirements  
Page 70, Paragraph 3.113:  The Secretariat Report notes that Liechtenstein applies Switzerland 's 
SPS measures, and Switzerland has not provided any SPS notifications since the last review in 
2013. Since the last review, several EU SPS measures have been notifi ed. What is Switzerland 's 
policy regarding notification of SPS measures? As noted previously, if Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein were to adopt an EU measure and that measure were raised in the WTO, would this 
constitute Switzerland and Liechtenstein 's measur es being directly raised in the WTO?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In line with the WTO SPS Agreement, Switzerland notifies its SPS measures whenever an 
international standard, guideline or recommendation does not exist or the content of a proposed 
SPS regulation  is not substantially the same as the content of an international standard, guideline 
or recommendation, and if the regulation may have a significant effect on trade of other Members. 
Switzerland is widely harmonized with the EU in the SPS area and the rel ations with the EU play an 
important role in this regard. As a consequence, Switzerland follows closely the STCs being raised 
regarding EU SPS measures in areas where the respective regulations are harmonized with the EU.  
 
Page 70, Paragraph 3.114 : Regard ing Switzerland 's intention to align its new food safety regime 
with that of the EU, does Switzerland intend to adopt all EU food safety standards, including, for 
example, pesticide and veterinary drug standards? Does Switzerland intend to conduct risk 
assessments in order to establish import tolerances, if requested, for substances that do not have 
MRLs established in the EU? If so, would Switzerland conduct dietary risk assessments based on 
dietary patterns in Switzerland and Liechtenstein?  
 
Answer by Swi tzerland  
Switzerland intends to harmonize its MRLs in the above -mentioned areas as much as possible with 
the MRLs of the EU. However, Switzerland is always conducting its own risk assessment taking into 
account Swiss  specific dietary patterns. This also ho lds true for import tolerances.  
 
Page 70, Paragraph 3.114 : The Secretariat Report notes that Switzerland notified its proposed 
food safety regulations to the TBT Committee. Does Switzerland intend to notify its SPS measures 
to the SPS Committee?  
 
Answer by  Switzerland  
Even though Switzerland is widely harmonized with the EU in this area, the new food safety regime 
was notified to the WTO TBT Committee in 2015. This new food safety regime only partly deals 
with SPS measures and for this reason was notified t o the WTO TBT Committee. In line with the WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 13 - 
 
decisions and recommendations of the WTO Committees Switzerland will additionally notify the 
final measures of the new food safety regime to the SPS and TBT Committee.  
 
Page 70, Paragraph 3.115 : The Secretariat not es that Switzerland has incorporated the EU 
"Precautionary Principle" into Swiss  law. Has this change impacted Switzerland 's approach to 
developing SPS and other requirements for imported foods, and if so, how?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The newly introduced p recautionary principle gives Switzerland the possibility - in specific 
circumstances where a risk to life or health exists but scientific uncertainty persists - to determine 
risk management measures or other actions in order to ensure the high level of hea lth protection 
of consumers in Switzerland. The measures chosen must be proportionate and no more restrictive 
of trade than is required to achieve the high level of health protection chosen in Switzerland.  
 
Page 70, Paragraph 3.115 : The Secretariat states  that "under the positive principle all food items 
and additives offered for sale were required to either be described in an ordinance or approved by 
the competent federal authorities – otherwise they were prohibited." Can Switzerland explain what 
steps ar e taken to ensure that Swiss food retailers and agricultural enterprises adhere to the WTO 
principles laid out in the Agreement on Agriculture and the SPS agreement?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Les accords de l 'OMC s 'adressent à ses membres, et non aux entrepri ses. Toutefois, tous les 
acteurs économiques actifs sur territoire suisse, y compris les détaillants et entreprises agricoles, 
sont tenus par la loi de se conformer au droit national qui s 'applique sur territoire suisse.  
 
Page 71, Paragraph 3.117:  The Secr etariat states that for food and feed use in Switzerland, the 
Gene Technology Law and related ordinances regulate genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and 
the commercialization and cultivation of biotechnology crops are subject to approval by federal 
authorities. Approvals are valid for ten years but may be withdrawn if there is reasonable suspicion 
that they are hazardous to health of the environment. Please clarify what is meant by "reasonable 
suspicion," and how "hazardous" is defined. Also, after GMO products reach their 10 -year mark, 
will Switzerland renew the approvals automatically if there are no issues? What issues or factors 
could lead to a decision not to renew?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
No, authorizations are not renewed automatically. The applica nt will have to submit a renewal 
request und supply all relevant information available related to the GMO in question. The federal 
authorities will reassess the safety of the GMO based on the available science. An authorization 
may be withdrawn if availabl e science leads to a conclusion that the approved GMO is not safe.  
 
Page 71, Paragraph 3.117:  The Secretariat states that Switzerland has a number of GMO products 
authorized for use as feed stuffs, and that "many applications are under review in the 
author ization procedure." Moreover, the Secretariat states that "[t]he 2006 -2017 moratorium on 
approvals for the cultivation of biotechnology crops has been extended for four years until 2021." 
Please explain why the GMO moratorium on approvals for the cultivati on of biotechnology crops 
has been extended for four years until 2021, and the process for the renewal of GMO products that 
have been previously authorized.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The extension of the moratorium is still under parliamentarian revision and has not been decided 
upon. Should the prolongation of the mor atorium finally be done by the P arliament, Switzerland 
will notify the extension to the WTO and thereby inform the other Members.  
 
Page 71, Paragraph 3.117 : The Secretariat notes that the 2006 -17 Swiss moratorium on approvals 
for the cultivation of biotechnology crops has been extended for four years until 2021.  How will the 
cultivation moratorium and the adoption of the "Precautionary Principle" affect approval timelines 
for new GMO products for food use and feed stuffs?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The moratorium only concerns cultivation respectively seeds. The approval timelines for new GMO 
products for food use and for feedstuffs will therefore not be affected.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 14 - 
 
3.3.8 Trade -Related Intellectual Prop erty Rights  
3.3.8.9 Copyright and Related Rights  
Page 91, Paragraph 3.203:  The Secretariat Report notes that "[i]ssues linked to Internet and new 
technologies affecting copyright have continued to occupy the Swiss legislative process, although 
no substanti ve changes to the Swiss copyright legislation have occurred during the review period." 
Although the Working Group for the Optimization of Collective Management of Copyrights and 
Neighbouring Rights (AGUR12 and AGUR12 II) has assessed possible legislative a mendments, 
what mechanisms under current Swiss law have copyright owners been able to utilize to protect 
their copyrighted works in the digital environment?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland has implemented the WIPO Copyright Treaty, and the WIPO Performa nces and 
Phonograms Treaty, and although it has not yet ratified the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual 
Performances grants the right of making available to the public also to actors. The right of making 
available to the public may be enforced through civil and  criminal procedures. The Swiss Supreme 
Court's Logistep decision (BGE 136 II 508) has resulted in different views over the enforceability of 
the right of making available to the public in the limited context of sharing over peer -to-peer 
networks. The ongo ing work to revise the Copyright Act seeks to clarify this issue. However, 
copyright owners can seek clarification also from the courts,  in the meantime . 
In recent years, the Swiss government has undertaken continuous efforts with relevant 
stakeholders in a bid to strengthen and enforce copyright protection. Several non -legislative and 
yet effective measures against Internet piracy have been introduced before the new rules in the 
proposed draft amendment to the Copyright Act enter into force:  
- On February 1 , 2013, the "Code of Conduct Hosting"1 was adopted by the Swiss Internet 
Industry Association ( SIMSA ). The code of conduct refers to the role of hosting providers in 
addressing copyright -infringing content and includes a notice -and-take-down procedure 
which was expressly welcomed by the Federal Council Report on the Civil Liability of 
Providers. An evaluation for 2013 and 2014 found that hosting providers regularly took 
action in the area of copyrights on the basis of notices from right holders.  
- In the con text of the above -mentioned roundtable with stakeholders, Internet access 
providers presented a memorandum on 28 October 2015, containing measures to be taken 
vis-à-vis hosting providers in case of copyright violations. Even though these measures are 
not legally binding, they contribute toward encouraging hosting providers to terminate 
contractual relations with dubious clients or deter them from hosting unlawful content on 
their websites.  
- With a view to involving advertising firms in the fight against pir acy, the public -private 
partnership STOP PIRACY set up a working group entitled "Misplacement of Digital 
Advertising" on 27 January 2016. This working group has been mandated to draw up a 
code of conduct for the Swiss advertising industry as a partner in c ombating piracy.  
 
Page 92, Paragraph 3.206 : The Secretariat Report states that the AGUR12 Working Group tasked 
with leading the update to Switzerland 's copyright law was reconvened in 2016, following "an 
exceptionally high number of diverse comments" regar ding the draft legislation based on the 
group 's prior recommendations. When is new draft legislation expected to be presented, and what 
is the expected timeline for the implementation of such legislation?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The public consultation on t he draft bill showed that modernising copyright law is generally 
welcomed although views on the course to take diverged widely. The Federal Department of 
Justice and Police FDJP hat therefore clarified outstanding issues from the consultation on the 
revisi on with the relevant stakeholders in the so called AGUR 12 II process. These talks resulted in 
a number of shared understandings:  
The fight against piracy should occur where it is most effective, namely with hosting providers who 
can act quickly and in a targeted manner. Swiss hosting providers should not host piracy platforms 
and should rapidly remove affected content in cases of copyright infringement via their servers. 
Self-regulation is paramount here, which already works successfully today. However, i f hosting 
                                                
1 Viewed at: 
http://simsa.ch/_Resources/Persistent/baa5c1 293ec68a1754e4b5ba2a288faa701fbb92/130201 -simsa -cch-pub 
lic-en.pdf . WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 15 - 
 
providers create favourable conditions for copyright infringement, they must ensure through a 
"stay down" that copyright infringements, once eliminated, also remain eliminated. It should also 
be explicitly laid down in law that the processing of data for the prosecution of copyright 
infringement is permissible.  
The package also includes a series of further measures for modernising Swiss copyright law: an 
inventory index privilege for the benefit of users and consumers, a royalty -free exception for  
scientific purposes as well as the use of orphan works. For creative artists, the package contains 
an extension to the period of protection for related rights, protection for photographs lacking 
individuality and remuneration for authors and performers fo r video -on-demand uses. Finally, the 
compromise also includes the introduction of extended collective licensing, improvements in the 
tariff approval process as well as electronic user notification to the collective rights management 
organizations.  
The FDJ P is now reviewing the compromise solution and will submit a proposal on how to proceed 
to the Federal Council by the end of 2017. Should Federal Council pass a proposal for an 
amendment, parliamentary deliberations would follow.  
Page 93, Paragraph 3.208 : The Secretariat Report does not provide information on the current 
consultation being undertaken by the Government of Liechtenstein regarding a new law concerning 
copyright collectives, the period for which ended 30 September 2016. What is the status of th is 
consultation, and how does Liechtenstein plan to proceed following the close of the consultation 
period?  
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
In fulfilment of its EEA obligations Liechtenstein is implementing Directive 2014/26/EU on 
collective management of copyrig ht and related rights and multi -territorial licensing of rights in 
musical works for online use in the internal market. The first step of the legislative process  is the 
consultation of the public with a first draft legislation. This public consultation period for the draft 
legislation implementing the so called Collective Rights Management Directive ended on 30 
September 2016. Since then the submissions received hav e been reviewed and the draft 
legislation is being revised. The next cornerstone in the process is a governmental decision on the 
legislation allowing for the presentation of the draft legislation to Parliament. The first reading is 
still expected to take place in 2017 which would allow for an expected entering into force of the 
legislation in 2018.  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture  
4.1.1 Market Access  
4.1.1.1 Applied MFN Tariffs  
Page 95, Paragraph 4.5:  The Secretariat states that Switzerland's app lied MFN tariff on agricultural 
products averaged an estimated 30.8 % in 2016. The United States notes that Switzerland, which 
has high agricultural duties, enjoys a greater than 3 -to-1 trade surplus in agricultural products 
with the United States. What mea sures is Switzerland taking to bring applied duties for agricultural 
products down in order to allow for greater market access?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland is amongst the most important net -importing countries per capita showing a low level 
of self -sufficiency for agricultural products. Based on several parameters (such as consumer 
preferences), trade in agricultural products is happening largely with pan -euro-Mediterranean 
countries.  
The above -mentioned tariff levels give no indication on the openn ess of Swiss agricultural markets. 
Switzerland has – following the Uruguay Round results and obligations – a structure of low in -
quota tariff rates, i.e. where trade is taking place. When looking at the openness of agricultural 
markets, in -quota import qua ntities are the most relevant parameters. Switzerland's tariff quotas 
are largely filled and often significantly overfilled.  
Switzerland applies only specific duties. Ad valorem equivalents recognized by the Swiss 
government have been calculated for the pu rpose of the Doha Round market access negotiations 
only and therefore represent only a spot impression of the level of tariffs at a certain point in time. 
A profound analysis of tariffs cannot be undertaken by simple averages of in -quota and out -of-
quota t ariff levels such as shown in the Secretariat's report.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 16 - 
 
4.1.1.2. Tariff Quotas  
Page 97, Paragraph 4.10:  The Secretariat states that the allocation of some tariff quotas use a 
"discriminatory system whereby the allocation of the tariff quota is contingent upon local 
purchase." This is particularly true for beef, sheep meat, and offal where 50 % of the quota is 
allocated on the basis of a contribution to Swiss production. This provision is disadvantageous to 
companies that principally source product through i mports. Will Switzerland explain why it 
considers this system to be in compliance with its WTO commitments?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
This system, known as "the prise en charge", improves predictability for market participants and 
access to quota shares for s mall enterprises. It has not limited the amount of imports and the tariff 
quotas in question have actually been significantly overfilled during the past years. Companies that 
principally source product through imports have access to quotas. They can partic ipate in the 
auction procedures which provides access to 50% of the quota. The governments of Switzerland 
and Liechtenstein consider this system as being in conformity with their WTO commitments.  
 
4.1.2 Domestic Support  
4.1.2.1 Direct Payments  
Page 101, Pa ragraph 4.27:  The Secretariat states that Switzerland 's direct payments in 2013 
averaged SwF 65,000 (US $ 65,000) per 19 hectare farm. The United States is concerned that the 
high import duties for agricultural products (averaging 30.8 %) combined with large  domestic 
support payments, continue to make Swiss agriculture uncompetitive. What steps is Switzerland 
taking to promote market -oriented support for agriculture, and how this may affect trade in 
agricultural products?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland's  agricultural policy is oriented towards a long -term strategy and built upon stable, 
foreseeable and coherent conditions for farming. The most recent version, the Agricultural Policy 
2014-2017 (AP 14 -17) is containing measures aiming at improving competiti veness and efficiency 
along the supply chain of agro -food production by – at the same time – keeping up a high level of 
animal welfare and environmental quality.  
One of the main challenges of Switzerland's agricultural policy is the international orientat ion of 
supply chains as well as closer relations to the European Union (EU). Switzerland has continued to 
harmonize its legislation with the EU, which forms the basis for updating and developing the 
current free trade agreement between Switzerland the EU. Increased interaction between Swiss 
and EU agricultural markets therefore makes a substantial contribution to reform Swiss agricultural 
and food policy. It is not to be forgotten that Switzerland remains equally committed to 
multilateral trade liberalizati on in the context of the WTO. A new agricultural policy in 2022 will be 
a further step towards more market -oriented support for agriculture. The discussions about the 
legal frame and specific instruments of this policy will be held in the next 2 -3 years. H ow these 
changes will affect trade cannot yet be estimated.  
 
PART II: QUESTIONS ON THE GOVERNMENT REPORT  (WT/TPR/G/355)  
 
1 REPORT BY SWITZERL AND 
1.3 Economic Policy  
1.3.1 Growth Agenda  
Page 9, Paragraph 1.32:  Switzerland 's current de minimis  value for good s to receive duty free 
exemptions is 5 US$, well below the regional average ( US$170 for the EU) and the United States 
(US$ 800). Can Switzerland elaborate on indications that the 2016 -2019 Growth Agenda may 
include measures to raise the de minimis  threshol d for small consignments? When will Switzerland 
raise the de minimis  threshold, and what is the proposed increase?   
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Swiss parliament mandated the Government to raise the current threshold in September 2016, 
leaving it up to the Gover nment to determine the new de minimis amount. It is planned to 
implement this mandate in the context of a larger transformation program me of the Swiss 
Customs Administration, called "DaziT". The program ,e foresees to simplify customs procedures 
and will al low business operators to conduct their customs formalities full through electronical 
means without any media disruptions. The funding of "DaziT" is subject to parliamentary approval 
(still pending).   WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 17 - 
 
The raise of the de minimis threshold for small consign ments concerns import duties, but not VAT. 
Currently Switzerland exempts small consignments with payable duties of five Swiss Francs or less 
from duty payment, which roughly corresponds to 5 US$. Since Switzerland applies specific duties, 
which are usually  based on weight (in contrast to ad valorem duties), it is not possible to derive 
from the de minimis threshold the value of the imported good and therefore to compare the Swiss 
threshold with that of the EU or the U nited States .  
 
1.4 Trade Policy  
1.4.2 W TO 
Page 12, Paragraph 1.51:  Switzerland notes that: "With respect to agriculture, Switzerland will 
pursue its constructive engagement in negotiations, underlining the need to adequately take into 
account non -trade concerns." Could you clarify what non -trade concerns you intend to address in 
the WTO? With respect to SPS measures, does Switzerland use risk assessments as the basis for 
its measures? Further in this regard, can Switzerland explain the science behind the moratorium 
on approvals for the cultivati on of biotechnology crops, which has been extended for four years 
until 2021?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
For Switzerland, the multifunctionality of agriculture is an important element which needs to be 
taken into consideration. Member's specific situation give n by factors such as geography, climate 
and the structure of agricultural production should be adequately taken into account in agricultural 
negotiations. This includes also policy measures adopted in order to address these specific 
conditions. An example would be the policy schemes related to agriculture in mountainous regions. 
Agricultural production in mountainous regions contribute , among others, to a decentraliz ed 
settlement and the cultivating of landscapes.  
 
With respect to SPS measures, Switzerland  does either base its measures:  
  on the international standards elaborated by the three sisters; or  
  on scientific risk assessment, which shall be performed as appropriate to the 
circumstances, thus to enable to achieve an appropriate level of protection for human, 
animal or plant life or health.  
 
Finally, the extension of the moratorium is still under parliamentarian revision and has not been 
decided upon. Should the prolongation of the moratorium finally be done by the parliament, 
Switzerland will notify  the extension to the WTO and thereby inform the other Members.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 18 - 
 
3  CHINA  
Part I. Questions based on Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/355)  
Summary, Para 8  
"Switzerland remains among the top destinations for foreign direct investment. Most economic 
sectors  are open to investment, including by foreigners. However, investment restrictions continue 
to apply to activities under state monopoly, including certain rail transport services, some postal 
services, and certain insurance services. Restrictions (domicile  requirements) are also applied to 
air and maritime transport, hydro - and nuclear power, oil and gas pipelines, and transport of 
explosive materials."  
 
Question 1  
（For Switzerland ）Please provide a detailed negative list of restrictions on investment.  
 
Question 2  
（For Switzerland ）Please provide industry -specific restrictive conditions on the proposed 
restrictions on foreign investment ？ 
 
Question 3  
（For Switzerland ）Please confirm whether these kinds of restrictions mean a prohibition.  
 
Answer by Switzerland to questions 1, 2 and 3  
Table A3.2 (state -owned enterprises and exclusive arrangements) of the Report by the Secretariat 
(WT/TPR/S/355) can serve as an indicative list of restrictions on investment. In a number of 
sectors or entities, foreign investment is not allowed or is limited (e.g. state -ownership or 
concession -requirements on grounds of public interest ). Furthermore, special authoriz ation 
requirements apply t o enterprises holding special rights, such as broadcasting, telecommunication 
and air transport. In addition, purchase of real estate is limited if it is not used for the pursuit of 
business activities.  
 
Question 4  
（For Switzerland ）Please elaborate the jud ging standards and review procedures.  
 
Question 5  
(For Switzerland) How do foreign investors participate in the review procedures? How do they 
defend their due rights?  
 
Answer by Switzerland to questions 4 and 5  
Switzerland does not have a general review p rocedure (screening mechanism) for foreign 
investment. Cross -border mergers may however require an antitrust review by the competition 
authority (ComCo). In cases where the ComCo decides that competition is being affected in an 
unlawful way through concert ed practices, the abuse of a dominant position or a merger, a ruling 
is directly issued against the initiator/s. Decisions are subject to an appeal to the Federal 
Administrative Court. Its decision may be appealed to the Federal Supreme Court.  
 
Summary, Pa ra 9 
"In December 2016, the Swiss Parliament adopted implementing legislation regarding a 
constitutional amendment triggered by a popular vote on immigration on 9 February 2014. The 
chosen solution, which aims to be compatible with the agreement with the E U on the free 
movement of persons, is based on an obligation for employers to notify vacancies to the public 
employment services (for certain groups of professions and in certain regions where 
unemployment is above average) and to organize interviews and t esting of persons registered with 
the public employment services in order to give an employment opportunity to locals, but without 
an obligation to hire them."  
 
Quest ion 6  
(For Switzerland) Will Switzerland issues more immigration policies? And will any li mits be set to 
the entrance into Switzerland for the non -EU persons?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
En vue de la mise en œuvre de la loi d'application de l'article 121 a de la Constitution fédérale que 
le Parlement a adoptée le 16 décembre 2016, le Conseil fédéral est actuellement en train WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 19 - 
 
d'élaborer les ordonnances nécessaires. Il est prévu que le Conseil fédéral adoptera ces 
ordonnances au début de l'année 2018. L'essentiel de ces modifications législatives portent sur des 
mesures concernant les demandeurs d'emplo i. Dans les professions qui enregistrent un taux de  
chômage supérieur à la moyenne, les postes vacants doivent être communiqués par les 
employeurs au service public de l'emploi. Cette obligation de communiquer les postes vacants vise 
à favoriser l'intégrat ion au marché du travail des demandeurs d'emploi résidents en Suisse et à 
mieux épuiser le potentiel qu'offre la main d'œuvre en Suisse. Ces mesures n'ont aucune 
implication immédiate pour des ressortissants d'États tiers. L'admission de ressortissants d'É tats 
tiers sur le marché suisse du travail est déjà réglée aujourd'hui par des contingents et nombres 
maximums.   
 
Summary, Para 15  
"All of Switzerland -Liechtenstein's applied tariffs continue to be expressed as specific rates. The 
average applied MFN tarif f was 9.0% in 2016 (based on ad valorem equivalent estimates using 
2015 import data), compared with a simple average of 9.2% in 2012. MFN tariffs on agricultural 
products (WTO definition) averaged 30.8% in 2016, while the average for non -agricultural 
produ cts was 2.3%. Rates above 100% apply only in agriculture, mainly to vegetables, meat, and 
dairy products. All tariff lines are bound with the exception of 84 lines covering gas, petroleum, 
and related products. Switzerland administers a complex tariff quot a system with overlapping WTO 
and preferential tariff quotas, and numerous sub -quotas. Most WTO tariff quotas have been over -
filled in recent years."  
 
Question 7  
(For Switzerland and Liechtenstein) Please explain the duty rates applicable to the imported 
equipment for self -use by the Contractor in the cooperated projects.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Professional equipment and contractor equipment (e.g. equipment used for the construction of 
buildings and structures) have to be declared using a customs declaratio n for temporary 
admission. On condition that the equipment is re -exported unaltered no customs duties apply.  
 
Summary, Para 16  
"Switzerland maintains compulsory reserve stock requirements on certain products. To finance 
these stocks, "guarantee fund contri butions" are levied on imports of certain foodstuffs and fuels 
covered by the scheme, as well as on imports and domestic production of fertilizers, natural gas 
and therapeutic products subject to compulsory reserve stock requirements. Since ODCs are 
bound at zero and applied tariffs often equal the bound rates, it would appear that the sum of 
tariff and guarantee fund contributions may exceed Switzerland's bound commitments on several 
tariff lines at present."  
 
Question 8  
(For Switzerland) Please provide a list of specific products for stock reservation requirement.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Food items  Mineral oil products  
Sugar  
Rice 
Cooking oils and fats  
Coffee  
Soft wheat for human consumption  
Durum wheat for human consumption  
Energy -rich feedstuffs  
Protein -rich feedstuffs  
Nitrogen fertilisers (pure N)  
Raw materials for yeast production  Gasoline  
Kerosene  
Diesel  
Heating oils  
 Therapeutic products  
 Anti-infectives for human use  
Anti-infectives for animal use  
Neuraminidase inhibitors  
Strong analgesics and op iates 
Vaccines  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 20 - 
 
Question 9  
(For Switzerland) Please introduce the execution procedures for stock reservation.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss Federal Council requires stocks to be held of goods that it classifies as essential. This is 
the basis of the c ompulsory stocks system, which applies to certain foodstuffs, sources of energy, 
therapeutic products and fertilisers. For each of these goods, the Federal Department of Economic 
Affairs, Education and Research determines how long the stocks must meet aver age Swiss needs 
under normal circumstances. Volumes of compulsory stocks are laid down for those goods for 
which it does not make sense to set a time period as the basis for demand coverage.  
Companies which import a minimum volume of such goods, or which a re the initial distributors on 
the Swiss market, must hold compulsory stocks. The federal government supports this stockpiling 
by providing guarantees to companies applying for loans to finance their inventories, thereby 
enabling them access to low -interes t credit. Companies are also able to claim additional tax write -
offs on their compulsory stocks.  
 
Question 10  
(For Switzerland) What are the differences between imported products and Swiss products in 
terms of treatment?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
There are d omestic as well as imported products held as compulsory stocks. The stockholding 
companies are free to decide about the origin of their compulsory stocks. However, there is a 
difference concerning the guarantee funds contributions as far as it concerns min eral oil products, 
grain and food and feedstuffs (cf. answer below).  
 
Question 11  
(For Switzerland) Please introduce and explain the collection of "guarantee fund contributions".  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The economic sectors which are subject to strategic s tockpiling requirements are able t o found 
compulsory stock organiz ations under private law which manage guarantee funds for individual 
groups of goods. These guarantee funds are funded in two ways through levies on goods of which 
stocks must be held. Under  the initial distribution system, contributions to the guarantee fund are 
charged on both imported and domestically produced goods. Under the border levies system these 
contributions are charged on imports only. These guarantee funds are then used to compe nsate 
individual companies for the costs of holding compulsory stocks. Standard criteria apply to these 
payments. Ultimately, it is the consumer who pays these costs via the product price.  
 
This system only functions if all of the entities holding compulso ry stocks within a given sector are 
members of the corres ponding compulsory stock organiz ation, which is why the FONES has made 
membership mandatory.  
 
All of the economic sectors covered by the strategic stockpiling system currently have guarantee 
funds, which are managed b y their compulsory stock organiz ations. For mineral oil products, grain 
and food and feedstuffs, the guarantee fund contributions are levied on imports. The initial 
distribution approach is applied for natural gas, therapeutic products a nd fertilizer.  
 
Summary, Para 17 & Summary, Para 21  
"Switzerland stands out as a "high -price island" in Europe. Reasons include remaining trade 
barriers (for instance, tariffs on agricultural products but also some technical barriers to trade), 
and the hi gher purchasing power and lower price sensitivity of Swiss consumers."  
"To counter the high prices prevailing in Switzerland, the Competition Commission routinely 
intervenes to expose and prevent market foreclosures, which have the effect of reducing impor t 
competition, and by taking pivotal decisions regarding enforcement actions."  
 
Question 12  
(For Switzerland) How would Switzerland take specific measures to reduce technical trade barriers 
and to promote market competition? Will import be encouraged? If y es, are there any key sectors?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 21 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In light of the importance of open markets to the Swiss economy and the relationship between 
trade barriers and high prices, Switzerland is currently assessing the economic potential of easing 
import re strictions autonomously. For instance, current work is focusing on the potential of 
unilateral tariff liberalization for industrial goods, including the reduction in administrative costs. 
Further, the economic consequences of technical barriers to trade ar e currently studied, especially 
regarding the exemptions of the Cassis -de-Dijon principle which applies to imports from the EU. In 
this context, Switzerland also considers revision of its merger control system. The aim of the 
ongoing work is to develop spe cific proposals by the end of 2017 which will enter the political 
process subsequently. The relative impacts on different sectors can only be assessed after having 
agreed on specific measures.  
 
Summary, Para 23  
"Production and distribution of electricity a nd gas is largely ensured by Swiss public utilities at the 
cantonal and municipal levels but the sector is open to foreign investment. The full liberalization of 
the electricity market has been suspended, pending negotiations with the EU on an electricity 
agreement."  
 
Question 13  
(For Switzerland) What is the schedule of the opening of Swiss electricity market?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Whereas large customers can purchase electric energy on the free market, small businesses and 
private households with an ann ual consumption of less than 100 MWh are captive to their 
incumbent suppliers who can charge cost -covering prices. The Federal Council (Government) has 
proposed full market liberalization, in accordance with the Electricity Supply Act, which calls for full  
market opening at the earliest as from 2014. However, broad public consultation has revealed 
insufficient support for full opening in a likely referendum. The Federal Council will revisit the 
opportuneness of full opening in 2017.  
 
Can other capital from countries except EU members get access to it?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
La libéralisation du marché de l'électricité concerne la question du dit accès au réseau, donc la 
question si l'infrastructure réseaux doit être mise à disposition de tiers pour des livra isons 
d'électricité. Une éventuelle libéralisation s'accompagnerait du le libre choix du fournisseur 
d'électricité. Ce libre choix s'applique aussi aux fournisseurs étrangers.  
 
La question de savoir si des investisseurs étrangers peuvent accéder aux instal lations de 
production d'électricité de la Suisse ainsi qu'à son infrastructure réseau doit être considérée 
séparément. Il n'existe pas d'interdiction générale pour les investissements étrangers. Il faut 
néanmoins préciser que des limites peuvent être impos ées à de tels investissements. Ainsi la loi 
fédérale impose que le capital de Swissgrid, et ce faisant le réseau de transmission suisse, doit 
majoritairement appartenir aux communes et aux cantons suisses. Des limites existent aussi dans 
les cas où certain es activités comme la production d'électricité, l'exploitation du réseau de 
distribution ou encore l'approvisionnement etc. sont exercées au niveau local par des entreprises 
d'approvi sionnement en énergie étatiques ; les investisseurs (privés) n'ont pas acc ès à des 
investissements dans des entreprises qui possèdent ces formes juridiques (la règlementation des 
formes d'organisation diffère quant à elle au niveau local).  
 
Summary, Para 27  
"Some cantons have waived these limitations for medical services. Social  services, such as 
retirement homes, are open to foreign investment."  
 
Question 14  
（For Switzerland ）Are the mentioned social services opened to foreign investment beyond EU? Is 
there any limit?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Oui, les services sociaux mentionnés sont ouverts aux investisseurs étrangers. De plus, les 
conditions auxquelles doivent se soumettre les investisseurs sont les mêmes pour les investisseurs WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 22 - 
 
étrangers que pour les investisseurs suisse. Il n'y a donc pas de discriminations entre investisseurs 
suisses et étrangers.  
 
Summary, Para 28  
"Switzerland provided around SwF 95 million i n 2016 for export subsidies on processed agricultural 
products in order to compensate the domestic food industry for the price handicap of using tariff 
protected locally produced agricultural raw materials. Meanwhile, the Swiss Government has 
initiated dom estic procedures to eliminate such export subsidies by January 2019, in line with 
commitments made at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi. Despite these steps, agriculture 
(together with some domestic services) remains vulnerable to a more competitiv e environment – 
highlighting the need for more market -oriented reforms."  
 
Question 15  
(For Switzerland) As regards the elimination of the above mentioned agricultural export subsidies, 
will Switzerland make any substitution or compensation? Will these meas ures promote agricultural 
trade between China and Switzerland?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The reform package as proposed in the public consultation includes the complete abolition of the 
remaining export refunds and some accompanying measures. Facilitation of inward processing and 
additional direct payments to milk and wheat producers are proposed to form part of the reform. 
The envisaged facilitation of inward processing will enhance trade in agricultural raw materials. 
Once approved by the Parliament, Switzer land will be in a position to provide detailed information 
about the measures of this reform.  
 
Page 35 ，Para 2.32  
"…The nine agreements constituting Bilateral Agreements II cover Switzerland's participation in 
the EU's Schengen and Dublin regimes, the Europ ean Environment Agency, and the EU's MEDIA 
programme…"  
 
Question 16  
(For Switzerland) Please specify the concrete schemes of and the approaches to its participation in 
the project of the European Environment Agency as well as its sources of fund under the Bilateral 
Agreements II.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The 2004 environment Agreement regulates Switzerland's participation in the European 
Environment Agency (EEA). The EEA collects and analyses environmental data in European 
countries. The data are recorded acc ording to the same binding criteria to ensure that they are 
comparable. To achieve these objectives the EEA has set up the European Environment 
Information and Observation Network (Eionet). Eionet consists of over 1000 experts from the 36 
countries partici pating in the EEA. The Eionet has thus become the largest environmental 
information network in the world. As a full member of the EEA, Switzerland participates without 
restriction in its activities, as well as in the Management Board of the Agency (without  the rights to 
vote) and has direct access to all data and information that is collected and disseminated through 
Eionet.  
The annual financial contribution of Switzerland amounts to about €1.3 million. The financial 
contribution is laid down in Article 2 o f the Agreement and its Annex II: it is calculated based on 
the financial contribution of the EU to the EEA in a given year divided by the number of EU Member 
States . 
 
Page 36, Para 2.35  
"The bilateral FTA with China, in force since 1 July 2014, comprises 16 chapters covering trade in 
goods and services, including customs procedures and trade facilitation, trade remedies, 
investment promotion, transparency in government procurement, environmental issues and 
dispute settlement…"  
 
Question 17  
(For Switzerland ) Please introduce the concrete scheme and effect of implementation of China -
Switzerland FTA.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 23 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
L'accord de libre -échange (ALE) entre la Suisse et la Chine est en vigueur depuis le 1er juillet 2014. 
Les concessions tarifaires de la Sui sse prévues au titre de l'ALE ont été mises en œuvre dans leur 
intégralité dès l'entrée en vigueur de l'accord. Bien qu'il soit encore tôt pour évaluer l'impact 
économique global de l'ALE, les statistiques suisses montrent que le commerce bilatéral avec la  
Chine s 'est développé ces dernières années de manière supérieure à la moyenne du commerce 
avec les autres partenaires de la Suisse.  
 
Page 59 Para 3.56  
"Switzerland and Liechtenstein maintain restrictions and prohibitions on exports to certain 
countries on  the basis of foreign and security policy and on some goods on the grounds of safety, 
security, the environment…"  
 
Question 18  
(For Switzerland and Liechtenstein) Please provide the detailed information of the restrictions and 
prohibitions on exports to pr otect the environment.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Hazardous wastes are only exported with the prior written consent of the involved competent 
authorities. Switzerland and Liechtenstein also ask a written procedure (notification) for additional 
wastes such as u sed cars, used tires, waste wood, e -waste and used cooking oil (so called "other 
waste subject to control" according to Art. 1 Abs. 1 Bst. B of the Basel Convention). There is an 
export ban for municipal solid waste.  
 
Legal base:  
International: Basel Conve ntion, OECD -Decision C(2001)107/FINAL  
Switzerland + Liechtenstein: Environmental Protection Act (USG), Ordinance of the movement of 
waste (OMW), Ordinance on waste VVEA, Ordinance on Air (LVA) (More over: CHemRRV, GeschV, 
LRV, LSV ...) 
 
Exportation of hazard ous waste and other waste subject to control according to the Basel 
Convention  
Only to OECD or EU member states and members of the Basel Convention  
Furthermore: export of municipal household waste and waste with a similar composition from 
industry, slag, w aste from public road maintenance works, from public sewage treatment and 
combustible, mixed construction waste are only allowed to be exported when there is evidence 
that disposal in Switzerland + Liechtenstein is not possible or that the export of waste is taking 
place within a contractually agreed cross -border regional cooperative arrangement (Article 17 
Letter c OMW)  
Importation of hazardous waste and other waste subject to control according to the Basel 
Convention  
Only from OECD member states  
Exception : Agreement according to Art. 11 Basel Convention (e.g. U nited States ) 
 
We published recently our information brochure on transboundary movement of waste: 
https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu/en/home/topics/waste/publications -
studies/publications/grenzueberschreitender -verkehr -mit-abfaellen.html  
 
This information brochure (available in German, English, French and I talian language) is directed 
at exporters and importers of waste and it describes the international and domestic regulations 
relating to transboundary shipments.  
Dans le domaine de l'environnement, nous pouvons aussi mentionner la protection des espèces de  
faune et de flore sauvages menacées d'extinction fondée sur la Convention sur le commerce 
international des espèces de faune et de flore sauvages menacées d'extinction (CITES), des 
produits chimiques déterminés et des pesticides dangereux, les substances appauvrissant la 
couche d'ozone ainsi que les déchets.  
 
Page 59, Para 3.56  
"The tax is levied on imports and on domestic production. On imports, the tax is generally 
collected at the time of importation, and the quantity of VOCs in the concerned goods must  be 
stated in the import declaration. The tax rate is SwF 3 per kg. Goods may be exempted from the WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 24 - 
 
VOC tax if they are used in such a way that the substances are not released into the environment, 
or if they are exported."  
 
Question 19  
(For Switzerland) We  hope to know the specific materials requested by Switzerland for the 
exemption of VOC taxes on imported goods.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Selon l'art. 35a de la l oi fédérale sur la pro tection de l'environnement (LPE ; RS 814.01), s ont 
exonérés de la taxe les C OV [composés organiques volatils ]: 
qui sont utilisés comme  carburant ou comme combustible ; 
qui transitent par la Suisse ou qui sont exportés   
qui sont utilisés ou traités d'une façon telle qu'ils ne peuvent pénétrer dans l'environnement.  
 
Les exonérations les plus importan tes au sens de la lettre c sont : 
-  les COV au sens de la liste positive des substances (annexe 1 de l'o rdonnance sur la taxe 
d'incitation sur les comp osés organiques volatils; OCOV ; RS 814.018 ) qui sont transformés 
chimiquement en substance s ne figurant pas sur cette liste ; 
-  les COV contenus dans des produits qui ne figurent pas sur la liste positive des produits 
(annexe 2 OCOV);  
-  les COV contenus dans des produits dont la teneur en COV est inférieure ou égale à 3 %;  
-  les COV contenus dans les déchets et dont il est prouvé qu'ils sont éliminés de manière 
appropriée;  
-  les COV présents dans les résidus de distillation résultant du recyclage et qui sont ensuite 
éliminés de manière appropriée;  
-  les COV dont on peut prouver qu'ils sont effectivem ent éliminés dans les eaux usées;  
-  les COV utilisés dans des installations ou dans des groupes d'installations au sens de l'art. 
9 OCOV.  
 
Vu que la preuve du droit à l'exonération ne peut le plus souvent être administrée qu'après 
l'utilisation des COV, l'e xonération est généralement octroyée par la voie du remboursement de la 
taxe par la Direction générale des douanes.  
The Swiss system is also applicable to Liechtenstein (customs union).  
 
Page 74, Para 3.132  
"Legislation on competition has not changed subst antially since 2004. Four main laws continue to 
regulate competition: the Federal Law on Cartels and Other Impediments to Competition of 
6 October 1995 (RS 251) (Cartel Law), amended in 2004; the Federal Law against Unfair 
Competition of 22 October 1992 (R S 241), amended in 2002; the Federal Law on the Internal 
Market of 6 October 1995 (RS 943.02), amended in 2006; and the Law on Price Surveillance of 
20 December 1985 (RS 942.20), which allows price investigations by the Price Supervisor when 
competition is  deemed to be lacking. "  
 
Question 20  
(For Switzerland) Please introduce the main contents of the Swiss laws and regulations relevant 
with Merger & Acquisition (M&A) examination.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In Switzerland, M & A are regulated mainly by Art. 9 and 10 Cartel Act (251) and by the Ordinance 
on the Control of Concentrations of Undertakings (251.4). Concentrations that have to be notified 
because they have reached turnover thresholds (Art. 9 Cartel Act) shall be investigated by the 
Competition Commis sion if a preliminary assessment (Art. 32 para. 1) reveals that they create or 
strengthen a dominant position. The Competition Commission may prohibit a concentration or 
authorise it subject to conditions and obligations if the investigation indicates that  the 
concentration:  creates or strengthens a dominant position liable to eliminate effective competition 
and does not improve the conditions of competition in another market such that the harmful 
effects of the dominant position can be outweighed (Art. 10 Cartel Act).  
The preliminary assessment must be  carried out within one month (A rt. 32 Cartel Act) and the 
investigation (in -depth review) within 4 months (Art. 33 Cartel Act).  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 25 - 
 
Page 74, Para 3.134  
"The Synthesis Report noted that Switzerland did not have a ny agreements on cooperation in 
competition matters with other States. In view of the increasing frequency of cross -border 
antitrust practices, it deemed it appropriate to conclude cooperation agreements with its main 
trading partners in order to make the exchange of confidential information possible. The Federal 
Council decided not to address international cooperation in the legislation but instead through the 
conclusion of second -generation cooperation agreements allowing the exchange of confidential 
information with Switzerland's main trading partners. The Switzerland –EU agreement on 
cooperation and competition matters came into force on 1 December 2014. The agreement 
provides in particular for notification of enforcement measures, coordination and exchan ge of 
information. It also contains clear procedural guarantees for the undertakings concerned. The 
agreement is procedural in nature and does not entail any harmonization of substantive law."  
 
Question 21  
(For Switzerland) Please describe the main points of the Swiss -EU bilateral agreement and the 
specific ways how M & A examination cooperation is conducted.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The agreement enables the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) and the Directorate -General 
for Competition of the European Comm ission to notify and coordinate enforcement activities and to 
exchange information. This includes, under certain strict conditions, the exchange of confidential 
information without waiver of the enterprises concerned. Considering the degree of integration of 
the Swiss and the European economies and equivalence of the relevant domestic competition 
rules, the agreement contributes to an efficient prosecution of anticompetitive cross -border 
activities and therefore to a better protection of competition.  
 
Page 74, Para 3.135  
"The Synthesis Report also observed that, due to certain deficiencies in the Swiss measures to 
effectively enhance competition, mergers that may have a strong negative effect on competition 
might be approved. According to the Report, the har monization of the Swiss merger control 
system with the EU's and introduction of the SIEC -test would eliminate these problems. The 
Federal Council decided on 22 June 2016 to propose a revision of the merger control system for 
public consultation until the e nd of 2017."  
 
Question 22  
(For Switzerland) Please describe the main criteria for Switz erland to amend the current M & A 
examination.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The merger control in Switzerland takes too little account of the negative and positive effects of 
mergers. As a result, the current dominance test should be replaced by the so -called SIEC test 
(significant impediment to effective competition), which is applied by the European Commission 
since 2004. The SIEC test permits effective control of all mergers  by providing that any merger 
which would significantly impede effective competition should be declared unlawful. Therefore, the 
revision would also lead to harmonization of the assessment criteria between the EU and 
Switzerland.   
 
Page 89, Para 3.194  
"The "Swissness legislation" also permits the registration of a previously recognized geographical 
indication as a geographical trademark. This new IP title is introduced as an additional instrument 
in order to further facilitate the protection and enforcement  of GIs' rights abroad under trademark 
law regimes. A geographical mark may be used by any person provided that the requirements of 
the GI regulations are fulfilled, and the holder of a geographical mark may prohibit others from 
using the mark in the cours e of trade for identical or comparable goods where such use 
contravenes the regulations. However, the proprietor of a geographical mark cannot oppose the 
registration of a later trademark that contains the geographical indication and is applied on goods 
fulfilling the GI regulations. The geographical mark may not be transferred or licensed."  
 
Question 23  
(For Switzerland) Switzerland's new trademark legislation  introduced a new intellectual property 
term as a "geographical trademark". What is the relationsh ip between Swiss trademarks and WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 26 - 
 
traditional geographical indications and trademarks, and their differences in terms of being 
protected?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Trademarks protect signs which are used to distinguish the products or services of one business 
from another. Trademarks allow their respective holders to make exclusive use of the registered 
sign. In contrast, geographical denominations registered as geographical marks can be used by 
any person provided that this person meets the requirements of the sui generis GI or indication of 
source on which the application for the geographical mark is based.  
 
Geographical marks, exactly as other trademarks, are registered in the official Swiss trademarks 
register. A geographical mark is a means that allows the r ight holders of a geographical indication 
(GI) or of an indication of source to enforce this right according to the trademark legislation. The 
geographical mark thus provides an additional means of protection to the protection and 
enforcement provided by t he law to unregistered GIs or to a sui generis title of protection as a GI 
or indication of source.  
 
Geographical marks are registered intellectual property titles that cover a limited range of 
geographical denominations. Geographical marks must be based o n a previous sui generis 
registration or on the recognition of a GI or of an indication of source. Notwithstanding its 
registration as a geographical mark, the denomination continues to be recognized and protected as 
a GI or as a qualified indication of so urce on a sui generis basis. The registration of a geographical 
mark allows to clearly identify the right holder as the owner of the geographical mark, facilitating 
the enforcement of the protection of the GI or indication of source with the rights and cap acities 
attached to the ownership of a trademark.  
 
Page 103, Para 4.35  
"The main domestic support instruments for arable crops are direct payments and crop premiums 
(Table 4.4). The crop premiums are aimed at ensuring food and feed security (Article 54 of  the 
Federal Law on Agriculture) by strengthening the competitiveness of grains, oilseeds, pulses, sugar 
beets and certain seeds, which tend to benefit from lower border protection than livestock 
products. Under the AP 2014 -17, the eligible crops and payme nt rates have been modified. The 
crop premiums are not subject to payment limits but a graduation of payments applies (same as 
for DPs) and they may be cumulated with other payments. Switzerland has included the crop 
premiums as "other product -specific sup port" (Supporting Table DS:7) in its calculation of the 
Total Current AMS."  
 
Question 24  
(For Switzerland and Liechtenstein) Please provide the relevant supporting policies and measures 
such as direct payments and premiums they use to ensure food and feed security. And please also 
specify the annual output and value of production, the amount of support and the mode of 
operation by varieties.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Les contributions à la sécurité de l'approvisionnement de la politique agricole des années 20 14-
2017 (AP 14 -17), qui sont exemptées de réductions ont été notifiées auprès de l'OMC. Il s'agit du 
document G/AG/N/CHE/68.  
En outre, le tableau 4.1 du rapport du Secrétariat montre que les contributions à la sécurité de 
l'approvisionnement se montent à SwF 1,093.50 Mio au total pour l'année 2015.  
L'output annuel aussi que la valeur de la production sont publiés et sont disponibles sous le lien 
suivant: https://www.agrarbericht.ch/fr . 
Concernant le mode opéra toire, le cadre du TPR n'est pas suffisamment large afin de donner une 
réponse précise pour toutes les variétés. Les informations détaillées sont publiques et peuvent être 
consultées dans l'ordonnance sur les paiements directs (910.13 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20130216/index.html ) et dans l'ordonnance 
sur les contributions à des cultures particulières  (910.17 https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/20130219/index.html ). 
Les contributions à la production extensive de céréales et de colza qui s'élèvent à SwF 33.5 Mio au 
total pour l'année 2015, constituen t un autre exemple.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 27 - 
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
Due to its small size and the close link with the Swiss market, Liechtenstein does not collect data 
regarding output and value of production. Therefore, no respective annual statistics are available 
for Liechte nstein.  
 
Liechtenstein provides for the following support:  
 SwF 1,000/hectar for: rapeseed, soja, sunflours, oil squash, flax, field bean, protein peas, 
lupins (for feeding purposes), fiber crop (without flax of hemp), seeds for potatos, corn or 
feed crops ; 
 SwF 1, 900/ha  for: sugar beets for sugar production.  
 
The total annual amounts of the above mentioned support were:  
2015: SwF 64,480  
2014: SwF 69,336  
2013: SwF 62,645  
 
Part II. Questions based on Report by Switzerland and Liechtenstein (WT/TPR/G/355)  
 
Page 9，Para 1.31  
"The internalization of the environmental costs of energy consumption and a more efficient use of 
traffic infrastructure are further priorities of the 2016 -2019 Growth Agenda."  
 
Question 25  
(For Switzerland) Please elaborate the concrete meas ures taken to internalize the environmental 
costs of energy consumption.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
By increasing the price of fossil heating and process fuels, the CO2 levy on heating and process 
fuels  sets an incentive to use fossil fuels more efficiently, t o invest in low carbon technologies,  
and to switch to low -carbon or carbon -free energy sources. The CO2 levy was introduced in 
January 2008 at an initial rate of SwF 12 per tonne of CO2. As intermediary targets set out in the 
CO2 Act were not met, the rate  gradually increased to reach SwF 36 per tonne of CO2 by 
1 January 2010, SwF 60 per tonne of CO2 by 1 January 2014 and SwF 84 per tonne of CO2 by 
1 January 2016. The CO2 Act foresees a maximum increase to SwF 120 per tonne of CO2 by 2018 
if greenhouse gas emissions from heating fuels do not correspond to trends in line with legal 
requirements. As a basic principle, proceeds from the CO2 levy are refunded to the Swiss 
population (on a per capita basis) and to the business community (in proportion to wages pa id).  
 
However, following a parliamentary decision in June 2009, up to a third ( SwF 300 million per year) 
of the revenues from the CO2 levy is earmarked to finance the national buildings refurbishment 
programme. This programme is partly co -funded out of ca ntonal budgets and co -managed by the 
federal government and the cantons.  
 
Switzerland introduced its emissions trading scheme  in 2008 in order to give companies, 
especially those industries with substantial CO2 emissions resulting from the use of heating and 
process fuels as well as from cement production, the possibility to be exempted from the CO2 levy. 
The emissions trading scheme is based on the cap and trade principle. For the period 2013 –2020, 
Switzerland's emissions trading scheme has been aligned w ith the European Union's emissions 
trading scheme with a view to link both systems. Notable amendments include the mandatory 
nature of the emissions trading scheme for large, greenhouse gas -intensive companies and partial 
auctioning of emission allowances.  For those allowances still given away for free, harmonised 
allocation rules apply, which are based on the same benchmarks of emissions performance as in 
the European Union. Signing of a related bilateral agreement to link the emissions trading systems 
between Switzerland and European Union authorities is pending.  
 
Companies with substantial CO2 emissions may apply for exemption from the CO2 levy without 
participation in the emissions trading scheme, provided they commit to emission reductions. 
Companies ha ve to elaborate emission reduction targets, which take into account the technological 
potential and economic viability of measures. The CO2 levy can be waived only for companies 
engaged in activities explicitly laid out in the CO2 Ordinance and with annual  CO2 emissions of at 
least 100 tonnes. Guidelines and ordinances regulate the procedures for exemption from the CO2 
levy and consequences (sanctions) in case of non -compliance.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 28 - 
 
An Obligation to offset emissions from gas -fired combined -cycle power plants  is further in 
place. Currently, no fossil thermal power plants are in operation in Switzerland, and it is unclear 
whether there will be a need for such power plants to cover future electricity demand. 
Nevertheless, since 2008, fossil thermal power plants wit h a capacity larger 100 megawatt obtain 
planning permission only if their CO2 emissions are fully compensated. Compared to the first CO2 
Act, the possibility to use the flexible mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol to compensate for CO2 
emissions has been rais ed from 30 to 50% under the revised CO2 Act, i.e. at least half of the 
compensation has to be achieved domestically.  
Based on the revised CO2 Act, the partial compensation of CO2 emissions from transport 
fuel use , as of 2014, bounds fossil fuel importers t o offset part (at most 40%) of the CO2 
emissions from transport fuel use through investments in domestic emission reduction projects. 
The offset is financed by a surcharge on imported fuels which shall not exceed SwF 0.05 per litre 
of fuel. The Federal Cou ncil determined the share of CO2 emissions from transport fuels to be 
offset by fuel importers as follows: 2% in 2014 –2015, 5% in 2016 –2017, 8% in 2018 –2019, and 
10% in 2020.  
 
The revenues and climate change abatement measures are managed b y the follow -up organiz ation 
to the Climate Cent Foundation, the Foundation for Climate Protection and Carbon Offset (KliK). By 
the end of 2014, KliK was budgeting SwF 839 million for the compensation of a cumulative total of 
9.28 million tonnes of CO2 until 2020 (average  of SwF 90 per tonne of CO2) from projects, 
programmes and the purchase of eligible domestic carbon credits (KliK, 2015). The budget 
estimate corresponds to a surcharge of SwF 0.01–0.02 per litre of fossil transport fuel.  
 
La redevance sur le trafic des po ids lourds liée aux prestations  (RPLP) existe depuis 2001. 
Elle sert à couvrir les coûts d'infrastructure et les coûts externes du trafic des camions (dégâts à 
l'environnement, à la santé etc.) qui ne sont pas couverts par d'autres prestations ou redevance s. 
Le montant de la RPLP ne doit pas dépasser les coûts causés par le trafic lourd. De plus, la RPLP, 
conformément à l'accord sur les transports terrestres avec l'UE, s'élève au plus, en moyenne 
pondérée, à 325 francs pour un trajet de frontière à frontièr e (trajet de référence Bâle - Chiasso 
300 km). La RPLP s'applique aux courses de camions à partir de 3,5 tonnes. Elle se calcule d'après 
le poids total maximal autorisé, le nombre de kilomètres parcourus en Suisse et la catégorie 
d'émission du véhicule tra cteur. Les véhicules dotés de moteurs modernes et propres paient moins 
que les véhicules anciens. La RPLP est perçue par l'Administration fédérale des douanes  (AFD). Les 
recettes sont affectées pour un tiers aux cantons et pour deux tiers à la Confédératio n. En 2016, 
les recettes nettes ont atteint 1,45 milliard s de francs. La RPLP est un élément important de la 
politique suisse de transfert. La Confédération consacre sa part des recettes en priorité au 
financement de l'infrastructure ferroviaire. Grâce à l a RPLP, la vérité des coûts et l'égalité de 
traitement entre la route et le rail existent désormais dans le monde du transport de 
marchandises.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 29 - 
 
4  CANADA  
Secretariat Report  
 
Part 2 - Trade and Investment Regime, Bilateral agreements  
(para. 2.33, page 35)  
The Secretariat Report indicates that negotiations to link the Swiss and EU systems for trading in 
CO2 emission rights were launched in 2011, and the agreement was recently initialled by both 
sides. Paragragh 4.66 of the Report also indicates that an emissi ons trading system (ETS) has 
been developed which according to the authorities is compatible with the EU ETS system. 
Paragraph 4.149 (page 153) indicates however that coupling of the respective emission trading 
schemes of EU and of Switzerland is still an unresolved question.  
 
Question 1  
Could Switzerland clarify the status of the relationship between the Swiss and EU emissions 
trading systems, and share any additional information on their experience in linking these 
systems, including elements or criteria that contributed to compatibility?  
Answer by Switzerland  
With the agreement on emissions trading Switzerland and the European Union will link their 
systems for trading CO2 emission rights (emissions trading schemes). Emissions trading aims to 
reduce the pr oduction of greenhouse gases where it is most cost -effective.  
 
Switzerland 's national ETS was set up in 2008. This scheme is comparable to the EU -ETS and is an 
important pillar of the Swiss climate policy, which will contribute to reaching a 20% reduction of 
CO2 emissions until 2020.  
 
The aim of the agreement on emissions trading is to link the two systems. The participation in the 
EU emission allowance trading scheme will enable Swiss emission allowances to be used in the EU, 
and vice versa. At the moment  we cannot give more information on our experience, because the 
systems are not yet linked.  
 
The technical negotiations were finished at the end of 2015. The agreement has been initialled by 
Switzerland in 2015 and by the EU in 2016. The agreement still ne eds to be signed and ratified.  
 
Government Report  
 
Part 1, Report by Switzerland, Trade Policy, Trade and sustainability  
(para 1.65, page 14)  
Together with its EFTA partners, Switzerland is pursuing negotiations with Ecuador, India, 
Indonesia, Malaysia and  Viet Nam. Further processes have been started with Algeria, Thailand, and 
the Russian Federation, Belarus and Kazakhstan. In parallel, Switzerland is engaged in 
negotiations on further development of several existing EFTA free trade agreements, including 
those with Mexico and Turkey. The possibility of enhancing existing FTAs with further partners, 
such as Canada and Chile, is being explored.  
 
Question 2  
Are any of these FTA negotiations expected to be concluded in 2017? Are the Parties 
contemplating inclu ding environment provisions in these FTAs?  
Answer by Switzerland  
Since 2010, Switzerland has a mandate to include provisions on sustainable development in all 
FTAs, including environment provisions.  
Many of the ongoing processes are at an advanced stage a nd we hope to be able to conclude some 
of these negotiations soon.  
 
Question 3  
Could the Parties elaborate on the aspects of the EFTA - Chile FTA that they are considering 
enhancing?  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 30 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
EFTA and Chile have in principle agreed on a moderni sation exercise which shall in particular 
include aspects on trade in goods, services, government procurement, rules of origin, trade 
facilitation and sustainable development.  
 
(para. 1.71, page 15)  
The Government Report indicates that in the course of 201 7, new regulations will become effective 
in Switzerland for imports of products from illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.  
 
Question 4  
Could Switzerland provide more information on these new regulations, including when they are 
anticipated to enter into force in 2017?  
Answer by Switzerland  
The ordinance on controlling the lawful origin of imported marine fishery products has come into 
force on 1 March 2017.  
With no direct access to the sea, Switzerland has no marine fishery industry. Neverthel ess, sea 
fish are imported and consumed in Switzerland. It is very important to Swiss consumers as well as 
the Swiss government that the fishery products that are imported have been harvested 
sustainably.  In this regard, Switzerland has adopted a legislati on on illegal, unreported and 
unregulated fishing (IUU fishing) which is in line with the EU legislation, e.g. the European Union 
Catch Certification Scheme.  
The Swiss approach relies on a risk based control system with three different risk levels:  
In the regular case, shipments need to be accompanied by a Catch Certification (CC) and need to 
be announced in advance for control at the Federal food safety and veterinary office (FSVO).  
For consignments coming from flag states with a low risk of IUU fishing , no pre -announcement and 
no CC is necessary. Canada falls into this category (as listed in annex 2), fishery products may be 
imported without a catch certificate and without a pre -declaration procedure.  
For flag states with a high IUU risk, an import ban can be imposed (currently there are no states 
on this list).  
The English version of the new IUU regulation can be downloaded from the following website: 
https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/en/home/das -blv/auftrag/vollzug/illegale -fischerei.html . 
 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  BY CANADA  
Part III. Trade Policies and Practices by Measure; Government Procurement, paragraph 
3.154, page 78  
The Secretariat Report notes that "Switz erland is in the process of ratifying the revised GPA in 
parallel with ongoing legal reforms and is expected to submit its instrument of acceptance in 
2017."  
 
Questions  
Does Switzerland anticipate delays in completing domestic reforms?  
Is the timeline fo r Switzerland to submit its instrument of acceptance for the revised GPA in 2017 
maintained?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
At federal level, the Federal Council adopted on 15 February 2017 the draft bills on the revised 
GPA and the revised law on government procu rement. The t wo Chambers of the Swiss Parliament 
are expected to deliberate on the revised GPA and the revised Law on Government Procurement in 
the course of 2017. However, the exact schedule and procedure are the prerogative of the 
Parliament only. At  cantonal level, the internal procedures for the approval of the revised cantonal 
legislation are following their normal course. Once both approval procedures are completed, 
Switzerland will be able to ratify the revised GPA.  
 
Part IV.  Trade Policies by Sector : Agriculture;  Market access; Applied MFN tariffs: 
paragrap h 4.7, page  96, subparagraph a)  
It is noted that Switzerland uses export refunds to compensate the price difference between Swiss 
prices and world prices for certain milk products.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 31 - 
 
Questions  
Could Switzerland provide details on the "standard recipe" element used for these dairy product 
tariff lines to calculate the customs duties?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Le calcul des droits de douane sur les produits transformés se base sur le montant du produit  de 
base (lait entier en poudre, lait écrémé en poudre, beurre)  contenu dans le produit transformé et 
la différence du prix du produit de base. Le montant du produit de base contenue dans le produit 
transformé est fixé dans des recettes standard. Ces recet tes sont décrites en détail dans la base 
légale (numéro d'ordonnance suisse 632.111.722).  
 
Could Switzerland explain why it is necessary to maintain these export refunds?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Les contributions à l'exportation ont le but de compenser l'in dustrie alimentaire exportatrice suisse 
pour les désavantages concurrentiels qui résultent à cause du niveau élevé des prix des produits 
agricoles suisse. L'an dernier, la Suisse a lancé le processus législatif visant à mettre en œuvre la 
décision de Nairo bi concernant la concurrence à l'exportation. Le paquet de mesures est 
actuellement en préparation pour la phase parlementaire. Il est prévu que l'abolition contributions 
à l'exportation  entre en vigueur début 2019.  
 
Part IV.  Trade Policies by Sector:  Agriculture;  Market access; Tariff quotas: 
paragraph  4.12, page  98: 
The Secretariat Report notes that Switzerland 's tariff -quota commitment for dairy products is 
divided into six sub -quotas and that the sub -quotas for butter and whole milk powder are 
auctioned .  
 
Question s 
Could Switzerland provide details on the HS codes contained in each sub -quota, and provide the fill 
rates of each sub -quota for butter and whole milk powder?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The tariff -quota commitment for dairy products forms part of Switzerland's WTO commitments. 
The sub -quota of the tariff -quota commitment for dairy products is implemented to address 
specific market conditions. Sub -quota No. 07.4 for butter contains the HS codes 0405.1011, 
0405.1091 and 0405.9010. Sub quota No.07.3 f or milk powder contains the HS codes 0402.2111 
and 0402.2911. In order to have more detailed information about the sub -quotas, please consult 
the relevant regulation  (https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified -
compilation/20110403/201308010000/916.01.pdf ).  
 
When are the sub -quotas for butter and whole milk powder auctioned and who can bid on these 
quotas?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Auctions take place in October/No vember to import the whole year and for milk powder a second 
takes place in April/Mai to import from July until December. All holders of "general import permits" 
(GIPs) can bid. GIPs are issued by the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) upon applications  from 
natural and juristic persons as well as companies that are resident or have their head offices in 
Switzerland.  
 
How are the other sub -quotas administered? For what products?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The sub -quote 07.1 "fresh milk of zone franche to p rovide the region of Geneva" is administered 
by the local duty office. The sub -quota 07.03 "yoghurt" is administered on a first -come -first-
served basis.  The other sub -quotas are not administered.  
 
Part IV.  Trade Policies by Sector; (4.1)  Agriculture: (4.1. 2) Domestic support; (4.1.2.1) 
Direct Payments; Paragraph 4.18, page 99  
The Secretariat Report mentions that Switzerland 's "new direct payment system is more complex" 
and that the new d irect payments will change from a set of 13 measures to a total of 21 m easures.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 32 - 
 
Question  
With this more complex system, could Switzerland please explain how it will ensure that these new 
more targeted direct payments won 't affect a producer 's production decisions in particular direct 
payments related to "farmland payments" a nd "production systems"?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Farmland payments are area payments with the main function to maintain farming in especially 
difficult conditions to maintain a cultivated landscape in mountainous areas and on alpine summer 
pastures. These payments do not affect producer's production decisions, because they are not 
coupled to a specific production activity . They are coupled to natural/ geographic conditions (i.e. 
area payment for all steep slopes, area payment for all land in mountainous regi ons). 
Payments for production systems are area - and per -head-related payments to provide incentives 
for environmentally and animal -friendly production systems. These payments are not affecting 
producer's production decisions  i.e. the payment for animal fri endly production is for all animals 
with the aim to encourage animal welfare. The payment is identical per standardized head of the 
animal production activity. For example, the payment per beef and dairy cow amounts to the same 
level and is therefore not a ffecting the decision to produce beef meat or milk.  
 
Part IV.  Trade Policies by Sector:  Agriculture;  Domestic support; Direct payments: 
paragraph  4.22, page  100:  
Under the above mentioned paragraph, Switzerland mentions a new measure which provides 
paymen ts of 200 SwF/ha "for pasture -based dairy and meat production". The amount paid in 2014 
and 2015 is stated in Table 4.1 of the Secretariat Report.  
 
Question  
What percentage of these payments went to dairy production as opposed to meat production?  
 
Answer b y Switzerland  
About 80% of the payment went to dairy production and 20% went to meat production.  
 
Part IV.  Trade Policies by Sector:  Agriculture;  Domestic support; Market support 
measures: paragraph  4.30, page  101: 
It is noted that Switzerland notifies pri ce support through administered prices, mainly for bovine 
meat, pig meat, milk, and poultry meat. It is also stated that "according to the authorities, 
Switzerland does not apply administered prices" but rather "observed" prices as close as 
practicable to the first point of sale are used to calculate the support. These "observed" prices are 
based on prices "observed by the Federal Office for Agriculture and price data provided by 
agricultural organizations"  
 
Question  
Could Switzerland elaborate on the sourc es of these prices and when these observations take place 
by the Federal Office for Agriculture?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland's AMS calculation is carried out in compliance with Annex 3 of the Agreement on 
Agriculture. In particular, for the determin ation of the observed prices, Annex 3, Para 7 of the 
Agreement on Agriculture is applied. The official price observations by the Federal Office for 
Agriculture form part of a standardized procedure that takes place on a yearly basis.   
 
Part IV.  Trade Polic ies by Sector:  Agriculture;  Domestic support; Milk: paragraph  4.31, 
page  102: 
It is noted that the Liechtenstein Government provided SwF 12 million to modernize the dairy 
sector between 2005 and 2012.  
 
Question s 
What types of activities are funded under th is modernization scheme?  
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
In Liechtenstein, there were five types of support measures available for the dairy sector: support 
for investments (Investitionshilfen, red), sales promotion (Absatzförderung, yellow), project 
financing (P rojektfinanzierung, bl ue), contribution to infrastructure (Infrastrukturbeiträge, green) WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 33 - 
 
and processing premiums (Verarbeitungsprämien, light yellow). The table below shows the 
distribution in more detail:  
 
  
 
Is this financial support to modernize the sector available beyond the 2005 -2012 period?  
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
The program me was continued until 2015 and is now concluded. In total, the support amounted to 
SwF 12,059,021. 
 
What conditions were producers required to meet in order to receive financial support from this 
program me? 
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
In accordance with the respective legislation (regulation regarding the support of the dairy sector), 
the support was available for all milk processing enterprises. Due to the small size of the country, 
4 enterprises benefitted from the program me.  
 
Part IV.  Trade Policies by Sector:  Agriculture;  Domestic support; Milk: paragraph  4.32, 
page  102 
It is noted t hat Liechtenstein dairy farmers benefit from direct payments (Table 4.3), in addition to 
a subsidy for milk processed into cheese.  
 
Question  
What is the annual amount of dairy farm revenues in Liechtenstein?  
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
Dairy farmers in Liecht enstein following the so called „integrated production" method achieved an 
average yearly agricultural income for the years 2011 -2015 of SwF 56, 000. In comparison, 
farmers producing bio -milk achieved an average yearly income of SwF 124, 000 over the same 
period. Below a table from the Liechtenstein Agricultural Report 2015 showing the development 
2011-2015 based on a sample of 34 dairy farms:  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 34 - 
 
 
 
Part IV.  Trade Po licies by Sector; (4.1)  Agriculture:  (4.1.3) Export subsidies: (4.1.2.1) 
Direct Payments; Paragraph 4.39, page 104  
 
The Secretariat Report notes that the "export subsidy budget for 2015 was increased  from 
SwF 70 million to SwF 95.6 million, following the a ppreciation of the Swiss Franc when the 
minimum exchange rate of 1.2 0 SwF per euro was lifted on 15 January 2015."  
 
Question  
With the recent increase of 36.6% of the export subsidy budget in 2015, could Switzerland provide 
details on its plan to conform to  the elimination of all export subsidies by the end of 2020?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland abolished export subsidies on agricultural base products already in 2009, while it 
continues to grant export refunds to certain processed agricultural products containing selected 
basic dairy products and selected certain cere al products in conformity with para. 6 f ootnote 4 of 
the Nairobi Ministerial Decision on export competition. The budget amounts are substantially below 
the entitlements in the schedule of Sw itzerland -Liechtenstein.  
 
The Swiss Government is currently working on a legislative reform package. A draft package of 
measures was submitted to a public consultation in September 2016 including the complete 
elimination of all remaining export subsidies. The reform is expected to enter into force in January 
2019.  
 
Part IV.  Trade Policies by Sector; (4.1)  Agriculture:  (4.1.3) Export subsidies; Paragraph 
4.41, page 105  
The report states that "the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Researc h 
opened a public consultation in 2016 (closed on 19 January 2017) to address the phase -out of 
export subsidies for processed agricultural products. The proposal under consideration contains 
two instruments: new product -specific support for milk and cereal s for human consumption that 
would be granted in the form of direct payments to farmers; and a facilitated inward processing 
regime for basic dairy products and cereals."  
 
Question  
Could Switzerland provide more information about the proposal for the faci litated inward 
processing regime for dairy products and cereals?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The facilitation of inward processing is foreseen as an accompanying measure within the reform 
package to completely abolish the remaining export subsidies. Once approv ed by the Parliament, 
Switzerland will be in a position to provide detailed information about the measures of the reform.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 35 - 
 
Part IV.  Trade Policies by Sector:  Agriculture;  Export subsidies: paragraph  4.46, 
page  106 
It is noted that Switzerland 's price suppo rt estimate (PSE) in 2015 was "62% in 2015 (up from 
49% in 2013), meaning that almost two thirds of farmers' revenues were due to support policies".  
 
Questions  
Could Switzerland provide data that would explain the increase of its PSE by 13% within two 
years? Is this increase primarily due to farmers revenue declining or to an increase of producer 
support?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Annually changes in the PSE very often do not refer to national political measures, but to changes 
on international markets, in pa rticular in exchange rates changes. As the PSE is calculated in US $ 
and Euro, such exchange rates changes are reflected in PSE movements. The main reason for the 
sharp increase of Swiss PSE between 2013 and 2015 is mainly due to the reduction of world pric es 
in US$ and a sharp strengthening of the SwF related to the end of intervention of the Swiss 
Central Bank in this period. This development is reflected as well in the decomposition of change in 
PSE (see "Switzerland", in Agricultural Policy Monitoring an d Evaluation 2016): the budgetary 
payments decreased by -0.1%, i.e. the Swiss administration did not introduce any new measures 
which lead to an increasing market price support as part of the PSE.  
 
Is this trend expected to continue in the coming years?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The PSE refers to agriculture' s support in absolute terms (Sw F) and relative terms (% of total 
value of production). Based on the latest PSE data the OECD Monitoring report shows a Swiss PSE 
ranging between US$7,175 Mio (1995 -97) and US$7,288 Mio (2016) in nominal terms, 
respectively 65.1% (1995 -97) and 58.2% (2016) in relative terms (to be published in summer 
2017). It is important to emphasize that the figure for 2016 is only provisional at the 2017 
Monitoring report, which has been the case for the 2015 -figure at the 2016 Monitoring report. The 
2015-figure at the 2017 Monitoring report is 59%.This difference in provisional and final figures is 
to be explained (1) mainly by the methodology of data collecting itself and (2) by a consol idation 
of Swiss data (e.g. we faced some double -counting of payments referring to our current 
agricultural policy framework AP2014 -17). Thus we expect the trend for the coming years to follow 
the past development.  
The PSE reflects only partly the agricult ural policy of a country. It is worth mention as well that to 
get a complete picture on agriculture's support, the PSE but also additional supports (via 
consumers and knowledge and innovation system) needs to be considered. Furthermore, it needs 
to be cons idered that the PSE methodology do neither refer to national cost environments nor to 
purchasing power of respective countries.  
 
Part IV.  Trade Policies by Sector; (4.1)  Agriculture:  (4.1.4) 4.1.4 Level of support; 
Paragraph 4.47, page 107  
It is noted that  "the arrows in the chart suggest that Swiss agricultural policy has generally been 
heading in the right direction, but the process of market -oriented reforms needs to be faster to 
enhance the competitiveness of Swiss agriculture."  
 
Question  
What is Switze rland's plan to enhance the competitiveness of Swiss agriculture through market -
oriented reforms?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The increase of competitiveness is already a goal of the current agricultural policy 14 -17. 
Switzerland's agricultural policy is orient ed to -wards a long -term strategy and built upon stable, 
foreseeable and coherent conditions for farming which permits mid - and long -term improvements 
of competition parameters such as efficiency and effectiveness of the sector as a whole. Based on  
sound ev aluations of the current agricultural policy framework AP2014 -17 we continue to develop 
Swiss agricultural policies. The Swiss Government will soon decide about strategic directions of 
reforms for the agricultural policy after 2022.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 36 - 
 
5  EUROPEAN UNION  
WT/TPR /S 355  
 
Page 45 para 3.18 on tariffs . "Switzerland -Liechtenstein's tariffs schedule consists exclusively of 
specific rates".  
 
EU Question N°1  
Does Switzerland consider adopting the ad valorem tariffs used by OECD countries in particular in 
light of the lac k of predictability of the current system which consists of specific rates and of the 
fact that in some cases, for example under the GSP schemes, the ad valorem  equivalent may be 
higher than the ad valorem  equivalent of the MFN imports because imports from  GSP recipients 
have lower unit prices than the MFN imports?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
La Suisse n'envisage pas de modifier son système de droits de douane. En outre, l'article II GATT 
ne prescrit pas quel type de droit de douane les membres de l'OMC doiven t utiliser. La seule 
obligation est de ne pas dépasser les taux des droits consolidés dans les listes de concessions. La 
Suisse est membre de l'OMC depuis 1995 et sa liste de concessions contenant les droits de douane 
spécifiques a été acceptée par les mem bres de cette organisation. Par le passé la Suisse a signalé 
que dans le contexte d'une négociation multilatérale, elle serait prête à réexaminer ce point.  
 
Page 50 para 3.1.4.4 Other duties and charges  
Para 3.32 and 3.48  refer to "compulsory reserve stock s requirements to finance reserve stocks 
on certain goods".  
 
EU Question N°2  
Could Switzerland explain what are the modalities of those reserve stocks managed by 
respectively HELVECURA for medical products, AGRICURA for fertilizers, CARBURA for energy 
except gas and PROVISION SUISSE for gas? How do they operate, what are their objectives and 
their impact? What is the level of those fees? How can EU exporters get information about those 
fees? Does SECO publish information on those fees collected and if not,  how can the EU have such 
information?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Under The compulsory stocks system, the federal government determines the goods for which 
stocks must be held. The government also defines the level of such compulsory stocks, by setting 
the per iod for which inventories should satisfy average domestic consumption (demand coverage). 
Goods which are subject to the compulsory stock system include certain basic foodstuffs, 
fertilizers, fuels and therapeutic products. All companies which import a set minimum quantity of 
such goods or which are their initial distributors on the Swiss market, are obliged to conclude a 
compulsory stock agreement with the Swiss confederation. These agreements set out the good in 
question, the quantity, the quality, and the  location at which the stocks are to be held.  
 
Under the compulsory stocks system, the affected sectors of the economy have the option of 
setting up organizations under private law to finance warehousing costs. These constructs are 
known as compulsory sto ck organizations. Such organizations currently exist for liquid fuel 
(Carbura), natural Gas (Provisiogas), food and feedstuffs (réservesuisse), therapeutic products 
(Helvecura) and fertilizers (Agricura). Compulsory stock organizations may set up guarantee  funds 
on the basis of the National Economic Supply Act. Companies which import goods which are 
subject to compulsory stockpiling, or are the initial distributors of such goods on the Swiss market, 
pay a contribution to the guarantee fund. Guarantee funds are administered by the compulsory 
stock organizations and are used to cover the costs and price risks incurred by the companies 
concerned as a result of holding compulsory stocks. The federal government enables companies to 
finance their strategic stocks on preferential terms by acting as guarantor for the relevant loa ns. 
The compulsory stock organiz ations also carry out certain tasks which are delegated to them by 
the Swiss Confederation. Currently, these include conducting compulsory stock checks on comp any 
premises, as well as issuing and cancelling general import licences. The levels of the fees depend 
of the nature of the products companies import or put the first time on the domestic market. The 
stockholding organizations are informing the companies a bout the stockholding system and the 
fees. The fees are also available on the internet site of the corresponding stockholding 
organization.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 37 - 
 
Page 51 para 3.33 " Since ODCs bound at zero and applied tariffs often equal the bound rates, it 
is possible that th e sum of tariff and guarantee fund contributions may exceed Switzerland's bound 
commitments on several tariff lines at present (Table 3.7)".  
 
EU Question N°3  
What measures does Switzerland take to avoid that the applied tariffs be above the bound rates? 
Why are not these duties & charges equally applied to domestic companies following the National 
Treatment Principle?  
 
Answer by Switzerland   
Switzerland is conscious that the contribution fees to the guarantee funds exceed the bound rates 
for coffee and ric e imported under certain customs  tariff number s. The competent federal offi ce 
has therefore asked the two concerned compulsory stock organizations to submit a solution by the 
end of September 2017 in order to solve the problem. There are mainly two possible solutions to 
be considered. Either will the contribution fees to the guar antee funds be assured by public funds 
or all initial distributions of such goods on the Swiss market will be treated equally, irrespective of 
the origin of the goods. The new solution will be put into effect in 2018 or 2019.  
 
Import costs and e -commerce  
 
The fact that low value shipments face high fees for custom procedures (minimum 11,5 SWF +3 % 
of the value of the good for low value items), is at the expense of postal shipments. From 
1.1.2018 onwards, the suppression of the de minimis rule for VAT may h ave the following impact: 
invoices of less than 62,5 SWF (5 SWF VAT at 8%) will face high custom procedures costs. This 
may be at the expense of e commerce.  
 
EU Question N°4  
Does Switzerland intend to introduce accompanying simplification measures to faci litate e -
commerce?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Un des objectifs de la révision de la LTVA (loi sur la TVA) est de contraindre les fournisseurs qui 
effectuent des livraisons pour plus de 100'000 francs de biens dont l'importation est franche 
d'impôt (5 francs e t moins de TVA) de s'enregistrer en Suisse en tant que contribuable TVA.  
 
Concrètement cela signifie que le fournisseur étranger, contribuable TVA, devra figurer comme 
importateur dans la déclaration d'importation et qu'à ce titre, il pourra grouper les en vois destinés 
à la Suisse sur une seule et même déclaration d'importation. La TVA sera facturée à l'importateur 
qui lui -même facturera cette TVA aux destinataires des envois.  
 
Si les fournisseurs étrangers groupent leurs dédouanements, la charge administra tive pour le 
dédouanement devrait diminuer.  
Pour les fournisseurs étrangers non enregistrés en tant que contribuable TVA (qui n'effectuent pas 
des livraisons pour plus de 100 000 francs de bien s par année), la limite de 5 francs de TVA 
subsiste.  
 
Page 62 p ara 3.74 reads "The practice of privileged tax treatment of earnings abroad for 
holding, domiciliary and mixed companies operating internationally (so -called "ring fencing") by 
Swiss cantons has been criticized by the OECD and by the EU. The Swiss Federal Parliament 
adopted a third series of Corporate Tax Reform (CTRIII) measures on 17 June 2016, specifically 
addressing these "ring fencing" issues. However, CTRIII was rejected in a popular vote on 12 
February 2017. The Federal Council will analyse the resul t of the vote and develop a new bill.  " 
 
EU Question N°5  
Could Switzerland give some more detail about content and timing of a new bill on corporate tax 
reform?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
On 22 February 2017, the Swiss government mandated the Federal Departme nt of Finance (FDF) 
to draw up the cornerstones of a new reform proposal. The FDF formed a Steering Group together 
with representatives of the Swiss cantons, which is directing the work in progress. The Swiss 
government intends to decide on the cornerstone s by end of June 2017. Afterwards the Swiss WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 38 - 
 
government will decide on a legislative proposal based on these cornerstones. In 2018, the two 
chambers of the Federal Parliament are scheduled to decide on the tax reform bill. Within 
100 days, a referendum on t he federal reform bill can be called for. In summary and subject to 
due process of law, a new federal tax reform bill can enter into force by 1 January 2019 at the 
earliest. Cantons will have to be granted a specified period to bring their proper legislati on in line 
with the modified federal framework legislation.  
 
Page 69 para 3.106 Exceptions to the Cassis de Dijon principle  
 
The products non covered by the Cassis de Dijon principle and subject of for example measures 
such as" import permits" are subject  of an indicative negative list.  
 
EU Question N°6  
What are the reasons for the "limited commercial use" of the Cassis de Dijon principle for the 
purpose of marketing imported foodstuffs?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Cassis de Dijon principle applies to fo odstuffs. Since foodstuffs are particularly sensitive from a 
public health perspective, a special procedure has been foreseen. This procedure was designed 
according to a procedure in force in Germany. To market foodstuff in Switzerland that fail to 
comply with the Swiss technical regulations, an authorisation must be obtained. This process may 
reduce the use of the Cassis de Dijon principle.  
 
Page 69 para 3.107  states " In 2013, the SECO issued a preliminary, generally positive 
assessment of the economic imp act of the "Cassis de Dijon" principle. However, it found no 
empirical evidence for the expected price declines due to enhanced import competition and parallel 
imports – in any case, because of the appreciation of the Swiss franc, price effects would be 
difficult to isolate, according to the SECO.72 However, in a recent assessment, the SECO 
concluded that the numerous exceptions diminish the effectiveness of the "Cassis de Dijon" 
principle."  
 
EU Question N°7: In line with SECO 's report referred in paragraph  3.107, is Switzerland 
planning to get rid of the exceptions that are laminating the effectiveness of the "Cassis 
de Dijon" principle?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The exceptions are reviewed on a regular basis by law and repealed whenever possible. Some 
excep tions however reflect similar provisions of neighbouring  countries (e.g. authoriz ation for 
foodstuffs in Germany or emission limits for small combustions in Austria).  
 
Pages 74 -79 competition issues and comparatively high level of prices in Switzerland 
compared to EU  
 
EU Question N°8  
Taking into consideration that limited competition in various industries has resulted in higher 
prices of certain products and services compared to European markets, are Swiss authorities 
planning to focus more closely on food retailing activities in Switzerland?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
At the moment, the Swiss Competition Commission COMCO and/or its Secretariat are not planning 
a special focus on food retailing activities in Switzerland. However, the Secretariat deals with 
competition law questions that are related to the retail sale of daily consumer goods on a regular 
basis.  
 
In 2012 and 2013, the Secretariat of the COMCO carried out a study with regards to the topic of 
the incomplete pass -through of exchange rate benefits. I t sent questionnaires to 22 well -known 
manufacturers of branded goods and to the three largest Swiss grocery store chains. It did find 
higher prices in Switzerland than abroad and some possible explanations of these higher prices, 
but no violation of the C artel Act (for more information on the study in French, German or Italian, 
see https://www.weko.admin.ch/weko/fr/home/actualites/ transmission -incomplete -des-
avantages -de-cours -de-change.html ). 
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 39 - 
 
EU Question N°9  
Taking into account that Swisscom, a public company, held 62% of the Swiss market share 
according to Box 4.11 (pg.132), what are the measures that Switzerland competition aut hority 
takes to ensure that there is sufficient competition and no risk of abuse of dominant position?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The COMCO regularly analyses the telecommunication sector and is in contact with the competitors 
of Swisscom as well as with Swi sscom itself. This enables the COMCO to promptly gain knowledge 
of possible risks of an abuse of a dominant position from market participants. There is also a close 
cooperation between the COMCO and the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM). The two 
authorities regularly share market information about recent developments in the 
telecommunication sector within and outside Switzerland. Furthermore, the COMCO has 
prosecuted Swisscom and imposed sanctions for its abuse of its dominant position.  
 
Page 74 para  3.134 refers to bilateral agreements.   
EU Question N°10  
Does Switzerland have a roadmap to discuss additional bilateral agreements in competition?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland is currently exploring the possibility to negotiate such agreements with  neighbouring 
countries; however, there is no road map with defined scope or timeline  
 
Page 89 para 3.194 states that " The "Swissness legislation" also permits the registration of a 
previously recognized geographical indication as a geographical trademark.  This new IP title is 
introduced as an additional instrument in order to further facilitate the protection and enforcement 
of GIs' rights abroad under trademark law regimes. A geographical mark may be used by any 
person provided that the requirements of th e GI regulations are fulfilled, and the holder of a 
geographical mark may prohibit others from using the mark in the course of trade for identical or 
comparable goods where such use contravenes the regulations. However, the proprietor of a 
geographical mar k cannot oppose the registration of a later trademark that contains the 
geographical indication and is applied on goods fulfilling the GI regulations . (…) "  
 
EU Question N°11  
Could Switzerland confirm that foreign Geographical Indic ations (previously recog nized) are also 
permitted to be registered as geographical trademark in Switzerland?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Yes, foreign Geographical Indications are also permitted to be registered as geographical marks. 
The registration of a geographical mark may be re quested by:  
a) the group which obtained the registration of the appellation of origin or the geographical 
indication in Switzerland, or where such group no longer exists, the representative group 
which is responsible regarding the protection of this appellati on of origin or geographical 
indication;  
b) the Swiss canton that protects the appellation of origin or the foreign authority responsible 
for the regulation of wine appellations corresponding to Art. 63 of the Law on Agriculture, 
as well as the group that obt ained the protection of such a foreign wine appellation;  
c) the umbrella organization of an economic sector for which the Swiss government has 
enacted a specific ordinance or which acts on the basis of on an equivalent foreign 
regulation.  
 
Page 88 para 3.190  on "Swissness". According to the new system, only those products that have 
60% of their production cost originating in Switzerland can be called "Swiss". However the 
Secretariat report does not give details about the implementation and on the composition o f the 
60% threshold nor does it clarify if research is part of the 60% threshold. Cosmetics and watches 
are so far covered by this "Swissness" concept. The EU has a number of clarification requests.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 40 - 
 
EU Question N°12  
What prompted the decision to issue two  sectoral regulations on watches and cosmetics?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The purpose of the Swissness rules is the protection of consumers against deceptive and false 
indications of source on goods and services. The use of Swiss indications of source on pr oducts 
and services is optional. However, the criteria defined in the Swissness rules apply if such 
indications are used on goods or services. No authorisation procedure applies. At this point in time, 
it is therefore, not expected that the Swiss rules wil l have an impact on the import of components 
or price levels.  
EU Question N° 13  
How does the Switzerland assess the impact of the new Swissness rules on imports of inputs and 
on the level of prices?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
According to Art. 50 of the Swi ss Trademark Law, organi zations representative of the relevant 
economic sector may submit to the Federal Council a draft proposal defining in greater detail the 
requirements under which a Swiss indication of source may be used for specific goods and servic es 
in that economic sector. Representativeness of the sectorial organi zation is examined by the 
Government ahead of any legislative process. After examination and, where needed, amendments, 
the Government will send the revised draft proposal to public cons ultation. In this public and 
inclusive process, interested professional and trade associations as well as any other interested 
third persons or organi zations (including competitors not represented in the respective 
organi zation) may comment on the draft pr oposal and submit their own proposals. In light of the 
responses and after an analysis of the interests at stake, the draft might then again be amended 
before its submission to the competent authorities for enactment. The Law thus provides for a 
broad and inclusive process to ensure maximum participation of interested stakeholders.  
 
EU Question N° 14  
What is the exact role of representatives of sectoral organi zations under the new Swissness rules 
and how does Switzerland make sure that this role is not exe rcised to the detriment of competitors 
not represented by the organizations?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The public consultation on the draft bill showed that modernising copyright law is generally 
welcomed although views on the course to take diverged widely . The Federal Department of 
Justice and Police FDJP had therefore clarified outstanding issues from the consultation on the 
revision with the relevant stakeholders in the so called AGUR 12 II process. From these talks, a 
number of shared understandings eme rged:  
The fight against piracy should occur where it is most effective, namely with hosting providers who 
can act quickly and in a targeted manner. Swiss hosting providers should rapidly remove affected 
content in cases of copyright infringement via their  servers. Self -regulation is paramount, which 
already works successfully today. Hosting providers shall ensure through a "stay down" that 
copyright infringements, once eliminated, also remain eliminated. It should also be explicitly laid 
down in law that t he processing of data for the prosecution of copyright infringement is 
permissible.  
The package also includes a series of further measures for modernising Swiss copyright law: an 
inventory index privilege for the benefit of users and consumers, a royalty -free exception for 
scientific purposes as well as the use of orphan works. For creative artists, the package contains 
an extension of the period of protection for related rights, protection for photographs lacking 
individuality and remuneration for authors and performers for video -on-demand uses. Finally, the 
compromise also includes the introduction of extended collective licensing, improvements in the 
tariff approval process as well as electronic user notification to the collective rights management 
organi zations.  
The FDJP is now reviewing the outcome of this extended stakeholder process and will submit a 
proposal on how to proceed to the Swiss Government by the end of 2017. Should the Swiss 
Government pass a proposal for an amendment, parliamentary delibe rations would follow.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 41 - 
 
Para 3.205 and 3.206  
 
EU Question N°15  
Could Switzerland provide additional clarifications as to next steps and envisaged measures to be 
addressed by the Swiss Government in the revision of the Copyright Act to improve the protection  
and enforcement of copyright?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Rogue sites cannot be reached through autoregulation such as the "code of conduct hosting" by 
the Swiss Internet Industry Association (SIMSA ). As a consequence, the draft bill will likely include 
a provision requiring hosting providers whose technical or commercial design encourages piracy to 
ensure the "stay down" of prior notified infringing content. In line with the report of the Federal 
Council on civil responsibility of Internet service providers  
(https://www.ejpd.admin.ch/dam/data/bj/aktuell/news/2015/2015 -12-110/ber -br-f.pdf), the draft 
bill does not provide for specific "safe harbor" provisions for i nternet service providers . 
With regard to the right of information, the draft bill will likely include a legal basis for the initial 
collection of preliminary evidence in order to request criminal enforcement in case of copyright or 
neighboring rights infr ingements. As the Copyright Law revision is work -in-progress and an 
ongoing dialogue and negotiation process, it is, however, impossible at this point in time to 
comment in more detail and comments made are of provisional nature.  
 
EU Question N°16  
Concern ing enforcement in the digital environment, could Switzerland provide additional 
information on envisaged amendments to ISP liability provisions and improvement of the "notice 
and take -down procedure"?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland does not pay expo rt subsidies for dairy products since 2009. Therefore no quantities 
were notified in the Swiss ES:1 WT 2015.  
The average production of C -segment milk in the period 2014 –2016 amounted t o 2.0% (2014: 
1.7%, 2015: 1.9 %, 2016: 2. 5%). The total Swiss milk produ ction was 3.46 m ton nes (2014: 3.51, 
2015: 3.46, 2016: 3.41).  
 
EU Question N° 17  
Will the reform tackle the issue of "right to information" for the identification of the infringer in the 
context of on -line piracy?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
No, all licences (automatic and non -automatic) are limited in time.  
 
Page 102 para 4.34 states that " 1.9% of Swiss milk production is C -milk (and that this milk is 
exported partly financed with a fee of SWF 0.35/kg marketed milk paid by the milk producers). 
Taking into acc ount the WTO panel report in case DS 265, and the arguments in this report on 
cross-subsidisation between A and B quota and exported C -quota quantities ",  
 
EU Question N°18  
How is the C -segment milk production included in the Swiss ES:1 WT notification? Wh ich quantities 
of the total quantity notified under ES:1 is coming from the C -segment (quantity of Butter and 
SMP as well in milk equivalent). What is the total production for the C -segment over the last three 
years?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
All the licence s can be transferred except where there are special requirements (e.g. kosher or 
halal meat).  
 
Agriculture. Tariff quotas  
 
Page 97 section 4.1.1.2 stresses the complexity and lack of transparency of the tariff quotas 
(preferential tariff quotas being somet imes mixed with non -preferential and many sub quotas may 
be further sub -divided)  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 42 - 
 
EU Questions N°19  
Are there non automatic import licences that apply without time limitation?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
There is a range of products not subject to import licen sing requirements, e.g. Egg products dried 
(tariff quota 10) and Egg products other (tariff quota 11); Fontal tariff quota (cheese). The full list 
of products can be seen in the relevant ordinance on imports of agricultural products (Swiss 
ordinance number  SR 916.01)  
 
EU Question N° 20  
Under which circumstances would automatic licences be non -transferable to other importers?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Preferential and non -preferential quotas are administered separately.  
With regard to the question of merging of sub quotas there are currently no such intentions.  
 
EU Question N°21  
Except  for horse and eggs, are there other products subject of TRQ but non subject of import 
licensing requirements?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
With the "prise en charge" system, tariff quota shares are granted to importers in proportion of the 
quantity of purchased goods produced locally. Every importer that buys these products from local 
producers is automatically authorized to request a tariff quota share (non -automatic license).  
Within the auction system, every importer has the possibility to make five offers for quota shares. 
The attribution is made in descending order starting with the best offer submitted in the course of 
the auctioning procedure.  
 
EU Question N°22  
How does Switzer land ensure that preferential and non -preferential quotas are properly identified 
and managed? Does Switzerland contemplate merging certain sub quotas for ex in the milk sector 
if they belong to the same category of products as was done for wine in 2001?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The quota system is a result of the Uruguay Round and has been very well used by operators since 
then. As for the near future, there are no plans to change this system.  
 
EU Question N°23  
Can Switzerland provide details on the functio ning of the "prise en charge" system? the auctions?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland does not pay export subsidies for dairy products since 2009. Therefore there is no risk 
that the exports of C -segment milk could benefit from export subsidies.  
 
EU Ques tion N°24: Is Switzerland planning to simplify those parts of the tariff allocation 
system which undermine the pursued commitments by tariff quotas to facilitate trade 
exchange for certain products?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss measures are not compa rable with the WTO panel Case DS 265. There is no public 
regulation of the quantities of milk per segment or the milk prices per segment. The quantities and 
prices for every segment are freely negotiable between the buyers and sellers of raw milk. The 
production of milk in the C -segment is not mandatory for milk producers.  
 
Page 103 -105 Section 4.1.3 export subsidies.  
 
EU Question N°25  
Could Switzerland indicate if it they plan to continue applying export subsidies and if yes, when 
Switzerland intends to a bolish them, in line with the Bali and Nairobi mandate? Could Switzerland 
inform about the results of the public consultation?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 43 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Il est prévu que l 'abolition des subventions à l 'exportation restantes entre en vigueur début 2019. 
Les subventions à l 'exportation au niveau cantonal ont d 'ores et déjà été abolies. Les subventions 
à l'exportation pour les exportations à destination des pays les moins avancés (PMA) ont 
également été abolies. Pour l 'instant, la Suisse continue d'accorder des restitutions à l'exportation 
en faveur de certains produits agricoles transformés contenant certains produits laitiers et certains 
produits céréales conformément au paragraphe 6 et la note de bas de page 4 de la Décision 
ministérielle de Nairobi sur la con currence à l'exportation.  
Un projet de paquet de mesures a fait l 'objet d 'une consultation publique en septembre 2016. 
Cette consultation s 'est achevée en janvier 2017 et le paquet de mesures est actuellement en 
préparation pour la phase parlementaire.  
 
Page 105 -107 Domestic support . The EU notes that although Switzerland is in line with OECD 
trends regarding trade and production distortion measures, Swiss farmers overall has one of the 
supports of OECD members  
 
EU Ques tion N°26  
Are Switzerland and Liechten stein taking steps to reduce the most trade distorting elements of its 
agricultural support policy?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
With the current Agricultural Policy (AP 2014 -2017), the direct payments (DP) system has been 
rearranged. This gives farmers an oppo rtunity to rethink their production portfolio and concentrate 
on those market and non -market activities in which they are most competitive given their 
individual framework conditions, including structure of costs. This will lead to a more market -
oriented s ector and a certain restructuring of the sector as a whole. This development will in turn 
provide a sound basis for successfully dealing with future challenges including possible further 
reform steps. AP 14 -17, with its new DP scheme, is an important step in the reform of 
Switzerland's agricultural policy, which will encourage the sector to successfully meet the needs 
and the expectations of the society. As shown by its high share of imports, Switzerland is an open 
economy and an attractive partner for expo rters of agricultural products. Switzerland remains 
committed to multilateral trade talks.  
 
Page 114 Regarding the conditions to provide services. The EU notes that regarding free 
service providers, there are two regulations restricting their activity: "En tsendegesetz" and 
"Ausländergesetz". Among others, requirements are that EU service providers (either self -
employed or in partnership) and workers temporarily posted in Switzerland have to be announced 
to the Swiss 8 days prior to the start of the provisio n of a service. Swiss authorities can oblige 
business to make a deposit ranging from SWF 5000 to 20000 before they are entitles to provide 
services in Switzerland.  
 
EU Question N°27: How does Switzerland make sure that the measures enacted to 
address pote ntial wage dumping by foreign services providers or detached workers do 
not hinder the provision of services disproportionately?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The agreement on the free movement of persons (FMPA) had an important and positive impact on 
both econ omies (CH and EU). Switzerland is a very attractive market for services. In 2016, more 
than 110 ,000 posted workers and self -employed service providers notified their activity in 
Switzerland. This proves that the system of the flanking measures does not hin der service 
provisions by EU -companies in Switzerland. The flanking measures and the Swiss law on the 
posting of workers protect Swiss employees as well as workers posted to Switzerland from abusive 
work conditions and salaries. The Swiss law on the postin g of workers is based on the EU -directive 
on the posting of workers (D 96/71).  
 
Switzerland strives to further improve the implementation of the flanking measures. With the 
continued improvement of the implementation, abusive work conditions and salaries can be 
combatted more effectively. Furthermore the improvements will lead to more transparency and a 
more homogenous application, which in turn will simplify the provision of services in Switzerland 
for EU -companies. In order to achieve this goal, a model for the correct application of the law has 
been created and the competent authorities are being continually trained.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 44 - 
 
Switzerland strives to implement the flanking measures in a non -bureaucratic way and to avoid 
unnecessary obstacles for the economic activ ities of EU citizens and companies. Furthermore, 
there are institutionalized contacts between Switzerland and i ts neighbouring countries 
GER/AUT/ FRA to discuss potential problems in the application of the flanking measures.  
 
EU Question N°28  
Can Switzerlan d list all the sectors for which  a deposit is needed to authoriz e the supplier to 
provide services? Why in some cases are those deposits of higher value than the amount of the 
contract to be performed?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Une liste actuelle des branch es avec une convention collective de travail (CCT) étendue est 
disponible sur le site internet du SECO2 (état au 1er mai 2017). Les conventions collectives 
étendues prévoyant une caution sont marquées d'une croix dans la liste.  
 
La caution à déposer est pr oportionnelle et justifiée par des raisons impérieuses liées à un intérêt 
général conformément à l'art 22, al. 4, annexe I, ALCP. Le montant de la caution n'est 
financièrement pas impossible à verser (la gradation selon la somme de la mission, libération d e la 
caution pour un volume de commande de moins que SwF 2 000.-) et n'est pas disproportionnée au 
regard des prestations qu'elle garantit. Les bases légales sont claires et sont réglées de façon 
transparente dans les CCT étendues. Lors d'un nouveau dépôt de caution au sein d'une branche, 
les cautions versées au préalable dans d'autres branches sont prises en considération. La caution 
peut être versée en euros ou en francs suisses.  
 
Le montant de la sanction, qui est garantie par la caution, ne dépend pas s eulement du volume de 
commande mais aussi de la gravité de l'infraction.  
 
EU Question N°29  
Does Switzerland confirm that sanctions in case of non -compliance with the conditions set for 
temporary services, the principle of "non bis in idem" has a constituti onal value? If so, in which 
sectors ?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Sanctions relevant du droit civil susceptibles d'être infligées par les commissions paritaires:  
En cas de non -respect des dispositions de l'art. 2, al. 1, LDét (pour autant qu'une convention 
collective de travail étendue contienne des dispositions dans ces domaines), les commissions 
paritaires peuvent prononcer des peines conventionnelles (cf. art. 2, al. 2quater, LDét). La 
première infraction mineure ne devrait pas être sanctionnée.  
 
Des sancti ons administratives peuvent être prononcées sur la base de l'art. 9, al. 2, LDét (entre 
autre):  
 
- En cas d'infraction à l'obligation d'annonce;  
- En cas d'infraction aux conditions de salaire et de travail;  
- En cas d'infraction d'une gravité particulièr e (cumulation des sanction administratives);  
 
  En cas du non -paiement d'une amende du droit administratif ou en cas de violation de 
 l'obligation de renseigner (interdiction d'offrir les services pour une période d'un à cinq ans ; 
 cf. art. 9, al. 2, let. e LDét)  
 
Sanctions administratives pénales qui peuvent être prononcées par les autorités cantonales 
compétentes (cf. art. 12 LDét):  
 
  En cas de violation de l'obligation de renseigner (donner des renseignements inexacts, refus 
 de donner des renseignements , opposition à un contrôle, rendre impossible un contrôle de 
 toute autre manière);  
  En cas de non -respect d'une interdiction exécutoire d'offrir des services;  
                                                
2 Viewed at: 
https://www.seco.admin.ch/seco/fr/home/Arbeit/Personenfreizugigkeit_Arbeitsbeziehungen/Gesamtarbeitsvert
raege_Normalarbeitsvertraege/Gesamtarbeitsvertraege_Bund/Allgemeinverbindlich_erklaerte_Ges amtarbeitsve
rtraege.html . WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 45 - 
 
  Dans le cas où, de façon systématique et dans un esprit de lucre, n'ont pas été garanties à 
 un travailleur les conditions minimales prévues à l'art. 2 LDét . 
 
Les peines conventionnelles ont pour objet de dissuader les employeurs fautifs de commettre des 
infractions ultérieures.  
 
Les sanctions administratives ont pour objet d'assurer le respect des obligations légales et des 
décisions souveraines et servent en conséquence à la sécurité du droit.  
 
Le principe de "ne bis in idem " est respecté, car il s'agit d'une part d'une procédure du droit civil et 
d'autre part d'une procédure administrative. Pour les deux sanctions existent deux bases légales 
différentes.  
 
EU Question N° 30  
Are there any modifications planned concerning the sanctions regime and exclusion lists?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
There are no modifications planned.  
 
Page 139 4.3.2 Postal, expr ess and courier services  
The Swiss public postal company applies different rates depending on the country of provenance of 
the packages (for border countries, the fee is lower). This seems to be a discrimination that 
creates unfair competition which might harm the online commerce with countries like Spain.  
 
EU Question N°31  
Is there a justification for applying different rates depending on the country of provenance of the 
packages? If not, does the Swiss government consider modifying the rates applied to fo reign 
packages to avoid discrimination between countries?   
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In the fully liberalized parcel market Swiss Post takes part as a public limited company. Like its 
competitors Swiss Post is obliged to declare notifiable commodities at cus toms and charges its 
retail customers a basic customs fee which differs with respect to the parcel's destination 
(neighbouring countries vs other countries). The respective pricing procedure bases - among other 
factors - upon the UPU convention that allows  postal operators which conduct the customs clearing 
on their own to charge cost based fees. Moreover, the applied pricing model was confirmed by the 
Swiss Federal agency for price surveillance within the frame of a composition in 2011. The latter 
guarante es that customs fees are cost based and risk -adjusted. Consequently, parcels which are 
more sophisticated with respect to their clearing are charged higher. Altogether, the customs fees 
are in line with the relevant law and multilateral agreements.  
 
WT/TPR /G 355  
 
Para 1.32 page 9 states that "With respect to the facilitation of imports, the Growth agenda 
2016-19 envisages autonomous measures ranging from simplified IT and VA tax procedures to 
options to remove impediments to parallel imports and raising de minimis threshold for small 
consignments.  
 
EU Question N°32  
The EU is very interested in the programme above mentioned and would like to receive more 
details about the measures envisaged, their content, and timeframe in view of their adoption and 
implement ation.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In light of the importance of open markets to the Swiss economy and the relationship between 
trade barriers and high prices, Switzerland is currently assessing the economic potential of easing 
import restrictions autonomousl y. For instance, current work is focusing on the potential of 
unilateral tariff liberalization for industrial goods, including the reduction in administrative costs. In 
this context, the economic consequences of technical barriers to trade are currently st udied, 
especially regarding the exemptions of the Cassis -de-Dijon principle which applies to imports from 
the EU. Switzerland further considers the revision of its merger control system. The aim of the WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 46 - 
 
ongoing work is to develop specific proposals by the e nd of 2017 which will enter the political 
process subsequently.  
The Swiss Customs Administration aims to modernize its business procedures and the underlying 
IT-procedures in a large transformation program me called "DaziT". The program me foresees to 
simpl ify customs procedures and will allow business operators to conduct their customs formalities 
full through electronical means without any media disruptions. The funding of "DaziT" is subject to 
parliamentary approval (still pending).  
Concerning simplificat ion on value added tax, the Swiss government agreed on 2 December 2016 
to amend a government ordinance, lowering the required threshold for a simplified VAT payment 
scheme from 50 ,000 to 10 ,000 Swiss Francs of VAT excess deduction. The scheme allows 
compan ies with regular excess deductions (more VAT returns on export than VAT payments on 
import) to directly settle its VAT accounts with the Swiss Federal Tax Administration rather than 
Swiss Customs, who is normally in charge of border -related VAT payments. T he aim of this 
amendment is to make the scheme also available to SME. The amendment of the corresponding 
customs' ordinance is planned for later this year.  
 
Currently Switzerland exempts small consignments with payable duties of less than five SwF from 
duty payment. Swiss parliament mandated the Government in September 2016 to raise the 
current threshold for customs duties, leaving it up to the Government to determine the new de 
minimis amount. The de minimis threshold for VAT for small consignments is fore seen to be 
abolished for companies which export goods in Switzerland for over Sw F 100 ,000 in consignments 
with payable VAT of less than five Swiss Francs. These exporters will have to register as VAT 
contributors in Switzerland and to pay VAT for all expor ts into Switzerland, including those with 
payable VAT of less than SWF 5 . For both changements it is not yet clear when they will enter into 
force.  
 
Page 12 para 1.49 on GPA.  
 
EU Question N°33  
What is the state of play of Switzerland preparation of its ins trument of ratification of the revised 
GPA at federal and cantonal level in the course of 2017?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
At federal level, the Federal Council adopted on 15 February 2017 the draft bills on the revised 
GPA and the revised law on government procurement. The t wo Chambers of the Swiss Parliament 
are expected to deliberate on the revised GPA and the revised Law on Government Procurement in 
the course of 2017. At cantonal level, the internal procedures for the approval of the revised 
cantonal leg islation are following their normal course. Once both approval procedures are 
completed, Switzerland will be able to ratify the revised GPA.  
 
EU Question N° 34  
How does the ongoing revision of the procurement law relate to new developments such as the 
recent decision of Ticino to apply a national preference for certain tenders? Does Switzerland 
consider these measures to be compatible with its GPA obligations and if so provide details?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In the field of government procurement, the Swis s cantons enjoy autonomy and can enact their 
own legislation, while respecting the international obligations from Switzerland. As far as the 
recent decision of the Parliament of Canton Ticino is concerned, it covers procurements below the 
GPA thresholds an d therefore does not affect the GPA obligations from Switzerland.  
 
EU Question N° 35  
How will Switzerland ensure transparency after award and how will access to documents be 
ensured?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
According to draft legislation on government pro curement, procurement entities will have to 
maintain all documents relating to the tendering procedure and award of the contract for at least 3 
years. The revised draft law on government procurement foresees that such documents are to be 
considered secret,  unless otherwise specified in the law. The Swiss government is of the view that 
such provision is justified by the legitimate expectations of the suppliers, which would like to see 
their manufacturing, business and contract secrets protected, as well as t o ensure fair and open WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 47 - 
 
competition by avoiding future concertation among suppliers in similar future tender procedures. 
Like the other provisions of the draft revised law on government procurement, the provision 
regarding access to document is subject to t he deliberations by the Parliament.  
 
Page 15 para 1.73  states that Switzerland in the period under review has developed chapters on 
trade and sustainable developments in its recent FTAs and with some countries has developed 
labour dialogues accompanying t he implementation of FTAs.  
 
EU Question N°36  
Could Switzerland give more details about the chapters on sustainable development (with which 
countries and what content) and on the labour dialogues (countries concerned, the modalities of 
the dialogue)?  
 
Answ er by Switzerland  
Afin de s'assurer que les objectifs économiques visés par la libéralisation des échanges s'articulent 
de manière cohérente avec les objectifs des politiques sociales et environnementales, les accords 
de libre -échange (ALE) conclus par la  Suisse/l'AELE intègrent des dispositions spécifiques à cet 
effet. Celles -ci prévoient entre autres la réaffirmation des obligations des parties au titre des 
accords environnementaux multilatéraux et des instruments de l'Organisation internationale du 
travail (OIT) qui leur sont applicables. Les principaux instruments en matière de droits de l'homme 
ainsi que les principes de responsabilité sociétale des entreprises (Corporate Social Responsibility) 
sont également réaffirmés. D'autres dispositions prévoient  le maintien et l'application effective des 
lois nationales en matière de travail et de protection de l'environnement, l'interdiction de les 
abaisser ou d'offrir à des entreprises de déroger à ces lois dans le but d'obtenir un avantage 
compétitif. Des mesu res promotionnelles visent encore à faciliter la diffusion de biens, services et 
technologies favorables au développement durable, y compris les biens et services au bénéfice de 
programmes ou labels promouvant des méthodes de production respectueuses de l' environnement 
et des normes sociales, dont fait par exemple partie le standard de certification RSPO (Roundtable 
on Sustainable Palm Oil).  
Depuis 2010, la Suisse a conclu des ALE incluant des dispositions de durabilité avec la Bosnie 
Herzégovine ; le Montén égro;  l'Amérique centrale;  la Chine ; Hong Kong, Chine; la Géorgie et les 
Philippines. Un tel chapitre a également été ajouté aux ALE existants ave c l'Albanie et avec la 
Serbie.  
Pour faciliter la mise en œuvre de ces dispositions, la Suisse met en place au  cas par cas des 
mesures d'accompagnement par le biais des activités de la coopération économique au 
développement, sous forme de projets ciblés et/ou dialogues institutionnels entres autorités 
compétentes. Par exemple, la Suisse a institué des dialogues b ilatéraux en matière de standards 
de travail avec les autorités compétentes de la Chine et du Viet  Nam. Les thématiques abordées 
couvrent par exemple les aspects liés au marché du travail et de la politique de l'emploi, à 
l'assurance -chômage, à la promotio n du dialogue social, à la sécurité et de la santé au travail et 
aux questions de la migration de la main -d'œuvre. En complément à ces dialogues au niveau 
politique, la Suisse soutient des projets de coopération dans ces pays comme le programme 
SCORE (Sust aining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises) de l'OIT qui vise à améliorer la 
productivité, la durabilité et la qualité des emplois dans les petites et moyennes entreprises.  
 
OTHER ISSUES  
 
Biological agriculture  
 
EU Question N°37  
Could Switzerland prov ide details on the modalities of certification of third countries' suppliers and 
the conditions attached? Is there a website or a public source of information? If not, could 
Switzerland provide further information?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
All products to b e labelled as „organic products" or with analogue definitions must meet the 
minimum requirements laid down in the Ordinance on Organic Farming and the Labelling of 
Organically Produced Products and Foodstuffs (Organic Farm ing Ordinance, SR 910.18) of 
22 September 1997.  
The legal basis for the import of organic products is the most recent version of the Organic 
Farming Ordinance, in particular Articles 22 to 24a and 26.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 48 - 
 
The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) Ordinance on 
Organic Farming (EAER Ordinance on Organic Farming, SR 910.181) of 22 September 1997 
specifies in more detail the requirements of the Organic Farming Ordinance.  
The EAER Ordinance on Organic Farming recognizes the production rules and inspection systems 
that exist in a number of countries as being equivalent to those operating in Switzerland. These 
countries are listed in Annex 4 (list of countries) of the EAER Ordinance on Organic Farming.  
The Federal Office for Agriculture FOAG recognizes certification bod ies and inspection authorities of 
countries not included in the list of countries, if the certification bodies and inspection authorities 
can prove that the products in question meet the conditions laid down in Article 22 of the Organic 
Farming Ordinance.  
More information can be found on the FOAG -website:  
https://www.blw.admin.ch/blw/fr/home/instrumente/kennzeichnung/biolandbau.html . 
 
Wine fares/promotion  
 
EU Que stion N°38  
There are many fairs where neither the distributor nor the producer are allowed to promote their 
wine, can Switzerland explain the rationale for such situations which are at the expense of the 
suppliers?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Les mesures de p romotion des ventes (mesures de communication, dégustation, rabais sur achats, 
...) concernant le vin dans le cadre de foires et de manifestations ne sont pas subordonnées à des 
restrictions particulières quant au porteur de cette promotion. De plus, des d érogations au régime 
du permis général d'importation et l'importation au taux du contingent tarifaire peuvent être 
autorisées pour les vins importés dans de telles manifestations.  
 
Road transit of animal meat  
 
EU Question N°39  
Can Switzerland explicit the conditions of transit of animal meat, in particular for horses and 
poultry?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The bilateral Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on trade 
in agricultural products (OJ L 114, 30.4.2002, p. 132) provides  a restriction to the transport by 
railway or airplane for the transit of live farm animals, as well as for slaughter horses and 
slaughter poultry; through Switzerland.  
For meat, even for meat of horses and poultry, there are no other conditions than those  laid down 
in the bilate ral agreement. These correspond  to the conditions applied within the European Union.  
 
Rabbit meat  
 
EU Question N°40  
Can Switzerland explicit the exact procedures for recognition of animal protection equivalences 
that an exporter sho uld meet? (Articles 7, 10.1, 64 and 65) of the Swiss law.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The procedure for recognition (proof of equal production standards) is not mandatory but takes 
place on a voluntary basis by the importer of the rabbit meet. In order not to sell the imported 
rabbit meat with the declaration "from production standards not allowed in Switzerland", the 
importer (not the exporter) has to prove the equivalence of the production standards to the Swiss 
authorities. Together with the request, the imp orter has to hand in different documents, among 
them an attestation of equivalence from a public accredited certification body, that confirms that 
the carriage of the rabbit meat imported is in compliance with Article 7 (1), 64 and 65 of the Swiss 
animal w elfare act (for details: Article 9 of the Agricultural Labelling Ordinance, ALO: 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified -compilation/20030958/index.html , only in German, 
French or Italian).  
Swiss authorities assess the request and inform the importer about the decision. If the request is 
approved, the Swiss authorities recognize the equivalence of the production standards for the 
duration of a year. Before the expir y of this one -year period, a request for the prolongation of the 
recognition can be filled in.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 49 - 
 
6  UKRAINE  
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/355)  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.1 Customs procedures and requir ements  
Paragraph 3.2, page 42  
The Report notes that "Switzerland and Liechtenstein ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement on 
2 September 2015 and 18 September 2015, respectively. According to the authorities, Switzerland 
complies with Section 1 of the T FA and, in 2016, established a national trade facilitation 
committee."  
It is also mentioned in the Report by Switzerland (Paragraph 1.46, page 12) that "a national trade 
facilitation committee was established in November 2016. Switzerland expects the TFA t o 
considerably simplify and expedite international business activities worldwide, in particular for 
MSMEs."  
 
Ukraine's question  
Could Switzerland kindly provide some more details about the national trade facilitation committee 
(including general procedure of its operation, main functions, related legal policy framework) and 
inform what measures are planned by this committee to ensure compliance with the TFA 
provisions?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland has established its NCTF in 2016 in accordance with TF A Article 23.2. It is not a newly 
established structure, but rather an existing entity (Steering Committee for Customs Policy) which 
deals with Customs policy, International Developments in the WCO, WTO and trade partners 
legislations, National development s, questions related to Customs tariffs, questions related to 
origin policy and questions related to customs procedures. The State Secretariat for Economic 
Affairs (SECO) and the Swiss Customs Administration co -chair the committee. The committee 
meets in i ts function as the NCTF according to demand but at least once per year. It consists of 
representatives of the SECO, the Swiss Customs Administration, Liechtenstein and the private 
sector. Other entities of the federal administration can be integrated depen ding on the agenda.  
The NTFC allows for an exchange on customs procedures and customs matters between the 
administration and economic operators. Moreover the NTFC informs about the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Committee 's activities and facilitates an exchange on the WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement. Finally, the NTFC provides a platform to address questions and concerns brought 
forward by the private sector regarding trade facilitation.  
Switzerland has already implemented all WTO TFA provisions and complies ful ly with the 
Agreement.  
 
3.1.4 Tariffs  
3.1.4.1 Applied MFN customs duties  
Paragraph 3.18, Page 45  
The Report states that "The Switzerland -Liechtenstein tariff schedule consists exclusively of 
specific rates. Despite one of the main rationales for specific duties being their administrative 
simplicity, it has been noted that their shortcomings include a lack of transparency and 
predictability. Unlike ad valorem tariffs, the level of protection by means of specific duties is not 
evident; estimating the ad valo rem equivalents (AVEs) allows the actual protection of specific 
duties to be assessed."  
 
Ukraine's question  
Could Switzerland and Liechtenstein kindly inform of its plans concerning possible changes in tariff 
policy and moving towards introduction and appl ication of more transparent ad valorem rates of 
duties?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
La Suisse n'envisage pas de modifier son système de droits de douane. En outre, l'article II GATT 
ne prescrit pas quel type de droit de douane les membres de l'OMC doivent util iser. La seule 
obligation est de ne pas dépasser les taux des droits consolidés dans les listes de concessions. La 
Suisse est membre de l'OMC depuis 1995 et sa liste de concessions contenant les droits de douane 
spécifiques a été acceptée par les membres d e cette organisation. Par le passé la Suisse a signalé WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 50 - 
 
que dans le contexte d'un plus large cycle de négociation multilatérale, elle serait prête à 
réexaminer ce point.  
 
3.1.4.4 Other duties and charges  
Paragraph 3.32, page 50  
The Report states that "The S witzerland -Liechtenstein Customs Union has bound "other duties and 
charges" (ODCs) on the tariff lines covered in their schedule of concessions at zero. However, 
Switzerland applies levies on imports of certain goods that are subject to compulsory reserve stock 
requirements to finance these reserve stocks. Under the compulsory stock system, these are called 
"guarantee funds", which are managed by five private organizations/cooperatives: CARBURA 
(energy), Réservesuisse (foodstuffs), Agricura (fertilizer), He lvecura (therapeutic products), and 
Provisiogas (natural gas), on behalf of the federal government. In the case of foodstuffs, fees are 
levied on basic foodstuffs, such as rice, sugar, coffee, edible oils and fats, cereals for bread 
making, durum wheat and  feedstuffs, which are collected by Réservesuisse (Table 3.6). These fees 
are levied in addition to customs duties. No guarantee fund contributions are levied on 
domestically produced foodstuffs (Réservesuisse) or energy products (CARBURA) subject to 
reserve stock requirements, whereas Agricura, Helvecura and Provisiogas levy fees on both 
domestic and imported goods (Section 3.1.5)."  
 
Ukraine's question  
Could Switzerland kindly elaborate on the rationale behind levying fees on imported basic 
foodstuffs and energy products  subject to reserve stock requirements in addition to customs duties 
(in comparison with domestically produced foodstuffs or energy products, on which no guarantee 
fund contributions are levied) and explain how such measure complies with obl igations under 
Article III of GATT 1994?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
There are no energy products hold as compulsory stocks that are produced in Switzerland. 
Therefore, there are no domestic competitors that could benefit from not paying guarantee fund 
contribu tions.  
As respects the guarantee funds for foodstuffs, the guarantee fund contributions are considered as 
a part of the customs tariffs determined in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.  
 
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
3.2.4 Export suppor t and promotion  
Paragraph 3.67, page 60  
The Report mentions that "Switzerland Global Enterprise (S -GE) (formerly the Swiss Office of 
Commercial Expansion), a non -profit entity under SECO, is responsible for supporting export -
orientated SMEs in Switzerland and Liechtenstein in exporting their products. Through its 21 
representative offices, or Swiss Business Hubs, it provides information, consulting, and marketing 
services."  
 
Ukraine's question  
Could Switzerland and Liechtenstein kindly indicate key sectors  of economy of Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein, development of which was the most successful due to Switzerland Global Enterprise 
activities during the past five years?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland Global Enterprise (S -GE) has been successfully focusin g its export promotion activities 
on five key sectors, i.e. life sciences, food processing, ICT, mechanical and electrical engineering 
as well as cleantech.  
 
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.4 Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  
Paragra ph 3.115, page 70  
According to the Report "The new food safety regime brings about a paradigm shift to the Swiss 
approach on food safety. The positive principle has been abolished as an unnecessary barrier to 
trade. Under the positive principle all food it ems and additives offered for sale were required to 
either be described in an ordinance or approved by the competent federal authorities – otherwise 
they were prohibited. In future, all safe food items will be allowed unless explicitly prohibited. The 
"precautionary principle" has been introduced into Swiss law."  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 51 - 
 
Ukraine's question  
Could Switzerland and Liechtenstein kindly elaborate on the implementation of the "precautionary 
principle"?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The newly introduced precautionary principle  gives Switzerland the possibility - in specific 
circumstances where a risk to life or health exists but scientific uncertainty persists - to determine 
risk management measures or other actions in order to ensure the high level of health protection 
of cons umers in Switzerland. The measures chosen must be proportionate and no more restrictive 
of trade than is required to achieve the high level of health protection chosen in Switzerland. The 
Swiss regulation is similar to the one of the European Community, la id down in 178/2002.  
 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture  
4.1.2 Domestic support  
Paragraph 4.15, page 98  
According to the Report "Since the last Review, Switzerland has implemented a new policy 
framework, the Agricultural Policy (AP) 2014 -17. The re form entered into force on 1 January 2014 
(through an amendment of the Federal Law on Agriculture) and includes a four -year budgetary 
framework (Article 6 of the Federal Law on Agriculture). At the core of the AP 2014 -17 is a re -
arrangement and fine -tuning  of the direct payments (DP) system, to improve the efficiency and 
effectiveness of the measures, to reallocate some of the subsidies from livestock and dairy 
production to the arable sector and marginal areas, and to address conflicts with WTO Green Box 
criteria."  
 
Ukraine's question  
Could Switzerland kindly inform on preliminary results of the Agricultural Policy (AP) 2014 -17 
implementation, in particular realization of such core tasks as improvement of the efficiency and 
effectiveness of the measures, re allocation of some of the subsidies, addressing conflicts with WTO 
Green Box criteria and strengthening competitiveness of the agricultural sector in whole?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Improving efficiency and effectiveness:  the impact of the AP 2014/17 on this  two core tasks is  
currently evaluated by several  program mes, specific evaluation studies. Preliminary results 
indicate a positive effect on both. But since the relevant data becomes available only temporally -
delayed, current analyses can base in the major ity of cases only on a two year time row (2014 and 
2016). This is too short for coming up already with a solid final conclusion.  
Reallocation of for example per head subsidies/strengthening marginal areas : cattle 
livestock decreased slightly from 2014 unti l 2016, but not stronger than before the implementation 
of the AP 2014/17 (which started from 1 January 2014). Thus, we cannot argue that the 
abolishment of 'per head subsidies' enforced the decreasing trend. On the other hand, we can 
clearly observe that the decreasing number of grazing cattle on alpine pastures (marginal area) 
has been stopped successfully. This can be seen as a direct effect of the reallocation of subsidies 
towards marginal areas.  
Competitiveness of the agricultural sector: Since the AP 14-17 reduced the amount of DP in 
the plain region;  the farmers themselves are faced with the increased need for competitiveness -
enhancing efforts. This qualitative conclusion can be backed up by the fact that the increasing 
trend of sectoral labor product ivity can be observed also after 2014.  
 
REPORTS BY SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN (WT/TPR/G/355)  
 
1 REPORT BY SWITZERLAND  
1.3 Economic Policy  
1.3.1 Growth agenda  
Paragraph 1.28, Page 9  
The Report notes that "Between 2012 and 2015, the Government`s Growth Ag enda also 
comprised efforts aimed at reform of the agricultural sector, expansion of Switzerland`s network 
of preferential trade agreements, deepening of the economic relationship with the EU, reform of 
corporate taxation, improvement of IT infrastructure,  promotion of e -government and reduction of 
red tape."  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 52 - 
 
Ukraine's questions  
Could Switzerland kindly clarify measures stipulated in the Government's Growth Agenda 2012 -
2015 for improvement of IT infrastructure, promotion of e -government and reduction of r ed tape? 
What was the effect of such measures, in particular with regard to productivity and 
competitiveness?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Regarding the IT infrastructure broadband access in Switzerland is largely based on cooper cables 
and not fibre optic. This  might pose a problem in the future. Switzerland 's approach in the telecom 
market is to strengthen private competition while providing a  basic supply through a public call for 
tenders. Insofar the expansion and renewal of the telecommunication infrastruct ure shall be 
market driven. A key role is played by the infrastructure competition, which contributes to the 
creation of more efficient networks and networks of higher quality. Stronger competition in the 
infrastructure market for telecommunication is ther efore regarded as a key element to ensure the 
most appropriate and sustainable telecom infrastructure. The Federal Council therefore 
continuously observes the market competition in the telecommunication market.  
 
As far as the e -government strategy and the  reduction of red tape is concerned, there is a 
catalogue of projects. To give just a view examples this includes for instance the electronic 
transfer of payroll data from companies' payroll accounting to the public authorities concerned for 
employment sta tistics; the electronic customs clearance of goods or the processing of public 
procurements including the submission of tenders via an electronic platform. A priority project is 
the development of a central virtual one -stop shop for the companies. This off ers the possibility of 
carrying out all administrative tasks (such as the payment of VAT, changing trade register entries 
or even founding a company) together at municipal, cantonal and federal level at one single point 
of contact.  
 
Regarding the effect on  competitiveness and productivity of these actions, it has to be noted that 
the measures taken to reduce the administrative burden for companies on productivity and 
competitiveness can hardly be evaluated quantitatively. However, in total, the Federal Coun cil has 
proposed and implemented over 200 measures in 4 reports by the end of the year 2015. At the 
same time, the reduction of the administrative burden remains a long -term task and needs 
continuous efforts. Therefore the Federal Council has proposed furt her 31 measures to be 
implemented in the current growth policy 2016 -2019.  
 
Paragraph 1.32, Page 9  
According to the Report "With respect to the facilitation of imports, the Growth Agenda 2016 -2019 
envisages autonomous measures ranging from simplified IT an d value -added tax procedures to 
options to remove impediments to parallel imports and raising de minimis thresholds for small 
consignments."  
 
Ukraine's questions  
Could Switzerland kindly clarify the main impediments to parallel imports and measures envisag ed 
in the Growth Agenda 2016 -2019 for their removal? Ukraine would also appreciate if Switzerland 
could kindly provide information on legislative framework which regulates parallel import.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
A recent report by the government showed the  importance of trade barriers for impediments of 
parallel imports, referring to imports circumventing the sales structure provided for by the 
manufacturer.  In light of the importance of open markets to the Swiss economy and the 
relationship between trade b arriers and high prices, Switzerland is currently assessing the 
economic potential of easing import restrictions autonomously. Switzerland is strongly integrated 
in the global value chains, which means that facilitating imports supports the export industry , 
amongst others. For instance, current work is focusing on the potential of unilateral tariff 
liberalization for industrial goods, including the reduction in administrative costs. Further, the 
economic consequences of technical barriers to trade are curre ntly studied, especially regarding 
the exemptions of the Cassis -de-Dijon principle which applies to imports from the EU. In this 
context, Switzerland also considers revision of its merger control system. The aim of the ongoing 
work is to develop specific p roposals by the end of 2017 which will enter the political process 
subsequently.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 53 - 
 
1.3.3 Fiscal policy  
Paragraph 1.39, Page 11  
The Report states that "In February 2017, a reform of the corporate tax code, which had been 
adopted by Parliament, was rejected i n a popular referendum. This major reform had intended to 
abolish certain preferential tax provisions to bring the system into line with evolving international 
standards and to establish a modern and competitive company taxation."  
 
Ukraine's question:  Could Switzerland kindly describe preferential tax provisions which are 
available in the corporate tax code at present, including with respect to "ring fencing" issues?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The tax regimes referred to in paragraph 1.39 are the cantonal tax s tatus for holding, domiciliary 
and mixed companies. The principal activity of holding companies involves holding and managing 
long-term stakes in other companies. The other two types of companies largely fulfil management 
functions in Switzerland. On the s ub-federal level, holding companies are not taxed, while 
domiciliary and mixed companies are taxed at a reduced rate. In addition, direct federal tax at a 
statutory rate of 8.5% applies to all these types of companies.  
 
1.3.4 Other policy areas  
Paragraph 1 .41, Page 11  
According to the Report "In 2016, Switzerland Innovation, a network of independent regional sites 
for research and innovation, bringing industry and academia together, was inaugurated. It is 
represented by two hubs centred around the two Feder al Institutes of Technology in Zurich and 
Lausanne and three additional network locations. A key objective of Switzerland Innovation is to 
create a platform that allows universities and innovative companies, both domestic and foreign, to 
collaborate and us e their research for the development of marketable products and services, in 
support of Switzerland's global competitiveness."  
 
Ukraine's questions  
Could Switzerland kindly provide some more information on Switzerland Innovation and describe 
general proced ure of its operation, its network and mechanism of collaboration between industry 
and academia due to independent regional sites for research and innovation? What is the source of 
financing for creation of a platform that allows universities and innovative  companies to collaborate 
and use their research for the development of marketable products and services? Does the Swiss 
Government participate in granting any financial support for such activities and, if yes, in what 
extent?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
1 Gene ral context for innovation  
Education system: Switzerland promotes an education system that is founded on a complementary 
mix of vocational and academic training options. This facilitates the training of well -qualified 
specialists and equips them to work al ong the entire value chain, a factor that is instrumental to 
Switzerland's research and innovation achievements.  
Economic context, legal framework and further hallmarks: Switzerland has a competitive market 
economy driven by private initiative with relati vely little government regulations and intervention. 
The fiscal environment is generally favourable and the regulations to protect intellectual property 
are particularly clear. Further hallmarks include the flexibility and adaptability of the actors in the  
business and higher education sectors as well as the rapid diffusion of innovations via science and 
business networks.  
Funding and performing of R&D: The private sector and the state not only fund but also conduct 
research and development (R&D). The priv ate sector account's for the lion's share, funding and 
performing some two thirds of R&D activities. The state (federal government and cantons) focuses 
mainly on funding. Responsibility for conducting R&D projects lies primarily with the higher 
education i nstitutions.  
Public research & innovation promotion: The bottom -up approach is one of the principles of public 
research and innovation promotion: firms or individual research teams take the initiative for 
research and innovation activities and themselves assume the responsibilities and risks. Key to the 
promotion system is project funding by the Swiss National Science Foundation (scientific research) 
and the Commission for Technology and Innovation (science -based innovation). They allocate 
funding on a com petitive basis and make their assessments on the basis of excellence. Switzerland 
is reluctant to dictate, from the top down, the areas and programmes that are eligible for funding. 
Moreover, funding is not, as a rule, granted directly to companies.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 54 - 
 
2 Mechanisms of collaboration between industry and academia  
Knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) is a central aspect of the collaboration between industry 
and academia. KTT is the exchange, provision and transmission of information, competencies and 
R&D resu lts between universities and research institutes on the one hand and societal institutions 
(such as companies and public administration) on the other. The objective is to initiate and 
reinforce innovation processes, with partners focusing on the commercial  exploitation of available 
and/or jointly created knowledge.  
There are several instruments/institutions promoting KTT and the collaboration between industry 
and academia in Switzerland:  
 
2.1 Commission for Technology and Innovation  
The CTI is the federal agency for the promotion of innovation. It encourages science -based 
innovation and the development of new products, procedures, processes and services for the 
business sector and society through research (predominantly applied research) and the 
exploitatio n of its results. Work is currently underway on an organiz ational reform of the CTI that 
is scheduled to enter into force in 2018. From 1 January 2018, Innosuisse  will take over the 
functions of the current CTI.  
 
CTI has three funding areas:  
R&D project funding: The core task of the CTI is to provide project funding which, as a general 
rule, is available to all disciplines. Approval of an application for project funding hinges mainly on 
the innovative content and the prospects for effective implementation  of the research findings to 
benefit the business sector and society. A further condition is that the project is unlikely to be 
realised without federal project funding. CTI project funding is also contingent on the formation of 
an alliance between a highe r education institution or non -commercial research establishment and 
one or more private or public sector partners willing to assume responsibility for exploitation 
(implementation partners). This latter stipulation ensures that CTI projects directly drive  KTT.  
Funds are allocated exclusively to public sector partners and are used mainly to cover personnel 
expenditure. Implementation partners are required to co -fund at least half of the project with their 
own resources plus, as a rule, a cash contribution of minimum 10%. Exceptions are possible. 
Research funding in Switzerland in general and from the CTI in particular is, in principle, not paid 
directly to companies.  
 
Start-up & Entrepreneurship: The CTI is tasked with promoting entrepreneurship and support ing 
innovative business ideas. The CTI programmes and networks provide the skills and methods 
necessary to successfully turn a business idea into a new company.  
KTT Support: This funding area brings together businesses, especially SMEs, and public research  
institutions in cases where contact has not otherwise been established. The aim is to create 
partnerships which will then act as drivers of innovation in Switzerland.  
 
In 2016 CTI spent SwF 186.5 million for R&D project funding, SwF 26.4 million for ener gy research 
(special task 2013 – 2016), SWF 9.2 million for start -up & entrepreneurship promotion and 
SwF 4.1 million for KTT support.  
 
2.2 Swiss Innovation Park  
Swiss Parliament defined the idea of a Swiss Innovation Park as federally harmonised national  
network with various locations and enshrined in the Federal Act on the Promotion of Research and 
Innovation (RIPA). The aim of the Swiss Innovation Park is to secure and develop private research 
and development investment in Switzerland. This represents a  valuable addition to the established 
funding instruments in Switzerland. The underlying aims are to make networking between the 
science and business communities even better, to create optimum innovation -friendly conditions 
for local companies and research ers, and to encourage new actors to locate here.  
The innovation park began operations in early 2016, with two hub sites centred on the two federal 
institutes of technology in Zurich and Lausanne and three network locations in Aargau, Northwest 
Switzerland  and Biel.  
As it plays a subsidiary role in research and innovation promotion, the Confederation is not directly 
involved in the operation of the park, but concluded an agreement under public law with a national 
responsible body. In accordance with the pro visions of the RIPA, the Swiss Innovation Park 
Foundation  was set up in spring 2015 by private individual s as the park's umbrella organiz ation. 
The foundation's tasks are to market the park on the int ernational scene, coordinate and aid 
networking among the park's sites and promote the site and their innovation activities. The WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 55 - 
 
foundation also acts as a link between the park and the Confederation, and is responsible for loan 
management and future develo pment of the park.  
The Confederation takes two measures to finance the Innovation Park:  
Federal guarantee: Framework credit of SWF 350 million to be used as collateral for earmarked 
loans. With this capital on hand, the foundation is able to obtain capita l funding at advantageous 
conditions and so provide the various site hosts with the loans needed to finance research 
infrastructure (equipment, facilities). The guarantee is limited in duration and earmarked for 
specific purposes; the Federal Council will release funding in stages.  
Land use: In order to support the Innovation Park, federally owned land in the vicinity of existing 
higher education institutions and businesses is leased with construction rights. However, ground 
rent must be paid at a rate curr ent with the market.  
 
2.3 Centres of technological excellence and public -private partnerships  
Centres of technological excellence according to Art. 15c of the Federal Act on the Promotion of 
Research and Innovation (RIPA) also have a technology transfer m andate and an associate 
strategy. As a rule, they are legally independent and non -university research institutes of national 
significance that work together with universities and the private sector. Examples include the 
Centre Suisse d'électronique et de m icrotechnique (CSEM), Campus Biotech Geneva and inspire 
AG, which is active in the area of mechatronic production systems and manufacturing technology.  
Centers of technological excellence are financed according to the matching funds principle: The 
federal  government can furnish them with basic funding if cantons, other public bodies, 
universities or private entities make a substantial contribution. The law provides for collaboration 
on a non -commercial basis. Accordingly, revenues from patents or the assignment  of rights of use 
to third parties must be re -invested.  
 
2.4 Universities  
The legal framework expressly provides that services and KTT are among the tasks of ETH Zurich, 
EPFL, cantonal universities and universities of applied sciences.  
 
2.5 Technolo gy transfer offices  
The technology transfer or KTT offices of research institutes and education establishments source 
experts in the field within and outside their institutions for R&D projects. They identify and 
evaluate research results with commercial p otential, define an exploitation strategy in consultation 
with the researchers and implement it jointly with the latter and companies in the business sector.  
 
2.6 Swiss Technology Transfer Association  
The Swiss Technology Transfer Association ( SWITT) is the association of technology transfer 
professionals who are primarily engaged in collaborations between public and private research 
institutes, hospitals and o ther non -profit research organiz ations. The association facilitates KTT 
networking between resea rch institutes and the business sector. Members and other KTT actors in 
the academic and business sectors benefit from professional support and development 
accompanied by a broad range of services.  
 
1.4 Trade Policy  
1.4.2 WTO  
Paragraph 1.47, Page 12  
The R eport states that "Implementation in Switzerland of the prohibition of export subsidies for 
agricultural products by 2020, adopted at MC10 in Nairobi, called for considerable changes in 
national legislation. To this effect, the Government conducted a publi c consultation from October 
2015 to January 2016, with a view to submitting proposals to Parliament in the first half of 2017."  
As mentioned in Paragraph 4.41 of the Report by the Secretariat (page 105) "the Federal 
Department of Economic Affairs, Educatio n and Research opened a public consultation in 2016 
(closed on 19 January 2017) to address the phase -out of export subsidies for processed 
agricultural products. The proposal under consideration contains two instruments: new product -
specific support for mi lk and cereals for human consumption that would be granted in the form of 
direct payments to farmers; and a facilitated inward processing regime for basic dairy products 
and cereals."  
 
Ukraine's question  
Could Switzerland kindly inform if there are any res ults of public consultation concerning 
implementation of the prohibition of export subsidies for agricultural products in Swiss legislation 
and, if so, what proposal has been submitted (or is going to be submitted) to Parliament?  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 56 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Government is currently evaluating the results of the consultation. To date, the Government 
has not taken a final decision about the legislative reform package to be submitted to the 
Parliament. Once approved by the Parliament, Switzerland will be in a pos ition to provide detailed 
information about the measures of this reform package.  
 
1.4.6 Trade and sustainability  
Paragraph 1.76, Page 15  
The Report mentions a National Action Plan, adopted by the Government in December 2016 to 
implement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.  
 
Ukraine's question  
Could Switzerland kindly describe  substantive measures stipulated in the National Action Plan to 
increase coherence between Switzerland's economic policy and human rights obligations, 
formulate expectations towards Swiss -based businesses?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
9 December 2016, the Federal Council has adopted a Swiss National action plan for the 
implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (NAP) in 
response to the parliamentary postulate 12.3503. This NAP is the first consolidated strategy paper 
to achieve more coherence between economic policy and Human Rights obligations of the Swiss 
government.  The NAP formulates the government's expectations towa rds corporations. It states 
that the Federal Council supports and promotes voluntary human rights due diligence. It 
underlines also, that the Federal Council recognizes the State duty to protect human rights in 
relation to corporations domiciled and/or ope rating in Switzerland. The NAP reviews government 
measures already in force and proposes several new legally non -binding measures (promotional 
measures, activities to raise awareness, internal training program mes within the Federal 
administration etc.). Fu rthermore, the Federal Council aims at identifying the means by which 
improved access to justice can be achieved for victims of human rights abuses. A study in 
response to the postulate 14.3663 "a ccess to remedy" of the Council of State's Foreign Policy 
Committee should be finalized in 2017.  
 
1 REPORT BY SWITZERLAND  
1.4.4 Preferential relations  
Free Trade Partners  
Paragraph 1.65, Page 14  
The Report notes that "By the end of 2016, Switzerland had 28 FTAs with 38 partner countries 
outside the EU and EFTA, of which 26 agreements were in force. Together with its EFTA partners, 
Switzerland is pursuing negotiations with Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Viet Nam. 
Further processes have been started with Algeria, Thailand, and the Russian Federation, Belarus 
and Kazakhstan."  
 
2 REPORT BY LIECHTENSTEIN  
2.3 Trade Policy Developments and Future Policy Directions  
2.3.3 The European Free Trade Association (EFTA)  
Paragraph 2.44, Page 22  
According to the Report "EFTA is currently engaged in free trade negotiations w ith Algeria (on 
hold), Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand (on hold), Customs Union Russia -Belarus -
Kazakhstan (on hold) as well as with Viet Nam. Furthermore, the EFTA States explore the 
possibility to open negotiations with other third countries ."  
 
Ukraine's question:  Do Switzerland and Liechtenstein see prospects for resumption of free trade 
negotiations between EFTA and Customs Union Russia -Belarus -Kazakhstan in the nearest future 
and under what circumstances the negotiation process could be r esumed?  
 
Answer by Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
En janvier 2011, la Suisse, le Liechtenstein et leurs partenaires de l'AELE ont entamé des 
négociations en vue de la conclusion d'un accord de libre -échange de large portée avec la Russie. 
Depuis, onze tours  de négociations ont eu lieu, dont le dernier en janvier 2014. D'un commun 
accord entre les États de l'AELE, le douzième tour de négociations prévu en avril 2014 en Suisse a 
été repoussé à une date indéterminée en raison de l'annexion contraire au droit in ternational 
public de la Crimée par la Russie. L'absence de solution stable et pacifique à la crise ukrainienne WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 57 - 
 
n'a pas permis à la Suisse, au Liechtenstein et à leurs partenaires de l'AELE de reprendre les 
négociations jusqu'à présent.  
 
Other questions  
In view of recent acceptance of the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement by Liechtenstein and 
its coming into force (on 23 January 2017), could Liechtenstein kindly inform if the Government is 
considering the issue, whether and how best to implement provisi ons of mentioned Protocol in 
national legislation? What competent authority is responsible for possible granting of special 
compulsory licences for such purposes as exporting medicines according to domestic legal 
framework? Please, also describe the releva nt legislative provisions, if the measures providing for 
possibility of using of special compulsory licences have been implemented.  
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
Under the 1978 bilateral Treaty on the Protection Conferred by Patents for Inventions, concluded 
within the framework of the Customs Union Treaty, Liechtenstein and Switzerland form a unitary 
territory for the purposes of patent protection. The Swiss Federal Law on Patents of 1954 and its 
Ordinance therefore also governs patent protection in Liechtenste in. This includes the system for 
granting compulsory licences in accordance with the said Protocol.  
 
Could Switzerland kindly inform of its plans concerning possible elimination of export restrictions 
on dual -used goods, established in 2014 due to situatio n in Ukraine? Based on what factors may 
such possible decision be made by the Swiss authorities? Ukraine would also appreciate if 
Switzerland could give an overview of Switzerland's use of such export restrictions and describe 
grounds for refusal to issue appropriate permit for export of dual -used goods by the Swiss 
competent authorities.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland does not recognize the annexation of Crimea by the  Russian Federation. On 
2 April 2014, the Swiss Federal Council decided to prevent the  circumvention via the Swiss 
territory of sanctions imposed by the European Union against the Russian Federation. To this end, 
the Swiss Federal Council adopted, on 27 August 2014, the "Ordinance on measures to prevent the 
circumvention of international sa nctions related to the situation in Ukraine".  
 
The content of this Ordinance reflects the Swiss policy of neutrality. Therefore, the ordinance is 
applicable i.e. for the control of exports to the Russian Federation as well as to Ukraine.  
 
Any change of the  Ordinance will also depend on the future development of the sanctions policy of 
the European Union. Should the European Union ease or lift its sanctions in the future, Switzerland 
would review the content of the Ordinance.  
 
Regarding Switzerland's export control practice for the export of dual -use goods under the existing 
policy: On the one hand, the export intended for a milit ary end -use or for a (pure) arma ment 
company is not allowed. On the other hand, the export of dual -use goods for civilian purposes to 
civilian end -users or civil -military mixed companies is, in principle, eligible for granting. The 
prerequisite for an authorization is an end -user certificate that shows that the goods to be 
delivered will be used by the final recipient for civilian pur poses only. In addition, the internal 
administrative examination must lead to the conclusion that there are no indications that could put 
in doubt the correctness of the end -user certificate. Furthermore, authorizations, in particular for 
the export of mac hine tools, may be linked with additional safeguards, such as the applicant's 
obligation to install, put into service and maintain the machines delivered. Post -shipment 
verification requirements may also be imposed.  
 
Statistics on grated and denied export authorizations are publicly available .3 
                                                
3 Viewed at: 
https://www.seco.admin.ch/seco/fr/home/Aussenwirtschaftspolitik_Wirtschaftliche_Zusammenarbeit/Wirtschaf
tsbeziehungen/exportkontrollen -und-sanktionen/industrieprodukte --dual-use--und-besondere -militaerische -
gueter/statistik /2015.html . WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 58 - 
 
7  MOLDOVA, REPUBLIC OF  
(WT/TPR/S/355 ) 
 
Para 16  (Summary) with regards to: "Switzerland maintains compulsory reserve stock 
requirements on certain products. To finance these stocks, "guarantee fund contributions" are 
levied on imports of certain foodstuffs and fuels covered by the scheme, as well as on imports and 
domestic production of fertilizers, natural gas and therapeutic products subject to compulsory 
reserve stock requirements. Since ODCs are bound at zero and ap plied tariffs often equal the 
bound rates, it would appear that the sum of tariff and guarantee fund contributions may exceed 
Switzerland's bound commitments on several tariff lines at present." (Also para . 3.32).  
 
Question 1  
Can Switzerland provide more d etails on the rationale of its stock requirement and how the system 
is compatible with WTO rules?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Under The compulsory stocks system, the federal government determines the goods for which 
stocks must be held. The government also def ines the level of such compulsory stocks, by setting 
the period for which inventories should satisfy average domestic consumption (demand coverage). 
Goods which are subject to the compulsory stock system include certain basic foodstuffs, 
fertilizers, fuels  and therapeutic products. All companies which import a set minimum quantity of 
such goods or which are their initial distributors on the Swiss market, are obliged to conclude a 
compulsory stock agreement with the Swiss confederation. These agreements set out the good in 
question, the quantity, the quality, and the location at which the stocks are to be held.  
There are no energy products hold as compulsory stocks that are produced in Switzerland. 
Therefore, there are no domestic competitors that could bene fit from not paying guarantee fund 
contributions. As respects the guarantee funds for foodstuffs, the guarantee fund contributions are 
considered as a part of the customs tariffs determined in international free trade agreements 
signed by Switzerland.  
 
Para 3.1  with regards to: "The Federal Customs Administration (FCA) is responsible for 
implementing customs procedures. The principal legislation on customs procedures comprises the 
Customs Law of 18 March 2005 (RS 631.0), which entered into force on 1 May 2 007, and related 
regulations (ordinances) (Table 3.1). There have been no significant amendments to the Customs 
Law or ordinances related to customs since the last Review but there have been several 
amendments to facilitate trade, such as waiving the need for proofs of origin in some cases, and 
simplified forms for small consignments. Customs laws and procedures in Switzerland are similar 
to the Customs Code of the European Union with the same procedures (except processing under 
customs control), and simila r terminology and definitions."  
 
Question 2  
Can Switzerland please explain how the Swiss processing under customs control system is 
different from the one of the EU?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The two systems are historically very similar. However, the entry into force of the new European 
Union Customs Code (UCC) in May 2016 entailed a few distinctions. The main differences in the 
realm of Inward Processing Traffic are the following:  
In the EU, the previous  customs procedures, Inward Processing Relief (IPR) a nd Processing under 
Customs Control (PCC), were merged into one special procedure, namely the Inward Processing 
Procedure (IPP), whereas in Switzerland, the two separate procedures IPR and PCC continue to 
exist.  
 
Discharge: in the EU, a special procedure is discharged when the goods placed under the 
procedure, or the processed products, are placed under a subsequent customs procedure, have 
been taken out of the customs territory of the Union, or have been destroyed with no waste 
remaining, or are abandoned  to the State in accordance with Article 199 of the UCC. In 
Switzerland processed products cannot be placed under a subsequent customs procedure (with the 
exemption of as subsequent processing procedure).  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 59 - 
 
Para 3.14  with regards to: "In its free trade agre ements, Switzerland usually applies a general 
rule that sufficiently worked or transformed means non -originating material should not represent 
more than a percentage of the ex -works price or that a change in HS heading at the 2 -, 4-, or 6 -
digit level, (wit h some additional limits to the value of non -originating material) applies. Specific 
rules may apply to some products and the wholly obtained criteria may be used for some 
agricultural products."   
 
Questions 3  
Can Switzerland provide a short summary (or a reference thereto) of general rules of origin 
included in its recent FTAs with trading partners?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Rules of Origin (ROO) requirements in Switzerland's FTAs (most negotiated in the context of 
the European Free Trade Association, EFT A) are divided into two parts. The first part delineates the 
concept of an "originating good" into wholly obtained goods, those which have been sufficiently 
worked or processed in a Party to the FTA, and those which are produced from materials 
exclusively from the FTA partners. The second part lists Product Specific Rules (PSR). These have 
no general rules of origin as such. For each product the PSR indicates the criteria the product must 
satisfy in order to obtain originating status under the FTA. For all FTAs concluded in the EFTA 
context or bilaterally, the ROO can be found on the Swiss government website:  
(https://www.seco.admin.ch/seco/en/home/Aussenwirtschaftspolitik_Wirtschaftliche_Zusammenar
beit/Wirtschaftsbeziehungen/Freihandelsabkommen.html ).  
 
Para 3.18  with regards to: "The Switzerland -Liechtenstein tariff schedule consists exclusively of 
specific rates. Despite one of the main rationales for specific duties being their administrative 
simplicity, it has been noted that their shortcomings include a lack of transparency and 
predictability. Unlike ad valorem tariffs, the level of protection by means of specific duties is not 
evident; estimating the ad valorem equivalents (AVEs) allows the actual protection of specific 
duties to be assessed.12 AVEs used in this section were calculated by the Secretariat as the ratio 
of specific duties to import u nit values, estimated using the ratio of import values to import 
quantities in 2015 (at the HS eight -digit level). If there were no imports in 2015, 2014 import data 
were used. The Swiss authorities expressed reservations about the methodology and noted th at 
any estimate of AVEs has limitations as they are affected by many factors, including the base 
period, unit prices, exchange rates, and cases where only limited volumes were imported."  
 
Question 4  
Does Switzerland -Liechtenstein intend to change their du ty system from specific to ad valorem  
equivalents (AVE)?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
La Suisse n'envisage pas de modifier son système de droits de douane. En outre, l'article II GATT 
ne prescrit pas quel type de droit de douane les membres de l'OMC doivent util iser. La seule 
obligation est de ne pas dépasser les taux des droits consolidés dans les listes de concessions. La 
Suisse est membre de l'OMC depuis 1995 et sa liste de concessions contenant les droits de douane 
spécifiques a été acceptée par les membres d e cette organisation. Par le passé la Suisse a signalé 
que dans le contexte d'un plus large cycle de négociation multilatérale, elle serait prête à 
réexaminer ce point.  
 
Para 4.137  with regards to: "Hospitals, public or private, are also subject to a non -discriminatory 
economic needs test regime administered at cantonal level and geared at providing universal 
access to health services at an acceptable cost for the social security system. In addition, the 
Swiss health insurance law (KVG) gives the Swiss cant ons the possibility of financing hospitals with 
a global budget, a procedure which amounts to a limitation of the total value of services 
transactions provided. Three cantons (Geneva, Ticino and Vaud) use this instrument so far."  
 
Question 5  
Can Switzerla nd provide more information regarding the possibility to allow cantons to finance 
hospitals and the related public procurement procedures operated for this purpose?  How are these 
procedures compatible with the WTO Government Procurement Agreement?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 60 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In principle, cantons finance hospitals in the following ways:  
  by payments for hospital services (incl. investment costs) covered by the health insurance;  
  by payments for hospital services fulfilling public service provisions (so called 
"gemeinwirtschaftliche Leistungen";not covered by the health insurance)  
 
Decisive for the hospital financing is whether the hospitals are listed on a cantonal hospital list.  
Procurements made by public hospitals in general and private hospitals, if the stat e finances more 
than 50% of the procurement, are covered by the GPA (Annex 2). The rules and disciplines of the 
GPA are applied in these cases. Contrarily, hospital, health and health -related services as such are 
not covered by the GPA.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 61 - 
 
8  AUSTRALIA  
Report b y the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/355)  
Summary  
Page 11, paragraph 27  
 
The report details conditions in Switzerland for market access and qualification requirements for 
the following professional services: architectural, medical, and social services.  
 
Question 1  
Could Switzerland also provide information for legal services?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
La représentation et le conseil en j ustice sont réglementés en Suisse (avocats, agents d'affaire), et 
en ce qui concerne les actes établis en qualité d'officier public (n otaires). La fonction de juriste ou 
de conseil juridique n'y est en revanche pas réglementée.  
 
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/355)  
2 Trade and Investment Regime  
2.4 Investment Regime  
2.4.1 Switzerland  
Page 38 -39, paragraphs 2.44 to 2.48  
 
The report s tates that on 9 February 2014, the Swiss electorate accepted the popular initiative 
"Stop Mass Immigration" opposing the freedom of movement of natural persons between 
Switzerland and EU/EFTA and supporting a change to migration policy.  
 
The report also re fers to new legislation that will be consistent with the Agreement on the Free 
Movement of Persons (AFMP) with the EU. This law adopted by the Swiss Parliament concerning 
the implementation of Article 121a of the Federal Constitution is subject to an optio nal referendum 
which was launched on 28 December 2016. A total of 50,000 signatures must be collected within 
100 days by 7 April 2017 for the vote to take place.  
 
Question 2  
Did a referendum result and, if so, what is the outcome?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Le référendum n'a pas abouti. Le délai pour récolter les 50'000 signa tures nécessaires a expiré le 
7 avril 2017. Par conséquent, il n'y aura pas de votation populaire sur la loi d'application de 
l'article 121 a de la Constitution fédérale que le Parlement a a doptée le 16 décembre 2016.  
 
Question 3  
Has Switzerland —in the period since the 2014 constitutional amendments on migration —concluded 
any new treaty or less -than-treaty status arrangements with non -EU countries?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Non. 
 
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/355)  
2 Trade and Investment Regime  
2.4 Investment Regime  
2.4.1 Switzerland  
Pages 39 -40, paragraphs 2.50 – 2.60 
 
The report identifies a number of behind -the-border barriers to trade and investment, including 
but not limited to recogn ition of qualifications and areas under state monopolies. We welcome the 
efforts made by Switzerland to date to address these barriers.  
 
Question 4  
Noting Switzerland 's current rankings on the World Bank 's 2016 Doing Business Report (paragraph 
2.60), what  measures does Switzerland plan to adopt to reduce the barriers identified in this 
report?  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 62 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland is constantly making efforts to improve the framework conditions for businesses. 
Every four years the report "Administrative Entlas tung" (reduction of administrative burden) is 
adopted, containing a package of measures to reduce administrative cost for businesses.  
For instance, the legislation on companies is currently reviewed to provide more flexibility in the 
establishment of a co mpany and to relax the capital requirements. Likewise, the Swiss government 
is expanding its online services (e -government). It is working on creating a "one -stop-shop" which 
allows businesses to conduct all contacts with authorities through one single onl ine desk.  
 
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/355)  
3. Trade Policies and Practices by Measure  
3.3.5 State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  
Page 73, paragraph 3.129 and footnote 105  
and also Page 133, Box 4.12 Regulatory framework for t elecommunication services in 
Switzerland, 'Other regulatory aspects: Regulatory Supervision'  
 
Question 5  
What considerations or conditions are applied by the Federal Communication Commission 
(ComCom) in granting concession(s) for universal services in the telecommunications sector?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Universal service has to be guaranteed for all sections of the population in all parts of the country. 
The concession is granted by tender or by direct appointment of a suitable provider. The current 
conces sion is hold by Swisscom and limited to 10 years. It will expire at the end of 2017. From 
2018 onwards, is has been granted to Swisscom again, for a term of 5 years. Universal service 
obligation contains the following services:  
- public telephone service  
- free entry in the telephone directory  
- internet access 3 ,000/300 Kbits/s 
- services for the hearing impaired  
- directory and operator service for the visually impaired and people with limited mobility  
 
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/355)  
3 Trade Pol icies and Practices by Measure  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.7 Government Procurement  
3.3.7.1 Overview  
 
Page 78, paragraph 3.154 -3.156  
The report states that Switzerland was "actively involved in the re -negotiation " of the WTO 
Agreement o n Government Procurement (GPA). The report also states that Switzerland 'is 
expected to submit its instrument of acceptance [to the revised WTO GPA] in 2017 ".  
Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Agreement. The Report 
states that EFTA members are bound by the EFTA Agreement, which "reaffirms [members'] rights 
and obligations under the GPA "'. EFTA has also concluded free trade agreements with various third 
countries with government procurement chapters that "either build on the WTO's GPA or 
substantially replicate its structure and content ".  
 
Question 6  
Given Switzerland 's active involvement in the re -negotiation of the WTO GPA and its continued 
membership of the EFTA Agreement, what is preventing Switzerland from ratifying the revised 
WTO GPA?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Following the signature by Switzerland of the revised GPA on 30 March 2012, the Federal and 
cantonal authorities decided to accompany the transposition of the revised GPA into its domestic 
legislation with a proc ess of parallel harmonization of Switzerland's federal and cantonal 
government procurement legislation.  The technical work regarding the revision of Switzerland's 
federal and cantonal legislation conducted jointly by experts of the Confederation and the Ca ntons 
was concluded at the end of 2016. The procedures for approval of the revised legislation will take 
place according to the respective competencies of the Swiss Confederation and the Cantons. At 
federal level, the Federal Council adopted the draft bill s on the revised GPA and the revised Law on WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 63 - 
 
Government Procurement on 15 February 2017, and the two Chambers of the Swiss Parliament  
are expected to deliberate in the course of 2017.  At cantonal level, the internal procedures for the 
approval of the revise d cantonal legislation are following their normal course . Switzerland will be 
able to deposit its instrument of ratification of the revised GPA once all the internal approval 
procedures have been completed.  
 
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/355)  
3 Trad e Policies and Practices by Measure  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.8 Trade -related intellectual property rights  
3.3.8.7 Trademarks  
Page 89, paragraph 3.194  
 
Question 7  
Could Switzerland please provide further information in relation to any  differences in protection 
and enforcement between the rights afforded by a geographical indication and a geographical 
mark?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Geographical marks, exactly as other trademarks, are registered in the official Swiss trademarks 
register. A  geographical mark is a means allowing a right holder of a geographical indication or 
indication of source to enforce his or her right according to the trademark legislation, in addition to 
the scope of protection and enforcement means provided by the Trad emark Law (TM Law) to 
unregistered GIs or by a sui generis title of protection as a geographical indication or indication of 
source.  
 
Question 8  
Could Switzerland please provide further information on the opposition grounds and procedures 
available to thir d parties in relation to geographical marks?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
An application for a geographical mark may be rejected on the basis of an absolute ground for 
refusal, as provided by the Art. 2 TM Law (except let.  a). Once the geographical mark is 
registered, a third party may also request cancellation of the registration by a civil court on the 
basis of an absolute ground for refusal. Opposition against the registration of a geographical mark 
is, however, not possible on the ground of an earlier tradema rk for the following reasons: the 
geographical mark is identical to the denomination that is protected as a GI or indication of source. 
Thus, no person could or should have acquired an exclusive trademark right on such a 
geographical denomination prior to the registration of the geographical mark (based on a sui 
generis title of protection). Accordingly, the opposition of a third party to the registration of a 
geographical mark, based on relative grounds for refusal, would necessarily be unfounded.  
 
Report  by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/355)  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture  
4.1.1 Market access  
4 4.1.1.2 Tariff quotas  
Pages 97 -98, Paragraphs 4.10 -4.11 
 
The Secretariat states that the allocation of some tariff quotas use a "discriminatory system 
where by the allocation of the tariff quota is contingent upon local purchase" and that since the last 
Review, the use of this system has increased, with 50% of the sub -quota (No. 5.7 – 20,703 
tonnes) for beef, sheep meat and offal allocated "on the basis of a c ontribution to Swiss 
production".  
 
Question 9  
Can Switzerland clarify whether it is in fact the case that it allocates import rights under some 
tariff quotas, in whole or in part, to enterprises on the basis of those enterprises ' purchase, use or 
processi ng of products of domestic origin? Which tariff quotas are administered in this way, and in 
what proportion? Are the enterprises able to transfer these import entitlements, and if so on what 
basis? What is the purpose of this method of allocation? Is it in tended to provide an economic 
benefit to the enterprises concerned?  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 64 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
With the "prise en charge" system, tariff quota shares are granted to importers in proportion of the 
quantity of purchased goods produced locally. Every importer that  buys these products from local 
producers is automatically authorized to request a tariff quota share (non -automatic license). The 
following products are covered by the system described above: Fresh potatoes (until 2017 100%, 
then 50%); 50% meat of beef an d sheep (until 2014 10%); 40% meat of horses and goats (since 
2015); 50% of tomato, chicory, cucumber, onions to plant and apples; 65% of the quota for 
frozen vegetables.  
The "prise en charge" system improves predictability for market participants and acce ss to quota 
shares for small enterprises.  
Enterprises are able to transfer these import entitlements with the help of our online application. 
The legal basis therefore is shown in Art. 14 OIAgr RS 916.01 . 
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/355)  
4 Trade Policies by Sector  
4.1 Agriculture  
4.1.2 Domestic Support  
Page 98, paragraph 4.15  
 
The report outlines the new policy framework, the Agricultural Policy 2014 -17. 
 
Question 10  
Has this new policy framework resulted in an increase in the level of Switzerland 's overall -trade 
distorting support?  
 
Answer by Switzerland   
Le calcul de la hauteur des montants du soutien interne dans le cadre de la nouvelle politique 
agricole de la Suisse (PA 14 -17) prennent plus de temps que prévu. Les experts sont encore en 
train d'effectuer les calculs nécessaires et il n'est donc pas encore possible d'en présenter une 
évaluation numérique. Les chiffres exacts seront communiqués dans le cadre de la notification de 
la Suisse concernant le soutien interne. Dans tous les cas, le montant du soutien versé sera 
considérablement inférieur à l'engagement de la Suisse.  
 
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/355)  
4 Trade Policies by Sector  
3.3 Servic es 
4.3.2 Telecommunications Services  
4.3.2.1 Switzerland  
Page 133, Box 4.12  
 
The report highlights a number of policy measures designed to protect investments in fibre access 
networks.  
 
Question 11  
Has Switzerland seen an increase in investment in fibre a ccess networks as a result of its 
regulatory approach?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
It is difficult to assess the impact of the chosen regulatory approach on fibre investments. It can't 
be said that the ex -post regulation which puts much weight on the negotiatio n between operators 
was the trigger for investments in fibre access networks. There are other certainly more important 
factors that led to the investments into fibre access networks so far.  
First of all, the legislator provides the regulator only with a re stricted set of remedies. In this set, 
local loop unbundling is restricted to copper loops, i.e. fibre access loops may not be part of a 
regulatory procedure.  
Second, historically there is a coverage of cable networks in Switzerland. Cable network operator s 
investments in higher bandwidth surely incentivized  the telecom incumbent to invest in upgrading 
its network.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 65 - 
 
Third, local power utilities historically built their networks mainly in ducts and included a huge 
amount of spare capacities. This gave them th e opportunity to roll out fibre at relatively low costs. 
They were the first to announce the roll out of fibre networks in 2008. The incumbent reacted by 
announcing that it planned to roll out fibre in these areas, too. In the end, most of the utilities 
agreed to cooperate with the incumbent and roll out their fibre networks together. It seems that 
utilities feared their business case was endangered, if the incumbent would have built its own 
network alongside their networks.  
The initiatives of the local uti lities may be related to the fact that unbundling is constrained to 
copper loops. On the other hand, they may also just have seen a business opportunity, as their 
initiative mustn't result in significant market power necessarily.  
So there is a fair level o f investments taking place in Switzerland, and we have a good coverage 
with high bandwidth. There were certainly several factors leading to this outcome.  
 
Page 133, Box 4.12  
 
The report states that in Switzerland, OFCOM may require facility sharing for rea sons of public 
interest, and that mobile operators may share facilities on a voluntary basis.  
 
Question 12  
How pervasive has facility sharing between mobile operators become in Switzerland?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In rural, low dense populated areas (outsid e building areas), a small part of the sites are shared. 
Due to the severe radiation limits, sharing is often not possible. There is no sharing in urban, 
dense populated areas mainly due to the mentioned radiation limits.  
 
Page 134, Box 4.12  
 
Australia not es that in 2007 Switzerland mandated that the market leader, Swisscom, provide 
bitstream access to other market participants. Australia notes that bitstream access has since 
been deregulated.  
 
Question 13  
On what basis did Switzerland decide to regulate b itstream access and why has it since been 
deregulated?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland decided to regulate bitstream access as well as other forms of access based on several 
reasons: First, the variety of different forms of access allowed the telecommun ications service 
providers to be less dependent form the incumbent's market power. The aim was to promote a 
broad variety of new and favorable offers in the realm of broadband, adopted to the special needs 
of the providers. This was finally meant to promot e competition and to have a beneficial impact in 
the end users market. Hence, the overall goal was to improve the attractiveness of Switzerland as 
a location of industry and commerce.  
It is to be noted though, that the initial idea was to regulate bitstrea m access only for the period of 
four years. This period was considered to be sufficient as an "initial aid" for the 
telecommunications service providers with regards to the aim of accelerating the market dynamic. 
The providers were then supposed to use oth er products or build their own infrastructure.  
 
Question 14  
What was the market reaction to Switzerland 's decision to regulate bitstream access?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The incumbent was opposed to the introduction of a regulated bitstream access. However, the 
market did not show much interest in this form of access. There was only one applicant requesting 
bitstream access. Most providers focused on other forms of access, such as local loop unbundling. 
Part of the reason is also that the incumbent offered at tractive commercial, hence not regulated 
products. Since 2014, there has no longer been a reference offer for local bitstream.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 66 - 
 
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/355)  
4 Trade Policies by Sector  
3.3 Services  
4.3.2 Telecommunications Services  
4.3.2.1 Liecht enstein  
Page 136, Box 4.13  
 
Australia notes that in 2007, Telecom Liechtenstein underwent the structural separation of its 
network and retail activities. Australia is implementing a similar transition with the major fixed -line 
network to be the National Br oadband Network.  
 
Question 15  
Does Liechtenstein permit alternative fixed -line networks to operate, and, if so, does it also 
subject them to separation and non -discrimination obligations.  
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
The structural separation was introduced b y a political decision and not by regulatory means. 
Background was that both operators (Telecom Liechtenstein AG and LKW, electrical power utility) 
were operating networks and providing telecom services.  
 
Alternative network operators are allowed to opera te networks themselves; they only have the 
obligation to notify that they are planning/running a network to the regulatory authority.  
 
Currently the following operators are active in Liechtenstein:  
- one alternative HFC -network operator running his own re gional network  
- B2B operators rolling out small fibre network/fibre connections for B2B customers  
 
Only the network -SMPO (significant market power operator) Liechtensteinische Kraftwerke has the 
obligations of separation and non -discrimination. These obli gations are required because the 
networks of LKW have a national coverage. All telecom service providers, including Telecom 
Liechtenstein, are dependent on these national networks (they rent twisted copper, glass -fibres, 
HFC-channels from LKW), whereas the  above mentioned regional or small networks are not 
relevant for other providers to offer telecom services (according to the conducted market 
analysis).  
 
Question 16  
What have been the implications for investment and retail competition in Liechtenstein?  
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
The Liechtenstein case has to be seen in the context of the small size of Liechtenstein (38.000 
inhabitants): There is no economically viable business case for a second telecom network 
infrastructure of national coverage.  
  
Implicati ons for investment: We observe the existence of high cost synergies in civil engineering, 
because LKW can combine construction works in the electrical power and telecom networks. 
Regarding the new fibre -to-the-building (FTTB) investments LKW is obliged to inform about / 
coordinate network investments with all operators.  
 
Implications for retail competition: The easy and non -discriminatory access to copper and glass 
fibre is a success regarding the development of the retail market, especially with regard to the 
internet / broadband and data services, but also for TV.  
The broadband service providers gradually shifted from bit stream services (provided by the 
incumbent Telecom Liechtenstein) to shared -access and unbundled copper lines of LKW, which 
paved the wa y for the possibility to differentiate: On these grounds the alternative providers can 
now design their own retail services (Internet, TV, IP -telephony) without being dependent on the 
wholesale services of the incumbent.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 67 - 
 
1 Report by Switzerland  
1.4 Trade Policy  
1.4.2 WTO  
Page 12, paragraph 1.49  
 
The report states that Switzerland undertook technical work that was concluded in 2016 in a 
'broader effort to harmonise Switzerland's government procurement system'. Switzerland is a 
member of the EFTA Agreement, which includes government procurement provisions both within 
EFTA and with third parties that either 'build on the WTO GPA commitments or substantially 
replicate its structure and content' (3.156, p.78, WT/TPR/S/355).  
 
Question 17  
Could Switzerland provid e an update on ratification of the revised GPA?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
See response to Question 6.  
 
Reports by Switzerland and Liechtenstein (WT/TPR/G/355)  
1. Report by Switzerland  
1.4 Trade Policy  
1.4.2 WTO  
Page 12, paragraph 1.52  
 
The report states that Switzerland strongly supports WTO work on e -commerce, with a view to 
fostering digitally enabled trade, particularly for MSMEs and developing countries.  
 
Question 18  
What efforts, if any, is Switzerland taking to foster the growth of e -commerce within its own 
markets?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland aims at creating favourable general framework conditions for business. This includes 
fostering a positive environment for the digital economy as well as promoting openness to trade in 
general. The Swiss gover nment puts special emphasis on entrepreneurial freedom, the principle of 
legal certainty (e.g. data protection, property rights), a flexible labour market, highly developed 
infrastructures, a sustainable fiscal policy as well as a strong foundation in educ ation and research. 
Swiss policy makers want to work – both domestically and internationally – towards building and 
reinforcing trust in the digital economy by enhancing the regulatory infrastructure.  
On 1 January 2017 a new federal law on certification se rvices for electronic signatures and other 
application on digital certificates entered into force. The electronic signature is a technical 
procedure which makes it possible to guarantee the authenticity of a document or an electronic 
message and to ensure the identity of the sender. It is based on a certification infrastructure 
managed by third party providers - the certification services providers. In order to encourage the 
development of e -commerce, the legislator allows such providers to be recognized on  a voluntary 
basis. In addition, under certain conditions, the law assigns equal status to the electronic signature 
as a handwritten signature.  
 
Reports by Switzerland and Liechtenstein (WT/TPR/G/355)  
1.4 Trade policy  
1.4.2 WTO  
Page 12, paragraph 47  
 
In regard to the implementation of the commitment under the  WTO Ministerial Decision of 
18 December 2015 on Export Competition to eliminate export subsidy entitlements, the 
Government report notes that the Government conducted a public consultation from Octobe r 2015 
to January 2016, with a view to submitting proposals to Parliament in the first half of 2017.  
 
Question 19  
What further progress has Switzerland made on the commitment made at the Tenth Ministerial 
Conference in December 2015 to eliminate export sub sidy entitlements? How will the commitment 
be implemented? What legislative changes, or other action by Parliament, will this involve? What WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 68 - 
 
steps has Switzerland taken to ensure that it complies with the standstill commitment of the 
Ministerial Decision in  the interim?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Last year, Switzerland launched the internal process of legal reforms to implement the Nairobi 
decision on export competition. A draft package of measures was submitted to a public 
consultation in September 2016. The re form package as proposed in the public consultation 
includes the complete abolition of the remaining export refunds and some accompanying 
measures. Facilitation of inward processing and additional direct payments to milk and wheat 
producers are proposed to  form part of the reform.  
 
The Government is currently evaluating the results of the consultation and, as a next step, will 
decide on legislative reform package to be submitted to the Parliament. Together with this 
legislative reform package, it is also f oreseen that the Government will submit to Parliament the 
Nairobi decision and the necessary changes in the schedules of commitments for approval.  
 
For the time being, Switzerland continues to grant export refunds for certain processed agricultural 
produ cts in conformity with Para. 6 f ootnote 4 of the Nairobi Ministerial Decision on export 
competition. In the remaining period of time, Switzerland does not intend to change neither the 
coverage of processed products nor the coverage of ingredients eligible f or the export refunds. The 
budget amounts are substantially below the entitlements in the schedule of Switzerland -
Liechtenstein and in compliance with Nairobi Ministerial decisions on export competition.  
 
Reports by Switzerland and Liechtenstein (WT/TPR/G/ 355)  
1.4 Trade policy  
1.4.4 Preferential relations  
Page 13 -14, Paragraphs 62 – 65 
 
Question 20  
What steps ha s Switzerland taken to liberaliz e its imports of agricultural goods, including under its 
FTAs?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland has always been en gaged to the continuation of the reform process following Article 
20 of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture. In this context, Switzerland is ready to take its 
engagements, preferably in the scope of larger negotiating packages.  
One of the main challenges of Switzerland's agricultural policy is the international orientation of 
supply chains as well as closer relations to the European Union (EU). The aim is to open up 
markets covering the entire food production chain. At the same time, Switzerland has continued  to 
harmonize its legislation with the EU, which forms the basis for updating and developing the 
current free trade agreement between Switzerland the EU. Increased interaction between Swiss 
and EU agricultural markets therefore makes a substantial contribu tion to reform Swiss agricultural 
and food policy.  
The results arising from these reforms are also taken into account in Switzerland's ongoing 
negotiations for the  conclusion of new FTAs and those on the further development of its existing 
FTAs.  
 
Reports b y Switzerland and Liechtenstein (WT/TPR/G/355)  
2. Report by Liechtenstein  
2.2 Trade and Economic Policy Environment  
Page 17, paragraph 2.7  
 
The report states that Liechtenstein has made great efforts to create new and improve existing 
laws in the context o f financial services in order to comply with evolving European and 
international standards while providing the basis for future business opportunities.  
 
Question 21  
Can Liechtenstein provide further information on how financial services regulation has been  
improved?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 69 - 
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
Liechtenstein has undertaken significant efforts to transpose new or revised EU financial market 
regulation over the last few years. Most of these regulatory initiatives stem from the EU's efforts to 
address lessons lear ned from the 2008/09 crisis and include amongst others:  
 
 Banking Regulation  
o CRD IV / CRR (regarding capital requirements; the EU's Basel III package)  
On 1 February 2015, the amendments to the Liechtenstein Banking Act and the Banking 
Ordinance as part of t he implementation of the European CRD IV package entered into effect. 
In addition to stricter requirements on own funds, capital buffers, and the leverage ratio, 
tighter corporate governance rules and a harmonized sanctions regime were introduced.  
 
o Bank Re covery and Resolution Directive (Too -big-to-fail package)  
The Recovery and Resolution Act (RRA,  in force since 1 January 2017), transposing the 
European Recovery and Resolution Directive (2014/59/EU – BRRD), provides a framework for 
solving the "too -big-to-fail" issue and hence contributes to strengthening the stability of the 
Liechtenstein financial system. The BRRD requires EEA Member States to establish a national 
Resolution Authority vested with specifically designed resolution powers.  
 
 Insurance and Oc cupational Pensions Regulation  
o Solvency II Directive  On 1 January 2016, the completely revised Insurance Supervision Act 
entered into force. Liechtenstein has thus implemented the EU Solvency II Directive including 
Omnibus II into national law in a timely manner. The previous static system for determining the 
capital adequacy of an insurance undertaking has been replaced by a risk -based system that 
defines new requirements in regard to governance, risk manage ment, and reporting. The 
modern supervisory sys tem makes appropriate qualitative and quantitative tools available to 
national supervisory authorities, allowing them to appropriately assess the total sol vency of an 
insurance undertaking.  
 
o Occupational Pensions Act  
In May 2016, Parliament adopted the re vision of the Occupational Pensions Act (Gesetz über die 
betriebliche Personalvorsorge, BPVG). The revised law enters into effect together with the 
revised ordinance on the BPVG in two steps on 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2018. One focus 
of the revision w as on strengthening the transparency and governance of pension schemes.  
 
 AML/CFT Regulation  
o In a first reading in December 2016, the Liechtenstein Parliament considered amending the Due 
Diligence Act and other laws. With these amendments, Liechtenstein is adjusting its national 
legislation to combat money laundering and terrorist financing to the international 
developments and standards, especially the 4th EU Anti -Money Laundering Directive. The goal 
is to further reduce the risk that the Liechtenstein fina ncial center can be misused for purposes 
of money laundering and terrorist financing, and to continue to ensure access of financial 
institutions to the international financial markets. The draft law also addresses criticisms by the 
International Monetary F und (IMF) and MONEYVAL in their recent assessment of Liechtenstein's 
system to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The legislative amendments are to 
enter into force on 1 September 2017.  
 
 Securities Regulation  
o Legislative transposition of Euro pean financial market regulations (MiFID II, and the 2nd Market 
Abuse Directive) is currently underway.  
 
Question 22  
What have been the implications for expanding the provision of financial services for European and 
non-European financial institutions?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 70 - 
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
The financial market regulations that have already been implemented as well as those that still 
have to be implemented contain additional areas of responsibility for the FMA, increased reporting 
obligations for financial intermediarie s, the requirement to establish whistle -blower systems, and 
sanction regimes. The intensity of supervision is thus being increased in general. Additionally, the 
European Commission has already presented draft proposals to amend the CRD IV package and 
the B RRD, thus laying the cornerstone for adjusting these two major regulatory foundations that 
have only recently been implemented.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 71 - 
 
9  MEXICO  
Informe del Gobierno de Suiza  y Liechtenstein (WT/TPR/G/355)  
 
SUMMARY . Page 9, Growth agenda, par. 1.32  States that "Wi th respect to the facilitation of 
imports, the Growth Agenda 2016 -2019 envisages autonomous measures ranging from simplified 
IT and value -added tax procedures to options to remove impediments to parallel imports and 
raising de minimis thresholds for small consignments.  
 
México pregunta 1  
¿Es posible para los usuarios consultar las medidas y etapas de la Agenda de Crecimiento? ¿Cuáles 
son las medidas autónomas a las que se refiere la agenda de crecimiento respecto de las 
importaciones? ¿En qué consisten los procedimientos simplificados de TI y de IVA? ¿En qué 
porcentaje se tiene previsto el aumento de la figura de "de minimis"?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss growth policy is defined for four years and progress is evaluated every two years. All the 
reports are publicly available .  
The facilitation of imports is one measure included in the current growth policy 2016 -2019. In light  
of the importance of open markets to the Swiss economy and the relationship between trade 
barriers and high prices, Switzerland is currently assessing the economic potential of easing import 
restrictions autonomously. For instance, current work is focusin g on the potential of unilateral tariff 
liberalization for industrial goods, including the reduction in administrative costs. In this context, 
the economic consequences of technical barriers to trade are currently studied, especially 
regarding the exemptio ns of the Cassis -de-Dijon principle which applies to imports from the EU. 
Switzerland further considers the revision of its merger control system. The aim of the ongoing 
work is to develop specific proposals by the end of 2017 which will enter the politica l process 
subsequently.  
 
The Swiss Customs Administration aims to modernize its business procedures and the underlying 
IT-procedures in a large transformation program me called "DaziT". The program me foresees to 
simplify customs procedures and will allow b usiness operators to conduct their customs formalities 
full through electronical means without any media disruptions. The funding of "DaziT" is subject to 
parliamentary approval (still pending).  
Concerning simplification on value added tax, the Swiss gover nment agreed on 2 December 2016 
to amend a government ordinance, lowering the required threshold for a simplified VAT payment 
scheme from 50 ,000 to 10 ,000 Swiss Francs of VAT excess deduction. The scheme allows 
companies with regular excess deductions (mor e VAT returns on export than VAT payments on 
import) to directly settle its VAT accounts with the Swiss Federal Tax Administration rather than 
Swiss Customs, who is normally in charge of border -related VAT payments. The aim of this 
amendment is to make the  scheme also available to SME. The amendment of the corresponding 
customs' ordinance is planned for later this year.  
 
Currently Switzerland exempts small consignments with payable duties of less than five SWF from 
duty payment. Swiss parliament mandated th e Government in September 2016 to raise the 
current threshold for customs duties, leaving it up to the Government to determine the new de 
minimis amount. The de minimis threshold for VAT for small consignments is foreseen to be 
abolished for companies whic h export goods in Switzerland for over Sw F 100 ,000 in consignments 
with payable VAT of less than five Swiss Francs. These exporters will have to register as VAT 
contributors in Switzerland and to pay VAT for all exports into Switzerland, including those wi th 
payable VAT of less than five SWF. For both changements it is not yet clear when they will enter 
into force.  
 
COMERCIO Y SOSTENIBILIDAD  
 
México pregunta 2  
1.71. (Pág. 15): ¿Qué medidas tiene Suiza para apoyar las labores destinadas a suprimir las 
subven ciones a la pesca perjudiciales para el medio ambiente, en consonancia con el Objetivo de 
Desarrollo Sostenible 14.6?, ¿Qué reglamentos han entrado en vigor durante el 2017 sobre la 
importación de productos procedentes de la pesca INDNR? ¿Cuáles son las pr incipales medidas 
que establecen los reglamentos antes mencionados?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 72 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Without direct access to the sea, Switzerland has no sea fishery industry. Nevertheless, 
Switzerland consumes and import sea fishery products. The Swiss authorities,  as well as Swiss 
consumers, consider it important that imported fishery products are produced sustainably. 
Accordingly, Switzerland adopted a legislation to block imports of products from illegal, unreported 
and unregulated fishing (IUU fishing).4  
 
The n ew ordinance on IUU fishing is oriented along the lines of the EU legislation. To improve the 
effectiveness of the measure, a risk -based approach is chosen. The following points reflect this 
approach:  
 
As a general rule, the Swiss authorities require a Cat ch Certificate (CC) for the import of fishery 
products, according to which the imported fishery products have been legally caught.  
Appendix 2 contains a list of states with a very low risk in IUU fishing, from where neither a catch 
certificate, nor is a pr ior notification required. Controls at the border for imports from the states 
listed in appendix 2 are not foreseen. Shipments from these states will only be inspected on spec.  
Appendix 5 of the ordinance is a list of flag states with high IUU risk. Import s from these flag 
states will be prohibited (currently this list is empty).  
 
The Swiss ordinance came into force on 1 March 2017. The ordinance will be notified at the WTO in 
Switzerland's Quantitative Restrictions notification (forthcoming before the summ er break 2017).  
 
The Swiss ordinance on IUU fishing, the systemic position of Switzerland against subsidies 
detrimental to the environment, and the Sustainable Development Goal 14.6 form the rationale 
behind Switzerland's participation in the plurilateral talks Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (FSA) and 
the multilateral talks on fisheries subsidies in the Negotiating Group on Rules (NGR). Given the 
importance of maintaining a sustainable level of fish stocks for human well -being and social and 
economic develop ment worldwide, and for the global ecosystem, Switzerland will strive for an 
ambitious outcome in the FSA talks. At the same time, any plurilateral agreement reached in the 
FSA context must complement (and neither hinder, nor overlap) the multilateral outc ome 
discussed in the NGR.  
 
PROPIEDAD INTELECTUAL  
 
Section 2, Page 22, paragraph 2.46  The provisions of the Customs Union Treaty stipulate that 
the Swiss laws pertaining to customs as well as other federal legislation necessary for the 
implementation of t he customs -free zone are applicable in Liechtenstein. In addition, trade and 
customs treaties concluded by Switzerland with third parties (with the exception of the EEA 
countries) regarding the provisions concerning trade in goods also apply to Liechtenste in on the 
basis of the Customs Union Treaty. Switzerland is authorized to represent Liechtenstein in relevant 
negotiations and to conclude such treaties with effect in Liechtenstein.  
 
México pregunta 3  
With regards to the trade -related provisions applied b y Switzerland on the basis of the Customs 
Union Treaty, in the framework of the trade and customs treaties concluded by Switzerland, it 
would be important to know which is the ex officio procedure followed by Switzerland to seek their 
applicability in the EFTA framework, in particular, on border measures regarding intellectual 
property rights?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss customs authorities apply the Swiss laws pertaining to customs as well as other federal 
legislation necessary for the implementation of the customs union with Liechtenstein at the 
boarder of the customs union of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Those rules are not applicable any 
further in the EFTA framework. For the ex officio procedure please refer to the answer to question 
18. 
                                                
4 Viewed at: https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20153280/index.html . WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 73 - 
 
Informe de la Secr etaría de la OMC (WT/TPR/S/355)  
 
ACCESO A MERCADOS  
 
Since the last review, Switzerland has implemented the Agricultural Policy 2014 -17. The new 
agricultural policy framework involves mainly a rearrangement and fine -tuning of the Swiss direct 
paym ents system to improve its efficiency and effectiveness, to reallocate some subsidies from 
livestock and milk production to the arable sector and marginal areas, and to address conflicts with 
WTO Green Box criteria. Switzerland provided around SwF 95 milli on in 2016 for export subsidies 
on processed agricultural products in order to compensate the domestic food industry for the price 
handicap of using tariff protected locally produced agricultural raw materials. Meanwhile, the Swiss 
Government has initiated  domestic procedures to eliminate such export subsidies by January 
2019, in line with commitments made at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi. Despite these 
steps, agriculture (together with some domestic services) remains vulnerable.  
 
México pregunt a 4 
¿Tiene Suiza un plan de trabajo para eliminar las subvenciones a la exportación de productos 
agrícolas, conforme a la Decisión de Nairobi? Si fuera el caso, ¿Podría explicar de manera detallada 
dicho plan de trabajo?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Last year, S witzerland launched the internal process of legal reforms to implement the Nairobi 
decision on export competition. A draft package of measures was submitted to a public 
consultation in September 2016. The Government is currently evaluating the results of t he 
consultation and, as a next step, will decide on the legislative reform package to be submitted to 
Parliament. Together with this legislative reform package, the Government will also submit to 
Parliament the Nairobi decision and the necessary changes in  the schedules of commitments for 
approval. The reform is expected to enter into force in January 2019.  
 
The Swiss Government is currently evaluating the results of the consultation and, as a next step, 
will decide on legislative reform package to be submi tted to the Parliament. Once approved by the 
Parliament, Switzerland will be in a position to provide detailed information about the 
accompanying measures of the reform.  
 
Párrafo 2.23.  EFTA States do not have a common agricultural policy, and their agricul ture 
support regimes differ considerably. However, in recently negotiated FTAs with Central American 
States, the Philippines, and Georgia the EFTA States have followed an integrated approach on 
trade in basic agricultural commodities, processed agricultura l products, and industrial goods.  
 
México pregunta 5  
En relación al comercio de productos agrícolas ¿Los miembros de la AELC adoptaron alguna 
reglamentación interna que los obligue a negociar de manera integrada? ¿Continuarán con este 
mismo esquema para la s nuevas negociaciones de acuerdos comerciales?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
EFTA States do not have a common agricultural policy. In EFTA free trade negotiations with third 
parties, individual EFTA States continue to negotiate concessions for agricultural prod ucts on a 
separate bilateral basis. The results of these negotiations are captured in three separate lists of 
concessions. The "integrated approach" refers to the structure of the texts of the agreement.  In 
the most recent agreements, separate chapters on NAMA and Agricultural goods outlining the 
parties' commitments, in addition to the three bilateral lists of concessions for agricultural 
products, are included in one agreement. The previous structure included four legal instruments: a 
main agreement and t hree separate bilateral agricultural agreements between each EFTA State 
and the FTA Partner.   
 
Page 43, Customs procedures and requirements, par. 3.1  states that there "have been no 
significant amendments to the Customs Law or ordinances related to customs  since the last 
Review but there have been several amendments to facilitate trade, such as waiving the need for 
proofs of origin in some cases…".  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 74 - 
 
México pregunta 6  
¿Cuáles son los casos en los que puede haber una exención de la necesidad de pruebas de or igen? 
¿Hay una lista de productos específicos que podrían caer en este supuesto?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
L'opérateur douanier présente actuellement au bureau de douane les documents accompagnants 
l'envoi sous forme papier, ceci bien qu'il reçoive souvent ce s documents sous forme électronique.  
Pour être valable, une preuve d'origine doit être signée en original (preuve d'origine sur facture) 
ou présenter un timbre douanier et des signatures originaux (certificats de circulation des 
marchandises EUR. 1). Un d ocument pdf ou une impression de ce document pdf n'est pas 
considéré comme original. Si le bureau de douane a des doutes quant aux conditions formelles de 
la preuve d'origine ou quant à l'origine -même de la marchandise, il demande la présentation de la 
preuve d'origine en original.  
 
Page 43 , Customs procedures and requirements, par. 3.5 states that However, regular importers 
may avail of the centralized settlement procedure (CSP) which, in addition to allowing electronic 
payments, allows for payment of cust oms duties within five days of import and VAT within 60 days 
of import.  
 
México Pregunta 7  
Dentro de este esquema de pagos ¿es posible acceder para importadores regulares a efectuar 
dichos pagos incluso antes de realizarse la importación ante la aduana?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Celui qui utilise la procédure de paiement centralisée CSP doit fournir des sûretés qui garantissent 
le paiement ultérieur des redevances. Le principe veut que l'opérateur douanier reçoive une 
"facture" et qu'il la paie dans le délai i ndiqué. Si aucun paiement n'est effectué, l'Administration 
fédérale des douanes fait appel aux garanties.  
 
Párrafo 3.16 del apartado 3.1.4.1  "Applied MFN customs duties" se menciona lo siguiente: As 
reported in Switzerland and Liechtenstein's previous revi ew, under the Federal Law on Customs 
Tariffs, the Federal Council may modify tariffs through an ordinance, when deemed necessary.[1] 
The modifications are temporary until their approval by the Federal Assembly. Any tariff changes 
would be made after a case -by-case evaluation, which would take into account the needs of the 
Swiss economy. The tariff suspension system was introduced during the period under review in 
January 2016 (Table 3.8).[2]  
 
México pregunta 8  
¿El procedimiento para modificar aranceles NMF es el mismo para todos los productos?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The competences assigned by Parliament to the Federal Council concerning the amendment of 
customs duties are based on article 4 paragraph 3 of the customs tariff law of 9  October 1986 
(RS 632.10 ). In particular, the Federal Council is authorized to reduce or to provisionally lift 
customs duties insofar the interests of the Swiss economy require such measures. In addition, the 
Federal Council may take decisions in cases of emergency (article 6) an d extraordinary situations 
in the context of external relations (article 7) in order to protect economic interests as well as 
prescribe customs duties for agricultural products (article 10) within the limits of the WTO bound 
rates. These provisions apply t o all products of the customs tariff.  
 
Párrafo 3.55 de la sección 3.2.2  Export taxes, charges and levies menciona lo 
siguiente:  "Neither Switzerland nor Liechtenstein applies any taxes, c harges, or levies on 
exports… In general, there are no fees for custom s services, although the FCA may charge a fee for 
some services, such as customs clearance outside office hours."  
 
México pregunta 9  
¿Podría Suiza especificar el monto del cargo que aplica por trámites aduaneros de exportación 
fuera de horarios de oficina?  
 
                                                
1 Federal Law on Customs Tariffs (RS 632.10), version of 1 July 2016.  
2 Ordinance on the Temporary Reduction of Customs Duties on Textiles (RO 2015 4935; RS  632.102.1).  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 75 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
30 francs par taxation, v. chiffre 2.1 de l'ordonnance sur les émoluments de l'Administration 
fédérale des douanes (RS 631.035, https://www.admin.c h/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/20070442/index.html ). 
 
Párrafo 4.32.  The key internal support instrument is a subsidy for milk processed into cheese 
(SwF 0.15/kg of raw milk, unchanged since the last Review). Since cheese production accounts for 
over 40% of milk deliveries, the subsidy provides support to the broader domestic raw milk 
market. According to the authorities, given that milk production is traditionally the only income 
possibility open to farmers in mountainous regions, the subsidy for cheese p roduction has 
important socio -economic effects and helps to achieve the aim of a decentralized population. 
Exports of cheese also benefit from indirect support through the subsidy for milk processed into 
cheese, although the subsidy is not contingent on ex ports. WTO Members have previously 
questioned the Green Box compatibility of the subsidy for milk processed into cheese, notified by 
Switzerland in terms of a regional assistance programme. The subsidy for "feeding without silage" 
is aimed at assisting the  production of non -pasteurized specialty cheeses (unchanged at SwF 
0.03/kg of raw milk). In addition, dairy farmers benefit from direct payments (Table 4.3).  
 
México pregunta 10  
¿Podría el gobierno suizo explicar la compatibilidad del programa de asistenci a regional con los 
compromisos de caja verde del Acuerdo sobre la Agricultura de la OMC?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The payments under these programs are mainly envisaging to compensate for additional costs 
related to agriculture in eligible regions such as h illy or mountainous zones. The payments do not 
affect producer's production decisions as they are not coupled with a specific production obligation. 
They are coupled with natural conditions (i.e. area payment for all steep slopes, area payment for 
all land  in mountainous regions). Switzerland therefore considers these measures as green -box 
compatible as is outlined in further detail in the notification G/AG/N/CHE/68.  
 
PROPIEDAD INTELECTUAL  
 
Párrafo 3.179, página 85. Este párrafo establece la inclusión de di sposiciones de 
protección de Propiedad Intelectual en Tratados de Libre Comercio en los que Suiza es 
parte.  
 
México pregunta 11  
¿Cuáles son las medidas de protección "adecuadas y efectivas" para indicaciones geográficas 
contenidas en el mandato recibido po r el Consejo Federal de Suiza?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Les moyens de protection adéquats et effectifs que la Suisse s'efforce d'intégrer dans ses accords 
de libre -échange, sur la base d'une reconnaissance de l'extension du niveau de protection de 
l'art. 23 de l'Accord sur les ADPIC à tous les produits, consistent essentiellement en des mesures 
administratives (notamment douanières) ou des actions judiciaires permettant de faire cesser les 
utilisation illicites d'indications géographiques et d'imposer des pei nes pécuniaires ou privatives de 
liberté aux auteurs d'infractions, ainsi que d'obtenir réparation du préjudice subi.  
Párrafo 3.182, página 86. Este párrafo menciona los beneficios del Tratado en materia 
de protección y reconocimiento de IGs entre Suiza y Jamaica.  
 
México pregunta 12  
¿Cuál es el parámetro para determinar si un producto que utilice una IG es "idéntico o 
comparable" con aquel que sí se originó en la región señalada por la Indicación Geográfica?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Comme l'IG porte sur un p roduit bien déterminé, la notion de produit "identique ou comparable" a 
une portée plus étroite que la notion de "produit similaire" en matière de marque. Ainsi, si une IG 
porte sur un certain type de fromage, doivent être considérés comme comparables les autres 
types de fromage. Il en va en revanche différemment des autres produits laitiers tels que yoghourt 
ou crème.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 76 - 
 
Párrafo 3.201. Se menciona que existe un tratado sobre IGS entre Jamaica y Suiza.  
 
México pregunta 13  
Las indicaciones geográficas de Jamaic a, previstas en ese tratado ¿están sujetas un procedimiento 
posterior conforme a la legislación doméstica Suiza para poder recibir protección plena en el 
territorio de ese país? o ¿la protección se otorga de forma directa?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Les indica tions géographiques de la Jamaïque figurant dans l'annexe II de l'accord entre la 
Jamaïque et la Suisse sont directement protégées en Suisse en vertu des dispositions de l'accord, 
sans qu'une procédure d'enregistrement ne soit requise au niveau national se lon la législation 
suisse, et sous réserve des exceptions énumérées à l'art. 5 dudit accord.  
Párrafo 3.197. El artículo 47.1 de la Ley de Marcas de Fábrica o de Comercio de Suiza 
establece que una indicación de procedencia consiste en una referencia direct a o 
indirecta a la procedencia geográfica de un producto.  
 
México pregunta 14  
¿Cuáles son los criterios reglamentarios y/o judiciales para determinar la existencia de una 
referencia indirecta al origen geográfico?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The criteria have b een developed by case law: A direct reference is a name of a territory or a 
region or locality in that territory. An indirect reference is a sign, which is not the name of a 
territory but nevertheless is perceived by the consumers as a reference to the geo graphical origin 
of the goods or services in question. Thus, the central criteria for determining the existence of an 
indirect reference to the geographical origin is the perception of the sign/indication by the 
consumers. The courts decide on a case -by-case basis, dependent on the goods/services and the 
sign in question (hypothetical example: the image of the Matterhorn on chocolate packaging may 
indirectly refer to Switzerland and indicate to the consumer that the chocolate is Swiss).  
Párrafos 3.191 a 3. 193, página 89. Estos párrafos prevén ciertas características con la 
que los productos y servicios suizos deben cumplir para ser considerados como 
originarios de Suiza y poder ser acreedores a utilizar la marca "Suiza".  
 
México pregunta 15  
¿Cómo examina el  Instituto Federal Suizo de Propiedad Intelectual las solicitudes de marcas que 
prevén utilizar la marca "Suiza"? ¿Cuáles son los requisitos que se deben presentar con la solicitud 
de marca? ¿El examinador de marcas está capacitado y facultado para determi nar si una solicitud 
de marca para productos cumple con los requisitos de peso, costo de producción, etapa de 
fabricación, etc.?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) examines all trademarks applications that 
contain a reference to the geographical origin of goods or services the same way. There is no 
particular examination for trademarks containing the word "Swiss" or "Switzerland". The IPI is not 
examining the circumstances under which a trademark is actually be ing used in the market. It 
limits its examination to the sign (as applied) and the specification of the goods/services claimed. 
Therefore, examiners do not determine whether the products using the relevant trademark meet 
the requirements of weight, product ion cost, manufacturing stage, etc. If the trademark is used for 
goods or services that do not comply with the legal requirements established by law, any 
interested person may file a complaint against such illegitimate use with civil courts.  
 
Párrafo 3.19 4, página 89. Este párrafo refiere que la marca geográfica es una nueva 
categoría de derechos de propiedad intelectual, a fin de facilitar la protección de las 
indicaciones geográficas en el extranjero.  
 
México pregunta 16  
¿Quién puede ser titular de la ma rca geográfica?, ¿En qué se diferencia la marca geográfica de una 
marca colectiva o de una marca de certificación?, ¿Cuáles son los requisitos para obtener el 
registro de una marca geográfica? ¿Puede una marca geográfica convertirse en una indicación WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 77 - 
 
geogr áfica?, ¿Cuáles son las diferencias en cuanto al alcance y contenido protección de una marca 
geográfica y de una indicación de procedencia?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Answer (16/1)  
The registration of a geographic al trademark may be requested by:  
a) the group, wh ether Swiss or foreign, which obtained the registration of the appellation of 
origin or the geographical indication in Switzerland, or where such group no longer exists, 
the representative group which is responsible regarding the protection of this appella tion 
of origin or geographical indication;  
b) the Swiss canton that protects the appellation of origin or the foreign authority responsible 
for the regulation of wine appellations corresponding to Art. 63 of the Law on Agriculture, 
as well as the group that o btained the protection of such a foreign wine appellation;  
c) the umbrella organization of an economic sector for which the Swiss government has 
enacted a specific ordinance or which acts on the basis of an equivalent foreign regulation.  
Answer (16/2):  
Collec tive and guarantee trademarks identify the products of an association or a group of 
companies. A guarantee mark signifies in addition that a product has certain properties or qualities 
(e.g. quality characteristics). The function of such trademarks is to p ut emphasis on the producers 
of the goods and not on the place where the goods have been produced.  
Geographical trademarks identify the goods only on the basis of their geographical origin. The 
geographical trademark does not refer to producers, but only to the geographical origin, the same 
way as a protected designation of origin (PDO) or a protected geographical indication (PGI) does.  
Answer (16/3)  
The applicant must submit regulations governing the use of the geographical mark. These 
regulations must co rrespond to the product specifications (that is, the PDO or PGI specifications) 
or to the pre -existing applicable provisions; they may not require remuneration for use of the 
geographical mark.   
Answer (16/4)  
A geographical mark is only registered on the b asis of a prior recognized sui generis GI or 
indication of source, and has no independent subsequent existence.  Therefore, as provided by 
Art. 35, let. d of the TM Law, the IPI shall cancel a geographical mark registration, if the protected 
designation of origin or the protected geographical indication on which the geographical mark is 
based, is cancelled.  
Answer (16/5)  
Indications of source enjoy the general sui generis protection according to the provisions of Art. 47 
ss. TM Law. This applies to Swiss and  foreign indications of source alike. The right holders of 
unregistered indications of source are not identified, as the indication of source is presumed to be 
in the public domain and, therefore, not registrable as a trademark.  
Geographical marks are regi stered intellectual property titles that cover a limited range of 
geographical denominations . Geographical marks must be based on a previous sui generis 
registration or on the recognition of a GI or of an indication of source. Notwithstanding its 
registrat ion as a geographical mark, a denomination continues to be recognized and protected as a 
GI or as a qualified indication of source on a sui generis basis. The registration of a denomination 
as a geographical mark or as a sui generis GI allows clearly ident ifying the right holders and 
beneficiaries of the right and setting  the applicable requirements, facilitating thereby the 
enforcement of the protection of the GI or indication of source.  
Párrafos 3.198 y 3.199, página 90. Este párrafo se refiere a la crea ción de un nuevo 
registro de indicaciones geográficas para productos no agrícolas, el cual permitirá el 
registro de indicaciones geográficas de bienes como relojes y textiles . 
 
México pregunta 17  
¿Cuáles son las características imputables al origen geográf ico con las que debe cumplir un reloj 
para ser considerado como indicación geográfica? Cuando un reloj es producido con materiales 
provenientes de otra región o es ensamblado en algún lugar diferente al territorio originario 
¿puede causar confusión o induc ir al público a error en cuanto al origen geográfico del producto?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 78 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In relation to manufactured goods, according to established case law, the relevant manufacturing 
step that gives a product its essential characteristics must have tak en place in Switzerland for the 
product to be considered Swiss made. This case law has now been included in statutory law. 
Accordingly, it would be misleading to use 'Swiss made' on a watch assembled outside of 
Switzerland. Foreign parts may be part of a S wiss watch, as long as the costs of these parts do not 
surpass a proportion of the manufacturing costs of a (individual) watch. According to the Law, for 
a watch to use the label Swiss, 60% of its manufacturing costs have to be generated in 
Switzerland.  
Párrafo 3.209, página 93. Se explica que la Administración de Aduanas de Suiza prevé 
medidas en frontera de oficio y a petición de parte en caso de sospecha de importación, 
exportación o tránsito de mercancías que infringen derechos de autor, marcas, patent es, 
indicaciones geográficas y topografías de circuitos integrados.  
 
México pregunta 18  
¿Podría Suiza explicar el procedimiento de oficio llevado a cabo por las autoridades aduaneras para 
los casos de importación de mercancías que infringen algún derecho d e propiedad intelectual? 
¿Cómo determina la Administración de Aduanas de Suiza que existe la sospecha de que alguna 
mercancía en importación, exportación o tránsito infringe algún derecho de propiedad intelectual?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss Customs A dministration applies a risk analysis which takes into account numerous 
elements such as the origin and the destination of the goods, the Customs declaration and 
accompanying papers as well as other factors. In case of an ex officio procedure, the right ho lder 
will be notified and must apply for a suspension of the suspicious goods within three working days, 
giving further evidence why the goods infringe an intellectual property right. If the right holder 
does succeed in showing that the goods do, prima fac ie, infringe an intellectual property right, the 
release of the goods will be suspended for up to 10 (or in special cases 20) working days according 
to Article 55 TRIPS. Otherwise, goods suspended will be released.  
 
Párrafo 3.3.8.5, página 97. Se explica q ue la Ley Federal de Patentes de 1954 y su 
Ordenanza rigen la protección de patentes en Suiza y Liechtenstein.  
 
México pregunta 19  
¿Podría Suiza responder las siguientes preguntas relativas al funcionamiento de los Certificados 
complementarios de protecci ón? 
a)  El Título Séptimo de la Loi Federal sur les brevets establece la figura del "certificado 
complementario de protección" (Certificats complémentaires de protection, en adelante 
CCP: 
(i) ¿Qué persona puede solicitar el CCP?  
 
The patent holder (see Art. 1 40c para. 1 Patents Act).  
(ii) ¿Cuál es el procedimiento establecido para solicitar el CCP  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The applicant has to provide the following (see Art. 127b Patents Ordinance):  
  the request for the grant of a certificate (including the numbe r of the basic patent and the 
title of the invention; the numbe r and date of the first authoriz ation to place the product 
on the market);  
  a copy of the first authoriz ation to place the product on the market as medicinal product;  
  a copy of the drug inform ation;  
  the payment of the required application fee.  
 
 (iii) El procedimiento para solicitar el CCP ¿se sigue exclusivamente ante el Instituto 
Federal de la Propiedad Intelectual? u ¿otras autoridades también tienen intervención  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property is the only authority dealing with CCPs.  
(iv) Los plazos para solicitar el CCP ¿son exclusivamente los señalado en el artículo 140 f 
de la Loi Federal sur les brevets? o ¿existen otros plazos en los que se puede solicitar el CCP?  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 79 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The deadlines for a CCP are regulated in Art. 140f Patents Act. There are no other deadlines.  
b)  El artículo 140 a de la Loi Federal sur les brevets5 establece que los CCP estarán disponibles 
para los principios a ctivos y las composiciones de principios activos de un medicamento. Al 
respecto:  
(i) ¿Cuál es la definición de medicamento (médicament)? ¿Podrían proveerse ejemplos de 
tales productos?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Definition of "medicinal product" (Art. 4 lit. a Federal Act on Medicinal Products and Medical 
Devices (SR 812.21)): "Medicinal products" means products of chemical or biological origin which 
are intended to have or are presented as having a medicinal effect on the human or animal 
organism.  
Examples (a ccording to Art. 4 lit. a Federal Act on Medicinal Products and Medical Devices): 
products in the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of diseases, injuries and handicaps; blood and 
blood products.  
(ii) La referencia a medicamentos, en el artículo 140 a de l a Loi Federal sur les brevets, 
(médicaments), ¿abarca también a los biotecnológicos?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property does not make a difference between chemically 
or biologically produced products.  
c)  Según el art ículo 140 a de la Loi Federal sur les brevets , los CCP están disponibles para 
principios activos y para las composiciones de principios activos. No obstante ¿los CCP 
también pueden aplicarse para patentes de procesos y para patentes de segundos usos 
médico s? 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
According to the rulings of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, CCPs may also be applied to process 
patents and second medical use patents.  
d)  Si varias patentes protegen a un producto:  
(i) ¿el CCP puede tener efectos para cada patente ? 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
If the owner of several patents for one product has already received a CCP for the product in 
question, he will not receive any additional CCPs. If a product is covered by several patents 
belonging to different owners, then each of  the owners may receive a CCP for the same active 
ingredient as long as he fulfils the relevant criteria.  
 
(ii) ¿de qué forma se calcula el período para la protección suplementaria al producto?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
According to Art. 140e Patents Act: The  certificate takes effect on expiry of the maximum term of 
the patent for a period equal to the period which elapses between the date of filing of the patent 
and the date of the first authorization to place the product on the market as a medicinal product in 
Switzerland minus five years.  
(iii) ¿qué sucede si los titulares de las patentes son diferentes?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
See answer to question d (i) and (ii). The protection period is calculated according to Art. 140e 
Patents Act. It is based on the f irst marketing authorization and on the patent application chosen 
by the patent holders.  
                                                
5 "L’IPI délivre, sur demande, des certificats complémentaires de protection (certificats) pour des 
principes actifs ou des compositions de principes actifs d’un médicament ". 
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 80 - 
 
e)  ¿Qué sucede si el titular de la patente es diferente al titular de la autorización para 
comercialización? En ese caso ¿quién puede solicitar el CCP?  
 
Answer by Switz erland  
The patent holder can apply for the CCP, Art. 140c para. 1 Patents Act.  
f)  El artículo 140 e de la Loi Federal  sur les brevets  establece que el CCP es válido por un 
período correspondiente al tiempo transcurrido entre la fecha de solicitud y la fecha d e la 
primera autorización comercial del medicamento en Suiza, menos cinco años. Ahora bien, 
el párrafo 2 de tal artículo señala que el CCP tendrá una duración máxima de cinco años.  
(i) El párrafo 2 ¿implica que, en todos los casos, los CCP estarán limitad os a cinco años 
aun cuando el tiempo transcurrido entre la fecha de solicitud y la primera autorización comercial 
sea mayor a ese plazo? Es decir, ¿se debe entender que en ningún caso un CCP tendrá validez 
mayor a cinco años después de expirada la patente?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The legislator limited the maximum duration of a CCP to five years, Art. 140  e Patents Act. A 
longer period that elapses between the date of application and the first market authorization does 
not extend the maximum protection perio d of five years.  
(ii) Para calcular la dura ción del CCP ¿S e restan los períodos de tiempo injustificables 
causados por el titular de la patente en el procedimiento para obtener la autorización comercial del 
medicamento? (por ejemplo, uso de prórrogas para  atender solicitudes de información, 
presentación de información incompleta, promoción de juicios frívolos o infundados).  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property does not consider unjustifiable periods of time.  
g)  El artíc ulo 140 n de la Loi Federal sur les brevets  establece que los CCP también estarán 
disponibles para los principios activos y las composiciones de principios activos de un 
producto fitosanitario (produit phytosanitaire) ¿Cuál es el concepto o definición de 
producto fitosanitario?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Plant protection products are active ingredients or preparations, intended to (according to Art. 3 of 
the Ordinance on plant protection products):  
  protect plants or plant products against all harmful organisms  or prevent the action of such 
organisms;  
  influence the life processes of plants, other than as a nutrient (e.g. plant growth 
regulators);  
  preserve plant products;  
  destroy undesirable plants or parts of plants; or  
  influence undesirable growth of plants . 
Section 3, pág. 43, paragraph 3.6  
For goods in transit, import duties and VAT must be secured temporarily either using the 
Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) procedure, or the NCTS (also called the Common Transit 
Procedure (CTP)). The TIR procedure  applies only to goods transported by road and under a 
customs seal for transporters holding a TIR carnet, which includes a financial guarantee for the 
suspended duties and taxes and is administered by the International Road Transport Union. The 
CTP is an electronic system which applies in the EU, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 
Turkey, and the Republic of Serbia. The system generates electronic messages that are sent to the 
customs offices of transit and destination, in addition to the document which must accompany the 
transit. A guarantee for duties and taxes must be provided in the country where the procedure 
starts and is released on completion of the transit. Goods in transit under the CTP must be 
accompanied by a detailed description of the goods or the goods must be carried under bond.  
 
Méxic o pregunta 20  
In the case of goods in transit, import duties and VAT as indicated in point 3.6. which should be 
temporarily guaranteed by the TIR procedure: Would the procedure apply to non -European sign ing 
countries?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 81 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
En matière de transit avec un carnet TIR, c'est le carnet TIR qui fait office de garantie. Du moment 
que le carnet TIR a été émis par un office compétent - où qu'il se trouve dans le monde - il est 
valable pour la Suis se. 
 
Secti on 3, pág. 94, paragraph 3.209  
The laws of Switzerland and Liechtenstein provide for criminal enforcement and border measures 
concerning intellectual property rights at an advanced level. The intentional infringement of 
copyright, patents, tradem arks and geographical indications is a criminal offence under the laws of 
Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Since the substantial improvements introduced in 2008, the Swiss 
Customs Administration, covering both territories, provides ex officio and on -demand b order 
measures in case of a suspected import, export or transit of goods infringing not only copyright 
and trademarks, but also patents, designs, geographical indications and topographies of integrated 
circuits. Trademark and design right holders have the option to prohibit the import, export and 
transiting of commercially produced infringing objects for private use and to have those goods 
withheld by Customs, however private persons in Switzerland who are in possession of  unlawfully 
manufactured goods can still not be legally prosecuted.  
 
México pregunta 21  
Could Switzerland and Liechtenstein authorities explain the procedures followed under the 
"criminal enforcement and border measures concerning intellectual property rights at a more 
advanced level" for a better understanding on how those measures are applied?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss customs authorities apply the Swiss laws pertaining to customs as well as other federal 
legislation necessary for the implementation of the customs union with Liecht enstein at the 
boarder of the customs union of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.  
 
The provisions on criminal enforcement and border measures apply to all intellectual property 
rights. Customs authorities not only can act upon an application of the right hold er, but also ex 
officio where there is prima facie evidence that goods infringe an intellectual property right (in line 
with Article 58 TRIPS). The penalties for infringements on a commercial scale provide an effective 
deterrent, and the profits of such an  infringement may be forfeited to the authorities.  
 
3.3.6 Competi tion policy and price controls  
 
Paragraph 3.136, page 76  
Switzerland's guardian of effective competition consists of a secretariat and the non -permanent 
Competition Commission (COMCO). The C OMCO currently consists of 12 part -time members, 
including the President and Vice -Presidents (who are nominated by the Federal Council), 
independent experts, and representatives of various interest groups (e.g. industry, retail, 
consumer, labour, and agric ultural associations). Some members also hold positions on company 
boards. The secretariat carries out investigations and submits the results to the COMCO for 
decision. COMCO's decisions can be appealed to the Federal Administrative Court, whose 
judgments can be appealed to the Federal Supreme Court.  
 
México pregunta 22  
Could Switzerland elaborate on the composition of the COMCO members and its powers? Has this 
raised concerns that the independence of the authority would be compromised with members 
represe nting interest groups perhaps lobbyist?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The COMCO comprises between eleven and fifteen members, the majority of whom are 
independent experts. The members of the Competition Commission disclose their interests in a 
register of interes ts. The COMCO takes the decisions and issues the rulings that are not expressly 
reserved to another authority. It submits recommendations and opinions to the political authorities 
and prepares expert reports (Art.  18 Cartel Act, CartA).  
Decisions can be t aken if more than 50% of the members present are independent experts (Art. 6 
internal rules of procedure COMCO). The COMCO is the decision body whereas the COMCO 
Secretariat is the investigative body. The COMCO takes decisions on motions of the Secretariat  
(Art. 30 para 1 CartA). Members of the COMCO must recuse themselves if there are grounds for 
recusal under Article 10 of the Administrative Procedure Act of 20 December 1968. As a general WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 82 - 
 
rule, the fact that a member of the Commission represents an u mbrel la organiz ation does not 
constitute a personal interest or any other ground for recusal (Art. 22 CartA).  
Concerns about the participation of persons representing interest groups in the COMCO have 
already been raised during the revision of 2004, which intro duced monetary sanctions for 
violations of the Cartel Act. The disclosing of interests in a register was introduced to address this 
concern. This concern, though raised at each revision, has until now been rejected. It must be 
noticed that other competitio n authorities in Europe do comprise as well members of interest 
groups in their decision bodies.  
 
Paragraph 3.138, page 76  
Switzerland has a system of presumption for particularly harmful cartels, i.e. horizontal 
agreements on prices, quantities or geograp hical allocation of markets, and vertical agreements on 
minimum or fixed prices and unequivocal territorial partition. The presumption that these five 
types of agreements eliminate the competition prevails, but puts the burden of proof on the 
COMCO and thi s presumption is regularly rebutted. Nonetheless, the COMCO considers that, 
despite the failed reform of the Cartel Law, it has sufficient instruments to address such restraints 
on competition.  
 
Mexico pregunta 23  
Could Switzerland give some specific exam ples of the legal provisions that the Cartel Law Reform 
pursued and the reasoning behind its rejection?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
On the basis of the so called Synthesis Report from 2009, the Federal Council submitted in 2012 a 
far-reaching revision of the Ca rtel Act to Parliament. In this context it was discussed among others 
to introduce a partial prohibition for the five types of agreements that are presumed to eliminate 
competition (Art. 5 para 3 and 4 CartA). The Swiss Parliament did not discuss the revis ion. The 
reason for the rejection was primarily the large number of proposals to change the Cartel Act in 
almost every field (institutions, provisions related to market dominance and merger control etc.).  
Nevertheless, the COMCO has sufficient instruments to address such restraints on competition, 
above all since the landmark ruling of the Federal Swiss Supreme Court of 28 June 2016 in the 
case "Gaba/Elmex" (see for more information, the COMCO's Annual Report 2016, p. 7, link on 
https://www.weko.admin.ch/weko/en/home/documentation/annual -press -conference.html ), which 
states that these five serious types of agreements do significantly impact competition irrespec tive 
of any quantitative criteria like market shares.  
 
Paragraph 3.153, page 78  
Liechtenstein maintains price controls on public transport, telecommunications, postal and medical 
services, and drugs and medical equipment. Prices for electricity and gas (ex cept for grid 
access/transport) have been liberalized in compliance with the current developments within the 
EEA (second energy liberalization package). The market is open and prices can be set individually 
by each electricity or gas supplier. The prices a re composed of a tariff for the use of the network 
(regulated by the Energy Market Commission) and a tariff for the energy itself. Due to the lack of 
a large number of alternative energy suppliers, most prices for gas and electricity are de facto  set 
by th e two state -owned companies. Some costumers have already switched their electricity 
supplier, according to the authorities. An application from a new gas supplier is pending.  
 
México pregunta 24  
What role did the European Commission and the EFTA Surveillan ce Authority played in the second 
energy liberalization faced by Liechtenstein? Is there an ex -post evaluation of the effects that 
liberalization of electricity and gas markets have had on the final price paid for consumers? And 
finally, has the authoritie s identified regulatory obstacles that are impeding the establishment of 
other competitors beyond the two state owned companies. If so how have they been addressed?   
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
In Liechtenstein, the national Energy Market Surveillance Commiss ion (Kommission für 
Energiemarktaufsicht) is responsible for the surveillance of the energy market and the network 
prices.  
 
In the framework of the European Economic Area (EEA), the EFTA -Surveillance Authority located in 
Brussels is monitoring the correct  implementation of EU/EEA directives and regulations in 
Liechtenstein. For this purpose, the Energy Market Surveillance Commission reports in regular WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 83 - 
 
intervals to the EFTA Surveillance Authority on developments in the Liechtenstein electricity and 
gas mark et. So far, no regulatory obstacles have been identified.  
 
Pág. 11/ Resumen/ 22 En lo que respecta a la propiedad intelectual, Suiza ha lanzado iniciativas 
legislativas en la esfera de los derechos de autor, destinadas a encontrar un equilibrio entre la 
protección y la observancia en el contexto de las nuevas tecnologías, por un lado, y la privacidad y 
la libertad de los usuarios de Internet, por otro. En la esfera de las marcas de fábrica o de 
comercio y las indicaciones geográficas, la llamada legislación " Swissness" entró en vigor el 1° de 
enero de 2017, e introdujo cambios significativos con el objetivo de mejorar la protección de la 
"marca Suiza" en el propio país y en el extranjero. Se han sometido a aprobación del Parlamento 
de Suiza dos tratados intern acionales sobre propiedad intelectual (el Tratado de Marrakech para 
facilitar el acceso a las obras publicadas a las personas ciegas, con discapacidad visual o con otras 
dificultades para acceder al texto impreso y el Tratado de Beijing sobre Interpretacio nes y 
Ejecuciones Audiovisuales). Como consecuencia de la unión aduanera, el sistema de propiedad 
intelectual de Liechtenstein está fuertemente relacionado con el sistema suizo.  
 
México pregunta 25  
¿Podría Suiza y Liechtenstein describir las principales ca racterísticas y/o cambios de la "Legislación 
Swissness" que entró en vigor el 1 de enero de 2017?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Please note: the Swissness legislation does not concern Liechtenstein (the Patent 
Cooperation Treaty between Switzerland and Liechtenst ein does not extend to other 
fields of intellectual property).  
 
1. The revision aims at improving fair competition and preventing deceptive practices regarding 
the indications that refer to the Swiss origin of goods or services . The revised 
Trademark law intr oduces new criteria  which determine how much "Switzerland" must be 
contained in a product or service in order for it to be labelled as "Swiss". These provisions also 
apply to indications of source that refer to specific places in Switzerland.   
 
2. The revisio n also creates two new instruments regarding geographical indications (GIs):   
 
o a register  for GIs for non-agricultural goods  such as handicrafts.  
o a geographical mark , i.e. the possibility to register as a verbal trademark an indication 
corresponding to a previously recognised geographical indication.  
 
3. The revision introduces a  simplified cancellation procedure (at the registering authority) 
for trademarks  that are not commercially used. Until now, such cancellation could only be 
obtained before civil court s.  
 
4. Along with the trademark law, the Law on the Protection of Swiss Armorial Bearings has also 
been revised. Under the new law, the Swiss flag may be used  not only for Swiss services - as 
previously - but also for goods originating in Switzerland , as lon g as such use is in 
compliance with the criteria set out in the Law.  
 
Pág. 12/Resumen/ 28 Desde el examen anterior, Suiza ha aplicado la Política Agrícola para 
2014-2017. El nuevo marco de la política agrícola prevé principalmente una reorganización y un 
ajuste del sistema de pagos directos de Suiza para mejorar la eficiencia y eficacia, reasignar al 
sector de agricultura de labranza y a zonas marginales algunas de las subvenciones destinadas a 
la producción de ganado y productos lácteos, y resolver conflict os con los criterios del 
compartimento verde de la OMC. Suiza proporcionó unos 95 millones de francos suizos en 2016 en 
concepto de subvenciones a la exportación de productos agropecuarios elaborados p ara 
compensar a la rama de producción nacional por el i ncremento de precio que supone utilizar 
materias primas agropecuarias de producción local protegidas por aranceles. Entre tanto, el 
Gobierno de Suiza ha iniciado procedimientos internos para eliminar estas subvenciones a la 
exportación a más tardar en ener o de 2019, de conformidad con los compromisos adquiridos en la 
Conferencia Ministerial de la OMC celebrada en Nairobi. A pesar de estos avances, la agricultura 
(así como ciertos servicios nacionales) sigue siendo vulnerable en un entorno más competitivo, l o 
que pone de manifiesto la necesidad de aplicar reformas más orientadas al mercado.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 84 - 
 
México pregunta 26  
¿Cuáles serían esas otras reformas que Suiza aplicaría y hacia dónde estarían orientadas para 
eliminar las subvenciones a las exportaciones de producto s? 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland will inform in detail about the reform package to eliminate the remaining export 
subsidies and the accompanying measures once approved by the Parliament.  
Furthermore, with the current Agricultural Policy (AP 2014 -2017) , the direct payments (DP) 
system has been rearranged. This gives farmers an opportunity to rethink their production 
portfolio and concentrate on those market and non -market activities in which they are most 
competitive given their individual framework con ditions, including structure of costs. This will lead 
to a more market -oriented sector and a certain restructuring of the sector as a whole. This 
development will in turn provide a sound basis for successfully dealing with future challenges 
including possi ble further reform steps.  
As shown by its high share of imports, Switzerland is an open economy and an attractive partner 
for exporters of agriculture products. Switzerland remains committed to multilateral trade talks in 
the context of the Doha Developme nt Agenda where adaptations of market access for agricultural 
products are equally foreseen.  
 
Pág. 79/ 3 Políticas y Prácticas Comerciales, por Medidas/ 3.3.5 Comercio de Estado, 
empresas de propiedad estatal y privatización / 3.121. En Suiza, el régimen rel ativo al alcohol 
se rige por la Ley del Alcohol de 1932 -una de las leyes federales más antiguas -, que confiere a la 
Confederación derechos exclusivos (monopolios) con respecto a la producción e importación de 
etanol y la producción de bebidas espirituosas . Suiza eliminará su monopolio legal sobre la 
importación de etanol. Con este fin, el Parlamento suizo ha aprobado una modificación de la Ley 
del Alcohol, cuya entrada en vigor está prevista para fines de 2018, según las autoridades. Suiza 
ha notificado pe riódicamente al Grupo de Trabajo sobre las Empresas Comerciales del Estado las 
actividades de la Junta Federal de Alcoholes (Régie fédérale des alcools), que opera en nombre de 
la Confederación Suiza.  
 
México pregunta 27  
¿Podría mencionar Suiza de manera general cuáles son esas enmiendas a la ley del alcohol?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
La révision partielle de la loi sur l'alcool (Lalc) crée les bases légales nécessaires à l'intégration de 
la Régie fédérale des alcools (RFA) dans l'Administration fédérale doua nes (AFD) ainsi qu'à la 
privatisation du centre de profit Alcosuisse et à la libéralisation du marché de l'éthanol. La mise en 
œuvre aura lieu par étape (calendrier provisoire).  
 
Le 1er janvier 2018, l'AFD reprendra l'activité de contrôle que la RFA assume  à l'heure actuelle sur 
le marché de l'éthanol. Cette tâche incombera à la division Alcool et tabac, qui sera créée au sein 
de l'AFD et dépendra de la division principale Redevances. A cette date, plusieurs modifications de 
la Lalc entreront en vigueur : 
- Abandon  de l'obligat ion de la dénaturation complète ; 
- Autorisation  pour les entreprises de dén aturer directement de l'éthanol ; 
- Baisse  des droits perçus sur l'éthanol importé de 35 francs à 0 franc par 100 kilogrammes bruts ; 
- Création  d'un registre publ ic comme nouvel instrument de contrôle.  
 
La privatis ation complète de l'entreprise A lcosuisse sa (actuellement à 100% en mains de l'État) et 
le retrait de la Confédération du marché de l'éthanol interviendront d'ici à la mi -2018.  
Le marché de l'éthanol s era probablement libéralisé le 1er janvier 2019. Jusque -là, seule 
l'entreprise A lcosuisse S.A. est autorisée à importer de l'éthanol en Suisse. Les entreprises privées 
qui souhaitent à l'avenir importer directement de l'éthanol en Suisse ont le droit d'imp orter des 
échantillons avant la suppression du monopole, afin de se conformer par avance aux exigences en 
matière de certification. Pour de plus amples informations, les entreprises intéressées peuvent 
s'adresser à la RFA.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 85 - 
 
10  NORWAY  
1. The report by Switzer land (p.  15, 1.71.) states the following: "In the course of 2017, new 
regulations will become effective in Switzerland for imports of products from illegal, unreported 
and unregulated (IIU) fishing". What concrete measures will this entail? Will it differ from the EU 
rules on IUU -fishing? Does Liechtenstein plan to introduce similar regulations?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The ordinance on controlling the lawful origin of imported marine fishery products has come into 
force on 1 March 2017.  
With no direct acces s to the sea, Switzerland has no marine fishery industry. Nevertheless, sea 
fish are imported and consumed in Switzerland. It is very important to Swiss consumers as well as 
the Swiss government that the fishery products that are imported have been harvest ed 
sustainably.  In this regard, Switzerland has adopted a legislation on illegal, unreported and 
unregulated fishing (IUU fishing) which is in line with the EU legislation, e.g. the European Union 
Catch Certification Scheme.  
The Swiss approach relies on a  risk based control system with three different risk levels:  
In the regular case, shipments need to be accompanied by a Catch Certification (CC) and need to 
be announced in advance for control at the Federal food safety and veterinary office (FSVO).  
For consignments coming from flag states with a low risk of IUU fishing, no pre -announcement and 
no CC is necessary. Norway falls into this category (as listed in annex 2), fishery products may be 
imported without a catch certificate and without a pre -declarat ion procedure.  
For flag states with a high IUU risk, an import ban can be imposed (currently there are no states 
on this list).  
Liechtenstein belongs to the Swiss customs area, the new IUU regulation will therefore also apply 
for seafood imports destined f or Liechtenstein.  
The English version of the new IUU regulation can be downloaded from the following website: 
https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/en/home/das -blv/auftrag/vollzug/illegale -fischerei.html . 
The relevant Swiss legislation is also applicable  in Liechtenstein (customs union) . 
 
2. As a result of the debt crisis in the Euro -zone and uncertainty in world financial market in 2011 
and the triggering of a fligh t to safe havens by investors, the Swiss franc appreciated strongly. The 
Swiss National Bank then set a minimum exchange rate of SwF 1.20 per euro, which was in force 
until 15 January 2015, when the Swiss National Bank gave up the necessary interventions t o 
defend this rate, leading to an appreciation of the franc in particular vis -à-vis the euro. Certain 
sectors of the Swiss economy, such as the machinery industry where the main markets are in the 
euro area, seem to have suffered from this development. Cou ld you describe what measures, if 
any, the authorities introduced to alleviate the situation for the affected industries?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The abandonment of the exchange rate floor by the Swiss National Bank on 15 January 2015 and 
the subsequent app reciation of the Swiss Franc against the Euro curbed economic growth in 
Switzerland. While structural change may have been accelerated to some extent, the period of 
strong appreciation did not lead to a recession. Although the Swiss Franc is still consider ed to be 
overvalued, recent surveys show that the Swiss export industry has increasingly managed to adapt 
to the strong currency. Economic growth is expected to further accelerate in 2017.  
 
In the light of the strong Swiss Franc, the government extended th e short -time work 
compensations for cases of large variations in exchange rates and intensified the promotion of 
innovation. The particularly challenged tourism sector has been benefiting from additional means 
in the framework of program mes designed at the  promotion of Swiss tourism and regional 
development. These measures are currently still in force and can also be effective in the case of 
stronger impacts by the Brexit vote than expected.  
 
The monetary policy of the National Bank is the main instrument a gainst a temporary 
overvaluation of the Swiss franc, because only this can directly influence the exchange rate. The 
instrument of negative interest rates counteracts the appreciation of the Swiss franc and helps to 
stabilize the exchange rate, as well as the development of prices and the economy itself. In  
addition, the National Bank can intervene on the foreign exchange market, which it has done after 
the vote on Brexit, for instance.   WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 86 - 
 
11  KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARA BIA 
Government Report  
1.3 Economic Policy  
1.3.1 G rowth Agenda  
1.28. Between 2012 and 2015, the Government's Growth Agenda also comprised efforts aimed at 
reform of the agricultural sector, expansion of Switzerland's network of preferential trade 
agreements, deepening of the economic relationship with th e EU, reform of corporate taxation, 
improvement of IT infrastructure, promotion of e -government and reduction of red tape.  
 
Question  
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commends Switzerland for its successful Growth Agenda and would 
appreciate to have more details  about the improvement of IT infrastructure measures.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss Customs Administration aims to modernize its business procedures and the underlying 
IT-procedures in a large transformation program me called "DaziT". The program me foresees to 
simplify customs procedures and will allow business operators to conduct their customs formalities 
full through electronical means without any media disruptions. The details are currently being 
designed. The funding of "DaziT" is subject to parliame ntary approval (still pending).  
 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  BY THE KINGDOM OF SA UDI ARABIA  
Secretariat Report (WT/TPR/S/355)  
4. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
(4.3) SERVICES  
(4.3.1) Financial Services  
(4.3.1.1) Switzerland  
 
Box 4.1 Financial services: statistical over view, 2006 -15: 
Number of banks and recent consolidation:  
 
Question  
Figures indicate some mergers and acquisitions especially in foreign controlled banks and private 
banks. Could you please share your experience in this regard, including the challenges face d 
during such process?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The figures reflect a general, ongoing market shake -out in the banking sector. The combination of 
macroeconomic challenges such as the low interest rate environment and non -economic 
difficulties, i.e. tax confo rmity in cross -border business, has led to ongoing consolidation in the 
banking sector. This trend mostly affected foreign and wealth management banks (where most 
foreign controlled banks are active). Structural change has also been driven by individual 
institutions achieving a better market position through acquisitions.  
 
FINMA takes a neutral stance on the ongoing banking sector shake -out and does not actively 
intervene. However, its protection mandate requires it to closely monitor each bank exiting the 
market. Once a decision to cease banking operations has been taken, FINMA facilitates a targeted 
release from banking supervision. This can happen once the bank no longer holds any positions 
worthy of particular protection and any claims by creditors have been satisfied or secured 
effectively.  
 
Possible challenges include questions concerning individual client positions and the appropriate 
method of securing them. Dormant and blocked assets and expired, contested or illiquid claims 
require novel and practic al solutions. FINMA strives to bring proceedings to a swift conclusion, 
exercising its supervisory powers only as long as is necessary.  
 
Box 4.1 Financial services: statistical overview, 2006 -15: 
Pension funds:  
"Number of pension funds: 2009: 2351; 2014: 1 866. Total assets: 2009: SwF 599 billion (of which 
collective assets SwF 241 billion), 2014: SwF 777 billion (of which collective assets: SwF 424 
billion)"  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 87 - 
 
Question  
The number of pensions funds decreased since 2009, while the total assets increased, could  please 
elaborate on that?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Pension funds became bigger and smaller ones were merged into collective pension funds for 
reasons of efficiency. Assets increased as an unavoidable consequence of the age pyramid in 
Switzerland.  
 
Box 4.1 F inancial services: statistical overview, 2006 -15: 
General:  
"Share of financial services in GDP  
2006: 11.7% (of which insurance 3.59%)  
2011: 10.3% (of which insurance 4.37%)  
2015: 9.5% (of which insurance 4.29%)"  
 
Question  
The share of financial services a s a percentage of GDP decreased in 2015 relative to 2006, could 
you please indicate the reasons for such drop?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Since the financial crisis of 2008, the Swiss banking sector has undergone a process of 
restructuration and consolidation.  The adjustment to new international and national regulations 
(higher equity standards, abolishment of the banking secret, tax transparency) has affected 
negatively the competitiveness of Swiss banks, increased costs and put pressure on their profit 
margin s. There are several other reasons for the recent decline in the share of financial services in 
GDP: First, global economic growth has been low since the financial crisis and uncertainties 
regarding the current state of the business cycle were elevated; Se cond, interest rates have been 
very low. With the removal of the currency floor of the Swiss franc to the Euro in January 2015, 
the Swiss National Bank has pushed interest rates even into negative territory. Third, political 
uncertainties regarding the Bre xit-negotiations, elections in Europe and other economic 
developments in the Eurozone have put further pressure on the financial services industry. 
Nevertheless, Switzerland remains one of the most attractive global financial hubs and was among 
the most co mpetitive worldwide in 2016.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 88 - 
 
12  NEW ZEALAND  
REPORT BY THE WTO SECRETARIAT (WT/TPR/S/355)  
 
SECTION 3: TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1.4 Tariffs  
3.1.4.1 Applied MFN customs duties  
WT/TPR/S/355 page 45 -46 paragraph 3.21 -3.22 and WT/TPR/G/355 page 9  paragraph 
1.31 
"Agricultural products (WTO definition) are more highly protected than other products, with an 
average of 30.8%, whereas the average for non -agricultural products is 2.3%....Rates higher than 
100% only apply to agriculture, mainly in vegeta bles (HS 07), meat (HS 02), and dairy products 
(HS 04). Within agriculture, animals and animal products, and dairy products are the product 
groups with the highest import duties."  
See also  summary, page 15, para 15 and section 1.2. page 17, para 1.13 "The agriculture sector is 
sheltered from import competition through relatively high tariffs on sensitive agricultural products 
and direct payments."  
 
Questions  
  In the trade policy review submitted by Switzerland (SWITZERLAND (WT/TPR/G/355) the 
Swiss governme nt plans measures "to facilitate imports to increase competition in the 
domestic market" (section 1.31. page 9, para 1.31) for the period 2016 to 2019.  
  How does Switzerland reconcile its economic objectives to increase competition with 
maintaining (and i n the case of the highest tariff increasing) such high tariff rates on 
agricultural products?  
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland applies only specific duties. Ad valorem equivalents have been calculated for the 
purpose of the Doha Round market access negot iations only and therefore represent only a spot 
impression of the level of tariffs at a certain point in time. A profound analysis of tariffs cannot be 
undertaken by simple averages of in -quota and out -of-quota tariff levels. Therefore, the above -
mentione d tariff levels give no indication on the openness of Swiss agricultural markets. 
Switzerland has – following the Uruguay Round results and obligations – a structure of low in -
quota tariff rates, i.e. where trade is taking place.  
 
  What specific steps is Switzerland taking to meet the stated objective to facilitate imports, 
and is a reduction in tariff rates part of this plan?  
Answer by Switzerland  
In light of the importance of open markets to the Swiss economy and the relationship between 
trade barriers a nd high prices, Switzerland is currently assessing the economic potential of easing 
import restrictions autonomously. For instance, current work is focusing on the potential of 
unilateral tariff liberalization for industrial goods, including the reduction in administrative costs. 
Further, the economic consequences of technical barriers to trade are currently studied, especially 
regarding the exemptions of the Cassis -de-Dijon principle which applies to imports from the EU. 
The aim of the ongoing work is to d evelop specific proposals by the end of 2017 which will enter 
the political process subsequently.  
The strategic focus areas for the next phase of the Swiss agricultural policy involve the agricultural 
markets, the agricultural enterprises and the environm ent. In this context, Switzerland is 
evaluating different options toward a more market oriented agricultural policy and a gradual 
reduction of both tariff - and non - tariff trade barriers. The results of this evaluation will be 
integrated in the considerati ons for the implementation of the Swiss agricultural policy's phase as 
of 2022.  
 
3.3.7: Government Procurement  
3.3.7.1 Overview  
WT/TPR/S/355, section 3.3.7, page 78, para 3.154  
The WTO secretariat notes that Switzerland is in the process of ratifying the r evised GPA in parallel 
with ongoing legal reforms and is expected to submit its instrument of acceptance in 2017.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 89 - 
 
Question  
  When does Switzerland expect to be in a position to accede to the revised GPA?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
At federal level, the Federal  Council adopted on 15 February 2017 the draft bills on the revised 
GPA and the revised law on government procurement. The t wo Chambers of the Swiss Parliament 
are expected to deliberate on the revised GPA and the revised Law on Government Procurement in 
the course of 2017. At cantonal level, the internal procedures for the approval of the revised 
cantonal legislation are following their normal course. Once both approval procedures are 
completed, Switzerland will be able to ratify the revised GPA.  
 
SECTION 4: TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1.1.2 Tariff quotas  
WT/TPR/S/355, section 4.1.1.2, page 98, para 4.12  
"Switzerland's aggregate tariff -quota commitment for dairy products (TQ No. 6 – 527,000 tonnes 
of milk equivalent) is divided into six sub -quotas with very small allocations for butter (100 
tonnes) and whole milk powder (300 tonnes), both of which are auctioned. The tariff quota has 
had fill rates of more than 100% in recent years."  
 
Question  
  In the trade policy review submitted by Switzerland ( Switzerland - WT/TPR/G/355) the 
Swiss government highlights Switzerland's position as an intermediary within international 
value chains and how Swiss trade promotion focuses on strengthening export capabilities 
of SMEs with initiatives aimed at improving their institut ional capacity for participation in 
internation al trade and value chains (see S ection 1.2, page 6, para 1.19. and Section 1.4, 
page 14, para 1.68). How does the Swiss Government reconcile promoting value chains 
whilst maintaining tariff quotas?  
Answer by S witzerland  
Les contingents tarifaires constituent, et ce depuis l'établissement de l'OMC, un instrument 
politique permettant de protéger des produits politiquement sensibles sur le marché domestique. 
L'utilisation de cet instrument n'entre pas en contradic tion avec l'intégration dans les chaines de 
création de valeur internationales. Cela se manifeste aussi dans les accords de libre -échange 
internationaux conclus récemment dans lesquelles des contingents tarifaires sont prévus pour des 
produits agricoles.  
 
4.1.2.1  Direct Payments  
WT/TPR/S/355 page 99 -101 
The Secretariat Report highlights the main changes made to Switzerland's agricultural policy since 
the last review, but notes that Switzerland has yet to notify its domestic support on Agricultural 
Policy 20 14-2017 (page 98, paragraph 4.15). Steps were taken in the previous agricultural policy 
(in 2011) to work towards liberalizing the agricultural sector. Changes made in Agricultural Policy 
2014-2017, which are largely to do with direct payments, do not take  the 2011 chang es any 
further towards liberaliz ation, are arguably more complex, and trade -distorting.  
 
Questions  
  When does Switzerland intend to notify its domestic support measures introduced in 
Agricultural Policy 2014 -2017, including the Amber Box "b asic payment" and "payment for 
open arable land and permanent crops"?  
Answer by Switzerland  
Calculating the exact amount of the domestic support measures within the new agricultural policy 
of Switzerland (AP 14 -17) takes more time than expected. Switzerlan d assures that the experts 
are making the necessary calculations in order to hand in the notification as quickly as possible.  
 
  Given one of goals of the Swiss Government's Growth Agenda is to strengthen the 
resilience of the economy, how do the various d irect payments enable farmers to be 
resilient? How do they provide incentives for farmers to invest in and develop resilience to 
risks such as commodity prices, climatic events, and pest and disease incursions?  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 90 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Since direct payments (DP) in Switzerland account for about 25% of farmers turnover, they 
contribute substantially to a certain 'base income', which is independent from market price 
volatilities. Even though the implementation of DP has come along with a reduction of border 
tariffs – and thus, with decreasing prices – border protection is still high in Switzerland and 
farming prices are far above world market prices. Therefore Swiss farming income is not affected 
that strongly by volatilities in world mar ket prices. This again e xplains  why there is no income 
insurance set in place in Switzerland. On the other hand, most of the farmers are investing in 
weather risk insurances (such as hail or certain climatic events). But this engagement is rather 
caused by relatively high farming  prices tan by the DP set in place. Finally we can conclude, that 
DP in Switzerland give no specific incentives for farmers to increase their participation in any risk 
insurance program mes.  
 
  What are the intentions for the next iteration of Switzerland's  Agricultural Policy? Will the 
Swiss Government move towards a more market -oriented agricultural policy and reduce 
the (still) high level of import protection?  
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland's agricultural policy is oriented towards a long -term strategy  and built upon stable, 
foreseeable and coherent conditions for farming which permits mid - and long -term improvements 
of competition parameters such as efficiency and effectiveness of the sector as a whole. The 
strategic focus areas for the next phase of t he Swiss agricultural policy involve the agricultural 
markets, the agricultural enterprises and the environment. In this context Switzerland is 
evaluating different options toward a more market -oriented agricultural policy and a gradual 
reduction of both t ariff- and non -tariff trade barriers. The results of this evaluation will be 
integrated in the considerations for the implementation of the Swiss agricultural policy's phase as 
of 2022.  
 
SECTION 4: TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1.2.3 Milk  
WT/TPR/S/355, secti on 4.1.2.3, page 102, para 4.32  
"The key internal support instrument is a subsidy for milk processed into cheese (SwF 0.15/kg of 
raw milk, unchanged since the last Review). Since cheese production accounts for over 40% of 
milk deliveries, the subsidy provi des support to the broader domestic raw milk market. Exports of 
cheese also benefit from indirect support through the subsidy for milk processed into cheese, 
although the subsidy is not contingent on exports. WTO Members have previously questioned the 
Green Box compatibility of the subsidy for milk processed into cheese, notified by Switzerland in 
terms of a regional assistance programme"  
The Secretariat Report outlines Switzerland's main internal support measure for milk – a subsidy 
for milk processed into  cheese at SwF 0.15/kg of raw milk. According to the Secretariat Report, 
based on Swiss authorities, the purpose of this subsidy is to support the domestic raw milk market 
and provides regional assistance to those in mountainous areas whose incomes rely on  the 
subsidy. While payment of the subsidy is not contingent on exports, cheese that is exported does 
benefit from the subsidy (albeit indirectly).  
IP LAIT implements a raw milk pricing policy based on market segmentation for its members, and 
this was ext ended by the Federal Council to include non -members as well in 2013. The purpose of 
the pricing policy, as stated in the Secretariat Report, is to "guide farmers' production decisions 
and restrain surplus production", and is compulsory for members of IP LA IT and non -members 
until 31 December 2017.  
The market segmentation of the pricing policy involving three segments (A, cheese subsidy; B, 
exports of skim -milk powder and domestic sales of butter; and C, exports of butter and SMP). In 
segment C, the Secretar iat Report notes the newly established dairy export enterprise, LactoFama 
AG, which works to "dispose of surplus production, notably butter and milk -fat" (page 103, 
paragraph 4.34). While segment C only makes up a small proportion of raw milk deliveries, w e 
would be interested in learning about how the surplus is disposed, and whether this ability to 
dispose of the surplus is meeting the purpose of the pricing policy.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 91 - 
 
Questions  
  Could Switzerland explain in greater detail how the subsidy for milk processed  into cheese 
is not contingent on exports?  
Answer by Switzerland  
The subsidy for milk processed into cheese is not an export subsidy. It is paid for every kilogram 
of raw milk processed into cheese (SwF 0.15/kg of raw milk). No differentiation is made bet ween 
cheese sold in Switzerland and exported cheese.  
 
  We question the Green Box compatibility of the cheese subsidy as a means to provide 
regional assistance. Does the Swiss Government have any intention to provide more 
targeted support directed at regio nal development more generally?  
Answer by Switzerland  
The measure is notified both in the green and the amber box. Like every other instrument of the 
agricultural policy in Switzerland, the subsidy of milk processed into cheese is subject to periodical 
evaluation.  
 
  Can Switzerland confirm that the compulsory pricing policy that applies to members of IP 
LAIT and to non -members will not be renewed after 31 December 2017? And that any 
measures take to "guide farmers' production decisions and restrain surplus  production" will 
comply with the Agreement on Agriculture?  
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland cannot confirm that the policy that applies to members of IP LAIT and to non -
members will not be continued. The IP LAIT has submitted a demand to the Federal Coun cil for an 
extension of 4 years.  
The measures comply with the Agreement on Agriculture. There is no public regulation of the 
quantities of milk per segment or the milk prices per segment. The quantities and prices for every 
segment are freely negotiable b etween the buyers and sellers of raw milk. The production of milk 
in the C -segement is not mandatory for milk producers.  
 
  How does LactoFama AG "dispose of surplus production, notably butter and milk -fat"? How 
does the ability to dispose of surplus meet t he stated purpose of the milk pricing policy to 
"restrain surplus production"?  
Answer by Switzerland  
LactoFama is a privately owned and financed company. Business activities of this company cannot 
be commented nor evaluated by the Swiss government.  
 
SECTIO N 4: TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1.3 Export Subsidies  
WT/TPR/S/355 page 103 -105 
The Government Report states that Switzerland is in the process of implementing the outcomes of 
MC10 (page 12, paragraph 1.47). The Secretariat Report outlines the two instrumen ts that are 
being considered as part of the phase -out of export subsidies for processed agricultural products 
(page 105, paragraph 4.41). These two instruments are: new product -specific support through 
direct payments for milk and cereals for human consump tion, and an inward processing regime for 
basic dairy products and cereals; these are to come into force in January 2019.  
 
WT/TPR/S/355, section 4.1.3, page 105, para 4.41  
"the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research opened a public  
consultation in 2016 (closed on 19 January 2017) to address the phase -out of export subsidies for  
processed agricultural products. The proposal under consideration contains two instruments: new  
product -specific support for milk and cereals for human consum ption that would be granted in the  
form of direct payments to farmers; and a facilitated inward processing regime for basic dairy  
products and cereals. Entry into force of the reform is envisaged for January 2019."  
 
Question  
New Zealand welcomes the elimin ation of export subsidies and would be interested to understand 
in further detail the nature of the proposed new instruments and how these are compliant with 
WTO export subsidy disciplines. Can Switzerland provide a rationale for further product -specific 
support for milk? What does the inward processing regime for dairy products entail?  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 92 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
L'an dernier, la Suisse a lancé le processus législatif visant à mettre en œuvre la décision de 
Nairobi concernant la concurrence à l'exportation. Un p rojet de paquet de mesures a fait l'objet 
d'une consultation publique en septembre 2016. Les mesures proposées incluent l'abolition 
complète des subventions à l'exportation restantes.  
Cette consultation s'est achevée en janvier 2017 et le paquet de mesures  est actuellement en 
préparation pour la phase parlementaire. Une fois approuvé par le Parlement, la Suisse sera en 
mesure de fournir des informations détaillées sur les mesures d'accompagnement de la réforme.  
 
4.1.4 Level of Support  
WT/TPR/S/355 page 105 -107 
The Secretariat Report states that Switzerland's producer support estimate (PSE) is 62 percent in 
2015, which is vastly higher than in 2013 (PSE of 49 percent). Among OECD countries, 
Switzerland ranks among the highest in terms of PSE with their farmer s receiving almost two -
thirds of their income from support policies. The Secretariat Report further states that producer 
support is largely coupled to individual commodities, which affects production decisions by 
farmers. The share of decoupled support in Switzerland's PSE is only 14 percent.  
The nature of the support and the consequence for production decisions is affecting the relatively 
higher prices for agricultural products in Switzerland. The Secretariat Report notes that there are 
calls within Switz erland to "consider reducing border protection towards free trade in agricultural 
products and replace high tariffs protection with more efficient and targeted instruments" (page 
107, paragraph 4.47). Potentially this may increase competition in the domest ic market, decrease 
prices for agricultural products, and improve productivity (which we note is a stated objective for 
the Switzerland Growth Agenda).  
 
Question  
  What steps is Switzerland taking to reduce its PSE? Can it explain why its PSE went from 
49% to 62% between 2013 and 2015?  
Answer by Switzerland  
The PSE, annually calculated by the OECD, is a widely recognised and often used indicator. So far, 
alternative indicators are not available. The PSE refers to agriculture's support in absolute terms 
(SWF) and relative terms (% of total value of production).  
Annually changes in the PSE very often do not refer to national political measures, but to changes 
on international markets, in particular in exchange rates changes. As the PSE is calculated in US$ 
and Euro, such exchange rates changes are reflected in PSE movements. The main reason for the 
sharp increase of Swiss PSE between 2013 and 2015 is mainly due to the reduction of world prices 
in US$ and a sharp strengthening of the SWF related to the end of int ervention of the Swiss 
Central Bank in this period. This development is reflected as well in the decomposition of change in 
PSE (see "Switzerland", in Agricultural Policy Monitoring and Evaluation 2016): the budgetary 
payments decreased by -0.1%, i.e. the Swiss administration did not introduce any new measures 
which lead to an increasing market price support as part of the PSE.  
 
The PSE reflects only partly the agricultural policy of a country. It is worth mention as well that to 
get a complete picture on a griculture's support, the PSE but also additional supports (via 
consumers and knowledge and innovation system) needs to be considered. Furthermore, it needs 
to be considered that the PSE methodology do neither refer to national cost environments nor to 
purchasing power of respective countries.  
 
Objectives for Switzerland's agricultural sector are defined by the Federal Constitution (Article 
104).Those are manifold and cover, inter alia, several parameters linked to sustainable agricultural 
production, funct ioning of remote rural areas, biodiversity, landscape quality, animal -friendly 
production systems and quality level of food -stuff production. In order to be in compliance with 
these societal concerns, Switzerland's agricultural policy provides a set of ins truments which aim 
at fulfilling the objectives of the Federal Constitution.  
The shift from market intervention to direct support was one of the goals of Swiss agricultural 
policy reforms since 1998 (for details see OECD Review of Agricultural Policies: Sw itzerland 2015), 
even if this way has not yet finished. However, also the design of an agricultural policy based on a 
direct support system is a challenging task that must be evaluated and if necessary the system 
needs to be adapted.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 93 - 
 
Thus, the current agri cultural policy framework for the period 2014 -2017 focuses on a re -
arrangement and improved targeting of the direct  payment scheme, intended to improve the 
effectiveness and efficiency of the measures.  
Based on sound evaluations of the current agricultural  policy framework AP2014 -17 we continue to 
develop Swiss agricultural policies. The Swiss Government will soon decide about strategic 
directions of reforms for the agricultural policy after 2022.  
 
REPORT BY GOVERNMENT OF SWITZERLAND (WT/TPR/G/355)  
 
SECTION  1.2: ECONOMIC CONTEXT  
1.2.1 Competitiveness and external environment  
WT/TPR/G/355, section 1.2.1, page 8, para 1.21  
"The evolution of exports of Swiss services has been more unstable. To a certain degree, this  
is to do with the inherently volatile busines s of merchanting, which is influenced by the price  
movements of raw materials. All in all, exports of services recorded virtually no growth in the  
years from 2013 to 2016."  
 
Question  
  New Zealand would be interested to understand any further analysis Switz erland has 
undertaken regarding the reasons for the lack of growth for services exports? Switzerland, 
compared to the EU, has more FTAs that cover the service sector, which would 
theoretically help the Swiss service industry to export more. What could othe r small 
advanced economies learn from Switzerland in this regard?  
Answer by Switzerland  
Between 2013 and 2016, services exports have grown by average 3.2% per year, which is below 
the growth rate of goods exports (average 4.3%). However, it still exceeds G DP growth (average 
1.5%). Financial services exports are the main reason for the somewhat poorer performance of 
services exports relative to goods exports. With a weight of approximately 16%, this category 
accounts for the largest share in services exports . Since the subprime crisis of 2008, the Swiss 
financial sector has been confronted with new regulations, such that financial services have 
decreased on average by 3.2% annually since 2010. On the contrary, insurance exports (account 
for 8% of services exp orts) experienced average annual growth of 7.1%. With the appreciation of 
the Swiss franc, also tourism exports have suffered and growth rates curbed particularly in 2015 
and 2016.  
 
SECTION 1.4: Trade Policy  
WT/TPR/G/355, section 1.4.2, page 12, paragraph 1.46 
Implementation in Switzerland of the prohibition of export subsidies for agricultural products by 
2020, adopted at MC10 in Nairobi, called for considerable changes in national legislation. To this 
effect, the Government conducted a public consultation  from October 2015 to January 2016, with 
a view to submitting proposals to Parliament in the first half of 2017.  
 
Questions  
  In paragraph 1.46, the Government of Switzerland set out the proposed steps it needs to 
undertake in order to meet its obligations under the MC10 Export Competition decision – 
namely the removal of export subsidies.  Can the Government of Switzerland: confirm that 
it intends to amend its WTO schedule in order to reflect the MC10 decision to immediately 
eliminate export subsidies  commit ments for all agricultural products with the exception of 
those products listed in footnote 4 of the decision, for which commitments shall be 
eliminated by 31 December 2020?Provide an expected timeframe for when it intends to 
submit its amended WTO schedul e to the WTO membership?  
Answer by Switzerland  
According to the current timetable of the reform, the Government will submit to Parliament the 
amended schedule of Switzerland -Liechtenstein for approval together with the legislative reform 
package. The Swiss  Government will be in a position to notify the amended schedule after 
parliamentary approval and the optional referendum presumably in 2019. In accordance with 
paragraph 6 of the Nairobi Ministerial Decision on export competition, Switzerland will elimina te 
the export subsidy entitlements in the schedule as of 19 December 2015 with the exception of  
processed products that will be eliminated as of 1 January 2021 in conformity with footnote 4 of 
the Decision.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 94 - 
 
1.4.4 Preferential relations  
WT/TPR/G/355, secti on 1.4.4, page 13, para 1.61  
"Negotiations on institutional aspects of the bilateral relationship [between the EU and 
Switzerland] have been conducted since mid -2014. Further topics under negotiation include the 
electricity market, food safety and emission s trading."  
 
Questions  
  Are the topics under negotiation limited to those listed above or could they be expanded to 
new areas?  
Answer by Switzerland  
With regard to possible new market access and cooperation agreements, Switzerland and the EU  
are currently in negotiations in the following areas: institutional issues, electricity, emissions 
trading (negotiations have been concluded, but the agreement is yet to be signed), food safety 
and public health. Switzerland aims at consolidating and further developing the bilateral approach 
with the EU. Where it is in the mutual interest of both Switzerland and the EU, further areas of 
cooperation may be identified in the future.  
 
  If the UK secures passporting rights for its finance industry in its negotiations with th e 
European Union, would Switzerland seek to negotiate access for its finance industry to the 
single market as part of the negotiations for an institutional framework agreement?  
Answer by Switzerland  
There are currently no negotiations planned regarding an  agreement on financial services between 
Switzerland and the EU. However, in certain areas, the equivalence of Switzerland's financial 
regulation has been recognised by the EU as part of the EU's third country regime.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 95 - 
 
13  BRAZIL  
Questions regarding the Report  by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/355)  
 
- Page 116 (4.94)  
 
"In addition, so far Switzerland has signed joint declarations for the introduction of AEOI based on 
the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA) with nine other States and jurisdictions: 
Australia, Iceland, Norway, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, Japan, Canada and South Korea."  
 
Question 1  
Is Switzerland planning to sign this kind of agreement with Latin American countries in the near 
future?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland actually signed s uch declarations with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay in 
2016.  
 
- Page 117 (Box 4.2)  
 
"Preferential and bilateral policies  
(...) 
 
FINMA has concluded banking -specific or multi -sectoral MoUs with supervisory authorities of 27 
jurisdictions who se banks have significant presence in Switzerland. The largest Swiss banks under 
foreign control (assets >10 billion in 2015) are British, Brazilian, French, Greek, and German."  
 
Question 2  
Which prudential measures are specifically targeted at large banks  under foreign control?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
There are no prudential measures specifically targeted at banks under foreign control.  
 
Questions regarding the Reports by Switzerland and Liechtenstein (WT/TPR/G/355)  
 
- Page 10 (1.33)  
 
"(..) This substantial  overvaluation of the national currency became a threat to economic activity in 
Switzerland and nurtured a deflationary development. Under these exceptional circumstances, 
when short -term interest rates were already close to or at zero, the SNB announced a  minimum 
exchange rate of SwF 1.20 per euro in September 2011."  
 
Question 3  
Based on what parameters were these exchange rate measures taken and what has been the 
frequency of the periodic impact appraisal?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In 2010, the Swiss franc h ad already gained around 9% against the euro and about 4% against 
the US dollar on average for the year as a whole, and it continued to strengthen over the first half 
of 2011. After the appreciation gathered pace in July, on 9 August the Swiss franc peaked  at 
SWF 1.01 to the euro and SwF 0.71 to the dollar. Compared to the average for December 2010, 
this represented an appreciation of 19% against the euro and 25% against the dollar.  
  
On 6 September, the SNB set a minimum exchange rate of SwF 1.20 per euro.  Subsequently, the 
euro stayed above the minimum rate. In December 2011, the average rate for one euro was 
SwF 1.23, while for the dollar it was SwF 0.93. The real export -weighted external value of the 
Swiss franc for 2011 averaged 10% higher than for the previous year.  
  
Despite the imposition of the minimum exchange rate against the euro, in December the external 
value of the Swiss franc was still 17% higher than the average for the last 20 years.  
  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 96 - 
 
The minimum exchange rate for the euro against the Swiss  franc was introduced under exceptional 
conditions. Switzerland's economy was seriously threatened by an extreme appreciation of the 
Swiss franc, which carried with it the risk of a deflationary development, at a time when short -
term interest rates could n ot be lowered any further. The SNB did not implement the minimum 
exchange rate to fine -tune the economy. On the contrary: The market was to be provided with a 
floor during a phase of great uncertainty. The minimum exchange rate was set at a level where the  
value of the Swiss franc remains high.  
 
The SNB reviews its monetary policy on a regular basis to ensure that it is appropriate for the 
maintenance of price stability. Therefore, the SNB consistently enforced the minimum exchange 
rate between September 20 11 and January 2015. At each of the quarterly monetary policy 
assessments, it confirmed its determination to purchase foreign currency in unlimited quantities 
for this purpose.  
 
- Page 10 (1.34)  
 
"In the course of 2014, the euro depreciated strongly agains t the US dollar with the Swiss franc 
also weakening against the US dollar. Against this background, the SNB concluded that 
maintenance of a minimum exchange rate of SwF 1.20 per euro had become unsustainable. It took 
the decision to discontinue the exchang e rate floor on 15 January 2015, triggering an immediate 
further appreciation of the Swiss franc."  
 
Question 4 : Has Switzerland defined a new floor/ceiling for the Swiss Franc exchange rate?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
No. Since the discontinuation of the minim um exchange rate in January 2015, the SNB's monetary 
policy has been based on two key elements: the negative interest rate of -0.75% charged on sight 
deposits held at the SNB and the willingness to intervene in the foreign exchange market as 
necessary. The  negative interest rate and the willingness to intervene in the foreign exchange 
market are intended to ease pressure on the Swiss franc. The SNB's monetary policy thus helps to 
stabilise price developments and support economic activity.  
 
- Page 16 (2.5)  
 
"(…) The level of State intervention in economic processes is kept low. They are facilitated by fast 
administrative channels, a low level of bureaucracy and business -friendly tax legislation."  
 
Question 5  
To what extent can Liechtenstein ensure a low level  of intervention in the economy, considering 
that Liechtenstein is in a customs and monetary union with Switzerland and the Swiss franc has 
been the currency of Liechtenstein since 1920?  
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
Due to the custom treaty with Switzerland, L iechtenstein is part of the Swiss custom territory and 
relevant Swiss legislation applies. In view of the Currency Union Treaty, Liechtenstein's national 
currency is the Swiss Franc and the relevant Swiss legislation applies. In these areas intervention 
possibilities of Liechtenstein are intangible, in particular regarding  the currency exchange rate of 
the Swiss Franc against the currencies of our most important trading partners such as the EU and 
the US.. In all other areas low level of state intervention is an overall guiding principle when taking 
legislative and administrative measures.  
 
- Page 19 (2.27)  
 
"At the national level, legislative, administrative and other practical measures have been taken in 
the last years to achieve this goal. Liechtenstein h as fully implemented the 3rd EU Anti -Money 
Laundering Directive and complete implementation of the 4th Anti-Money Laundering Directive is 
envisaged for July 2017. The relevant standards in Liechtenstein have been acknowledged by 
international bodies. In 20 07, Liechtenstein underwent the second Financial Centre Assessment by 
the IMF. The IMF certified the FMA's effective measures in the fight against money laundering and 
financial transactions with a terrorist background."  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 97 - 
 
Question 6  
What were the impacts o f these measures on the investment flows from/to Liechtenstein? Has 
investment been redirected among the economic sectors? Has the investment amount changed 
significantly?  
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
There are no data available regarding the causality/impact of AML/CFT -measures  on investment 
flows in Liechtenstein. Possible indicators might be the general developments in the sectors, e.g. 
assets under management by the banks, which can be found in the latest  publication  by 
the Liechtenstein Financial Market Au thority: https://www.fma -li.li/files/fma/fma -broschuere -
zahlen -und-fakten -2016-en.pdf.  
 
- Page 20 (2.28)  
 
"(...) In 2016/2017 Liechtenstein was the first country to be evaluated in the Second Review Cycle 
of the United Nations Convention against Corruption  in respect of its measures to prevent 
corruption and to recover stolen assets."  
 
Question 7  
How has the recovery of stolen assets evolved since Liechtenstein adopted the Second Review 
Cycle of the United Nations Convention against Corruption?  
 
Answer by L iechtenstein  
The Executive Summary of the report on Liechtenstein was adopted as the first country -specific 
outcome of the Second UNCAC Review Cycle at the end of April 2017 and put online on the 
website of the UNCAC Implementation Review Group:  
http://www.unodc.org/documents/treaties/UNCAC/WorkingGroups/ImplementationReviewGroup/E
xecutiveSummaries2/V1702520e.pdf  
 
With res pect to Liechtenstein's implementation of the UNCAC Chapter V on asset recovery it 
states, inter alia, that „Liechtenstein has a well -established legal regime for asset recovery and has 
actually returned sizeable amounts of money (in excess of $200 million  in one case alone)."  The 
assessment also holds that „Despite its very small size, Liechtenstein has been actively engaged in 
the development and promotion of international cooperation in order to combat money -laundering 
and return stolen assets."  
 
Further more, Liechtenstein is encouraged to finalize the transposition of the fourth EU anti -money -
laundering directive. In its May session the Liechtenstein Parliament adopted the second package 
of legislative amendments with a view to fully transposing the said  EU directive into Liechtenstein 
law.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 98 - 
 
14  HONG KONG, CHINA  
Questions  on the Secretariat Report  
 
Trade Policies and Practices by Measure  
 
Investment  
(WT/TPR/S/355 : Page 9, para 8; Page 39, para 2.50)  
 
In Switzerland, investment restrictions continue to appl y to areas under state monopolies, 
including certain rail transport services, some postal services, and certain insurance services and 
commercial activities (e.g. trade in salt). Restrictions (in the form of domicile requirements) are 
also applied in air a nd maritime transport, hydroelectric and nuclear power, operation of oil and 
gas pipelines, and transportation of explosive materials.  
 
Question 1  
Would the restrictions applied under the state monopolies be subject to periodic review? Will there 
be room f or relaxation in the foreseeable future?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
No periodic review does take place to which the state monopolies are subject. However, companies 
in rail transport services, some postal services etc. publish annual reports where they show 
whether the objectives set by the Federal Council have been met. Hence, in the context of these 
analyses the topic of state monopolies can be discussed indirectly.  
 
(WT/TPR/S/355 : Page 9, para 10)  
(WT/TPR/G/355 : Page 20, para 2.32)  
 
In view of Liechtenste in's geographic situation and in order to respect its rural character and 
preserve access to real estate for the resident population, the Government regulates investment 
into real estate for non -resident Liechtenstein citizens.  
 
Question 2  
Could Liechtenst ein provide further details of the restrictions on the purchase of real estate by 
non-residents?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Due to Liechtenstein's very small territorial extension (160km2), real estate is considered scarce. 
Therefore, acquiring real estate is  generally subject to authorization in accordance with the Land 
Transfer Act. The aim is to reserve real estate for those who need it for living or working/business 
purposes. Furthermore, a concentration in the hands of a few as well as the speculative acq uisition 
should be prevented.  
 
Intellectual Property Rights  
(WT/TPR/S/355 : Pages 81 -82, paras 3.168 -3.169)  
 
During the review period, considerations on intellectual property have played an important role 
both in Switzerland 's domestic legislative activit y as well as in its international trade policy. In the 
domestic sphere, legislative initiatives in the area of copyright were driven by the motivation to 
balance appropriate protection and enforcement in the context of new technologies with the 
privacy and  freedom of the internet users.  
 
Question 3  
Does Switzerland 's Copyright Act provide for copyright exceptions for (i) parody, satire, caricature 
or pastiche; and (ii) criticism, review, quotation or commenting on current events? If yes, do the 
exceptions f all under fair use or fair dealing type? We should be grateful if details could be 
provided.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 99 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland's Copyright Act includes certain exceptions and limitations in favour of users and 
consumers, e.g. private use. It further provi des for  exceptions for (i) parody, satire, caricature (ii) 
criticism, review, quotation, and (iii) commenting on current events. These fall neither under a fair  
use or fair dealing concept. Switzerland's Copyright Act provides for legal licenses that fall within 
the flexibility granted by the three step test.  
 
Art. 11 Integrity of the work  
1.  The author has the exclusive right to decide:  
a. whether, when and how the work may be altered;  
b. whether, when and how the work may be used to create a derivative work  or may be 
included in a collected work.  
2.  Even where a third party is authorised by contract or law to alter the work or to use it to 
create a derivative work, the author may oppose any distortion of the work that is a 
violation of his personal rights.  
3.  It is permissible to use existing works for the creation of parodies or other comparable 
variations on the work.  
 
Art. 25 Quotations  
1.  Published works may be quoted if the quotation serves as an explanation, a reference or 
an illustration, and the extent of t he quotation is justified for such purpose.  
2.  The quotation must be designated as such and the source given. Where the source 
indicates the name of the author, the name must also be cited.  
 
Art. 28 Reporting on current events  
1.  Where it is necessary for repo rting current events, the works perceived in doing so may be 
fixed, reproduced, presented, broadcast, distributed or otherwise made perceptible.  
2.  For the purposes of information about current affairs, short excerpts from press articles or 
from radio and te levision reports may be reproduced, distributed, broadcast or 
retransmitted; full reference must be made to the relevant excerpt as well as the source. 
Where the source refers to the name of the author, the name must also be cited.  
 
English is not an offic ial language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for 
information purposes only and has no legal force.  
 
(WT/TPR/S/355 : Pages 91 -93, paras 3.204 -3.206)  
 
The Working Group for the Optimization of Collective Management of Copyrights and Neighbouring 
Rights (AGUR12) recommended a catalogue of measures to balance the different interests raised 
within its mandate, including, among others, the adaptation of regulations governing exceptions 
and limitations. On the basis of the recommendations as well as other initiatives aimed to 
modernise copyright legislation including "combating internet piracy more effectively without 
criminalizing the users of such services", the Swiss Federal Council had developed a draft revision 
of the Copyright Act but  the draft had triggered an exceptionally high number of diverse comments 
during the consultation period, leading the department responsible to reinstate the Working Group 
(now "AGUR12 II") and continue consultations "with the aim of revising the draft in cooperation 
with the relevant stakeholders and thus achieve broader acceptance".  
 
Question 4  
Did the draft revision of the Copyright Act include any legislative proposals on the adaptation of 
regulations governing exceptions and limitations? If yes, what a re the details of the relevant 
legislative proposals and the comments received on such proposals? What would be the direction 
of the future consultations on such proposals?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The draft bill included several proposals for exceptions and  limitations that aim at unlocking the 
full potential of the digital environment. 1. An exception and limitation regarding orphan works in 
public or publicly accessible libraries, educational institutions, museums, collections, and archives 
or archives of broadcasting organizations. A remuneration collected by a collective rights 
management organization is payable by users exercising this exception and limitation. 2. An 
exception and limitation for the copying of works for the sole purpose of electronic pro cessing of 
data contained in the work (data mining). 3. An exception and limitation for public or publicly WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 100 - 
 
accessible libraries, educational institutions, museums, collections, and archives to make available 
to the public information on the works that are part of the collection (small reproductions of the 
cover, title, frontispiece, table of content, front and back flap, in case of scientific works: abstract, 
in case of audio or audio -visual works: snippets made available by the rights owner (trailers), in  
case of pictorial art: full view in small reproduction or low pixel resolution. 4. The introduction of 
the extended collective license.  
 
Trade Policies by Sector  
 
Banking Services  
(WT/TPR/S/355: Pages 117 -119, Box 4.2)  
 
For Swiss branches of foreign banks,  the relevant authority will grant the foreign banks a licence 
only if, among others, the foreign bank is appropriately organised, employs adequately qualified 
staff and the foreign bank and branch are subject to adequate supervision.  
 
Question 5  
What are the criteria for the Swiss authority to objectively assess whether a foreign bank is 
appropriately organised, employs adequately qualified staff and is subject to adequate 
supervision? Has any licence application been rejected for not meeting these criteri a before?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The authorization requirements for a branch of a foreign bank cover two perspectives: the one of 
the foreign bank and the one of the branch in Switzerland. FINMA must be comfortable with both 
the foreign head office and the  unit in Switzerland.  
 
Regarding the head office abroad, FINMA is primarily bases its decision on the confirmation of the 
home regulator. FINMA needs the home regulator's confirmation that the foreign bank has the 
necessary financial, organizational and hu man resources to operate a branch in Switzerland as 
planned. In addition, FINMA itself checks whether the proportionality between branch and head 
office is appropriate, that is, whether the planned activity of the branch is covered by the business 
radius o f the head office and does not exceed its financial potential.  
 
Since the branch depends on the legal fate of the head office, it is also necessary to ensure that 
the head office is subject to appropriate supervision in accordance with applicable Basel sta ndards, 
which include branches. To do so, FINMA distinguishes between already recognized foreign 
supervisory authorities, which are not newly questioned in individual cases, and authorities from 
new countries of origin, which have to be evaluated for the f irst time. If FINMA carries out an initial 
country assessment, it bases its evaluation on existing IMF FSAP country reports and also forms its 
own opinion on the relevant supervisory system. Declining official decisions are rare, as delicate 
cases are regu larly dealt with during preliminary discussions. If FINMA comes to a negative view, it 
is usually not necessary to open a formal approval procedure. Thus, no statistics on rejected 
license applications are available.  
 
Insurance Services  
(WT/TPR/S/355: Page s 120 -121, Box 4.3)  
 
If there are no deviating regulations in international agreements, a foreign insurance company 
which intends to commence an insurance activity in Switzerland has to meet several additional 
requirements in order to apply for an insuranc e licence, including having a mandatory amount of 
capital and solvability margin in its headquarters and depositing a collateral as defined by the 
supervisory authority.  
 
Question 6  
How does the supervisory authority define the calculation and the place of  the deposit of the 
collateral? Must the deposit be kept in Switzerland?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 101 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The place of the deposit is in Switzerland. the calculation is subject to article 5b (in French here 
below) of the Insurance Supervision Ordinance FINMA:  
 
Art. 5b 
1.  L'entreprise d'assurance étrangère dépose en guise de cautionnement, pour les branches 
d'assurance visées aux al.  2 et 3, des valeurs répondant aux exigences de l'art. 79, al. 1, 
let. a, b, e ou g, OS auprès de l'organisme que la FINMA désigne.  
2.  Le cau tionnement s'élève au moins:  
a. à 600  000 francs pour les branches d'assurance A1 à A6, sous réserve de la let.  b; 
b. à 450  000 francs pour les branches d'assurance A2.1, A2.3, A2.4, A2.6 et A7, dans la 
mesure où aucune garantie n'est accordée concernant l e capital, les intérêts ou la longévité, 
ainsi que pour les entreprises d'assurance qui exercent l'assurance sur la vie sous la forme 
d'une société coopérative.  
3.  Il correspond à 10  % de la marge de solvabilité exigée pour l'exercice d'une acti vité en 
Suisse, mais au moins à:  
a. 280 000 francs pour la branche d'assurance B14;  
b. 80 000 francs pour les branches d'assurance B10 à B13 et B15;  
c. 60 000 francs pour les branches d'assurance B1 à B8, B16 et B18;  
d. 40 000 francs pour les branches d'assurance B9 e t B17.  
 
This deposit must be kept in Switzerland (Because of possible foreclosure in Switzerland).  
 
Postal, Express and Courier Services  
(WT/TPR/S/355: Pages 139 -140, Box 4.15)  
 
There are three regulatory bodies in the postal sector in Switzerland. Among t hem, "Mister Price" 
(Preisueberwacher) is the price surveillance authority with the right of recommending prices of the 
reserved services, which are subject to final approval by the Federal Council. For non -reserved 
services, it has the right of decision f or services where Swiss Post has a dominant position.  
 
Question 7  
We would like to have more details on the price recommendation mechanism for reserved 
services. How does "Mister Price" set the recommended price for reserved services and how often 
does the  authority review the price?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Referring to the question about the competences  of „Mister Price" in Switzerland respectively his 
right of recommendation we can give the following information:  
 
In Switzerland, "Mister Price" is the pri ce authority for non -reserved services. According to the 
postal law, the Federal Council sets the tariff regulation for reserved services. Swiss Post is allowed 
to adapt prices at any time under the condition that the new prices are conform ed to the legal 
requirements. New prices are subject of ex ante approval by the Postal Commission (PostCom). In 
the regulated sector (reserved services), "Mister Price" has the right of recommendation before the 
regulated prices get in force. He can  apply to abstain of an  increase of prices or to mark down 
abusive prices. His recommendation doesn't bind the authority, but the authority has to consider 
and examine the recommendation and in the case, the authority doesn't agree, it has explain why. 
The recommendation of the "Mister Price" has to be attached to the final approval of the prices.  
 
Health Services  
(WT/TPR/S/355: Page 148, paras 4.137&4.139)  
 
The provision of both public and private hospital services are subject to a non -discriminatory 
economic needs test regime at cantonal level to ensure universal access to health services at an 
acceptable cost for the social security system in Switzerland. The only foreign -owned 
hospital/clinic services operator in Switzerland is the Privatklinikgruppe Hirslanden, which has bee n 
owned by a South African medical group since 2007.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 102 - 
 
Question 8  
What are the factors that the cantonal authority would take into consideration when applying the 
non-discriminatory economic needs test for the provision of hospital services by foreign 
compa nies? Are there any plans of the authority for introducing more competition in the field, in 
particular the private sector? Does the acquisition of private health services group require any 
approval from the authority?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
As stated in B ox 4.19 (WT/TPR/S/355, p. 149), the establishment of a hospital requires a cantonal 
authorization, independent of the ownership of a hospital (foreign, private, public). The cantons 
are responsible for examining whether sanitary rules and regulations are b eing complied with.  
 
Article 39 of the Swiss Health Insurance Law (KVG; SR 832.10) lists the following prerequisites 
hospitals must fulfil in order to be able to provide services covered by the health insurance: 
guarantee of sufficient medical care, of nec essary and skilled personnel, of appropriate medical 
equipment and of appropriate pharmaceutical provision.  
 
Furthermore, according to ordinance on the health insurance (article 58b KVV; SR 832.102) the 
cantonal authorities must take into consideration fac tors such as  
 
- cost effectiveness and quality of service provision  
- access of patients to the treatment within a reasonable time  
- willingness and capability of the hospital to fulfil the cantonal service mandate  
 
In 2009, the Swiss hospital financing wa s reformed. Amongst other goals, one objective was to 
introduce more competition in the hospital sector and to guarantee a level playing field for both 
privately and publicly owned hospitals. Therefore, neither the Swiss parliament nor the authorities 
have any plans for introducing more competition in the field so far.  
 
Switzerland does not have a general review procedure (screening mechanism) for foreign 
investment. Cross -border mergers may require an antitrust review. The competition authority 
(ComCo) con ducts the foreign investment assessment. This being said, Switzerland has not taken 
any commitments on health services in mode 3 under the GATS.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 103 - 
 
15  COLOMBIA  
Documento de la Secretaría: WT/TPR/S/355  
 
PREGUNTAS DE COLOMBIA  
 
Parrafo 28: "Entre tanto, el Gobiern o de Suiza ha iniciado procedimientos internos para eliminar 
estas subvenciones a la exportación a más tardar en enero de 2019, de conformidad con los 
compromisos adquiridos en la Conferencia Ministerial de la OMC celebrada en Nairobi."  
 
Pregunta 1  
¿Podría  Suiza explicar en qué consiste y como opera el esquema para eliminar las subvenciones a 
la exportación de productos agropecuarios elaborados a partir de materias primas agropecuarias 
de producción local protegidas por aranceles, para lograr el objetivo de  desmontarlas a más tardar 
en enero de 2019?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Last year, Switzerland launched the internal process of legal reforms to implement the Nairobi 
decision on export competition. A draft package of measures was submitted to a public 
consult ation in September 2016.  
The Swiss Government is currently evaluating the results of the consultation and, as a next step, 
will decide on legislative reform package to be submitted to the Parliament. Once approved by the 
Parliament, Switzerland will be in  a position to provide detailed information about the measures 
that will accompany the complete elimination of the remaining export subsidies.  
 
Parrafo 2.29. El aumento del número de textos legislativos nuevos de la UE ha sido 
particularmente acusado en la s esferas de los OTC y de las MSF. Por otro lado, los acuerdos 
bilaterales entre la UE y Suiza han reducido considerablemente las diferencias entre los 
reglamentos técnicos de Suiza y el EEE desde 1995. No obstante, los aranceles o las 
prescripciones no ar ancelarias son diferentes en Suiza y en el EEE para determinados productos. 
Liechtenstein mantiene un Mecanismo de Control y Vigilancia del Mercado (MCVM) para cumplir las 
prescripciones suizas en materia de importación en esos casos (recuadro 2.1). Se int roducen 
periódicamente modificaciones en el Protocolo Adicional del Tratado de la Unión Aduanera para 
armonizarlo con la legislación aplicable a medida que se van modificando los Acuerdos bilaterales 
de Reconocimiento Mutuo entre Suiza y la UE. Actualmente , solo unos cuantos productos 
(productos químicos, determinado equipo de telecomunicaciones, OMG, pescado y productos de 
pescado) siguen sujetos al MCVM.  
 
Pregunta 2  
¿Podría Suiza informar en que sectores se mantienen diferencias en las reglamentaciones té cnicas 
en el EEE. Estas diferencias en las reglamentaciones se mantienen también con la Unión Europea?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In the area of SPS and TBT, the EU/EEA and Switzerland benefit of a uniquely intense contractual 
relationship and the technical re quirements are widely harmonized with those of the EU/EEA in 
order to reduce unnecessary barriers to trade. In addition, Switzerland applies the "Cassis de Dijon 
principle" as a trade policy instrument to dismantle technical barriers to imports from the EU /EEA 
and thereby enhance import competition. Exceptions from this principle apply to several non -
harmonized products: e.g. chemicals, food, equipment with a specified thermal output, some 
household appliances, etc. (see Art. 2 of the «  Ordonnance sur la mi se sur le marché de produits 
fabriqués selon des prescriptions étrangères  »). The exceptions to the Cassis de Dijon principle 
apply equally to all products, including those coming from the European Union.  
 
Parrafo 3.50. Ni Suiza ni Liechtenstein cuentan co n instrumentos legislativos específicos en 
materia de medidas comerciales especiales, si bien el Acuerdo de la OMC sobre la Aplicación del 
Artículo VI del GATT de 1994, el Acuerdo sobre Subvenciones y Medidas Compensatorias y el 
Acuerdo sobre Salvaguardias , así como los demás Acuerdos de la Ronda Uruguay, son legalmente 
vinculantes al haber sido publicados en la Colección sistemática de leyes y ordenanzas de Suiza. Ni 
Suiza ni Liechtenstein han aplicado medidas comerciales especiales. La SECO es el organism o 
competente para la investigación y aplicación de las medidas comerciales especiales.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 104 - 
 
Pregunta 3  
¿De llegar a ser necesario la aplicación de alguna medida antidumping Suiza tiene previsto como 
implementaría un procedimiento de esta naturaleza, teniendo e n cuenta que no tiene una 
reglamentación específica para aplicar este tipo de medidas de defensa comercial, inclusive las 
salvaguardias agropecuarias?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
As mentioned in the report, Switzerland refrains from applying contingency measure s.  
 
Under the legal systems of Switzerland, international agreements – such as WTO Agreements – 
form an integral part of the national legislation and can therefore serve as legal basis for imposing 
contingency measures. In addition, several pieces of dome stic legislation allow for the increase of 
tariffs or the imposition of non -tariff measures if the national interests are at stake or in cases of 
emergency. For instance, Article 7 of the Federal Law on customs tariffs allows for modifications in 
tariffs, including increases, when the national interests are at stake and Article 1 of the Federal 
Law on external economic measures allows the application of temporary non -tariff measures in 
emergency situations.  
 
Parrafo 3.104. El 1° de julio de 2010 Suiza intr odujo el principio "Cassis de Dijon" como nuevo 
instrumento de política comercial para eliminar los obstáculos técnicos a las importaciones 
procedentes de la UE y la AELC, y aumentar así la competencia de las importaciones y contribuir a 
reducir los elevad os precios vigentes en Suiza. En virtud del principio "Cassis de Dijon", los 
productos puestos en circulación legalmente en los mercados de la EU y el EEE que cumplan los 
requisitos técnicos de la UE o el EEE se pueden comercializar en el mercado suizo sin  inspección ni 
otra evaluación de la conformidad previos, incluso si los productos no cumplen los requisitos 
técnicos de la legislación suiza . 
 
Pregunta 4  
¿Podría Suiza informar cómo opera y en que consiste el principio "Cassis de Dijon" como 
instrumento p ara eliminar los obstáculos técnicos a las importaciones procedentes de la UE y la 
AELC?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
La Suisse applique le principe Cassis de Dijon, développé par la Cour de justice des Communautés 
européennes (CJCE), qu'elle a introduit dans la  Loi sur les entraves techniques au commerce.  
Conformément à ce principe, les produits qui satisfont aux prescriptions techniques de l'UE ou d'un 
État membre de l'UE ou de l'EEE et qui y circulent légalement peuvent être commercialisés 
librement en Suisse sans contrôle préalable (art.  16a LETC). Seules les exceptions destinées à 
protéger des intérêts publics prépondérants sont admises. Les produits exclus du domaine 
d'application du «principe Cassis de Dijon» sont inscrits sur une liste négative.  
Pour les denrées alimentaires, l'application du "principe Cassis de Dijon " est soumise à une 
réglementation spéciale (procédure d'autorisation).  
Dans des cas dûment motivés, le Conseil fédéral peut arrêter une exception au "principe Cassis de 
Dijon" lorsque la comm ercialisation doit être interdite ou assortie de conditions afin de protéger 
des intérêts publics prépondérants, comme la protection de la santé de l'être humain, des animaux 
et des végétaux.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 105 - 
 
16  ARGENTINA  
Informe circulado por la Secretaría, documento (WT/TP R/S/355)  
 
A) 11 CM en Buenos Aires  
 
En el párrafo 2.12 del informe se explica que Suiza es una firme defensora de la OMC, es 
partidaria de una mayor liberalización del comercio mundial, ha participado activamente en las 
negociaciones del Programa de Doha p ara el Desarrollo (PDD) y colabora de manera constructiva 
con iniciativas que pueden llevar a una mayor liberalización en el contexto multilateral.  
 
Pregunta  1 
¿Cuál es la expectativa del gobierno de Suiza para la próxima Conferencia Ministerial a realiza rse 
en Buenos Aires?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
La Conférence ministérielle de Buenos Aires MC11 sera avant tout une nouvelle occasion de 
renforcer le système commercial multilatéral. D'un côté, il s'agira de progresser sur d es sujets 
encore en suspens du C ycle de Doha. De l'autre part, ce sera aussi l'occasion d'apporter des 
réponses aux défis que les changements de l'économie mondiale nous adressent. La digitalisation 
de l'économie, le lien entre le commerce et l'investissement, et les difficultés des PME à s'intégrer 
dans l'économie mondiale et les chaînes de valeur sont des aspects que nous ne pouvons pas 
ignorer. Dans une logique de cohérence des politiques mondiales, les subventions à la pêche se 
présentent comme un sujet pertinent et prometteur.  
 
Comme lors de chaque conférence ministérielle, des succès à Buenos Aires dép endent des efforts 
de tous les M embres et relève de la responsabilité de chacun. La Suisse a prouvé, à maintes 
reprises, sa détermination à contribuer au consensus. La MC11 ne fera pas e xception, nous 
continuerons à travailler en faveur d'un système commercial multilatéral fort, prévisible, 
transparent, inclusif et basé sur les règles. Nos contributions s'inscriront dans la logique de notre 
politique commerciale qui vise à accroître la co mpétitivité de nos entreprises et à réduire nos 
faiblesses telles que l'insuffisance de la croissance de notre productivité.  
 
B) Agricultura  
 
- Según el párrafo 3.22 "Los productos agropecuarios (según la definición de la OMC) gozan de 
mayor protección que  los demás productos, con un promedio del 30,8% y el 2,3%, 
respectivamente. (... ) Los tipos superiores al 100% solo se aplican a productos agropecuarios, 
principalmente a las hortalizas (SA 07), la carne (SA 02) y la leche y los productos lácteos (SA 
04). Dentro de los productos agropecuarios, los animales y productos del reino animal son, junto 
con la leche y los productos lácteos, los grupos de productos a los que se aplican los derechos de 
importación más altos".  
 
Pregunta  2 
a este respecto ¿cómo evalú a Suiza la posibilidad de una mayor apertura en el sector agrícola, 
especialmente a la luz de los objetivos de la Agenda 2030 (ODS 2)?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The gradual reduction of tariff and non -tariff barriers is important for Switzerland in order to 
improve and assure also in the long term the interconnection with European and international 
markets and to be prepared for upcoming challenges. The trade and development situation of 
Switzerland is periodically reviewed and considered when further developi ng the political 
framework.  
Switzerland has always been engaged to the continuation of the r eform process following 
Article  20 of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture – especially in view of the goals of the Agenda 
2030. In this context, Switzerland is ready t o take its engagements, preferably in the scope of 
larger negotiating packets.  
 
- Según el párrafo 3.106, El principio "Cassis de Dijon" es aplicable a las importaciones de 
alimentos, que, sin embargo, están sujetos a disposiciones especiales antes de vend erse por 
primera vez en Suiza. (...) El recurso al principio "Cassis de Dijon" para la comercialización de 
productos alimenticios importados ha sido limitado: la Oficina Federal de Inocuidad Alimentaria y WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 106 - 
 
Asuntos Veterinarios ha aprobado 40 solicitudes des de 2010. En 2016 el Parlamento rechazó una 
iniciativa parlamentaria que pedía que se excluyeran los productos alimenticios del principio 
"Cassis de Dijon".  
 
Pregunta  3 
¿Por qué se aplican a las importaciones de alimentos procedimientos de aprobación espec iales?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
La réglementation spéciale a pour but de garantir la protection des consommateurs, dans un 
secteur dans lequel  la protection de la santé revêt une importance cruciale.  
 
Pregunta  4 
¿Por qué los productos alimentarios no gozan d e los beneficios del principio Cassis de Dijon?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Les denrées alimentaires bénéficient du "príncipe Cassis -de-Dijon". L'application du príncipe est 
toutefois soumise à autorisation.  
 
Pregunta  5 
¿Podrían los gobiernos de Suiza y Liechte nstein explicar en mayor detalle cómo aplican el principio 
Cassis de Dijon?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
La Suisse applique le principe Cassis de Dijon, développé par la Cour de justice des Communautés 
européennes (CJCE), qu'elle a introduit dans la Loi sur les entraves techniques au commerce.  
Conformément à ce principe, les produits qui satisfont aux prescriptions techniques de l'UE ou d'un 
État membre de l'UE ou de l'EEE et qui y circulent légalement peuvent être commercialisés 
librement en Suisse sans contrôle  préalable (art.  16a LETC). Seules les exceptions destinées à 
protéger des intérêts publics prépondérants sont admises. Les produits exclus du domaine 
d'application du "principe Cassis de Dijon " sont inscrits sur une liste négative.  
Pour les denrées alime ntaires, l'application du "principe Cassis de Dijon " est soumise à une 
réglementation spéciale (procédure d'autorisation).  
Dans des cas dûment motivés, le Conseil fédéral peut arrêter une exception au "principe Cassis de 
Dijon" lorsque la commercialisation  doit être interdite ou assortie de conditions afin de protéger 
des intérêts publics prépondérants, comme la protection de la santé de l'être humain, des animaux 
et des végétaux.  
 
- Párrafo 4.5. El State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) indica que h ay "agua" en los 
aranceles de unas 1000 líneas arancelarias agrícolas. A su vez, de acuerdo a la última notificación 
de apoyo doméstico disponible (año calendario 2013), Suiza e mplea un 60% de su MGA 
(párrafo  4.29).  
 
Pregunta  6 
¿Considera Suiza que es fac tible avanzar en la dirección de reducción de los aranceles 
consolidados y/o de los límites al otorgamiento de subsidios distorsivos del comercio?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland has always been engaged to the continuation of the r eform process followin g 
Article  20 of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture. In this context, Switzerland is ready to take its 
engagements, preferably in the scope of larger negotiating packets. This is equally valid for the 
individual pillars of the Agreement on Agriculture . 
 
- Párrafo 4.41. Se reconocen los pasos internos tomados por Suiza para ajustar su política agrícola 
a los compromisos asumidos en la Decisión Ministerial de Nairobi sobre Competencia de las 
Exportaciones.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 107 - 
 
Pregunta  7 
¿Cuándo  estaría lista Suiza para reflejar es tos compromisos en su Lista de Compromisos?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Last year, Switzerland launched the internal process of legal reforms to implement the Nairobi 
decision on export competition. A draft package of measures was submitted to a public 
consulta tion in September 2016. The proposed measures include the complete abolition of the 
remaining export refunds.  
 
This consultation ended in January 2017. Until now, the Government continued working on this 
reform project and has not taken any final decision on the legal reforms to be submitted to the 
Parliament.  
 
According to the current timetable of the reform, the Swiss Government will be in a position to 
notify the amended schedule after parliamentary approval and the optional referendum 
presumably in 2019 . 
 
- Párrafo 4.45. El "Producer Support Estimate" (PSE, por sus siglas en inglés) en Suiza aún se 
mantiene en niveles altos -62% en 2015 -. A su vez, un 50% del apoyo es producto específico y los 
pagos desacoplados siguen siendo bajos -14% del PSE en 2015 - (4.46). Sin embargo, es 
destacable que la política agrícola suiza ha transitado un largo camino de adecuación hacia una 
economía de mercado (cuadro 4.2).  
 
Pregunta  8 
¿Es dable que Suiza continúe en la senda de reforma, más allá de las vicisitudes circunst anciales 
de los mercados internacionales?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The PSE, annually calculated by the OECD, is a widely recognised and often used indicator. So far, 
alternative indicators are not available. The PSE refers to agriculture's support in absolut e terms 
(SwF) and relative terms (% of total value of production).  
However, the PSE reflects only partly the agricultural policy of a country. It is worth mention ing as 
well that to get a complete picture on agriculture's support, the PSE but also addition al supports 
(via consumers and knowle dge and innovation system) need  to be considered. Furthermore, it 
needs to be considered that the PSE methodology do es neither refer to national cost environments 
nor to purchasing power of respective countries.  
Objecti ves for Switzerland's agricultural sector are defined by th e Federal Constitution 
(Article  104).  
Those are manifold and cover, inter alia, several parameters linked to sustainable agricultural 
production, functioning of remote rural areas, biodiversity, la ndscape quality, animal -friendly 
production systems and quality level of food -stuff production.  
Based on sound evaluations of the current agricult ural policy framework AP2014 -17, we continue 
to develop Swiss agricultural policies. The Swiss Government will  soon decide about strategic 
directions of reforms for the agricultural policy after 2022.  
 
- En el párrafo 3.27 se menciona que se aplican contingentes arancelarios a varios productos 
agropecuarios (el 3,8% de todas las líneas arancelarias), sobre todo an imales vivos, huevos, 
semen de bovino, flores cortadas, patatas, hortalizas frescas y congeladas, frutas frescas, vinos y 
determinados cereales. Los contingentes arancelarios pueden modificarse, principalmente en caso 
de escasez interna. Por consiguiente, en algunos casos se pueden autorizar importaciones por 
encima de los contingentes consolidados a los tipos arancelarios aplicados dentro del contingente. 
El proceso de asignación de los contingentes varía según el producto.  
 
Pregunta  9 
¿Podrían explicar e n qué casos concretamente se pueden autorizar importaciones por encima de 
los contingentes arancelarios y dar ejemplos de ellos?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
En général, les contingents tarifaires sont augmentés, quand la production interne ensemble avec 
la quan tité consolidée du contingent ne suffit pas pour satisfaire la demande intérieur. Ces 
dernières années, par exemple  le contingent tarifaire pour les pommes de terre (CT n°14) et pour 
les œufs d'oiseaux (CT n°9) ont été augmenté régulièrement.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 108 - 
 
En plus, il y a plusieurs contingents tarifaires qui ne sont (plus) administrés et les importations 
dans le contingent peuvent donc surgir dans des quantités illimitées ( ex. CT n°8 caséine, CT n°10 
produits d' œufs séchés, CT n°11 produits d' œufs autres que séchés, CT n°12 semence de 
taureaux, CT n°26 blé dur destiné à l'alimentation humaine et CT n°22 jus de raisin (y compris les 
raisins destinés au pressurage). Depuis 2017 aussi le CT n°13 fleurs coupées.  
 
C) Aranceles  
 
- En el párrafo 3.16 el informe explica que tal como se informó en el examen anterior de Suiza y 
Liechtenstein, conforme a lo previsto en la Ley Federal del Arancel de Aduanas, el Consejo Federal 
puede modificar los aranceles a través de una ordenanza cuando se considere necesario. Las 
modificaciones so n de carácter temporal hasta su aprobación por la Asamblea Federal. El cambio 
de arancel se efectúa tras haber llevado a cabo una evaluación caso por caso, en la que se tienen 
en cuenta las necesidades de la economía suiza.  
 
Pregunta  10 
¿Podría Suiza espe cificar en qué casos se puede modificar aranceles a través de una ordenanza?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The competences assigned by Parliament to the Federal Council concerning the modification of 
customs duties are based on article 4 paragraph 3 of the custom s tariff law of 9  October 1986 
(RS 632.10). In particular, the Federal Council is authorized to reduce or to provisionally lift 
customs duties insofar the interests of the Swiss economy require such measures. In addition, the 
Federal Council may take decis ions in cases of emergency ( Article 6) and extraordinary situations 
in the context of external relations ( Article 7) in order to protect economic interests as well as 
prescribe customs duties for agricultural products ( Article 10) within the limits of the WTO bound 
rates.  
 
- En el párrafo 3.34 el informe explica que en 2015 el Consejo Federal adoptó una Ordenanza por 
la que se reducen temporalmente los derechos de aduana sobre  los textiles (RO 2015 4935; 
RS 632.102.1), medida que seguirá vigente hasta el 31  de diciembre de 2019. El programa abarca 
60 líneas arancelarias de los Capítulos 52, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59 y 60.  
 
11. Pregunta  
¿Podrían indicar cuáles son las circunstancias bajo las cuales se realizan estas reducciones 
temporales?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Federal Council decided to temporarily modify the customs tariff law based on the request of 
the Swiss textiles industry. The said industry is highly integrated into global added value chains 
and purchases an important part of the textile input materials  used for the manufacture of their 
final products from the world market. Due to substantially higher customs duties for a number of 
important textiles products compared to other industrial products, these purchases were 
proportionately more expensive and p ut a strain on the competitiveness of the companies 
concerned. For these reasons and based on article 4 paragraph 3 letter b of the customs tariff law, 
customs duties on certain textile input materials were suspended for the period of four years.  
 
12. Preg unta 
¿De qué depende la prórroga de la medida más allá del año 2019?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The measure is limited to the end of 2019 in order to monitor and analyse its consequences for the 
textiles industry and the overall economy during a reasonable ti me frame, and, if necessary, to put 
in place any required amendments in due time. If requested by the Swiss textiles industry, the 
Federal Council will consider a possible extension of the suspension of customs duties on certain 
textile input materials bey ond 2019.  
 
C) Negociaciones Plurilaterales sobre Bienes Ambientales y Servicios  
 
- En el párrafo 2.17 se explica que Suiza participa, también en nombre de Liechtenstein, en las 
negociaciones para concluir un Acuerdo sobre Bienes Ambientales, al margen del programa de 
trabajo de la OMC, así como también sobre un Acuerdo plurilateral para el Comercio de Servicios.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 109 - 
 
13. Pregunta  
¿Podría explicar cuál es el estado de las negociaciones plurilaterales mencionadas así como 
también las expectativas de Suiza al resp ecto?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
EGA 
The plurilateral negotiations for an environmental goods agreement (EGA) could not be concluded 
at the ministerial meeting in December 2016 in Geneva. Switzerland, however, is of the view that 
negotiations should be resume d as early as possible with a view to the conclusion of the 
agreement. For Switzerland, an EGA has to foster solutions for global and regional environmental 
challenges and, thus, contribute to the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements. 
For an effective reduction of trade costs of environmental goods, the EGA - in addition to the 
elimination of tariffs - has to address the reduction of non -tariff barriers and the liberalization of 
environmental services.  
 
D) Régimen de Inversiones Extranjer as 
 
- En el párrafo 2.50 se menciona que la mayor parte de los sectores económicos está abierta a la 
inversión de nacionales suizos y extranjeros. Sin embargo, todavía se aplican restricciones a la 
inversión en esferas como los monopolios del Estado, inclu idos determinados servicios de 
transporte ferroviario, algunos servicios postales y determinados servicios de seguros y 
actividades comerciales. También se aplican restricciones (en forma de requisitos de domicilio) en 
el transporte aéreo y marítimo, la en ergía hidroeléctrica y nuclear, la explotación de oleoductos y 
gasoductos y el transporte de materiales explosivos.  
 
14. Pregunta  
¿Podría explicar en detalle las diferentes restricciones que se aplican a la inversión extranjera?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Table A3.2 (state -owned enterprises and exclusive arrangements) of the Report by the Secretariat 
(WT/TPR/S/355) can serve as an indicative list of restrictions on investment. In a number of 
sectors or entities, foreign investment is not allowed or is limited (e.g. state -ownership or 
concession -requirements on grounds of public interest ). Furthermore, special authoriz ation 
requirements apply to enterprises holding special rights, such as broadcasting, telecommunication 
and air transport. In addition, purchase o f real estate is limited if it is not used for the pursuit of 
business activities.  
 
E) Procedimientos Aduaneros  
 
- En el Párrafo 3.1 se menciona que la Administración Federal de Aduanas (FCA) se encarga de 
aplicar los procedimientos aduaneros. Los principa les instrumentos legislativos en materia de 
procedimientos aduaneros son la Ley de Aduanas, de 18 de marzo de 2005 (RS 631.0), en vigor 
desde el 1º de mayo de 2007, y los reglamentos conexos (ordenanzas) (cuadro 3.1). Si bien no 
han sido objeto de modifica ciones importantes desde el último examen, se han introducido varios 
cambios destinados a facilitar el comercio, como la exención del requisito de las pruebas de origen 
en algunos casos y la utilización de formularios simplificados para los pequeños envíos .  
 
15. Pregunta  
¿Podrían indicar si, además de los cambios mencionados en el párrafo 3.1, se introdujeron otros 
cambios con la finalidad de facilitar el comercio?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
See answer below to question 16.  
 
16. Pregunta  
¿Cuáles fueron los res ultados obtenidos?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
15 et 16:  Dans le cadre du programme DaziT ( https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/en/home.html ), 
l'Administration fédérale des douanes se transformera complètement ce s prochaines années. En 
matière de processus douanier, l' AFD a défini la vision suivante: "l e trafic des marchandises:  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 110 - 
 
numérique, simple, avantageux – contrôlé de façon efficace". Actuellement, il est encore trop tôt 
pour estimer en détail les résultats à venir.  
 
F) Remedios Comerciales  
 
- En el Párrafo 3.50 se hace referencia que Suiza no cuenta con una legislación nacional específica 
con relación a las medidas antidumping, compensatorias y de salvaguardia.  
 
17. Pregunta  
Careciendo de una legislación espec ífica, ¿En base a qué normativa se lleva adelante la 
investigación en un caso de competencia desleal?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
As mentioned in the report, Switzerland refrains from applying contingency measures.  
 
Under the legal systems of Switzerland, inte rnational agreements – such as WTO Agreements – 
form an integral part of the national legislation and can therefore serve as legal basis for imposing 
contingency measures. In addition, several pieces of domestic legislation allow for the increase of 
tariffs or the imposition of non -tariff measures if the national interests are at stake or in cases of 
emergency. For instance, Article 7 of the Federal Law on customs tariffs allows for modifications in 
tariffs, including increases, when the national interests are at stake and Article 1 of the Federal 
Law on external economic measures allows the application of temporary non -tariff measures in 
emergency situations.  
 
G) Fomento PYMES  
 
- En el párrafo 3.67 el informe menciona que la Switzerland Global Enterprise ( S-GE) 
(anteriormente la Oficina Suiza de Expansión Comercial) se encarga de prestar asistencia en la 
exportación de sus productos a las PyMEs de Suiza orientadas hacia la exportación. La contribución 
total de la Confederación a la labor de S -GE ascendió a 21 millones de francos suizos en 2014 y 
2015.  
 
18. Pregunta  
¿Podrían explicar en detalle qué tipo de asistencia presta esta entidad y cuáles son los criterios 
para acceder a la misma?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland Global Enterprise (S -GE) supports Sw iss and Liechtenstein SMEs in identifying and 
exploiting market opportunities abroad by collecting and sharing information about international 
market developments, providing tailor -made advice based on thorough market research, acting as 
a broker for busin ess contacts worldwide and creating awareness of Swiss products and services 
abroad through participation in international trade fairs. There are no specific criteria in order to 
qualify for these services apart from being headquartered in Switzerland or L iechtenstein.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 111 - 
 
17  ECUADOR  
Informe de la Secretaría:  
 
1. Página 54, párrafo 3.32, en cuanto a los gravámenes a la importación de ciertas mercancías 
sujetas a prescripciones de constitución de reservas obligatorias: según la información contenida 
en el citad o párrafo, no se perciben contribuciones al fondo de garantía sobre los alimentos de 
producción nacional. Al respecto, ¿podría indicarnos Suiza cómo esa excepción se ajusta a la 
disposición de no discriminación del trato nacional, si todo gravamen o impues to, como medida en 
frontera, se traslada al precio de comercialización del producto importado?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
There are no energy products hold as compulsory stocks that are produced in Switzerland. 
Therefore, there are no domestic competitors that  could benefit from not paying guarantee fund 
contributions. As respects the guarantee funds for foodstuffs, the guarantee fund contributions are 
considered as a part of the customs tariffs determined in international free trade agreements 
signed by Switze rland.  
 
2. Página 55, párrafo 3.33, cuadro 3.7 "Contribuciones al fondo de garantía, aranceles aplicados y 
aranceles consolidados": en el informe se indica que es posible que la suma de los aranceles y las 
contribuciones al fondo de garantía exceda los co mpromisos consolidados de Suiza en varias líneas 
arancelarias". ¿Podría informarnos Suiza qué medidas ha tomado para que esa suma de los 
aranceles y las contribuciones se ajusten a su compromiso en materia de consolidación 
arancelaria, especialmente, en lo s productos en donde el arancel aplicado es similar a su nivel 
consolidado?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland is conscious that the contribution fees to the guarantee funds exceed the bound rates 
for coffee and rice imported under certain customs  tariff number s. The competent federal office 
has therefore asked the two concerned compulsory stock organizations to submit a solution by the 
end of September 2017 in order to solve the problem. There are mainly two possible solutions to 
be considered. Either will the contribution fees to the guarantee funds be assured by public funds 
or all initial distributions of such goods on the Swiss market will be treated equally, irrespective of 
the origin of the goods. The new solution will be put into effect in 2018 or 2019.  
 
3. Página 62, párrafo 3.44, en relación al requerimiento de licencias  automáticas o no automáticas 
de importación para la administración de contingentes arancelarios: ¿podría indicarnos Suiza y 
Liechtenstein cómo se administran los contingentes en el caso de las mercancías a las que no se 
les requiere licencias de importaci ón, cómo esa administración se ajusta a la disposición de la 
aplicación no discriminatoria de restricciones cuantitativas?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Les contingents tarifaires n°1 (chevaux, ânes, mulets et bardots, vivants) et n°9 (Œufs d'oiseaux, 
en coquille s), sont administrés sans des licences automatiques. La méthode d'administration est 
un système du fur et à mesure appliqué à la frontière (first come first served). La répartition se 
fait selon l'ordre d'adoption de la déclaration en douane. La déclaratio n en douane sert comme 
demande pour une partie du contingent tarifaire. Les contingents tarifaires sont donc ouverts pour 
tous, à condition qu'elles ne soient pas encore épuisées. L'état actuel des contingents tarifaires est 
publié quotidiennement par l'ad ministration fédérale des douanes 
(https://www.ezv.admin.c h/ezv/fr/home/infos -pour-entreprises/interdictions --restrictions -et-
conditions/mesures -economiques -et-agricoles/contingents -tarifaires/etat -des-contingents.html ). 
4. De conformidad a la página 75, párrafo 3.104:  
"El principio "Cassis de Dijon" como nuevo instrumento de política comercial para eliminar los 
obstáculos técnicos a las importaciones procedentes de la UE y la AELC, y aumentar así la 
competencia de las importaciones y contribuir a reducir los elevados precios vigentes en Suiza. En 
virtud del prin cipio "Cassis de Dijon", los productos puestos en circulación legalmente en los 
mercados de la EU y el EEE que cumplan los requisitos técnicos de la UE o el EEE se pueden 
comercializar en el mercado suizo sin inspección ni otra evaluación de la conformidad  previos, 
incluso si los productos no cumplen los requisitos técnicos de la legislación suiza".  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 112 - 
 
¿Podría indicarnos Suiza cómo esta prescripción cumple con el principio del Acuerdo sobre 
Obstáculos Técnicos al Comercio de otorgar un trato no menos favorabl e que el otorgado a 
productos similares nacionales y originarios de cualquier otro país Miembro? Esto en referencia a 
que los productos que cumplan los requisitos técnicos de la UE o el EEE se pueden comercializar en 
el mercado suizo "incluso si los produc tos no cumplen los requisitos técnicos de la legislación 
suiza".  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In general, the "Cassis -de-Dijon" principle applies to all products regardless of the country of 
origin as long as the technical requirements of the EU/EEA are fulfille d and the products are 
lawfully marketed in one of the EU/EEA States. The "Cassis -de-Dijon" principle applies even if the 
products do not comply with Swiss technical requirements.  
5. De conformidad a la página104, párrafo 3.209, respecto a:  
"Los titulares  de derechos de marcas de fábrica o de comercio y de dibujos y modelos pueden 
prohibir la importación, la exportación y el tránsito de objetos infractores producidos con fines 
comerciales para su uso privado y solicitar que queden retenidos en la aduana". ¿Podría indicarnos 
Suiza cómo esta medida se ajusta a las disposiciones de la OMC sobre la obligación de no 
suspender el despacho para las mercancías en tránsito por parte de las autoridades aduaneras?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Conformément à l'article V GATT  la Suisse garantit la liberté de transit pour les marchandises. 
Toutefois, dans le cas de produits contrefaits, donc illicites en principe, les droits du titulaire de 
droits de marques, ou de dessins et modèles sont protégés conformément aux sections 4 et  5 de 
la partie II et à la partie III ADPIC. L'usage privé d'un produit contrefait ne le rend pas licite. La 
liberté de transit présuppose  qu'il s'agit de produits légaux.  
 
6. Página 105, párrafo 4.4: los agricultores de Liechtenstein se benefician de algu nas medidas 
suizas de sostenimiento de los precios de mercado. El informe de la Secretaría especifica que por 
ese beneficio ese país realiza una contribución financiera anual a Suiza. ¿Podría indicarnos 
Liechtenstein cómo registra ese tipo de medida de ayu da interna de compartimiento ámbar en sus 
notificaciones regulares a la OMC?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
All such payments are contained in the DS:1 Notification of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Market -
price support is displayed in the supporting tables 5 to 7  for the common Market Switzerland -
Liechtenstein.  
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
As the Swiss support program mes extend also to Liechtenstein farmers, the Swiss notifications 
include Liechtenstein.  
 
7. De conformidad a la página 106, párrafo 4.6. Suiza percibe c ontribuciones al fondo de garantía 
que utiliza su sistema de reservas de cereales, arroz, café, azúcar, determinados aceites y grasas 
comestibles y fertilizantes nitrogenados. Al respecto, ¿podría informarnos Suiza si esa contribución 
está registrada como algún tipo de medida de ayuda interna, en virtud de que podría tener un 
efecto de sostenimiento de los precios, especialmente para el arroz y café, productos que no se 
han informado como beneficiarios en su última notificación a la OMC sobre medidas de ayu da 
interna?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Certains tarifs consistent partiellement en contributions au fonds de garantie, celles -ci font donc 
partie des tarifs consolidés contenus dans la liste LIX de la Suisse. Puisque les contributions au 
fonds de garantie n'on t aucun impact sur les marchés et qu'elles n'ont pas d'effet stabilisateur sur 
les producteurs agricoles, elles ne font pas partie des mesures de soutien interne.  
8. Página 107, párrafo 4.7, literal c) punto 2:  
"Durante la temporada de cosecha (período co ntingentado) se abren contingentes arancelarios si 
la producción nacional es insuficiente para satisfacer la demanda". ¿Podría informarnos Suiza cómo 
esta medida se ajusta a su compromiso de acceso mínimo de los productos agrícolas bajo 
contingentes arance larios?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 113 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The tariff quota is notified yearly with commitments for a whole calendar year. Switzerland meets 
its obligations during the calendar year. The administration method of tariff quotas has been 
chosen in order to best address s pecific market conditions and guarantee at the same time the 
compliance of Switzerland with its WTO commitments. The size of the tariff quota (unchanged 
since the end of the Uruguay Round) assures adequate access to the Swiss market.  
9. Página 116, párrafo  4.40, en relación a las subvencionares a la exportación: ¿Podría Suiza 
indicarnos cómo va a implementar el compromiso de Nairobi de eliminar sus restantes 
subvenciones a la exportación consignadas en sus Listas de Concesiones (sin incluir la excepción 
de la nota al pie 4 de esa Decisión) y su compromiso de no aplicar ninguna subvención a la 
exportación a nuevos mercados ni a nuevos productos?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Last year, Switzerland launched the internal process of legal reforms to implement the Nairo bi 
decision on export competition. A draft package of measures was submitted to a public 
consultation in September 2016. Once approved by the Parliament, Switzerland will be in a 
position to provide detailed information about the foreseen measures that wil l accompany the 
complete elimination of the remaining export subsidies.  
 
Meanwhile, Switzerland continues to grant export refunds to certain processed agricultural 
products containing selected basic dairy products and selected cereal products in conformity  with 
paragraph 6 footnote 4 of the Nairobi Ministerial Decision on export competition. In the remaining 
period of time, Switzerland does not intend to change neither the coverage of processed products 
nor the coverage of ingredients eligible for the expor t refunds. The allocated budget amounts are 
substantially below the entitlements in the schedule of Switzerland -Liechtenstein.  
 
10. Página 32, párrafo 2.14, en relación a la política de comercio exterior de Suiza que facilite su 
crecimiento económico soste nible y de sus interlocutores: ¿Podría informarnos Suiza de qué 
manera influyen y cómo se pueden utilizar las variables ecológicas y sociales para obtener una 
situación beneficiosa en el caso de sus interlocutores comerciales?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In the  view of Switzerland, trade is an important driver for sustainable development in all its 
dimensions. The Agenda 2030 recognizes trade as an implementing tool for achieving the 
Sustainable Development Goals. Switzerland attaches high importance to the poli cy coherence 
between the different areas of sustainable development and fosters the inclusion of such elements 
in its trade agreements. For example, Switzerland was a strong supporter of the inclusion of social 
as well as environmental elements in the Doha -Development Agenda and is still aiming for a 
strong outcome in the environmental mandates of the DDA.  
 
At the same time, Switzerland pursuits different pathways in attaining this target. In order to 
achieve a meaningful result in the area of the liberali zation of environmental goods and services, 
Switzerland decided to join the plurilateral negotiations for an Environmental Goods Agreement 
(EGA), where it supports an ambitious outcome for trade and environment. A meaningful outcome 
in the EGA will foster solutions for global and regional environmental challenges and, thus, 
contribute to the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements. Also, Switzerland is 
active in the fisheries subsidies negotiations at the WTO and actively supports the ongoin g 
discussions under the WTO -Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE).  
 
Since 2010, Switzerland includes a sustainability chapter in its free trade agreements in order to 
assur e consistency of trade liberaliz ation with social and environmental policies. Amo ng others, 
these provisions reaffirm the obligations of the parties set out in multilateral environmental 
agreements to which they are a party or under  the International Labor Organiz ation (ILO). 
Important instruments in the area of human rights and the pr inciples of Corporate Social 
Responsibilities are also mentioned. Furthermore, the provisions stipulate that the national 
environmental and labour legislation must not be lowered nor derogated from in order to enhance 
a competitive trade advantage or attra ct investment. Moreover, the diffusion of goods, services 
and technologies contributing to sustainable development is fostered.  
 
Further, Switzerland supports trade relevant activities in other international fora (e.g. the BRS 
conventions) with a view to increase mutual supportiveness for sustainable development.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 114 - 
 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  BY ECUADOR  
Informe de la Secretaría  
 
1. En la página 77, párrafo 3.114 (Prescripciones sanitarias y fitosanitarias), se menciona que 
Suiza y Liechtenstein realizaron una refo rma que "consiste en revisar y volver a estructurar 27 
reglamentos federales para armonizarlos con la legislación de la UE."   
¿Podrían aclararnos Suiza y Liechtenstein si  esta armonización es con respecto a temas inherentes 
a inocuidad alimentaria y si inc luye temas de sanidad animal?  ¿Se aplicarían las mismas 
normativas de la UE con respecto a animales vivos, sus productos y subproductos?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
No, the revision of the food law did not include animal health regulations.  
 
2. Con respecto a la página 77, párrafo 3.115 (Prescripciones sanitarias y fitosanitarias), sobre la 
reglamentación referente a los productos que se encuentran en contacto con los alimentos, ¿en 
qué consiste dicha reglamentación? ¿Qué parámetros mantiene para que se conside re más 
estricta?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Food contact materials (FCM) are products coming into contact with food, e.g. packaging. The new 
regulation requires of FCM tractability (one step forward, one step back) and FCM are subject to 
protection against dec eptive presentation to consumers.  
 
3. De conformidad con la página 78, párrafo 3.117 (Prescripciones sanitarias y fitosanitarias), "la 
comercialización y el cultivo de variedades biotecnológicas están sujetos a la autorización de las 
autoridades federales competentes. Las autorizaciones tienen una validez de 10 años pero pueden 
ser retiradas si hay motivos fundados para sospechar que esos productos son peligrosos para la 
salud o el medio ambiente. Actualmente están autorizadas para uso alimentario una varie dad de 
soja modificada genéticamente (MG) y tres variedades de maíz MG. Asimismo, están autorizados 
varios productos MG para su uso como piensos..."  
El plazo de diez años de validez de las autorizaciones, ¿toma en consideración el desarrollo de 
nuevas vari edades?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
GMO are authorized for 10 years with possible renewal periods of 10 years. This has nothing to do 
with the development of new varieties and their authorization. The authorization of new GMOs is 
an independent process.  
¿De qué  forma están definidos los motivos para el retiro de las autorizaciones, para evitar la 
comercialización de productos nocivos?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Authorizations are not renewed automatically. The applicant will have to submit a renewal request 
und supp ly all relevant information available related to the GMO in question. The federal 
authorities will reassess the safety of the GMO based on the available science. An authorization 
may be withdrawn if available science leads to a conclusion that the approved  GMO is not safe. To 
date, authorizations have never been withdrawn because of new scientific data.  
4. De conformidad con las páginas 78 -79, párrafo 3.120 (Prescripciones sanitarias y fitosanitarias), 
¿cuáles son las consideraciones tomadas para determinar  el listado de productos prohibidos?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
According to the bilateral agreement between Switzerland (CH) and the European Union (EU) in 
the plant health sector, Switzerland shares a common phytosanitary space with the EU, i.e. 
belongs to t he same area at risk, where the same rules for the movement of plants and plant 
products are applied. As a result, CH has the same phytosanitary requirements for the import of 
plants and plant products originating from third countries and the same list of prohibited 
commodities from third countries as the EU. Prohibition is the risk management option for 
commodities presenting a very high phytosanitary risk for the aforementioned area. The 
commodities, whose importation from third countries is prohibited, a re listed in annex 3 to the 
Plant Protection Ordinance (SR 916.20,  https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/20101847/index.html ; only in German, French or Itali an). This list is in phase with 
Annex III to EU directive 2000/29/EC. Moreover, CH has prohibited the propagation and plantation WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 115 - 
 
on its territory as well as the trade of those plants listed in the Prohibited Plants Ordinance (SR 
916.205.1), because of thei r high susceptibility to fireblight (Erwinia amylovora) and their role in 
the epidemiology of the disease. The list consists of plants belonging to the genus Cotoneaster and 
the species Photinia davidiana.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 116 - 
 
18  COSTA RICA  
PART I: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRET ARIAT REPORT  
 
Para. 4.15:  
 
A. Domestic support:  
 
The Secretariat report states that Switzerland has implemented the Agricultural Policy 2014 -17. 
The new agricultural policy framework involves mainly a rearrangement and fine -tuning of the 
Swiss direct payme nts system to improve its efficiency and effectiveness, to reallocate some 
subsidies from livestock and milk production to the arable sector and marginal areas, and to 
address conflicts with WTO Green Box criteria. Nevertheless, the Secretariat points out that 
despite these steps, agriculture (together with some domestic services) remains vulnerable to a 
more competitive environment – highlighting the need for more market -oriented reforms.  
 
• What steps is Switzerland taking to reduce the level of subsidie s and protection to 
agriculture in line with commitments made at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland confirms its commitment to the Nairobi decision, especially with regard to the 
elimination of export subsidies.  
Last year, Switzerland launched the internal process of legal reforms to implement the Nairobi 
decision on export competition. A draft package of measures was submitted to a public 
consultation in September 2016. The proposed measures include the complete abolition of the 
remaining export refunds. This consultation ended in January this year. Until now, the Government 
continued working on this reform project and has not taken any final decision on the legal reforms 
to be submitted to the Parliament. The abo lition of the remaining export refunds is expected to 
enter into force in January 2019.  
 
Para. 2.29:  
 
B. Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA):  
 
The Secretariat report states that the growth in new EU legislation has been particularly 
pronounced i n the TBT and SPS areas. Simultaneously, bilateral agreements between the EU and 
Switzerland have reduced differences in technical regulations significantly between Switzerland 
and the EEA since 1995. Nonetheless, customs tariffs or non -tariff requirements  are different in 
Switzerland and the EEA for certain products.  
 
• What measures Switzerland is taking to further reduce differences in techn ical regulations 
with the European Economic Area?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
La Suisse harmonise dans une large mesure  sa réglementation technique avec celle de l'UE et donc 
avec celle de l'EEE, afin d'éviter des entraves inutiles au commerce.  
 
• Is it possible that on the light of BREXIT from a Switzerla nd perspective, there might be 
greater harmonization in customs tar iffs or non -tariff requirements for those products,  which are 
not currently harmonized in the EEA?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
En principe, il n'appartient pas à la Suisse de se p rononcer sur d'éventuelles consé quences du 
Brexit sur la l égislation de l'EEE.  That said, Switzerland sets its own customs tariff autonomously 
and there is no harmonization of MFN customs duty rates between Switzerland and member States 
of the EEA. We do not anticipate that the decision by the UK to leave the EU will have any effects 
in this respect.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 117 - 
 
Para. 3.66:  
 
C. Export support and promotion:  
 
The Secretariat report points out that Switzerland eliminated export subsidies on basic agricultural 
goods in 2010, although exports of processed agricultural products may be granted export 
subsidies under the Federal Law on the Import and Export of Processed Agricultural Products of 13 
December 1974 (RS 632.111.72) (Section 4.1). Although Liechtenstein does not have an export 
subsidy regime, its exporters may also qualify for Swiss export subsi dies.  
 
  Are there any further plans for Switzerland to elimin ate export subsidies for 
those processed agricultural products and to limit the access  of Liechtenstein exporters to 
these export subsidies?  
  Could Switzerland indicate the annual value in dollar s of these export subsidies?  
Answer by Switzerland  
Suite à la décision prise lors de la Conférence ministérielle de l'OMC à Nairobi concernant la 
concurrence à l'exportation, la Suisse a lancé les procédures internes visant à éliminer les 
subventions à l'e xportation pour des p roduits agricoles transformés.  Il est prévu que l'abolition 
complète des subventions à l'exportation restantes entre en vigueur début 2019. En 2015, le 
montant total des subventions à l'exportation s'élevait à S wF 95.6 Mio (env. US$99 Mio). 
L'élimination des subventions à l'exportation couvre également les subventions dont des 
entreprises du Liechtenstein ont bénéficiés.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 118 - 
 
19  MALAYSIA  
SECRETARIAT REPORT  
 
Page 17  
Economic Performance  
Agriculture's contribution to GDP is marginal (less than 1 %) and declining. The number of farms, 
most of them small family farms, decreased to 54,000 in 2014 (4,000 less than in 2011). The 
performance of the agriculture sector has important fiscal consequences (in terms of transfers) 
and repercussions for the com petitiveness of the food industry and tourism sector through its 
impact on restaurant prices and contribution to preserving a scenic countryside. The agriculture 
sector is sheltered from import competition through relatively high tariffs on sensitive agric ultural 
products and direct payments. Domestic prices of agricultural and food products remain high by 
international comparison  
 
Page 20  
1.23 One of the central elements of the New Growth Policy is the further opening of the economy 
to imports. Switzerlan d is a "high -price island" within Europe. The Swiss price level is estimated to 
be about 45% higher than in the EU (EU -15) – about 25% higher for goods and 60% higher for 
services, which tend to be less tradeable. 6 Reasons include remaining trade barriers (for instance, 
tariffs on agriculture products but also several technical trade barriers), the higher purchasing 
power and lower price sensitivity of Swiss consumers.  
 
Question  
Appreciate if Switzerland could elaborate on effort to reduce its tariff in the  agriculture sector to 
ensure competitiveness of the market.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland has always been engaged to the continuation of the r eform process following 
Article  20 of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture. In this context, Switzerland is read y to take its 
engagements, preferably in the scope of larger negotiating packets. This is equally valid for the 
individual pillars of the Agreement on Agriculture and other important topics such as export 
restrictions.  
Page 92  
3.3.8.9 Copyright and related  rights  
3.203  Issues linked to Internet and new technologies affecting copyright have continued to occupy 
the Swiss legislative process, although no substantive changes to the Swiss copyright legislation 7 
have occurred during the review period. A 2010 Swi ss Supreme Court decision 8 suggesting 
legislative action to "adapt copyright protection to new technologies" as well as various related 
parliamentary motions9 had led to the establishment of the "Working Group for the Optimization of 
Collective Management of Copyrights and Neighbouring Rights (AGUR12)"10 to assess the need for 
revising the copyright legislation in response to the digital environment, with a particular focus on 
balancing the privacy and freedom of the internet user, the need to provide fair c ompensation for 
artists and copyright owners, and the need to curb online piracy.  
 
Question  
Appreciate if Switzerland could share the status on the revision to the copyright legislation, 
whether there has been any progress to the update.  
 
                                                
6 Based on the comparative price indices by Eurostat for consumer spending of private h ouseholds in 
2014. SECO (2016a).  
7 A minor change in Article 19 of the Copyright Ordinance (RS 231.11) occurred in 2014 as a 
consequence of changes to  the customs administration competences.  
8 Federal Supreme Court decision BGE 136 II 508 "Logistep" of 2010, suggesting that it was the task of 
the legislator to take the necessary measures to provide copyright protection adapted to the new technologies.  
9 Postulat Savary (10.3263) of 12 May 2010 on "Does Switzerland need a law against illegal music 
downloading?"; Postulat Recordon (12.3326) of 9 May 2012 for "A copyright protection that is equitable and 
compatible with Internet users' freedom"; Postulat Gl ättli (12.3173) of 16 May 2012 for "Fair compensation of 
artists while respecting the private sphere of Internet users".  
10 Working Group "AGUR12" established by the Federal Department of Justice and Police on 
8 August  2012.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 119 - 
 
Answer by Switze rland  
The public consultation on the draft bill showed that modernising copyright law is generally 
welcomed although views on the course to take diverged widely. The Federal Department of  
Justice and Police FDJP hat therefore clarified outstanding issues f rom the consultation on the 
revision with the relevant stakeholders in the so called AGUR 12 II process. These talks resulted in 
a number of shared understandings:  
The fight against piracy should occur where it is most effective, namely with hosting provi ders who 
can act quickly and in a targeted manner. Swiss hosting providers should not host piracy platforms 
and should rapidly remove affected content in cases of copyright infringement via their servers. 
Self-regulation is paramount here, which already wo rks successfully today. However, if hosting 
providers create favourable conditions for copyright infringement, they must ensure through a 
"stay down" that copyright infringements, once eliminated, also remain eliminated. It should also 
be explicitly laid d own in law that the processing of data for the prosecution of copyright 
infringement is permissible.  
The package also includes a series of further measures for modernising Swiss copyright law: an 
inventory index privilege for the benefit of users and consu mers, a royalty -free exception for 
scientific purposes as well as the use of orphan works. For creative artists, the package contains 
an extension to the period of protection for related rights, protection for photographs lacking 
individuality and remunera tion for authors and performers for video -on-demand uses. Finally, the 
compromise also includes the introduction of extended collective licensing, improvements in the 
tariff approval process as well as electronic user notification to the collective rights management 
organizations.  
The FDJP is now reviewing the compromise solution and will submit a proposal on how to proceed 
to the Federal Council by the end of 2017. Should Federal Council pass a proposal for an 
amendment, parliamentary deliberations would follow.  
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  BY MALAYSIA  
Secretariat Report (Page: 69)  
3.3.3 Standards and other technical requirements  
 
3.107. In 2013, the SECO issued a preliminary, generally positive assessment of the economic 
impact of the "Cassis de Dijon" principle.  However, it found no empirical evidence for the expected 
price declines due to enhanced import competition and parallel imports – in any case, because of 
the appreciation of the Swiss franc, price effects would be difficult to isolate, according to the 
SECO. However, in a recent assessment, the SECO concluded that the numerous exceptions 
diminish the effectiveness of the "Cassis de Dijon" principle.  
 
Question  
Can Switzerland explain how the "Cassis de Dijon" principle helps to dismantle technical barrier s to 
imports from the EU and EFTA markets and thereby enhance import competition and reduce the 
high prices prevailing in Switzerland?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Products which are lawfully produced and put on the EU  and EFTA markets  can be market under 
the "Cassis de Dijon " principle in Switzerland even if they don 't correspond with Swiss technical 
regulation. Exceptions to this principle have to be authorised by the Federal Council. Hence 
differing technical regulations are not easily enacted. Furthermore, op ening up the Swiss market to 
products which do not correspond with Swiss technical regulation enhances diversity of products as 
well as competition of importers and producers. This can help to reduce high prices in Switzerland.  
 
Page 98  
4.1.2 Domestic Supp ort  
4.15. Since the last Review, Switzerland has implemented a new policy framework, the Agricultural 
Policy (AP) 2014 -17. The reform entered into force on 1 January 2014 (through an amendment of 
the Federal Law on Agriculture) and includes a four -year bu dgetary framework (Article 6 of the 
Federal Law on Agriculture). At the core of the AP 2014 -17 is a re -arrangement and fine -tuning of 
the direct payments (DP) system, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the measures, to 
reallocate some of the su bsidies from livestock and dairy production to the arable sector and 
marginal areas, and to address conflicts with WTO Green Box criteria. Total DP expenditures were WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 120 - 
 
maintained at a level of about SwF 2.8 billion per year. Direct payments averaged SwF 65,0 00 per 
farm in 2014 and contributed on average about 22% to farmers' revenues. As at end -2016, 
Switzerland had yet to provide a domestic support notification covering the AP 2014 -17. 
 
Question  
Could Switzerland further elaborate on the status of her effor ts in the phasing out the agricultural 
export subsidies while implementing the Agricultural Policy (AP) 2014 -17.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland abolished export subsidies on agricultural base products already in 2009, while it 
continues to grant expor t refunds to certain processed agricultural products containing selected 
basic dairy products and selected cereal products in conformity with para. 6 f ootnote 4 of the 
Nairobi Ministerial Decision on export competition.  
 
Last year, Switzerland launched th e internal process of legal reforms to implement the Nairobi 
decision on export competition by eliminating the remaining export subsidies. A draft package of 
measures was submitted to a public consultation in September 2016. The Government is currently 
evaluating the results of the consultation and, as a next step, will decide on the legislative reform 
package to be submitted to Parliament. Together with this legislative reform package, the 
Government will also submit to Parliament the Nairobi decision and the necessary changes in the 
schedules of commitments for approval. The reform is expected  to enter into force in 
January  2019.  
This reform is in coherence with Switzerland 's ongoing reform efforts of Agricultural Policy.  
 
Page 148 : 4.3.6.1.1  Medical prof essions  
 
4.134.  Medical professions are governed by a common regulatory regime based on a 
nondiscriminatory economic needs test regime administered at cantonal level and geared at 
providing universal access to health services at an acceptable cost for the  social security system  
 
Question  
Could Switzerland further elaborate on the economic needs test regime administered on the 
medical professions? Are there any plans to move away from the ENT for the medical profession?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
La réglementa tion actuelle, fixée à l 'art. 55a LAMal (RS 832.10) est précisée dans l 'ordonnance 
fédérale y relative (OLAF  ; RS 832.103). Elle prévoit des nombres et densités maximaux de 
médecins, par spécialité médicale et par canton. Les cantons peuvent cependant 
exceptionnellement admettre un nombre supérieur de médecins, s 'ils estiment que la couverture 
sanitaire est insuffisante. Les cantons peuvent aussi décider que ces nombres maximaux ne 
s'appliquent pas à une ou plusieurs spécialités. De plus, les médecins ayant  pratiqué pendant au 
moins 3 ans dans un établissement suisse reconnu de formation postgrade ne sont pas soumis à 
ces nombres maximaux.  
 
La réglementation actuelle est valable jusqu 'au 30 juin 2019. Le parlement a chargé le Conseil 
fédéral de lui soumettr e une solution de remplacement, qui sera mise en consultation en été 2017.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 121 - 
 
20  GUATEMALA  
Pregunta 1  
En el párrafo 1.16, se indica que la Confederación trata de mantener un presupuesto equilibrado y 
se basa en una norma presupuestaria constitucional (freno d e la deuda). ¿Podrían comentarnos 
con más detalle cómo funciona en la práctica la aplicación de esta regla, la coordinación interna 
dentro de la Confederación y los controles o revisiones periódicos que se realizan cada año para 
reforzar su cumplimiento?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Le frein à l'endettement est un mécanisme institutionnel de gestion qui soumet la politique 
budgétaire de la Confédération à des règles précises. Inscrit à l'article 126 de la Constitution 
fédérale, il vise en premier lieu à stabilise r la dette de la Confédération, en maintenant les recettes 
et les dépenses fédérales en équilibre sur l'ensemble d'un cycle conjoncturel.  
 
Le frein à l'endettement est piloté par le compte de financement (investissements inclus). Ce 
dernier ne doit pas pr ésenter de déficit sur la durée. Lors de l'élaboration du budget, le plafond des 
dépenses est fixé en fonction du montant des recettes estimées, corrigé d'un facteur qui tient 
compte de la situation conjoncturelle. Ce facteur, appelé facteur conjoncturel, correspond au 
rapport entre la valeur tendancielle du PIB et le PIB réel effectif attendu pour l'année concernée. 
La valeur tendancielle du PIB est une approximation du PIB potentiel, c'est -à-dire de la création de 
valeur dans l'économie en cas d'utilisati on normale des facteurs de production. (La valeur 
tendancielle du PIB est déterminée avec un filtre statistique selon Hodrick Prescott). Ainsi, le 
facteur conjoncturel corrige les recettes des influences conjoncturelles attendues. En cas de 
surexploitation  générale des capacités de production de l'économie, un excédent budgétaire est 
exigé et les dépenses doivent donc être inférieures aux recettes. Dans la situation contraire, un 
déficit est autorisé et les dépenses peuvent ainsi être supérieures aux recett es.  
 
Fonctionnement dans la pratique  
La planification financière de la Confédération est continue et porte sur quatre ans: le budget et les 
trois années suivantes du plan financier. Au lancement du processus budgétaire interne à 
l'Administration fédérale en février, le Conseil fédéral (le gouvernement) se base sur le plan 
financier actualisé de l'année précédente et place ce dernier en regard des exigences du frein à 
l'endettement. Une approche "top down" caracté rise ce processus : lorsque les dépenses 
actualisées sont inférieures aux recettes actualisées et corrigées du facteur conjoncturel, le Conseil 
fédéral charge les départements d'élaborer leurs budgets sur cette base. Il peut également allouer 
des ressources supplémentaires à certains groupes de tâche s. En revanche, lorsque les conditions 
du frein à l'endettement ne sont pas remplies, il impose des économies.  
 
Les exigences du frein à l'endettement ne sont impératives que pour le budget. Sur le plan légal, 
elles ne sont pas contraignantes pour le plan  financier. Le Conseil fédéral veille néanmoins à leur 
respect dans le cadre du plan financier. L'instrument de pilotage principal de la planification 
financière reste les plafonds des dépenses des départements dérivés du plan financier et du 
plafond génér al des dépenses au sens du frein à l'endettement. Une fois le message concernant le 
budget et le plan financier terminé, le Conseil fédéral le soumet au Parlement pour délibération et 
adoption. Dans les limites du plafond des dépenses imposé par cette règl e et pour autant que le 
montant des dépenses fixées dans les lois soit respecté , la souveraineté budgétaire du Parlement 
demeure. Dans des situations exceptionnelles telles que de graves récessions, le plafond des 
dépenses peut être relevé après l'obtentio n de la majorité qualifiée dans chacune des deux 
Chambres du Parlement. Cela donne ainsi de la flexibilité à la règle pour des cas exceptionnels.  
 
Contrôle annuel des résultats par le compte de compensation et mécanisme de sanction  
Les exigences du frein à l'endettement étant respectées en premier lieu lors de l'établissement du 
budget, il convient de s'assurer qu'elles seront également respectées lors de son exécution. Cette 
garantie est fournie par le compte de compensation. Il ne s'agit pas d'un compte au sens 
comptable du terme, mais d'une statistique faisant apparaître les écarts (positifs ou négatifs) 
enregistrés par rapport aux exigences du frein à l'endettement. Cette statistique permet ainsi de 
contrô ler l'atteinte des objectifs: a près la clôture d u compte, les dépenses maximales autorisées 
sont recalculées en fonction des recettes effectives et des prévisions économiques révisées, et 
comparées aux dépenses effectuées. La différence, soit le résultat structurel selon le frein à 
l'endettement, est in scrite au crédit ou au débit du compte de compensation, dont le solde reflète 
les écarts cumulés par rapport à l'objectif de stabilisation de la dette de la Confédération. Un  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 122 - 
 
découvert du compte de compensation signifie que l'endettement a augmenté pour un  montant 
correspondant. A l'inverse, un excédent témoigne d'un désendettement d'un montant identique. Le 
compte de compensation est dans une certaine mesure la mémoire du frein à l'endettement. Il 
prend également en considération, sous forme de charges ou de bonifications, les erreurs 
d'estimation des recettes et les pronostics erronés quant à la croissance économique qui ont 
conduit à fixer un plafond des dépenses trop élevé ou insuffisant. Les découverts qu'affiche ce 
compte doivent être éliminés durant l es années suivantes. Il s'agit là du mécanisme de sanction. 
En revanche, si le compte de compensation présente un excédent, celui -ci est utilisé pour réduire 
la dette.  
 
Le budget extraordinaire est lui aussi soumis au frein à l'endettement. Le principe de  la règle 
complémentaire consiste à compenser à moyen terme les déficits du budget extraordinaire par le 
biais du budget ordinaire. À cet effet, un compte d'amortissement sert d'instrument de pilotage du 
budget extraordinaire. Cette statistique englobe les  recettes et les dépenses extraordinaires. Les 
excédents de dépenses devront être éliminés par des excédents dans le budget ordinaire sur les 
six exercices comptables suivants. Si le découvert est prévisible, les économies correspondantes 
peuvent être réal isées à l'avance.  
 
Pregunta 2  
En el párrafo 4.55 se indica que la Estrategia de Energía Suiza ha sido sometida a una importante 
revisión. En este sentido, ¿podrían comentarnos con más detalle los elementos de la Estrategia de 
Energía 2050?  
 
Answer by Switz erland  
Le Parlement Suisse a adopté le 30 septembre 2016 le premier paquet de mesures de la Stratégie 
énergétique 2050. Le paquet législatif inclut entre autre une révision complète de la Loi sur 
l'énergie et une révision partielle de la Loi sur l'énergie nucléaire et de la Loi sur le CO2. Le 
premier paquet de mesures vise à exploiter les potentiels d'efficacité énergétique ainsi que de 
développement des énergies renouvelables (hydraulique, solaire, éolienne, géothermie et 
biomasse). Il prévoit la sortie du  nucléaire, tout en préservant la sécurité d'approvisionnement en 
Suisse.  
 
Le premier paquet contient différentes mesures dans les domaines de l'efficience énergétique et du 
développement des énergies renouvelables. Ainsi le Programme Bâtiments se voit adj uger des 
fonds supplémentaires et des allégements fiscaux sont prévus pour les rénovations à portée 
énergétique. De plus, le premier paquet de mesures contient des règlementations concernant 
l'efficience énergétique d'appareils et les émissions de CO2 pour  les véhicules. Dans le domaine du 
développement des énergies renouvelables, des mesures de promotion limitées dans le temps sont 
prévues. Celles -ci incluent une prime de marché pour les centrales hydrauliques existantes et une 
contribution d'investissemen t pour les nouvelles centrales hydrauliques. De plus, le système actuel 
de rétribution à prix coûtant du courant injecté RPC se voit transformé en un système de 
rétribution de l'injection basé sur la commercialisation directe.  
 
L'entrée en vigueur du premi er paquet de mesures de la Stratégie énergétique 2050 est prévue 
pour le 1er janvier 201 8, sous réserve du résultat du Réfé rendum.  
 
Pregunta  3 
En el párrafo 4.81 se indica que las energías renovables representan el 59.5% de la generación de 
electricidad. ¿Qué estrategia ha llevado a cabo Suiza en las últimas décadas para fortalecer este 
tipo de energía?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
L'expansion de l'utilisation de la force hydraulique a débuté à la fin du 19ème siècle. L'âge d'or de 
l'hydraulique se situe entre 1 945 et 1970, période pendant laquelle de nombreuses installations au 
fil de l'eau ont été construites dans l'Unterland, et les plus grandes installations de stockage ont vu 
le jour dans les Alpes. Durant cette période, SwF 0.5 milliards ont été investis pa r année dans 
l'expansion de la force hydraulique. La force hydraulique était pour les cantons alpins une source 
de revenus importante après la deuxième guerre mondiale. Ils ont pu profiter fortement des 
redevances de concessions, des redevances hydraulique s ainsi que des recettes fiscales en 
provenance des revenus de l'opération des centrales. Ceci a conduit à la construction de 
nombreuses centrales à accumulation dans les années 1950 et 1960. Au début des années 1970, WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 123 - 
 
près de 90% de la production indigène d'électricité provenait de la force hydraulique si l'on se base 
sur la production moyenne attendue.  
À partir des années 1970, l'âge d'or et avec lui le rapide développement de l'hydraulique ont 
trouvé une fin. Ceci s'explique par le fait que les sites les  plus adaptés et les plus faciles d'accès 
étaient désormais exploités. De plus, le nucléaire est apparu comme source d'énergie concurrente. 
À cela se sont ajoutés des doutes de la population quant au caractère écologique de l'hydraulique.  
La part de l'hyd raulique dans la production d'électricité totale de la Suisse diminua ainsi à environ 
60% en 1985. Elle se situe aujourd'hui autour de 56%, et représente ainsi la plus importante 
source indigène d'énergie renouvelable de la Suisse (cf. graphique plus bas).   
Pour plus d'informations:  
http://www.hydrologie.unibe.ch/download/662.pdf.  
 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  BY GUATEMALA  
Inform e del Gobierno  
 
Pregunta relativa al párrafo 1.10  
¿Cuáles consideran que han sido los factores determinantes y que más han influido para fomentar 
e impulsar el "valor nacional" en los productos de exportación? ¿Qué estrategia se ha seguido para 
lograrlo?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland is strongly integrated in the global value chains. The import of input goods is essential 
for the Swiss economy. The high share of domestic value creation is best explained by the 
concentration of the Swiss economy on hig h quality and specialist niche products (towards the end 
of the value chains) as well as on research and development services.  
 
This specialization is mainly the result of historic development. Swiss economic policy has been 
focusing on ensuring attractiv e framework conditions for private initiative. This means – by 
international standards – relatively little government regulation and intervention, and especially 
avoiding the support and promotion of specific industries. This is based on the idea that the WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 124 - 
 
government does not know what industries will be successful in the future and the experience that 
efficiency is best achieved by private initiative.  
Being a small economy without natural resources, the Swiss economy has been relying on imports 
and exports  in order to produce at large scale. Therefore, the Swiss foreign economic policy is 
based on three pillars in order to ensure market access for the Swiss economy. They include the 
close economic cooperation with the European Union, the support of the mult ilateral trading 
system as well as the pursuing of bilateral free trade agreements (mainly in the EFTA context). 
Furthermore, the government is currently analysing the potential of unilateral import facilitation.  
 
Pregunta relativa al párrafo 1.11  
En su e xperiencia, ¿qué acciones han llevado a cabo las autoridades para fomentar la innovación 
en los diferentes sectores productivos y de servicios del país?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The private sector accounts for the lion's share, funding and performing some tw o thirds of R&D 
activities. The state (federal government and cantons) focuses mainly on funding. Responsibility 
for conducting R&D projects lies primarily with the higher education institutions.  
 
The main part of federal funding flows to the universities.  They perform a large part of the basic 
research in Switzerland beside the private sector. The federal government promotes research and 
innovation further through the two national promotion bodies Swiss National Science Foundation 
(SNSF) and the Commission  for Technology and Innovation (CTI). The SNSF, Switzerland's 
foremost institution for the promotion of scientific research, also devotes particular attention to the 
advancement of young scientists. The CTI is the federal government's promotion agency for 
knowledge -based innovation. They allocate funding on a competitive basis and make their 
assessments on the basis of excellence. By international standards, Switzerland is reluctant to 
dictate, from the top down, the areas and programmes that are eligible f or funding. Moreover, 
funding is not, as a rule, granted directly to companies.  
 
Further hallmarks of the Swiss innovation system include the flexibility and adaptability of the 
actors in the business and higher education sectors, the rapid diffusion of i nnovations via science 
and business networks, as well as efforts to maintain Switzerland's considerable attractiveness as 
an education and research centre for talents and qualified professionals from all over the world.  
 
The state promotes an education sys tem that is founded on a complementary mix of vocational 
and academic training options. At the same time, the Swiss education system is also highly flexible 
both within and between the vocational and academic teaching sectors. These elements facilitate 
the training of well -qualified specialists and equip them to work along the entire value chain, a 
factor that is instrumental to Switzerland's research and innovation achievements.  
 
Switzerland has a competitive market economy driven by private initiative wi th – by international 
standards – relatively little government regulation and intervention. The various markets for 
labour, capital, goods and services are largely competition -driven; thanks to multilateral and 
bilateral agreements, access to international  markets is free and open. This affords the business  
sector a high degree of flexibility and mobility and enables it to rapidly absorb change. Switzerland 
also has clear regulations in place to protect intellectual property.  
 
Finally cross -border collabor ations give Swiss actors access to key international networks and 
produce scientific, technological and economic benefits for Switzerland. Switzerland participates 
chiefly in the Research Framework Programmes (FPs) and in the education and mobility 
program mes of the EU. Currently underway in the 2014 to 2020 period are Horizon 2020 – The EU 
Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (8th programme generation) and Erasmus+, 
the EU programme for education, training and youth. By participating in FPs,  
Switzerland also gains access to numerous other initiatives, projects and programmes co -financed 
by these FPs.  
 
Pregunta relativa al párrafo 1.26  
¿Podrían compartir con nosotros los lineamientos y acciones estratégicas que integran los siete 
pilares del Progr ama de Crecimiento del Gobierno?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 125 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The seven pillars of the Swiss growth policy from 2012 -2015 have been:  
1) The strengthening of the com petition in the internal market;  
2) The economic opening to foreign markets ; 
3) The safeguarding a high pa rticipation in the labor market;  
4) The strengthening of education, resea rch, innovation (human capital);  
5) Ensuring sound public finances;  
6) The creation of a legal environmen t conducive to entrepreneurship;  
7) Ensure the sustainability of the environment . 
 
Along t hese seven pillars the following measures have been envisaged:  
  A review of the national health strategy towards more transparency and more 
competitiveness.  
  The further development of the agriculture policy to increase competition in agriculture 
sector.   
  The enlargement of the net of free trade agreements.  
 The strengthening of the bilateral relations with the EU among others with the enlargement 
of the agreement on the free movement of persons to Croatia.  
  The third corporate tax reform  to abolish the  reduced taxation of holding, domiciliary and 
mixed companies.  
  A reform of the retirement system towards higher flexibility in the retirement age and 
ensuring the financial sustainability of the retirement system.  
  The implementation of the energy strat egy 2050 in order to promote the efficient use of 
energy and the implementation of an ecological tax reform by imposing a tax on CO 2 while 
lowering taxes on labour and capital.  
  The implementation of the "E -Government" strategy to facilitate the exchange of citizens 
and the economy with authorities.  
  The reduction of the administrative burden among others with a consequent application of a 
regulatory impact assessment for new legislative measures.  
 
Informe de la Secretar ía 
 
Preg unta relativa al párrafo 3 .190 
¿Podrían comentarnos con más detalle sobre los requisitos que deben cumplirse para poder 
emplear la "marca suiza"? ¿Se ha implementado algún mecanismo para evaluar su contribución en 
el refuerzo del carácter distintivo de los productos que la empleen?   
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The conditions under which the "Swiss brand" can be used depends on the type of goods.  
 For natural products  such as plants, minerals or products from hunting or fishing, it is the 
place of harvest or extraction – depending on the t ype of product – that is relevant in order for 
them to be identified as being of Swiss origin (art. 48a Trademark Protection Law).  
 For foodstuffs , the activity that gave the product its essential characteristics must have taken 
place in Switzerland. In add ition, at least 80% of the weight of available raw materials in 
Switzerland must actually originate in Switzerland (art. 48b Trademark Protection Law). This 
principle is elaborated in more detail and exceptions and specifications are provided for, e.g. 
for raw materials that are not available or that cannot be produced in Switzerland.  
 For industrial products , at least one essential manufacturing step as well as at least 60% of 
the manufacturing costs must occur in Switzerland. All production costs (i.e. co sts for raw  
materials, semi -finished products, accessory parts, product -related salaries and production 
overhead costs) can be taken into account, including the costs for research and development, 
quality assurance and certification (art. 48c Trademark Pro tection Law). Exceptions and 
specifications have also been provided for here (e.g. for natural products that are not found in 
Switzerland and materials that are not available in sufficient quantities in Switzerland).  
As regards services, a service  is consi dered Swiss if the registered office as well as at least one of 
the service provider's headquarters are in Switzerland (art. 49 Trademark Protection Law). 
Exceptions apply with respect to subsidiaries of Swiss parent companies.  
Provided that the aforementi oned criteria are met, the 'Swiss brand" can be freely used, without 
requiring any authorization to do so.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 126 - 
 
No particular mechanism has been implemented for evaluating the "Swiss brand's" effectiveness in 
reinforcing the distinctive character of products, w hich use it.  
Otros temas:  
 
Pregunta  
¿Es posible gestionar cooperación con Suiza para recibir orientación en temas de normalización y 
estandarización en los servicios de hotelería y turismo?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Norms and standards in tourism are not a go vernmental but an industry task. For example: the 
national hotel association hotelleriesuisse ( www.hotelleriesuisse.ch ) is responsible for hotel stars, 
and the Swiss Tourism Federation STF ( www.swisstourfed.ch ) is responsible for the Quality 
Programme of Swiss Tourism.  
 
Pregunta  
¿Qué acciones consideran que son importantes para poder impulsar y mejorar la visita del turismo 
suizo a Guatemala  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Guatemala has a lot of important and unique tourism attractions, so there is a lot of potential to 
attract people from all over the world, incl. from Switzerland. In order to increase numbers of 
tourists from Switzerland it is important to be visible, e.g. thr ough direct marketing in Switzerland 
(TV, internet portals etc.) or presence on social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, etc.). In 
Switzerland we h ave a national marketing organiz ation called "Switzerland Tourism" 
(www.myswiterland.com ). Switzerland Tourism has a lot of expertise in tourism marketing and – if 
wished – could provide more information in relation to the present question.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 127 - 
 
21  EL SALVADOR  
Pregunta 1  
De acuerdo al párrafo 17 del Informe de la Secretaría , "uno de los elementos centrales de la actual 
política de crecimiento del Gobierno de Suiza es una mayor apertura de la economía a las 
importaciones, con el fin de fomentar la competencia de los precios y estimular la productividad." 
En adición a la elimi nación de los aranceles de 60 líneas arancelarias en el sector de textiles, a 
partir del 1º de enero de 2016, ¿ qué otros sectores industriales se están examinando con el fin de 
fomentar una mayor apertura de la economía a las importaciones?  
 
Answer by Swi tzerland  
The elimination of some tariff lines in the area of textiles is a temporary measure, in force for four 
years, which has been required by the industry itself. Currently, Switzerland is assessing the 
general economic potential of easing import restr ictions autonomously. For instance, current work 
is focusing on the potential of unilateral tariff liberalization for industrial goods, including the 
reduction in administrative costs. In this context, the economic consequences of technical barriers 
to tra de are currently studied, especially regarding the exemptions of the Cassis -de-Dijon principle 
which applies to imports from the EU. The aim of the ongoing work is to develop specific proposals 
by the end of 2017 which will enter the political process subs equently. The relative impacts on 
different sectors can only be assessed after having agreed on specific measures.  
 
Pregunta 2  
De acuerdo al párrafo 3.67 del Informe de la Secretaría, la entidad "Switzerland Global Enterprise 
(S-GE) se encarga de prestar a sistencia en la exportación de sus productos a las pymes de Suiza y 
Liechtenstein, ofreciendo servicios de información consultoría y comercialización. ¿Podrían Suiza y 
Liechtenstein brindar mayor información sobre el funcionamiento de estos programas de 
asistencia?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland Global Enterprise (S -GE) supports Swiss and Liechtenstein SMEs in identifying and 
exploiting market opportunities abroad by collecting and sharing information about international 
market developments, providing t ailor-made advice based on thorough market research, acting as 
a broker for business contacts worldwide and creating awareness of Swiss products and services 
abroad through participation in international trade fairs.   
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
Liechtenstein  has concluded an agreement with Switzerland Global Enterprises (SGE) giving 
Liechtenstein enterprises access to various services offered by SGE like the export hotline, advice 
regarding export markets, list of potential customers or partners or the partic ipation in trade fairs.  
 
Pregunta 3  
En el párrafo 4.15 del Informe de la Secretaría, se indica que "Al final de 2016, Suiza todavía no 
había presentado una notificación de ayuda interna sobre la PA 2014 -2017." Favor sírvase indicar 
cuándo se prevé present ar la notificación relativa a la Política Agrícola de Suiza.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Le calcul de la hauteur des montants du soutien interne dans le cadre de la nouvelle politique 
agricole de la Suisse (PA 14 -17) prend plus de temps que prévu. La Suisse as sure que les experts 
sont en train d'effectuer les calculs nécessaires afin d'assurer la notification du soutien interne 
dans les délais les plus brefs possibles.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 128 - 
 
22  CHILE  
Informe de la Secretaría  
 
3.3.8 Trade -related intellectual property rights  
3.3.8.2 E conomic policy context  
Parr 3.172  
 
Pregunta 1  
Chile agradecería información más específica sobre el funcionamiento de los sistemas tributarios 
de "patent box".  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss „patent box" was part of the Corporate Tax Reform III (CTR III ) that was drafted 
according to the rules established by OECD (see BEPS-Project Action 5: Final report ). However, 
CTR III failed to pass a public referendum in February 2017. As a result, Switzerland is currently 
re-evaluating all the reform's elements before drafting a new legislative proposal. This process is 
still ongoing.  Accordingly, neither the new reform project nor the framework for a possible future 
"patent box" is specified yet.  
 
3.3.8.7 Trademarks  
Parr 3.190   
 
Pregunta 2  
En relación al párrafo, Chile agradecería mayor información sobre la "Swissness legislation"; e n 
particular, en las acciones que contempla para la protección de la marca "Suiza" en el extranjero.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
1) The revision aims at improving fair competition and preventing deceptive practices regarding 
indications that refer to the Swiss ori gin of goods or services . The revised Trademark 
Law introduces more detailed  criteria  for a product or service to be labelled as "Swiss". 
These provisions also apply to indications of source that refer to specific places in 
Switzerland.  
2) The revision  also c reates two new instruments regarding geographical indications 
(GIs) :  
a) register for GIs for non -agricultural goods such as handicrafts;  
b) geographical mark, i.e. the possibility to register an indication as a verbal trademark, if it 
corresponds to a previous ly recognised geographical indication.  
3) Along with the Trademark Law, the Law on the Protection of Swiss Armorial Bearings has 
also been revised. Under the new Law, the Swiss flag may be used  as an indication of 
source not only for Swiss services – as had p reviously been the case under the old Law - but 
also for goods originating in Switzerland , as long as such use is in compliance with the 
criteria set out in the Law.  
 
Defining in the Law the criteria more precisely which products or services must fulfil to  use 
legitimately a Swiss indication of source will hopefully support and facilitate enforcement efforts 
also abroad against illegitimate use of such indications for goods and services not meeting the said 
criteria. The new legislation also introduces the possibility to protect registered or recognised GI as 
a geographical mark as well as a sui generis register for non -agricultural products (in addition to 
the existing register for agricultural products) which are instruments also aimed at supporting 
enforc ement efforts against illegitimate use of Swiss indications of source, both in Switzerland and 
abroad, in accordance with the legislation and procedures applicable in the respective foreign 
country.  
 
Parr 3.194  
 
Pregunta 3  
En relación con las "marcas geogr áficas" (mencionadas en el párrafo 3.194) agradeceríamos saber 
si ya se han hecho solicitudes en el extranjero de estas marcas y si alguna de ellas ya ha sido 
concedida  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 129 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The new legislation entered into force on 1 January 2017. To dat e, no examination procedures for 
geographical mark applications have been completed. Consequently, no registrations have been 
issued to date.  
 
Geographical indications  
Parr 3.200 y Parr 3.201:  en estos párrafos se hace referencia la protección de IGs extr anjeras 
por medio de acuerdos bilaterales.  
 
Pregunta 4  
Chile agradecería mayor información sobre cuál es el mecanismo de protección de las IGs 
extranjeras cuando estas no figuran en un acuerdo bilateral.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Les IG étrangères qui ne fig urent pas dans un accord bilatéral sont néanmoins protégées en Suisse 
en vertu des art. 47 ss de la Loi sur la protection des marques et des indications de provenance 
(LPM). Les IG sont considérées comme des indications de provenance, définies par l'art. 4 7, al. 1 
LPM comme "toute référence directe ou indirecte à la provenance géographique des produits ou 
des services, y compris la référence à des propriétés ou à la qualité, en rapport à la provenance", 
qui sont protégées en cas d'usage:  
 
  d'une indication de provenance inexacte,  
  d'une désignation susceptible d'être confondue avec une indication de provenance 
inexacte, ou  
  d'un nom, d'une raison de commerce, d'une adresse ou d'une marque en rapport avec des 
produits ou des services d'une autre provenance lo rsqu'il crée un risque de tromperie,  
  et ce, même si cet usage est accompagné d'expressions telles que "genre", "type", "style" 
ou "imitation" (art. 47, al. 3 et 3bis).  
 
En outre, une demande d'enregistrement peut être déposée en vue d'obtenir un titre de protection 
sui generis pour une IG étrangère en Suisse. Cette demande doit être adressée:  
 
 à l'Office fédéral de l'agriculture pour une AOP ou une IGP de produit agricole, de produit 
agricole transformé, de produit sylvicole ou de produit sylvicole transfo rmé; 
 à l'Institut fédéral de la propriété intellectuelle pour une AOP ou une IGP de produit non 
agricole, ou pour une marque géographique portant sur une AOP ou IGP enregistrée en 
Suisse, sur appellation viticole étrangère conforme aux exigences de l'art. 63 de la Loi 
sur l'agriculture ou sur une indication de provenance étrangère fondée sur une 
réglementation étrangère équivalente à une ordonnance du Conseil fédéral édictée en 
vertu de l'art. 50, al. 2 LPM.  
 
3.3.8.9 Copyright and related rights  
Parr 3.203  al Parr 3.207  
 
Pregunta 5  
Chile agradecería  mayor información sobre los aspectos en torno a los cuales se han centrado los 
casos asociados al cumplimiento de reglas de Propiedad Intelectual en el ambiente digital, tal y 
como se señalan en los párrafos  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
There is but one major case of the Swiss Supreme Court (BGE 136 II 508) that must be mentioned 
in the context of compliance of intellectual property rules in the digital environment. The issue was 
the interplay between privacy rules an d intellectual property. Under Swiss privacy law, it is 
undisputed that a general monitoring of web activities is incompatible with the protection of 
privacy. In other words it would constitute a violation the protection of privacy to watch everybody 
in order to identify the infringers. Consequently the clarification of the interplay between privacy 
rules and intellectual property rights enforcement is one of the core issues of the ongoing revision.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 130 - 
 
3.3.8.9 Copyright and related rights  
Parr 3.205 al Parr 3.208  
 
Pregunta 6  
Desde el periodo del reporte a la fecha, Chile agradecería mayor información sobre si han existido 
modificaciones al borrador de revisión surgido del trabajo del AGUR 12 II.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
At the date of this response, the questi on cannot be answered conclusively. The Federal 
Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) will take into consideration the results of the AGUR12 II 
on the revision of the Copyright Act and submit a proposal to the Federal Council. The results of 
the AGUR12 I I can be found here:  
https://www.ige.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/Urheberrecht/e/AGUR12_II_Medienmitteilung_2017030
2_EN.pdf . 
2.4 Investment Regim e  
2.4.1 Switzerland  
 
Par 2.44  highlights Switzerland 's latest constitutional amendment (Article 121a of the Federal 
Constitution) which introduces a new admission system for all foreign nationals that limits the 
number of migrants by means of maximum leve ls and quotas.  
 
Question 7  
Chile would appreciate further detail on the exact number set by the new regime, and the criteria 
used to set those thresholds.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Le 16 décembre 2016, le Parlement a adopté une réglementation qui peut être m ise en œuvre 
conformément à l'Accord sur la libre circulation des personnes (ALCP). L'essentiel de ces 
modifications législatives portent sur des mesures concernant les demandeurs d'emploi. Dans les 
professions qui enregistrent un taux de chômage supérieur  à la moyenne, les postes vacants 
doivent être communiqués par les employeurs au service public de l'emploi. Cette obligation de 
communiquer les postes vacants vise à favoriser l'intégration au marché du travail des 
demandeurs d'emploi résidents en Suisse et à mieux épuiser le potentiel qu'offre la main d'œuvre 
en Suisse. Au regard de l'admission de travailleurs étrangers sur le marché suisse de l'emploi, le 
système binaire existant est ainsi maintenu tel quel. Celui -ci prévoit que les travailleurs provenan t 
des pays de l'UE/AELE bénéficient d'une admission facilitée au marché suisse du travail de par 
l'ALCP. L'admission de travailleurs bien qualifiés en provenance d' États tiers sur le marché suisse 
de l'emploi continue d'être réglée par des contingents et n ombres maximums définis annuellement 
par le Conseil fédéral.  
 
Par 2.51  
 
Question 8  
Regarding the foreign qualifications recognition process mentioned in Paragraph, Chile would 
appreciate a more detailed description of the process and authorities responsib le. Is there a unified 
process or several processes depending on the profession?   
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) has established a multi -tiered 
recognition procedure for the handling of foreign qu alifications.  
 
If the occupation or profession is not regulated, there is no real need to obtain recognition of one's 
foreign qualification in order to work in this capacity. For non -regulated occupations and 
professions, it is possible to use one's forei gn qualification to enter the labour market directly.  
 
If the profession is regulated in Switzerland, a recognition certificate (stating equivalency) is 
necessary before working in Switzerland.  
 
SERI is responsible for recognizing foreign higher education qualifications for work in a regulated 
profession. A profession is deemed to be regulated when legal or government provisions stipulate 
that a specific qualification is required in order to work in the given profession. Other agencies 
responsible for speci fic regulated professions retain their authority (e.g. MEBEKO for university WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 131 - 
 
degrees in medicine, PsyKo for university degrees in psychology, GS EDK for teaching and special 
needs education).  
 
If the various conditions are met, the foreign qualification w ill be recognized under the terms of 
the Ordinance of 12 November 2014 to the Higher Education Act (HEdO, SR 414.201) or by virtue 
of EU Directive 2005/36/EC as equivalent to Swiss higher education qualifications in the following 
fields: Architecture, Engi neering, Optometry, Social work (social work, social pedagogy, 
community activities planner, etc.).  
 
The distinction between the processes does not depend on the professions (being reserved the 
content of the education). The main difference is the legal ba sis, whether EU Directive 2005/36/EC 
is applicable or not. In case it should not be applicable, the conditions are the same for all the 
regulated profession or occupation.  
 
According to Box 4.18, a foreign natural person may exercise the medical profession  in a practice 
provided the practice is located in a region where the number of professionals is proven to be 
insufficient (economic needs test).  
 
Par 2.59  According to Paragraph Switzerland has signed ten Tax Information Exchange 
Agreements (TIEAs).  
 
Question 9  
Chile would appreciate the list of countries with which Switzerland has signed TIEAs.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Andorra, Greenland, San Marino, Seychelles, Grenada, Belize and 
Brazil.  
 
Box 4.18 Regulatory framework for  medical services in Switzerland  
According to Box 4.18, a foreign natural person may exercise the medical profession in a practice 
provided the practice is located in a region where the number of professionals is proven to be 
insufficient (economic needs t est).  
 
Question 10  
Chile would appreciate is Switzerland could explain when the number of professionals in a region is 
deemed insufficient.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Il incombe au canton concerné de prouver la pénurie de soins médicaux dans la région donnée . 
Aucun nombre (de médecins par personne) est précisé par la Confédération.  
L'autorisation octroyée à une telle personne se limite à une activité définie dans un hôpital ou dans 
un cabinet précis.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 132 - 
 
23  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  
3.1.4.2 Contingentes Arancelarios  
 
3.27. En Suiza se aplican contingentes arancelarios a varios productos agropecuarios (el 3,8% de 
todas las líneas arancelarias), sobre todo animales vivos, huevos, semen de bovino, flores 
cortadas, patatas, hortalizas frescas y congeladas, frutas frescas, vi nos y determinados cereales. 
Los contingentes arancelarios pueden modificarse, principalmente en caso de escasez interna. Por 
consiguiente, en algunos casos se pueden autorizar importaciones por encima de los contingentes 
consolidados a los tipos arancelar ios aplicados dentro del contingente.  
 
Pregunta 1  
¿Podría Suiza explicar en cuáles casos se pueden autorizar importaciones por encima de 
los contingentes consolidados a los tipos arancelarios aplicados dentro del contingente?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
En géné ral, les contingents tarifaires sont augmentés, quand la production indigène ensemble avec 
la quantité consolidée du contingent ne suffit pas pour satisfaire la demande intérieur. Ces 
dernières années, par exemple les contingents tarifaires pour les pommes  de terre (CT n°14) et 
pour les œufs d'oiseaux (CT n°9) ont été augmentés régulièrement.  
En plus, il y a plusieurs contingents tarifaires qui ne sont (plus) administrés et les importations 
dans le contingent peuvent donc surgir dans des quantités illimité es (ex. CT n°8 caséine, CT n°10 
produits d'œufs séchés, CT n°11 produits d'œufs autres que séchés, CT n°12 semences de 
taureaux, CT n°26 blé dur destiné à l'alimentation humaine et CT n°22 jus de raisin (y compris les 
raisins destinés au pressurage). Depui s 2017 aussi le CT n°13 fleurs coupées n'est plus administré.  
 
3.5). Además, con arreglo a ciertos acuerdos comerciales bilaterales, Suiza ha abierto 
contingentes arancelarios bilaterales específicos para ciertos productos. En el caso de Albania, 
Suiza ha abierto dos contingentes arancelarios bilaterales específicos respecto del aceite de oliva 
(SA 1509.1091 y 1509.1099) con aranceles nulos dentro del contingente (respecto de un máximo 
de 500 toneladas anuales).  
 
Pregunta 2   
¿Para cuáles productos Suiza ha abierto contingentes arancelarios bilaterales 
específicos?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Les contingents tarifaires préférentiels, en plus d'être définis de manière détaillée dans les accords 
préférentiels respectifs, sont également décrits dans la législation su isse (numéro d'ordonnance SR 
632.421.0 / SR 632.319).  
L'Administration fédérale des douanes publie les principaux contingents bilatéraux également sur 
le site -web: https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/fr/home/infos -pour-entreprises/interdictions --
restrictions -et-conditions/mesures -economiques -et-agricoles/contingents -tarifaires/etat -des-
contingents.html . 
 
4.1.1.2 Contingentes Arancelarios.  
 
4.8. En Suiza, el elevado nivel de protección arancelaria de los productos agropecuarios que se 
enfrentan a la competencia de las importaciones se complementa con la facilitación del  acceso a 
los mercados a través de la OMC y de contingentes arancelarios preferenciales. En muchos casos, 
hay una gran diferencia entre los aranceles NMF aplicados dentro y fuera de contingente (cuadro 
A4.2).  
 
Pregunta 3  
¿En cuáles casos existe la diferenc ia entre los aranceles NMF aplicados dentro y fuera de 
contingente?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
En général, le taux MFN à l'intérieur d'un contingent est relativement bas et celui hors contingent 
s'avère relativement élevé. Les contingents tarifaires de la Suis se sont en grande partie des 
contingents agrégés qui contiennent plusieurs produits différents. Par conséquent, il se peut que 
les droits de douane varient, tant à l'intérieur du contingent que hors contingent. Ces différences WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 133 - 
 
sont particulièrement importa ntes pour les taux hors contingent. C'est notamment le cas pour la  
viande de bœuf (CT n°5). Alors que le droit de douane hors contingent pour les morceaux nobles, 
frais ou réfrigérés peut aller jusqu'à SwF 2 ,212/100kg (ex. HS 0201.3019), les préparations 
homogénéisées (HS 1602.1090) peuvent être importées hors contingent pour SwF 196/100kg.  
3 Políticas y Prácticas Comerciales, por Medidas  
3.1 Medidas que afectan directamente a las importaciones  
  
3.2. En la práctica, los procedimientos de importación se tra mitan en una ventanilla única a la 
llegada a la aduana, aunque primero hay que obtener en diversos organismos todos los permisos y 
licencias necesarios.  
 
Pregunta 4  
¿Podría Suiza explicar en qué consisten la implementación y procedimientos que realiza 
su Ventanilla Única?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Swiss customs acts as a „single desk" where all relevant documents (customs declaration and – if 
necessary – supplementing documents including licenses and permits) need to be submitted upon 
import into Switzerland. This facilitates border crossing for economic operators, as they only have 
to deal with one government agency at the border. Licenses or permits however need to be 
obtained beforehand from the competent agencies. There is in fact no single window for obtai ning 
permits and licenses.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 134 - 
 
24  SINGAPORE  
PART I: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE WTO SECRETARIAT REPORT  
 
Summary & 4.3.7 Air transport services  
 
Page 11 (paragraph 26); page 152 (paragraph 4.148)  
 
Question 1  
We note from paragraph 26 on page 11 of the Secretariat R eport that "Switzerland has pursued its 
liberal air policy with the signature or modification of a series of "more than open skies" 
agreements with numerous countries". We also note from paragraph 4.148 on page 152 that 
Switzerland 's air transport agreemen ts "are all extremely liberal and go beyond traditional so -
called open skies agreements". Could Switzerland elaborate on its definition of "open skies" 
agreements? Given the potential benefits to investment, trade, and economic growth from open 
skies agree ments, does Switzerland have a timeline to update its existing Air Services Agreements 
in line with its  general policy toward liberaliz ation?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
"Open skies" means for Switzerland that the traffic rights in 3rd and 4th freedom are comp letely 
open and that there is no frequency limitation with regard to these points. With regard to the 5th 
freedom traffic rights, restrictions exist and such rights may be granted on a modest basis taking 
the overall circumstances into consideration. This is also reflected in the Swiss aviation policy, as 
adopted by the Swiss Federal council in 2016.  
Switzerland does not have a timeline for the updating of its existing Air Services Agreements.  
 
3.3.1.1 Corporate income tax  
 
Page 62 (Para 3.74)  
 
Question 2  
We note that the Swiss Federal Parliament adopted a third series of Corporate Tax Reform (CTRIII) 
measures on 17 June 2016, specifically addressing "ring fencing" issues (i.e. practice of privileged 
tax treatment of earnings abroad for holding, domiciliary  and mixed companies operating 
internationally (so -called "ring fencing") by Swiss cantons. However, CTRIII was rejected in a 
popular vote on 12 February 2017. In view of these developments, what are Switzerland 's plans 
for corporate tax reform related to the Swiss tax referendum?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
On 22 February 2017, the Swiss government mandated the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) 
to draw up the cornerstones of a new reform proposal. The FDF formed a Steering Group together 
with representatives of the Swiss cantons, which is directing the work in progress. The Swiss 
government intends to decide on the cornerstones by end of June 2017. Afterwards the Swiss 
government will decide on a legislative proposal based on these cornerstones. In 2018, the t wo 
chambers of the Federal Parliament are scheduled to decide on the tax reform bill. Within 100 
days, a referendum on the federal reform bill can be called for. In summary and subject to due 
process of law, a new federal tax reform bill can enter into for ce by 1 January 2019 at the earliest. 
Cantons will have to be granted a specified period to bring their proper legislation in line with the 
modified federal framework legislation.  
 
3.3.8.2. Economic policy context  
 
Page 83 (Para 3.172)  
 
Question 3 
We note  that the R&D expenditure of Swiss SMEs has been growing at twice the average rate, 
while that of large companies has showed a downward trend. Can Switzerland share with us if 
there are any policy measures implemented that have led to the strong growth in SME R&D 
expenditure? In addition, will Switzerland be implementing any initiatives to address the downward 
trend in R&D investment by large companies?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 135 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
According to a survey conducted by the KOF Swiss Economic Institute on behalf of the State 
Secretariat for Economic Aff airs between 2003 and 2014 there was a reduction in the financing 
cost of R&D activities, in the administrative burden but also in shortage of skilled personal. These 
developments may be linked to the monetary policy developments and the appreciation of t he 
Swiss Franc, the efforts of the government to reduce excessive red tape and the agreement on the 
Free Movement of Persons with the EU, which entered into force in 2002 but also the agreement 
with the EU that enables the full participation in the researc h framework programmes of the 
European Union (EU). These factors surely helped SME to spur their R&D expenditures. However, 
there are still barriers for small enterprises towards higher R&D spending such as high fixed costs 
to start R&D activities, not yet  removed administrative burdens or missing equity capital especially 
(see page 18 Innovationserhebung  1997-2014).  
 
Question 4  
Would it be possible for Switzerland to share more details on the "patent box" regimes adopted in 
2016, such as the qualification criteria for IP income and associat ed local R&D costs, and the 
quantum of tax reductions provided for?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss „patent box" was part of the Corporate Tax Reform III (CTR III) that was drafted 
according to the rules established by OECD (see BEPS-Project Action 5: Final report ). However, 
CTR III failed to pass a public referendum in Febr uary 2017. As a result, Switzerland is currently 
re-evaluating all the reform's elements before drafting a new legislative proposal. This process is 
still ongoing. Accordingly, neither the new reform project nor the framework for a possible future 
"patent box" is specified yet.  
PART II: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE NATIONAL REPORT  
 
1.3.4 Other policy areas  
 
Page 11 (Para 1.41)  
 
Question 1 
Could Switzerland provide more information on how Switzerland Innovation curates and matches 
industry partners with the aca demic institutes at each of the 2 hubs and 3 additional network 
locations?  
 
Question 1 
Could Switzerland provide more information on the measures to support the collaborations 
between the universities and the companies, such as grants and other forms of fi nancial as well as 
non-financial support?  
 
Answer by Switzerland to questions 1 and 2  
1 Switzerland Innovation: Matching of industry partners and academic institutes  
Each of the sites of «Switzerland Innovation» has its own focus areas and its own manageme nt 
bodies with representatives from industry and academia. These representatives give advice and 
support the matching of industry partners with academic institutions. Furthermore, the sites are all 
situated in close vicinity of universities. This facilitat es the matching and the collaboration of 
industry partners and academic institutions.  
 
2 Measures to support the collaboration between universities and companies  
Knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) is a central aspect of the collaboration between indu stry 
and academia. KTT is the exchange, provision and transmission of information, competencies and 
R&D results between universities and research institutes on the one hand and societal institutions 
(such as companies and public administration) on the othe r. The objective is to initiate and 
reinforce innovation processes, with partners focusing on the commercial exploitation of available 
and/or jointly created knowledge.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 136 - 
 
There are several instruments/institutions promoting KTT and the collaboration between  industry 
and academia in Switzerland:  
 
2.1 Commission for Technology and Innovation  
The CTI is the federal agency for the promotion of innovation. It encourages science -based 
innovation and the development of new products, procedures, processes and servic es for the 
business sector and society through research (predominantly applied research) and the 
exploitation of its results. Work is currently underway on an organiz ational reform of the CTI that 
is scheduled to enter into force in 2018. From 1 January 20 18, Innosuisse  will take over the 
functions of the current CTI.  
 
CTI has three funding areas:  
  R&D project funding: The core task of the CTI is to provide project funding which, as a 
general rule, is available to all disciplines. Approval of an applicati on for project funding 
hinges mainly on the innovative content and the prospects for effective implementation of 
the research findings to benefit the business sector and society. A further condition is that 
the project is unlikely to be realised without fe deral project funding. CTI project funding is 
also contingent on the formation of an alliance between a higher education institution or 
non-commercial research establishment and one or more private or public sector partners 
willing to assume responsibility  for exploitation (implementation partners). This latter 
stipulation ensures that CTI projects directly drive KTT.  
Funds are allocated exclusively to public sector partners and are used mainly to cover personnel 
expenditure. Implementation partners are re quired to co -fund at least half of the project with their 
own resources plus, as a rule, a cash contribution of minimum 10%. Exceptions are possible. 
Research funding in Switzerland in general and from the CTI in particular is, in principle, not paid 
directly to companies.  
  Start-up & Entrepreneurship: The CTI is tasked with promoting entrepreneurship and 
supporting innovative business ideas. The CTI programmes and networks provide the skills 
and methods necessary to successfully turn a business idea into a  new company.  
  KTT Support: This funding area brings together businesses, especially SMEs, and public 
research institutions in cases where contact has not otherwise been established. The aim is 
to create partnerships which will then act as drivers of innov ation in Switzerland.  
 
In 2016 CTI spent SwF 186.5 million for R&D project funding, SwF 26.4 million for energy research 
(special task 2013 – 2016), SwF 9.2 million for start -up & entrepreneurship promotion and 
SwF 4.1 million for KTT support.  
 
2.2 Swiss  Innovation Park  
Swiss Parliament defined the idea of a Swiss Innovation Park as federally harmonised national 
network with various locations and enshrined in the Federal Act on the Promotion of Research and 
Innovation (RIPA). The aim of the Swiss Innovati on Park is to secure and develop private research 
and development investment in Switzerland. This represents a valuable addition to the established 
funding instruments in Switzerland. The underlying aims are to make networking between the 
science and busin ess communities even better, to create optimum innovation -friendly conditions 
for local companies and researchers, and to encourage new actors to locate here.  
The innovation park began operations in early 2016, with two hub sites centred on the two federa l 
institutes of technology in Zurich and Lausanne and three network locations in Aargau, Northwest 
Switzerland and Biel.  
As it plays a subsidiary role in research and innovation promotion, the Confederation is not directly 
involved in the operation of the park, but concluded an agreement under public law with a national 
responsible body. In accordance with the provisions of the RIPA, the Swiss Innovation Park 
Foundation  was set up in spring 2015 by pri vate individual s as the park's umbrella organiz ation. 
The foundation's tasks are to market the park on the international scene, coordinate and aid 
networking among the park's sites and promote the site and their innovation activities. The 
foundation also a cts as a link between the park and the Confederation, and is responsible for loan 
management and future development of the park.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 137 - 
 
The Confederation takes two measures to finance the Innovation Park:  
  Federal guarantee: Framework credit of SWF 350 million t o be used as collateral for 
earmarked loans. With this capital on hand, the foundation is able to obtain capital funding 
at advantageous conditions and so provide the various site hosts with the loans needed to 
finance research infrastructure (equipment, f acilities). The guarantee is limited in duration 
and earmarked for specific purposes; the Federal Council will release funding in stages.  
  Land use: In order to support the Innovation Park, federally owned land in the vicinity of 
existing higher education institutions and businesses is leased with construction rights. 
However, ground rent must be paid at a rate current with the market.  
 
2.3 Centres of technological excellence and public -private partnerships  
Centres of technological excellence according to Art. 15c of the Federal Act on the Promotion of 
Research and Innovation (RIPA) also have a technology transfer mandate and an associate 
strategy. As a rule, they are legally independent and non -university research institutes of national 
significance that w ork together with universities and the private sector. Examples include the 
Centre Suisse d'électronique et de microtechnique (CSEM), Campus Biotech Geneva and inspire 
AG, which is active in the area of mechatronic production systems and manufacturing tech nology.  
Centers of technological excellence are financed according to the matching funds principle: The 
federal government can furnish them with basic funding if cantons, other public bodies, 
universities or private entities make a substantial contributio n. The law provides for collaboration 
on a non -commercial basis. Accordingly, revenues from patents or the assignment of rights of use 
to third parties must be re -invested.  
 
2.4 Universities  
The legal framework expressly provides that services and KTT are  among the tasks of ETH Zurich, 
EPFL, cantonal universities and universities of applied sciences.  
 
2.5 Technology transfer offices  
The technology transfer or KTT offices of research institutes and education establishments source 
experts in the field withi n and outside their institutions for R&D projects. They identify and 
evaluate research results with commercial potential, define an exploitation strategy in consultation 
with the researchers and implement it jointly with the latter and companies in the bus iness sector.  
 
2.6 Swiss Technology Transfer Association  
The Swiss Technology Transfer Association (swiTT) is the association of technology transfer 
professionals who are primarily engaged in collaborations between public and private research 
institutes,  hospitals and o ther non -profit research organiz ations. The association facilitates KTT 
networking between research institutes and the business sector. Members and other KTT actors in 
the academic and business sectors benefit from professional support and development 
accompanied by a broad range of services.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 138 - 
 
25  THAILAND  
3.3.3 /68 Standards and other technical requirements  
 
Question  
Could Switzerland elaborate on the new regime, "Cassis de Dijon principle", the exceptions and the 
expected effects towards appli cable product sectors, especially in the foodstuffs, textiles, 
cosmetics, and furniture sectors?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The "Cassis de Dijon" principle - introduced in 2010 in Switzerland - allows products which are 
lawfully produced and put on the market in the EU, to be market in Switzerland even if they don't 
correspond with Swiss technical regulation. The principle reduces technical barriers to trade 
between Switzerland and the EU. Swiss legislation contains some exceptions to this principle (e. g. 
foods tuffs underlies authoriz ation or wood has to be labelled with type and origin). Textiles, 
cosmetics and furniture are otherwise fully covered.  
 
3.3.5 /72 State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  
 
Question  
Could Switzerland and Liechtenstein  please provide more details on the legislation or regulation 
about privatization for state -owned enterprises; specifically the objective and strategic direction 
related to how State -owned enterprises are chosen for privatization or kept as State enterpris es in 
conducting social and welfare -related mission.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss federal government owns several enterprises. The most significant are: Swisscom 
(mainly telecommunication, 51% of shares), Swiss Post (postal services, banking, 100% of 
shares), Swiss Federal Railways (transportation, 100% of shares) and RUAG (defense, 100% of 
shares). On the cantonal level also some banks and insurance companies and some actors of the 
energy sector are publicly owned.  
 
The federal government has no gener al strategy or agenda for the privatization of these 
enterprises. Privatization related questions for individual companies (or parts of these companies) 
are regularly debated however. In spring of 2015 for example, the Federal Parliament debated the 
questi on whether SBB's Cargo division should be outsourced and potentially privatized but the 
proposals did not pass the P arliament. In May 2017 the national parliament also debated (and 
rejected) a motion to fully privatize Swisscom.  
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
In Liechtenstein, the state owned enterprises (on national or communal level) are nearly 
exclusively supplying basic services in the classical sectors, i.e. water, energy, health, elderly care 
or telecommunication. In addition, the state owns institutions in  the cultural sectors (e.g. 
museums) and for financial market surveillance.  
 
The few enterprises that are participating in the market have already years ago been restructured 
into capital companies in which the state holds shares to a varying degree (51% -100%). For these 
companies, a strict corporate governance regime is in place which i.e. includes a framework law, a 
corporate governance code, controlling (semi -annual) and reporting to the audit committee of the 
Parliament.  
 
3.3.6/74  Compet ition policy a nd price controls  
 
Question  
Please elaborate the criteria/threshold for determining which Merger and Acquisition may affect the 
market, and any specific time period for Competition Commission (COMCO) in deciding to approve/ 
not approve the Merger and Acqui sition.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In Switzerland, concentrations that have to be notified shall be investigated by the Competition 
Commission if a preliminary assessment (Art. 32 para. 1) reveals that they create or strengthen a 
dominant position.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 139 - 
 
The Compet ition Commission may prohibit a concentration or authorise it subject to conditions and 
obligations if the investigation indicates that the concentration: creates or strengthens a dominant 
position liable to eliminate effective competition and does not imp rove the conditions of  
competition in another market such that the harmful effects of the dominant position can be 
outweighed (Art. 10 Cartel Act).  
 
The preliminary assessment must be carried out within one month (art. 32 Cartel Act) and the 
investigation (in-depth review) within 4 months (Art. 33 Cartel Act).  
 
The Federal Council (Government) decided on 22 June 2016 to propose a revision of the merger 
control system for public consultation until the end of 2017. The "dominance -test" prevailing in 
Switzerla nd should be replaced by the SIEC -Test (significant impediment to effective competition), 
see for further information report of the WTO -Secretariat 3.135, p. 74.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 140 - 
 
26  JAPAN  
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/355)  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.8 Trade -related intellectual property rights  
 
Question 1 Paragraph 3.190  
According to the report by the Secretariat, the "Swissness legislation" has come into effect on 
January, 2017, which provides terms and c ondition to use the Swiss cross and the Swiss coat of 
arms. Can foreign company use the Swiss cross and the Swiss coat of arms as long as compliance 
with the "Swissness legislation"?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Swiss law makes a distinction between use of the c oat of arms and the Swiss cross:  
Coat of arms : The "Swissness legislation" reserves the use of the Swiss coat of arms to the Swiss 
Confederation exclusively. It is therefore not possible for a company (be it foreign or Swiss) to use 
the Swiss coat of arms.  This corresponds to the rules provided for by Art. 6ter of the Paris 
Convention.  
The Swiss Confederation may exceptionally authorise the use of the Swiss coat of arms for a 
company that had been lawfully using the Swiss coat of arms for decades as part o f their company 
logo at the time the Swissness legislation came into effect.  
Swiss cross : Yes, it is possible for a foreign company to use the Swiss cross on products as long as 
such use complies with the "Swissness legislation".  
Question 2 Paragraph 3.1 94 
With respect to a "geographical trademark" which is newly introduced, can holder or proprietor 
thereof be limited to the same producers' association of previously recognized geographical 
indication enforce its trademark right under civil action to prohi bit others from using mark in the 
course of trade for identical or comparable goods where such use contravenes the regulations?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The proprietor of a geographical mark is either the producers' association that previously got the 
regist ration of the corresponding geographical indication, or the authority in charge of the 
recognition of the corresponding geographical indication. More precisely, the proprietor of a 
geographical mark must be, in accordance with Art. 27a, let b of the Law on  the Protection of 
Trademarks and Indications of Source, either the group which registered the designation of origin 
or the geographical indication, or where such group no longer exists, the representative group 
which has assumed the role of protecting thi s designation of origin or geographical indication; or 
the Swiss canton that protects the registered designation of origin or the foreign authority 
responsible for the regulation of wine designations corresponding to Art. 63 of the Law on 
Agriculture, as w ell as the group that obtained the protection of such a foreign wine desi gnation; 
or the umbrella organiz ation of an economic sector for which the Federal Council has enacted an 
ordinance based on Art. 50 para . 2 of the Law on the Protection of Trademarks and Indications of 
Source  or which acts on the basis of on an equivalent foreign regulation. T he proprietor of a 
geographical mark can enforce its trademark right under civil action to prohibit others from using 
mark in the course of trade for identical or  comparable goods where such use contravenes the 
regulations, in accordance with Art. 27d of the Law on the Protection of Trademarks and 
Indications of Source.  
 
Question 3 Paragraph 3.201  
Regarding the Switzerland -China FTA, it seems that the list of Chine se GIs is not included in the 
Agreement. We would like to know the grounds and procedures of the protection for Chinese GIs 
in Switzerland? Also, please explain how the Swiss GIs will be protected in China.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The GIs of each Party are protected in the territory of the other Party according to the general 
provisions on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in Chapter 11 of the 
FTA. In Switzerland, Chinese GIs enjoy the protection provided by Art. 47 ss of the Law  on the 
Protection of Trademarks and Indications of Source. Additionally, Chinese GIs may be registered WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 141 - 
 
as Protected Appellations of Origin or Protected Geographical Indications, or as geographical 
marks. In China, Swiss GIs are protected according to the provisions of Art. 11.13 of the FTA.  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.3 Services  
4.3.2 Telecommunications services  
 
Question 4 Paragraph 4.116  
Does Switzerland have any measure in effect which restricts cross -border transfer of information 
including personal information? If any, could you describe the purpose and concrete regulations of 
such measure?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Swiss Telecommunications law contains one disposition relating to cross -border transfer of 
information. It is Article 13b, para. 2 and 3 https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified -
compilation/19970160/index.html#a13b  laying down the following:  
2) Subject to international agreements to the contrary, the  Commission and the Office may only 
transfer data to foreign surveillance authorities in the telecommunications sector, including 
sensitive personal data and personality profiles obtained in administrative or administrative 
criminal procedures, if these au thorities:  
a. use such data exclusively to conduct surveillance of telecommunications service providers 
or for purposes of market surveillance;  
b. are bound by official or professional secrecy; and  
c. forward this data to competent authorities and bodies w hich are entrusted with 
surveillance tasks in the public interest only with the prior consent of the Commission or the 
Office or on the basis of a general authorization in a treaty.  
3) The Commission and the Office shall not forward data to foreign prosecu ting authorities if legal 
assistance is excluded in criminal matters. The Commission or the Office shall decide in agreement 
with the Federal Office of Justice.  
As for the rest, cross-border transfer of information lies within the competence of the "Federa l 
Data Protection and Information Commissioner", mainly acting on the basis of the " Federal Act on 
Data Protection" ( https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified -compilation/19 920153/index.html ). 
Question 5 Paragraph 4.116  
Does Switzerland have any measure in effect which obliges private companies to store or process 
data obtained inside Switzerland on computer facilities located inside Switzerland? If any, could 
you describe t he purpose and concrete regulations of such measure?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Swiss Telecommunications law doesn't contain any dispositions fixing such measures. Further 
information might be obtained from the aforementioned "Federal Data Protection and Infor mation 
Commissioner".  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 142 - 
 
27  TURKEY  
Government Report  
 
1.2.2 Report by Switzerland - Economic Development, pg. 6, para. 1.17  
 
It is stated in the Government Report that, "….spending on health have increasingly taken over 
this function (contribution of exports to GDP) in recent years " 
 
Question  
Could Switzerland provide information about the public and private spending on healthcare for the 
review periods?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Swiss private health consumption amounts to 15% of total private consumption in 2016. In the 
period 2013 -2016, private health consumption has grown by average 3.9% annually, exceeding 
substantially total consumption growth (average 1.4%). In the years 2013 -2015, the costs of the 
Swiss health care system have risen on average by 4%. In 2015,  total costs of the health care 
system amounted to roughly SwF 78 billion, which is 12% of GDP. These costs are shared between 
public and private expenditures: the public (federal, cantonal and communal level) covers 29.8% 
and private households and firms 70.2%. While public expenditures have risen by average 1.8% 
per year since 2013, private expenditures increased by 3.5% per year  
(Source: https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/gesundheit/erhebungen/cou.asset 
detail.7685.html ).  
 
1.4 Report by Switzerland -Trade Policy, 1.4.4 Preferential Relations, pg. 6, para. 1.59  
 
It is stated in the Government Report that "As a part of strategy f irst established in 2007 and 
Government 's Growth Agenda, Switzerland has continued to negotiate and conclude bilateral and 
regional preferential agreements that complement and support the multilateral trading system. In 
2015 77% of Switzerland 's merchandis e exports went to preferential trading partners. Switzerland 
aims to further expand and deepen its preferential relations "  
 
Question  
Could Switzerland explain in which areas it prioritizes expanding and deepening its relations with 
the EU?  
 
Answer by Swit zerland  
With regard to possible new market access and cooperation agreements, Switzerland and the EU  
are currently in negotiations in the following areas: institutional issues, electricity, emissions 
trading (negotiations have been concluded, but the agree ment is yet to be signed), food safety 
and public health.  
 
Furthermore, discussions are ongoing on deepening several existing agreements, as for instance 
regarding the extension of the scope of the air transport agreement to internal flights or 
Switzerlan d's participation in the European Railway Agency in the framework of the agreement on 
land transport.  
 
Switzerland aims at consolidating and further developing the bilateral approach with the EU. 
Where it is in the mutual interest of both Switzerland and t he EU, further areas of cooperation may 
be identified in the future.  
 
1.4 Report by Switzerland – Trade Policy – WTO, pg. 12, para. 1.47  
 
It is stated in the Government Report "Implementation in Switzerland of the prohibition of export 
subsidies for agricu ltural products by 2020, adopted at MC10 in Nairobi, called for considerable 
changes in national legislation. To this effect, the Government conducted a public consultation 
from October 2015 to January 2016, with a view to submitting proposals to Parliamen t in the first 
half of 2017. " 
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 143 - 
 
Question  
Could Switzerland provide information on the abovementioned "considerable changes " in national 
legislation and policies envisaged for products that cannot be subsidized post -2020?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Last year, Sw itzerland launched the internal process of legal reforms to implement the Nairobi 
decision on export competition. A draft package of measures was submitted to a public 
consultation in September 2016. The reform package as proposed in the public consultatio n 
includes the complete abolition of the remaining export refunds and some accompanying 
measures. Facilitation of inward processing and additional direct payments to milk and wheat 
producers are proposed to form part of the reform.  
The Government is curre ntly evaluating the results of the consultation and, as a next step, will 
decide on legislative reform package to be submitted to the Parliament. Together with this 
legislative reform package, it is also foreseen that the Government will submit to Parliame nt the 
Nairobi decision and the necessary changes in the schedules of commitments for approval.  
 
1.4 Report by Switzerland -1.4.5 Trade and Development, pg. 14, para. 1.68  
 
It is stated in the Government Report that, "In the period under review, Switzerlan d's trade 
promotion work focused on strengthening export capabilities of SMEs in designated partner 
countries and on facilitating imports into target markets. It also comprised several initiatives 
aimed at improvement of the institutional capacity required  for participation in international trade 
and value chains. Projects, most of which were implemented with partner organi zations, 
included….. assisting trade support organi zations in partner countries in facilitating SME exports to 
Switzerland and other Eur opean markets "  
 
Question  
Could Switzerland provide detailed information (name of the partner countries, budget and content 
of the projects etc.) on projects assisting trade support organi zations in facilitating SME exports to 
Switzerland and other Europea n markets?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The focus of Switzerland 's economic development cooperation is on middle -income countries 
(MICs), where a large proportion of the world's poorest people live and which play an important 
influential role for entire regions . Switzerland supports advanced developing countries in Africa, 
Asia, Latin America and transition countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia facing poverty and 
development issues. Such cooperation encompasses global measures as well as regional and 
bilateral (country -specific) measures. More information and detailed project descriptions on 
Switzerland 's economic development cooperation including SME export support measures can be 
found on https://www.seco -cooperation.admin.ch/secocoop/en/home/themes/trad e-and-
competitiveness.html . 
 
2.2 Trade and Economic Policy Environment, 2.3 Trade Policy Developments and Future 
Policy Directions, pg. 21, 2.34  
 
It is stated in the Government Report that "The multilateral trading system is a proven vehicle in 
promoting e conomic development and growth and is central to the future prosperity of our 
nations. At MC9 and MC10 the WTO has proven that it can deliver tangible results. Both the 
monitoring and negotiating arms of the WTO need to be strengthened and further develope d." 
 
Question  
Could Liechtenstein explain which specific monitoring and negotiating areas of the multilateral 
trading system should be developed and strengthened?  
 
Answer by Liechtenstein  
While the WTO has proven at MC9 and MC11 that it can deliver, there are many areas where 
further progressed would be needed in particular in the negotiating arm of the  WTO. Liechtenstein 
would in particular welcome progress in areas of the DDA, like market access for  goods and 
services. In order to remain relevant the WTO will also need to address new phenomena that have 
not or not sufficiently been discussed in the WTO so far, like e -commerce, investment facilitation, 
MSMEs, to name just a few. It goes without saying that trade and development continues to be at 
the heart of the organi zation. As to the monitoring arm Liechtenstein has always been a supporter WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 144 - 
 
of comprehensive review mechanisms while also ensuring to avoid duplication. In this regard, the 
TPR is of particular relevance. The sixth appraisal of the TPRM was an opportunity to improve the 
mechanism further while also addressing its heavy work load. Reference should also be made to 
the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements and its role to ensure complementarity of RTAs (see  
para 28 of Nairobi Ministerial Declarati on) and also the work of the regular bodies of the WTO is 
not to be underestimated in furthering transparency.  
 
Secretariat Report  
 
1.2 Recent Economic Developments, pg. 15, 1.6  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that "In early January 2015, the SNB had to intervene to an 
increasing extent to defend the exchange rate floor. On 15 January 2015, the SNB abandoned its 
exchange rate floor policy. The minimum exchange rate was no longer sustainable, according to 
the SNB, since the risks associated with mai ntaining it would have compromised the SNB's ability 
to conduct monetary policy in the long term. Further, the SNB noted that postponing the inevitable 
exit would not have lessened the turbulence on the financial market, nor would it have alleviated 
the im pact on the economy. The SNB announced that it would nonetheless continue to intervene in 
the foreign exchange market, if necessary.5 By end -2015, its currency reserves, including gold, 
had increased to SwF 601 billion (roughly equivalent to the size of th e Swiss GDP), up from around 
SwF 79 billion in 2008. In the course of 2016, the SNB continued to intervene in the foreign 
exchange market, notably following the Brexit vote. "  
 
Question  
Could Switzerland explain if there are qualitative analyses to calcula te the overall impact of this 
abandoned policy on macroeconomic performance especially on foreign trade and provide 
information about these analyses?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Currently the Swiss government has mandated several research institutes to investi gate the 
impact of the removal of the exchange rate floor in January 2015 on the Swiss economy. First 
results from these studies will be presented in August 2017 and made available after review. A 
recent publication investigates the effect of exchange rate  uncertainty on firms investment plans 
(Binding and Dibiasi, 2017). They find that the removal of the currency floor significantly 
influenced firm 's investment plans temporarily, which however are not visible when focusing on 
aggregate gross fixed capital formation. Binding, Garret, and Andreas Dibiasi. "Exchange rate 
uncertainty and firm investment plans evidence from Swiss survey data." Journal of 
Macroeconomics 51 (2017): 1 -27. 
 
Structural Measures: pg.20, 1.22  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report th at "In June 2016, the Government presented its "New 
Growth Policy 2016 -2019" which consists of a package of 14 new productivity -enhancing 
measures. The measures are: i) preservation and development of bilateral agreements with the 
EU; ii) improved market a ccess for Swiss enterprises; iii) digital economy; iv) liberalization of the 
electricity market and regulation of the gas market; v) reduction of administrative impediments 
and better regulation of enterprises; vi) enhancing domestic competition through fa cilitation of 
imports; vii) development of the agricultural policy (2022 -25); viii) regulation in the area of "too -
big-to-fail"; ix) fiscal stabilization programme 2017 -19; x) review of fiscal incentives raising 
private indebtedness; xi) energy strategy 20 50; xii) climate change regulation after 2020; xiii) 
better regulation of the housing market; xiv) more efficient use of the transport infrastructure."  
 
Question  
Could Switzerland provide detailed information about the productivity -enhancing measures taken  
in the "New Growth Policy 2016 -2019" regarding digital economy?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
We believe that the state can create a positive environment for the Digital Economy first and 
foremost through attractive economic policy conditions. These include free dom of 
entrepreneurship, legal certainty, a flexible labour market, highly developed infrastructures, a 
sustainable fiscal policy, a relatively moderate tax burden, a strong foundation in education and 
research as well as competitive markets. Furthermore, we believe that the potential of digitisation WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 145 - 
 
can be best reached if private initiatives receive the necessary freedom. Digital transformation 
should therefore not be limited by premature and unsuitable regulation. In particular, regulation 
should not rest rain innovation, or protect or favour traditional technologies and/or business models 
(e.g. taxi or hotel markets). Since it is very difficult to predict future developments, we are  
confident that industrial policy programmes are not helpful in the context  of digitisation (such as 
the explicit promotion of certain industries, sectors, companies or the technologies they use).  
 
In January 2017, the Swiss federal council published a report on the digital economy. Regarding 
the effects of digitalization on labo r markets, the Swiss experience of the past shows, that there 
have always been new skill requirements and new jobs as a result of technological and structural 
changes. A mix of well targeted labour market policies, good framework conditions for innovative 
activities and a labour market oriented and flexible education system remain in our view a main 
factor of success of Switzerland in the digital age. In addition, the report initiates the "Digital 
Test", which will examine if the current economy legislation  unnecessarily hinders digitisation or if 
and where it has been made redundant by the digital development. Finally, the Swiss government 
will closely monitor the international regulation of the digital economy through the Swiss embassy 
network.  
 
1.3 Develo pments in Trade and Investment, pg. 22, 1.29  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that "Switzerland's merchandise trade recovered quickly 
following the global financial crisis in 2008 -09. Exports increased by 7.2% in 2010; in 2009 they 
fell by 12.5%. Fr om 2011 until 2013, however, with the sluggish growth of world trade, the growth 
in Swiss exports began to slow. This was followed in 2014 by a 3.6% increase in exports to SwF 
208 billion (exceeding the record of 2008), but in 2015 exports declined again ( down 2.6%), 
reflecting the appreciation of the Swiss franc against the euro (Table A1.1). As an indication of the 
exchange rate sensitivity of Swiss exports, the Swiss franc appreciated by 8.7% against the 
currencies of Switzerland's main trading partners in 2015, and exports declined by 2.6%; the 
depreciation of the Swiss franc against the U.S. dollar went along with an increase in exports to 
North America (Table 1.3). Since mid -2015, Swiss merchandise exports have appeared to show 
signs of a recovery, sig naling that the Swiss economy may have started to adjust to the exchange 
rate shock against the euro, but the trend differs from industry to industry (for trade in agricultural 
products, see Section 4.1). "  
 
Question  
Given this information, could Switzerla nd provide information about manufacturing sectors that 
tend to be more vulnerable to exchange rate shocks? Are there any precautionary actions to 
overcome those vulnerabilities?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The sudden abolishment of the Swiss franc/Euro lower b ound in January 2015 had a substantial 
impact on economic development of the Swiss manufacturing industry (19% of GDP), leading to a 
contraction of GDP growth in the first quarter of 2015. Already in 2010 -2012, the Swiss franc 
experienced a period of stron g appreciation in which value added of this sector declined. On 
average, manufacturing value added has grown by 0.5% per year in 2013 -2016, while GDP 
increased by 1.5%. Between 2014Q4 and 2016Q4, manufacturing jobs decreased by 17 '000 full -
time equivalents . This decrease was mainly driven by job losses in the metal and watches 
industry, which are export -oriented industries that are sensitive to changes in the exchange rate. 
Apart from the strong currency, structural change weighs heavily on this sector. Ove rall, Swiss 
manufacturing firms still have to cope with low profit margins and increased competition due to 
the stronger currency.  After the difficulties experienced in the years 2015/16, for 2017 sentiment 
indicators point towards a recovery in the manufa cturing sector. Firms are more optimistic 
regarding business sentiment and expect orders to increase throughout 2017. Moreover, they 
assess their employment situation similar to before the appreciation periods.  
 
Swiss economic policy does not aim at a sel ective industrial policy. Rather, economic policy 
provides a framework to foster economic growth for all firms. Managing the challenge of strong 
currency is the responsibility of the Swiss National Bank which carries out an independent policy. 
At the momen t the government is in favor of the monetary policy mix (negative interest rates and 
open market interventions). Furthermore, the government implemented additional measures to 
strengthen the economic environment. Among these measures are the possibility of  a firm to 
request short -time work, innovation policies and reductions in regulation and bureaucracy.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 146 - 
 
2.3.2.1 Trade and Investment Regime – Trade Agreements and Arrangements – Regional 
and Preferential Agreements – EFTA, pg. 32, para. 2.23  
 
It is stated i n the Secretariat Report that "EFTA States do not have a common agricultural policy, 
and their agriculture support regimes differ considerably. However, in recently negotiated FTAs 
with Central American States, the Philippines, and Georgia the EFTA States have followed an 
integrated approach on trade in basic agricultural commodities, processed agricultural products, 
and industrial goods. " 
 
Question  
Could Switzerland explain if negotiating "Trade in Goods " chapters in an integrated approach 
means a position  change compared to old generation FTAs where the concessions were given 
individually? Could Switzerland also explain if the integrated approach also applies to the revision 
of current FTAs?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
EFTA States do not have a common agricultu ral policy. In EFTA free trade negotiations with third 
parties, individual EFTA States continue to negotiate concessions for agricultural products on a 
separate bilateral basis. The results of these negotiations are captured in three separate lists of 
concessions. The "integrated approach " refers to the structure of the texts of the agreement. In 
the most recent agreements, separate chapters on NAMA and Agricultural goods outlining the 
parties ' commitments, in addition to the three bilateral lists of conces sions for agricultural products 
are included in one agreement. The previous structure included four legal instruments: a main 
agreement and three separate bilateral agricultural agreements between each EFTA State and the 
FTA Partner.  
 
2.4. Investment Regim e, pp. 37, Table. 2.3 Work and residence permits  
 
Question  
Could Switzerland kindly confirm if the information on this table reflects the new immigration 
system established after the 2014 referandum? In order to comply with the electoral decision, is 
there  any further legislative amendments prospected by the Swiss government?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
En vue de la mise en œuvre du nouveau article constitutionnel sur l 'immigration au niveau de la 
loi, le Parlement a adopté le 16 décembre 2016 une réglementation , qui maintient le système 
binaire existant au regard de l 'admission de travailleurs étrangers sur le marché suisse de l 'emploi. 
Celui-ci prévoit que les travailleurs provenant des pays de l 'UE/AELE bénéficient d 'une admission 
facilitée au marché suisse du  travail de par l 'ALCP. L 'admission de travailleurs bien qualifiés en 
provenance d 'États tiers sur le marché suisse de l 'emploi continue d 'être réglée par des 
contingents et nombres maximums définis annuellement par le Conseil fédéral. Par conséquent, le 
système d 'admission présenté dans tableau 2.3 est toujours valide. Cela dit, le Conseil fédéral est 
actuellement en train d 'élaborer les ordonnances nécessaires concernant les dispositions que le 
Parlement a adoptées  le 16 décembre 2016. Il est prévu que le  Conseil fédéral adoptera ces 
ordonnances au début de l 'année 2018. L 'essentiel de ces modifications législatives portent sur des 
mesures concernant les demandeurs d 'emploi. Dans les professions qui enregistrent un taux de 
chômage supérieur à la moyenne, l es postes vacants doivent être communiqués par les 
employeurs au service public de l 'emploi. Cette obligation de communiquer les postes vacants vise 
à favoriser l 'intégration au marché du travail des demandeurs d 'emploi résidents en Suisse et à 
mieux épuis er le potentiel qu 'offre la main d 'œuvre en Suisse.  
 
2.4. Investment Regime, pp. 37, Table. 2.3 Work and residence permits  
 
The Table 2.3 provides information on different types of work and residency permits. The third 
column of that table mentions that "Permit L " is subject to an annual quota of 5000 permits.  
 
Question  
Could Switzerland kindly explain if the mentioned quota of 5 ,000 applies to the categories of intra -
corporate transferees and business visitors as listed in the GATS Schedule of Specific 
Commitments of Switzerland?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 147 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Yes, the mentioned quota of 5 ,000 is applicable. For more information please refer to the attached 
document.  
 
2.4. Investment Regime, pp. 39, para. 2.50  
 
It is mentioned in the Secretariat Report that " Restrictions (in the form of domicile requirements) 
are also applied in air and maritime transport…. " and the Footnote 37 associated with this 
paragraph states that "Two thirds of the partners of a shipping company must be Swiss nationals " 
 
Question  
Could Swit zerland provide information if this restriction is about flying the Swiss flag? Is this 
restriction also applicable to the internal waterways (including lakes) transport and rental/leasing 
of vessels without operator?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Restrictions ap ply to the right of flying the Swiss flag on vessels, both concerning maritime 
transport services and rental/lease of vessels without operators as well as internal waterways 
transport.  
 
Concerning maritime transport services and rental/leasing of mar itime vessels without 
operators  
 
In order for a company to sail vessels under Swiss flag, at least two thirds of the members of the 
board of directors and of the management of a joint stock company, of a partnership limited by 
shares, of a corporation wi th limit ed liability or of a co operative society must be Swiss nationals. 
Statutory auditing reports must be drawn up by auditing companies with registered office in 
Switzerland or having a branch, which is registered in the commercial register in Switzerland.  
 
If the board of directors or the management is constituted by one single person, this person must 
be a Swiss national domiciled in Switzerland; in addition, the Swiss Maritime Navigation Office may 
require other executives and/or senior managers of the enter prise to be Swiss nationals domiciled 
in Switzerland if necessary to ensure the substantially Swiss -owned and effectively Swiss -
controlled character of the enterprise.  
 
Further, in order for a company to register a vessel in Switzerland:  
 
- three -quarters of the shareholders or other shareholders of a collective or limited 
partnership or a limited liability company which owns more than three quarters of the 
capital and limited partners' shares or of the capital stock;  
 
- the shareholders of a stock corporat ion or limited partnership holding a majority of the 
share capital and more than two -thirds of the votes;  
 
- two thirds of the cooperative members of a cooperative society, which also have more than 
two-thirds of the co -operative capital created by shares  
 
must have permanent residence in Switzerland.  
 
(Federal Act and Ordinance  on Navigation  under Swiss flag/ Bundesgesetz und –Verordnung über 
die Seeschifffahrt unter d er Schweizer Flagge, SR 747.30/ SR 747.301)  
 
Concerning internal waterway transport on the Rhine  
 
Similarly, in order to sail under Swiss flag on the Rhine, vessels must be owned by a company 
which is subst antially influenced (at least 66% of capital and vote) by persons domiciled in 
Switzerland or in a country according to the Mannheim Conventi on and the protocols related to it.  
 
Traffic rights including cabotage are limited on the basis of the Mannheim Convention and the 
protocols related to it.  
 
(Protocol 2 of the Mannheim Convention on Rhine shipping)  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 148 - 
 
Concerning internal waterway transport o n lakes etc.  
 
Regular and commercial transport of persons on internal waterways, such as lakes, is subject to 
concession. Concession may be granted by cantons or, where a continuous scheduled connection is 
concerned, by the Federal Government.  
 
(Federal Act on internal waterways navigation/ Bundesgesetz über die Binnenschifffahrt,  
SR 747.201)  
 
2.4. Investment Regime, pg.41, 2.61  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that "Liechtenstein has a stable and predictable investment 
regime. Most sectors are open to national and foreign investment, with the following restrictions: 
residency requirements; restrictions on the purchase of real estate; restrictions in production, 
trade, and transport of electricity, gas, and water (subject to state monopoly); and restr ictions 
applied to a number of financial services (asset management, investment consulting, and 
assuming trusteeships) when these are provided on a professional basis by trustees or trust 
companies "  
 
Question  
Could Liechtenstein explain whether there is a ny incentive mechanism in order to encourage 
foreign direct investment?  
 
Answer by  Liechtenstein  
Besides the mentioned, generally favorable business environment, no specific incentive mechanism 
for FDI is provided in Liechtenstein.  
 
3.1.4.1 Trade Policies and Practices by Measure – Measures Directly Affecting Imports – 
Tariffs – Applied MFN Customs Duties, pg. 45, paras. 3.18/3.20  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that "The Switzerland -Liechtenstein tariff schedule consists 
exclusively of specific rat es. Despite one of the main rationales for specific duties being their 
administrative simplicity, it has been noted that their shortcomings include a lack of transparency 
and predictability. Unlike ad valorem tariffs, the level of protection by means of sp ecific duties is 
not evident; estimating the ad valorem equivalents (AVEs) allows the actual protection of specific 
duties to be assessed.  
 
One feature of a specific duty is that it provides a level of protection that is inversely related to the 
price of t he imported good. Therefore, a specific duty places a relatively heavier burden on lower 
priced goods compared to higher priced goods in the same tariff line. Moreover, in some cases, a 
lower specific duty under a preferential tariff arrangement (e.g. GSP)  may have an AVE which is 
higher than the AVE of the MFN specific duty because imports from the GSP recipients have lower 
unit prices than the MFN imports. " 
 
Question  
Could Switzerland provide information on the rationale lying behind the specific duty pra ctice 
except administrative simplicity and whether a gradual transition to the application of ad valorem 
duties is considered or not?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
La Suisse n 'envisage pas de modifier son système de droits de douane. En outre, l 'article II GATT 
ne prescrit pas quel type de droit de douane les membres de l 'OMC doivent utiliser. La seule 
obligation est de ne pas dépasser les taux des droits consolidés dans les listes de concessions. La 
Suisse est membre de l 'OMC depuis 1995 et sa liste de concession s contenant les droits de douane 
spécifiques a été acceptée par les membres de cette organisation. Par le passé la Suisse a signalé 
que dans le contexte d 'un plus large cycle de négociation multilatérale, elle serait prête à 
réexaminer ce point.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 149 - 
 
3.1.5 Tra de Policies and Practices by Measure – Measures Directly Affecting Imports – 
Import Prohibitions, Restrictions and Licensing, pg. 58, para. 3.49  
4.1.1.2 Trade Policies by Sector – Agriculture – Market Access – Tariff Quotas, pgs. 
97-98, para. 4.10  
 
It is s tated in the Secretariat Report that  "Access to some tariff quotas for agricultural products 
requires the importer to purchase or produce similar products domestically under a "prise en 
charge " system.  
 
The predominant allocation methods are first -come -first-served; auctioning; past imports; prise en 
charge (a discriminatory system whereby the allocation of tariff quota is contingent upon local 
purchases); and unlimited access at the bound in -quota tariff.  
 
By 2007, a change towards auctioning of the sub -quotas had been phased in, leaving 10% of the 
red meat tariff quota subject to allocation by prise en charge. " 
 
Question  
Could Switzerland explain the consistency of "prise en charge " system with GATT Article III, in 
particular Article III.1 and III.5?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The "prise en charge" system is implemented in conformity with the Agreement on Agriculture, in 
particular Article 4.2 and does in no case constitute, either de jure or de facto, market access 
conditions more restrictive than those appli ed during the base period: no "prise en charge" applies 
to imports outside access commitments; no domestic purchase obligation is higher than during the 
base period; and no product is subject to a ratio for imports versus domestic purchases which 
would pre -empt the possibility of full absorption by the domestic market of the total tariff quota for 
that product. The "prise en charge" system has therefore no trade -restrictive effect over and 
above the restriction inherent in any tariff quotas.  
 
In summary, t he "prise en charge" system is a tariff quota allocation system which in legal terms 
constitutes an internal measure which deals with the inevitable problem of quota rents. It is not 
(and cannot be) a way of ensuring absorption of domestic production at th e expense of imports. 
The "prise en charge " system solely affects the way tariff quota shares are distributed among 
importers but has not limited the amount of imports within the tariff quota. The tariff quotas 
concerned have actually been filled or even o verfilled during the past years.  
Switzerland and Liechtenstein consider this system as being in conformity with their WTO 
commitments.  
 
3.3.2 Trade Policies and Practices by Measure – Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade – Incentives and Other Assistan ce, pg. 67, para. 3.95  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that "The Federal Law on the Reduction of CO2 Emissions of 
23 December 2011 (RS 641.71) authorizes energy -intensive industries to be exempted from the 
Swiss CO2 levy on the condition that they participate in the Swiss Emissions Trading Scheme 
(ETS) or commit to reducing emissions (non -ETS)…Companies in certain sectors particularly 
affected by the CO2 levy may apply for exemption, provided that they commit to emission 
reductions. Reimbursements ( non-ETS and voluntary ETS) amounted to SwF 43 million in 2013 
and SwF 47.4 million in 2014. " 
 
Question  
According to Article 31 of the Federal Law on the Reduction of CO 2 Emissions which regulates the 
refund of CO 2 levy, "The Federal Council designates the economic sectors. In doing so, it takes 
account of:  
a. the correlation between the CO2 levy burden and the value added to the relevant 
economic sector;  
b. the extent to which the CO2 levy adversely affects the international competitiveness of 
the relevant economic sector. " 
 
Could Switzerland specify whether the Council pursues any methodology in determining the 
abovementioned correlation and international competitiveness of sectors? If so, please summarize 
these methodologies.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 150 - 
 
3.3 Measures Affecting Product ion and Trade pg. 81, 3.168.  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that "Switzerland maintains a highly esteemed IP system that 
corresponds to its status as one of the most innovative OECD economies with a vibrant technology 
industry. During the review p eriod, considerations on intellectual property (IP) have played an 
important role both in Switzerland's domestic legislative activity as well as in its international trade 
policy. In the domestic sphere, legislative initiatives in the area of copyright wer e driven by the 
motivation to balance appropriate protection and enforcement in the context of new technologies 
with the privacy and freedom of the internet user. "  
 
Question  
Could Switzerland provide detailed information on measures it takes to protect in tellectual 
property rights of Swiss products globally?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Since intellectual property rights are privately owned rights, their enforcement in 
infringement cases is in the responsibility of the right holders. Consequently, Switzerland 
does not take action in specific cases, with the exception of cases involving misuse of the 
Swiss armorial bearings like the coat of arms, Swiss flag, country name (Switzerland, 
Swiss, etc.).  
 At national level, an appropriate framework ensures right holders  the ability to 
effectively enforce their rights. As shown in para. 3.3.8.10 of the Report, 
Switzerland has strengthened its legal framework in 2008 by providing the 
necessary instruments such as enhanced civil and criminal remedies as well as 
border measu res. Equally important is, however, that potential and actual right 
holders know the value of their intellectual property rights and how to enforce 
them. The Swiss Federal Intellectual Property Office offers information and training 
specifically aimed at S MEs in order to enable them to better use the intellectual 
property system and protect their innovations. Finally, consumers need to be 
informed about the negative effects of buying counterfeit and pirated goods. The 
Swiss Anti -Counterfeiting and Piracy Pl atform STOP PIRACY pools the public and 
the private sector and runs awareness raising campaigns with the vision that a 
well-informed consumer will not buy counterfeit products.  
 
 At international level, Switzerland promotes adequate and effective protection  and 
enforcement of intellectual property rights both in multilateral fora and bilaterally 
through comprehensive trade or sectorial agreements.  
4.3.1.1.3 Pension fund services, pp. 122, Box 4.4 Switzerland's regulatory framework for 
pension funds, 2016  
 
Question  
Could Switzerland provide information on procedures applied for the establishment of private 
insurance companies which provide pension funds as part of the 2nd pillar of the statutory pension 
fund system?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
All the necessary in formation can be found on the following website:  
https://www.finma.ch/en/authorisation/insurers/ . 
 
4.3.6.1.2 Hospital Services, pg. 148, 4.137  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that "In addition, the Swiss health insurance law (KVG) gives 
the Swiss cantons the possibility of financing hospitals with a global budget… "  
 
Question  
Could the Swiss government provide further information regarding the Swiss health insurance law?  
 
Answer by Switz erland  
The text of the Swiss Health Insurance Law (KVG) is published on the following website: 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/19940073/index.html  (available only in  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 151 - 
 
French, German and Italian). Furthermore, on the website of the Federal Office of Public Health, 
detailed information regarding the Swiss health insurance is provided: 
https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/themen/versicherungen/krankenversicherung.html . 
 
Could the Swiss government explain whether it can send Swiss patients abroad for treatment 
based on this insurance law or on any other regulati on? If this is the case, what kind of treatments 
do Swiss patients usually get abroad?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The mandatory health insurance is bound to the principle of territoriality, i.e. it generally only 
reimburses health services which are provided i n Switzerland (article 34 KVG). Exceptions of this 
principle are (see article 36 of the health insurance ordinance [KVV, published on the following 
website: https://www.a dmin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/19950219/index.html , available only 
in French, German and Italian]):  
- health services which cannot be provided in Switzerland;  
- emergency treatments;  
- delivery/childbirth (under certain conditions);  
- health services with a European health insurance card during a temporary stay abroad (goes 
beyond emergency treatments, under the condition that the purpose of the stay abroad is 
not to obtain health services)  
 
Secretariat Report (p.32)  
Government Repor t (p. 14)  
It is stated  in Secretariat Report that the EFTA Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in force comprise a 
large network of 25 agreements with 35 partners outside the EU; and a number of new FTAs are 
under negotiation. Likewise, in the Government Report, it is mentioned that S witzerland is 
pursuing negotiations with a number of countries.  
 
Question  
Could Switzerland provide more information about its FTA agenda with the UK following Brexit and 
if there has been any initiative or decision to start FTA negotiations either on an individual basis or 
through EFTA?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The UK is an important partner for Switzerland. The bilateral agreements with the EU form the 
essential legal basis for relations between Switzerland and the UK. In anticipation of the UK 's 
withdrawa l from the EU, Switzerland wishes to ensure that the existing mutual rights and 
obligations in its relationship with the UK will continue to apply after the UK leaves the EU and to 
develop these rights and obligations where necessary («Mind the gap» Strate gy). For the time 
being, Switzerland and its EFTA partners agreed to consult each other closely as the UK -EU 
discussions progress.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 152 - 
 
28  KOREA, REP. OF  
Questions Regarding the Government Report  
 
Page 11 (Para 1.40)  
 
1.40. Switzerland and the EU are closely int erlinked in terms of employment: as at the end of 
2015, 455,800 Swiss nationals were living and working in the EU, while 1,363,700 EU/EFTA 
citizens were living in Switzerland (the population of Switzerland was about 8,300,000 in 2015). In 
February 2014, a popular initiative to stop "mass immigration" was accepted in a nationwide vote. 
The outcome of the vote brought about an amendment to the constitution with the Government 
tasked to introduce a new system to manage future immigration. At the end of 2016, P arliament 
adopted a new law that implements the immigration amendment in a manner that is compatible 
with the existing agreement on the free movement of persons within the EU.  
 
Question 1  
According to Korean companies doing business in Switzerland, they ha ve difficulties regarding 
excessive administrative procedures, including the issuance and renewal of visas for foreign 
nationals (including business people), which can act as a non -tariff barrier (NTB).  
Swiss visas fall into two categories: i) Category L ( short-term permit), which allows less than one 
year of employment in the country and can only be extended for up to two years; and  ii) 
Category  B (long -term permit), which permits more than one year of employment in the country 
but is issued only for perio ds of 1 or 5 years even for an employee with a contract for an unlimited 
work period.  
The period of a visa is decided as either 1 or 5 years by each canton independently based on its 
own discretion, and annual visa renewal is often mandatory even for empl oyees with open -ended 
contracts. As a result, Korean companies doing in business in Switzerland are experiencing 
difficulty in applying for and extending visas.  
In addition, the Swiss government sets an annual work visa issuance quota for workers from thir d-
countries (non -EU/EFTA members) based on regulations on residence and work permits (revised in 
November  2014) to implement the constitutional article against mass immigration (amended by a 
referendum in Feb ruary  2014).  
(According to the Federal Office o f Migration’s announcement) As of 2017, the annual visa quota 
for specialists from third -countries is approximately 7,500 (4,500 short -term; 3,000 long -term).  
Governmental action is thought to be needed.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Les ressortissants de la Cor ée du Sud sont en principe libérés de l’obligation de visa pour les 
courts séjours (90 jours sur toute période de 180 jours). Ils sont cependant soumis à l’obligation 
de visa en cas d’activité lucrative soumise à autorisation. La Suisse ne voit aucune rais on de 
modifier la procédure en matière de visa qui leur est applicable; celle -ci est en effet simple et 
brève, puisque le consulat se limite à enregistrer la demande de visa et la transférer 
immédiatement par voie électronique à l’autorité cantonale compét ente. Celle -ci examine si une 
autorisation de travail peut être délivrée; dans l’affirmative, elle donne au consulat l’ordre de 
délivrer le visa.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 153 - 
 
29  FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS  BY THE UNITED STATES  
PART I: QUESTIONS ON THE SECRETARIAT REPORT (WT/TPR/S/355)  
 
SUMMARY  
Page 10, Paragraph 18 : Regarding SPS and TBT measures, the Secretariat Report notes that 
Switzerland is harmonizing its standards with that of the EU. The Secretariat Report further notes 
that no specific trade concerns (STCs) have been raised in the SPS o r TBT Committees regarding 
measures maintained by Switzerland or Liechtenstein. Several STCs have been raised to the WTO 
in the SPS or TBT Committees regarding EU measures. If Switzerland and Liechtenstein had 
adopted the EU measures that were raised to th e WTO, would Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
consider that those STCs had been raised regarding Switzerland and Liechtenstein measures?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In the area of SPS and TBT, the EU and Switzerland benefit of a uniquely intense contractual 
relationship and the technical requirements are widely harmonized with those of the EU in order to 
reduce unnecessary barriers to trade. As a consequence, Switzerland continues to follow closely 
the developments in the WTO and the STCs being raised regarding EU  measures in areas where 
the technical requirements are widely harmonized.  
 
Follow -Up Question  
Given  that Switzerland 's "technical requirements are widely  harmonized with those of the EU," how 
does Switzerland ensure that  draft measures are notified to the  SPS and  TBT Committees at an 
early enough  stage  in order to allow reasonable time for other Members to make comments, and 
for those comments to be taken into account  in the development of the final measures?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland acknowledges  the importance of the notification requirements to achieve a greater 
degree of clarity, predictability and information about trade policies, rules and regulations, of 
submitting those notifications at an early stage to ensure time and adequate opportunity  for 
comments, and of establishing mechanisms to facilitate internal coordination for the effective 
implementation of the notifications obligations.  
 
Although its technical requirements are widely harmonized with those of the EU, Switzerland 
issues its re gulations separately. In order to ensure seamless market access for Swiss products to 
the EU market, and vice versa for EU products to the Swiss markets, it is however necessary to 
assure the equivalence of the legislation in many areas (which is the basis  for the MRA between 
the EU and Switzerland). In the process of aligning its technical requirements to relevant EU 
legislation Switzerland notifies its draft measures in accordance with the TBT and SPS agreements.  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND  PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.4 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Requirements  
Page 70, Paragraph 3.114 : Regarding Switzerland's intention to align its new food safety regime 
with that of the EU, does Switzerland intend to adopt all EU food saf ety standards, including, for 
example, pesticide and veterinary drug standards? Does Switzerland intend to conduct risk 
assessments in order to establish import tolerances, if requested, for substances that do not have 
MRLs established in the EU? If so, wo uld Switzerland conduct dietary risk assessments based on 
dietary patterns in Switzerland and Liechtenstein?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland intends to harmonize its MRLs in the above -mentioned areas as much as possible with 
the MRLs of the EU. However,  Switzerland is always conducting its own risk assessment taking into 
account swiss specific dietary patterns. This also holds true for import tolerances.  
 
Follow -Up Question  
The United States repeats the portion of the question for which Switzerland did n ot respond. Does 
Switzerland intend to conduct risk assessments in order to establish import tolerances, if 
requested, for substances that do not have MRLs established in the EU?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 154 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland repeats that we are always conducting our own risk assessment taking into account 
Swiss specific dietary patterns. This also holds true for import tolerances. Make use of state of the 
art and internationally accepted risk assessment techniques Switzerland takes into account the 
relevant good agric ultural practice, toxicological data of the substance as well as exposure in order 
to set import tolerances.  
 
Page 71, Paragraph 3.117:  The Secretariat states that for food and feed use in Switzerland, the 
Gene Technology Law and related ordinances regulat e genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and 
the commercialization and cultivation of biotechnology crops are subject to approval by federal 
authorities. Approvals are valid for ten years but may be withdrawn if there is reasonable suspicion 
that they are hazardous to health of the environment. Please clarify what is meant by "reasonable 
suspicion," and how "hazardous" is defined. Also, after GMO products reach their 10 -year mark, 
will Switzerland renew the approvals automatically if there are no issues? Wh at issues or factors 
could lead to a decision not to renew?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
No, authorizations are not renewed automatically. The applicant will have to submit a renewal 
request und supply all relevant information available related to the GMO in que stion. The federal 
authorities will reassess the safety of the GMO based on the available science. An authorization 
may be withdrawn if available science leads to a conclusion that the approved GMO is not safe.  
 
Follow -Up Question  
The United States repeats  the portion of the question for which Switzerland did not respond. 
Please clarify what is meant by "reasonable suspicion," and how "hazardous" is defined?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland is continuously analyzing scientific literature published in rele vant journals to maintain 
a state -of-the-art overview on evaluating risks. So far, this evaluation has not leaded to a 
withdrawal.  
 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture  
4.1.1 Market Access  
4.1.1.1 Applied MFN Tariffs  
Page 95, Paragraph 4.5:  The Secre tariat states that Switzerland's applied MFN tariff on agricultural 
products averaged an estimated 30.8 percent in 2016. The United States notes that Switzerland, 
which has high agricultural duties, enjoys a greater than 3 -to-1 trade surplus in agricultura l 
products with the United States. What measures is Switzerland taking to bring applied duties for 
agricultural products down in order to allow for greater market access?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland is amongst the most important net -importing countr ies per capita showing a low level 
of self -sufficiency for agricultural products. Based on several parameters (such as consumer 
preferences), trade in agricultural products is happening largely with pan -euro-Mediterranean 
countries.  
The above -mentioned ta riff levels give no indication on the openness of Swiss agricultural markets. 
Switzerland has – following the Uruguay Round results and obligations – a structure of low in -
quota tariff rates, i.e. where trade is taking place. When looking at the openness o f agricultural 
markets, in -quota import quantities are the most relevant parameters. Switzerland's tariff quotas 
are largely filled and often significantly overfilled.  
Switzerland applies only specific duties. Ad valorem equivalents recognized by the Swiss  
government have been calculated for the purpose of the Doha Round market access negotiations 
only and therefore represent only a spot impression of the level of tariffs at a certain point in time. 
A profound analysis of tariffs cannot be undertaken by sim ple averages of in -quota and out -of-
quota tariff levels such as shown in the Secretariat's report.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 155 - 
 
Follow -Up Question  
Applied duties on agricultural products outside of the in -quota tariff rates are an important 
indication of the openness of the Swiss agr icultural market as they can greatly reduce out -of-quota 
imports. In -quota fill rates are important but may represent a small fraction of trade that would 
occur without high out -of-quota duties. We repeat our question and ask what measures 
Switzerland is t aking to lower its high out -of-quota rates?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland 's main target is to provide market access by high fill rates of the WTO quotas – a 
negotiation result of the Uruguay Round fixed in the Schedule of Commitments. Switzerland 
extends the quota by permitting additional imports at the low in -quota tariff when domestic 
demand is increasing. Consequently, the fill rates of Switzerland 's WTO quotas are generally very 
high, in some cases beyond 200% as for example for beef meat.  
Furtherm ore, Switzerland has always been engaged to the continuation of the reform process 
following Article 20 of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture. In this context, Switzerland is ready to 
take its engagements, preferably in the scope of larger negotiating packet s.  
 
4.1.1.2. Tariff Quotas  
Page 97, Paragraph 4.10:  The Secretariat states that the allocation of some tariff quotas use a 
"discriminatory system whereby the allocation of the tariff quota is contingent upon local 
purchase." This is particularly true for beef, sheep meat, and offal where 50 % of the quota is 
allocated on the basis of a contribution to Swiss production. This provision is disadvantageous to 
companies that principally source product through imports. Will Switzerland explain why it 
considers th is system to be in compliance with its WTO commitments?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
This system, known as "the prise en charge", improves predictability for market participants and 
access to quota shares for small enterprises. It has not limited the amount of i mports and the tariff 
quotas in question have actually been significantly overfilled during the past years. Companies that 
principally source product through imports have access to quotas. They can participate in the 
auction procedures which provide access  to 50% of the quota. The governments of Switzerland 
and Liechtenstein consider this system as being in conformity with their WTO commitments.  
 
Follow -Up Question  
Could Switzerland further explain its response that the additional burden of a domestic suppo rt 
purchase requirement is "beneficial to small enterprises," as this seems counterintuitive? How is 
limiting some companies to only half the quota beneficial?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
As a general remark: all companies  registered in Switzerland can take par t in both quota allocation 
systems; there is no limitation to any type of company. If a company intends to work with the 
"prise en charge" -system, it is sufficient to slaughter (or to let slaughter) animals. Nevertheless, 
the same company can also decide t o bet in the auction. For this purpose, a company needs to 
provide a sufficient bet to get a quota share. This implies that it is easier for small companies 
supplying specialties such as high -quality beef both in domestic purchase as well as in imports to 
work with the "prise en charge" -system: the access to quota share for such companies is better 
foreseeable.  
 
4.1.2 Domestic Support  
4.1.2.1 Direct Payments  
Page 101, Paragraph 4.27:  The Secretariat states that Switzerland's direct payments in 2013 
averaged  SwF 65,000 (US $65,000) per 19 hectare farm. The United States is concerned that the 
high import duties for agricultural products (averaging 30.8 %) combined with large domestic 
support payments, continue to make Swiss agriculture uncompetitive. What steps is Switzerland 
taking to promote market -oriented support for agriculture, and how this may affect trade in 
agricultural products?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland's agricultural policy is oriented towards a long -term strategy and built upon stable, 
foreseeable and coherent conditions for farming. The most recent version, the Agricultural Policy 
2014-2017 (AP 14 -17) is containing measures aiming at improving competitiveness and efficiency WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 156 - 
 
along the supply chain of agro -food production by – at the same tim e – keeping up a high level of 
animal welfare and environmental quality.  
One of the main challenges of Switzerland's agricultural policy is the international orientation of 
supply chains as well as closer relations to the European Union (EU). Switzerland has continued to 
harmonize its legislation with the EU, which forms the basis for updating and developing the 
current free trade agreement between Switzerland the EU. Increased interaction between Swiss 
and EU agricultural markets therefore makes a substan tial contribution to reform Swiss agricultural 
and food policy. It is not to be forgotten that Switzerland remains equally committed to 
multilateral trade liberalization in the context of the WTO. A new agricultural policy in 2022 will be 
a further step to wards more market -oriented support for agriculture. The discussions about the 
legal frame and specific instruments of this policy will be held in the next 2 -3 years. How these 
changes will affect trade cannot yet be estimated.  
 
Follow -Up Question  
Does Swit zerland believe that the new Agricultural Policy 2022 will address the currently high 
direct payments and high import duties?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The strategic focus areas for the next phase of the Swiss agricultural policy involve the agricultural 
markets, the agricultural enterprises and the environment. In this context Switzerland is 
evaluating different options toward a more market oriented agricultural policy and a gradual 
reduction of tariffs and adaptations of non -tariff measures. The results of t his evaluation will be 
integrated in the considerations for the implementation of the Swiss agricultural policy 's phase as 
of 2022.  
In the next phase of the Swiss Agricultural policy, direct payments will again and stronger be 
directed towards services in the public interest desired by the population and described in the 
Federal Constitution.  
 
PART II: QUESTIONS ON THE GOVERNMENT REPORT  (WT/TPR/G/355)  
 
1 REPORT BY SWITZERL AND 
1.3 Economic Policy  
1.3.1 Growth Agenda  
Page 9, Paragraph 1.32:  Switzerland's curr ent de minimis  value for goods to receive duty free 
exemptions is US$5 well below the regional average (US$170 for the EU) , and the United States 
(US$800). Can Switzerland elaborate on indications that the 2016 -2019 Growth Agenda may 
include measures to ra ise the de minimis  threshold for small consignments? When will Switzerland 
raise the de minimis  threshold, and what is the proposed increase?   
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Swiss parliament mandated the Government to raise the current threshold in September 2016,  
leaving it up to the Government to determine the new de minimis amount. It is planned to 
implement this mandate in the context of a larger transformation program of the Swiss Customs 
Administration, called "DaziT". The program foresees to simplify customs  procedures and will allow 
business operators to conduct their customs formalities full through electronical means without 
any media disruptions. The funding of "DaziT" is subject to parliamentary approval (still pending).   
The raise of the de minimis thre shold for small consignments concerns import duties, but not VAT. 
Currently Switzerland exempts small consignments with payable duties of five Swiss Francs or less 
from duty payment, which roughly corresponds to 5 US$. Since Switzerland applies specific du ties, 
which are usually based on weight (in contrast to ad valorem duties), it is not possible to derive 
from the de minimis threshold the value of the imported good and therefore to compare the Swiss 
threshold with that of the EU or the United States .  
 
Follow -up Question  
In the current system, how does Switzerland derive the de minimis threshold? Will the current 
SwF 5 de minimis be increased under the DaziT program?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Il y a lieu de préciser que le montant de SwF 5 ne correspond pas  à la valeur de la marchandise 
exonérée de droits de douane, mais au montant des droits de douanes qui n 'est pas perçu, car 
disproportionné  par rapport au travail requis.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 157 - 
 
Le montant de SwF 5 sera effectivement réévalué dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre du projet 
DaziT.  
 
1.4 Trade Policy  
1.4.2 WTO  
Page 12, Paragraph 1.51:  Switzerland notes that: "With respect to agriculture, Switzerland will 
pursue its constructive engagement in negotiations, underlining the need to adequately take into 
account non -trade con cerns." Could you clarify what non -trade concerns you intend to address in 
the WTO? With respect to SPS measures, does Switzerland use risk assessments as the basis for 
its measures? Further in this regard, can Switzerland explain the science behind the mo ratorium 
on approvals for the cultivation of biotechnology crops, which has been extended for four years 
until 2021?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
For Switzerland, the multifunctionality of agriculture is an important element which needs to be 
taken into consider ation. Member's specific situation given by factors such as geography, climate 
and the structure of agricultural production should be adequately taken into account in agricultural 
negotiations. This includes also policy measures adopted in order to address  these specific 
conditions. An example would be the policy schemes related to agriculture in mountainous regions. 
Agricultural production in mountainous regions contributes , among others, to a decentralised 
settlement and the cultivating of landscapes.  
 
With respect to SPS measures, Switzerland does either base its measures:  
  on the international standards elaborated by the three sisters; or  
  on scientific risk assessment, which shall be performed as appropriate to the 
circumstances, thus to enable to ach ieve an appropriate level of protection for human, 
animal or plant life or health.  
 
Finally, the extension of the moratorium is still under parliamentarian revision and has not been 
decided upon. Should the prolongation of the moratorium finally be done by  the parliament, 
Switzerland will notify the extension to the WTO and thereby inform the other Members.  
 
Follow -Up Question  
In Switzerland 's response, we understand that the extension of the moratorium is under revision 
by Parliament. However, there is cur rently a moratorium on approvals for cultivation. Can 
Switzerland explain the science behind this current moratorium?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The current moratorium was notified under the umbrella of the precautionary principle , and about 
SwF 12 m illion w ere invested to increase national scientific knowledge about GMO's. The National 
Research Program 59 was completed in 2013. Based on the results, the modification of the gene 
technology act is still under revision.  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 158 - 
 
30  FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS BY CHIN A 
Part I. Ques tions based on Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/355)  
 
Summary, Para 26  
"In the area of air transport services, Switzerland has pursued its liberal air policy with the 
signature or modification of a series of 'more than open skies ' agreements with numero us 
countries…"  
 
Question 1  
For Switzerland:  Is there any limit to the market access to civil aviation transport services for 
foreign investment such as air transport, general aviation, airport, air traffic control, aircraft repair 
and maintenance, aviation  ground service, aviation fuel, online reservation system, etc.? If yes, 
what are the concrete measures? Is there any plan or schedule for further opening for the above 
mentioned services?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Limits to the market access for foreign inve stments in the sector of civil aviation : 
 
Air transport (including general aviation)  
Switzerland applies EU Regulation 1008/2008. The majority of the shares and the effective control 
of air carriers operating commercial air transport must be in the hands o f Swiss (or EU or EFTA) 
nationals or undertakings.  
 
Switzerland participates in the ongoing work of the Air Transport Regulation Panel of the 
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) with a view to establishing a global instrument on 
the multilate ral liberalization of air transport. Foreign investments are one of the elements which 
might be liberalized in this framework.  
 
Air traffic control  
The majority of the capital and the voting rights must be in Swiss hands (Art. 40a (1) (c) of the 
Federal La w on Aviation).  
 
Aircraft repair and maintenance  
Covered by the Swiss list of commitments (Uruguay Round, final list, 15 April 2014).  
(Although they are defined as "unbound", Switzerland does not restrict modes 1 (when technical 
feasibility exists, inter alia for software updates) and 2).  
 
Ground handling services  
Switzerland applies EU Directive 96/67/EC. There is no nationality -related restriction.  
 
Computer reservation systems  
Switzerland applies EU Regulation 80/2009. There is no nationality -related r estriction.  
 
Sales and marketing  
The sales and marketing has is principle no nationality -related restriction.  
 
Airport management.  
The federal legislation contains no restriction on nationality. Airport operators must be registered 
in the Register of Comm erce in Switzerland, unless they are public corporations or undertakings 
(Article 11 (1)(c), Ordinance on the Aeronautical Infrastructure (RS 748.131.1).  
 
Page 20, Para 1.24:  
"Furthermore, a number of options were identified to facilitate imports, includin g a reduction of 
nuisance duties; autonomous (selective) reduction of the high border protection and tariff 
escalation for agricultural products (averaging 30.8%); and a review of the exceptions to the 
'Cassis de Dijon ' principle, as well as the special tr eatment of food products, which reduce the 
effectiveness of the instrument (Section 3.3.3). Trade facilitation measures already decided by the 
Government include the establishment of a new web portal for customs formalities (to replace e -
dec); opening of t he 'trusted partner ' status to SMEs; and making the choice of customs entry 
points more flexible (Section 3.3.1). Private -sector restraints on parallel imports are covered in the 
section on competition policy (Section 3.3.6). "  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 159 - 
 
Question 2  
For Switzerland:  What are the differences between the new web portal and the former one? What 
functions does the new web portal realize?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Actuellement, la Suisse dispose de 4 systèmes de dédouanement différents, e -dec import, e -dec 
export, NCTS Export  ainsi que NCTS pour le régime douanier du transit. L'opérateur qui désire 
établir un grand nombre de déclarations en douane doit acheter une application adéquate auprès 
d'un fournisseur de logiciels. Pour l'opérateur qui établit occasionnellement des décl arations en 
douane, l'AFD met à disposition une application e -dec web (voir site internet de l'AFD).  
Avec le nouveau portail DaziT, la déclaration en douane sera simplifiée pour l'opérateur. Les 
utilisateurs actuels de e -dec et de NCTS n'auront qu'une seul e interface pour les différents régimes 
douaniers. L'utilisateur actuel d'e -dec web, quant à lui, aura à disposition une application plus 
conviviale et il pourra bénéficier - comme l'utilisateur actuel d'e -dec - du fait de pouvoir déclarer 
ses marchandises  à l'avance et de recevoir à l'avance aussi le message quant au contrôle douanier 
éventuel.  
 
Question 3  
For Switzerland:  What are the differences between the "trusted partner" and the "certified 
operator"? What requirements must the SMEs meet in order to a pply for the "trusted partners"? 
What conveniences do the "trusted partners" enjoy?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
"Trusted partner " and "certified operator " mean the same. The requirements for qualifying for this 
status as well as the conveniences which the "trus ted partners" do enjoy will be defined in the 
frame of the project called "DaziT" which is now running.  
 
Page 42, Para 3.2  
"In practice, on arrival at a customs post, import procedures are carried out at a single desk, 
although the necessary permits and li cences may first need to be obtained from different agencies. 
Since 4 April 2016, a single Customs Information Office has operated to answer general queries 
from the public and companies. This information service is provided in addition to the information 
on the FCA website which includes links to the web -based declaration systems, tariffs, rules of 
origin, and other rules, procedures, and charges related to trade.1 Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement on 2 September 2015 and 18 September 2015, 
respectively. According to the authorities, Switzerland complies with Section 1 of the TFA and, in 
2016, established a national trade facilitation committee. "  
 
Question 4  
For Switzerland: What are the administrative level and the sp ecific responsibility of the national 
trade facilitation committee? What are the leading departments and the participating departments 
of the committee? Are there any business representatives in the committee? If there are, please 
provide details.  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland has established its NCTF in 2016 in accordance with TFA Article 23.2. It is not a newly 
established structure, but rather an existing entity (Steering Committee for Customs Policy) which 
deals with Customs policy, International D evelopments in the WCO, WTO and trade partners 
legislations, National developments, questions related to Customs tariffs, questions related to 
origin policy and questions related to customs procedures. The committee meets in its function as 
the NCTF accord ing to demand but at least once per year.  
The NTFC allows for an exchange on customs procedures and customs matters between the 
administration and economic operators. Moreover the NTFC informs about the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Committee 's activities and fa cilitates an exchange on the WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement. Finally, the NTFC provides a platform to address questions and concerns brought 
forward by the private sector regarding trade facilitation. Switzerland has already implemented all 
WTO TFA provi sions and complies fully with the Agreement.  
The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Swiss Customs Administration co -chair 
the committee. The NTFC consists of representatives of the SECO, the Swiss Customs 
Administration, Liechtenstein an d various associations representing the private sector. Other 
entities of the federal administration can be integrated depending on the agenda. The level of 
participants is Director -level and Technical -level. The invitation to the private sector is extende d WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 160 - 
 
more specifically to about 10 organizations and associations. There are representatives from 
different goods sector associations, logistics organizations and other private sector organizations.  
 
Page 95, Para 4.5  
"According to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), this includes about 500 tariff -
protected products where import protection may not be necessary (e.g. cauliflowers)."  
 
Question 5  
For Switzerland:  Why does Switzerland still maintain those high tariff lines?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The bound tariff rates of Switzerland are a direct result of the Uruguay Round. The actually applied 
tariffs are normally well below the bound rates.  
In the context of the Government's growth agenda and the next phase of the Swiss agricultural 
policy, Swit zerland is evaluating different options toward a more market -oriented agricultural 
policy and a gradual reduction of both tariffs and a possible adaptation of non -tariff measures. The 
results of this evaluation will be integrated in the considerations for the implementation of the 
Swiss agricultural policy's phase as of 2022.  
Switzerland has always been engaged to the continuation of the r eform process following 
Article  20 of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture. In this context, Switzerland is ready to take i ts 
engagements, preferably in the scope of larger negotiating packets.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 161 - 
 
31  FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS BY T HE EUROPEAN UNION  
Note by Switzerland  
Due to a problem that occurred at the time of encoding Switzerland 's replies to the EU questions, 
answers previously prov ided by Switzerland to EU advanced written questions 12 to 24 (in 
document RD/TPR/785) do not correspond to their respective questions. Switzerland hereby 
submits a total revision of answers to EU questions 12 to 24. This revision also contains follow -up 
questions by the EU submitted on 17 May 2017 (see questions 12, 14, 15 and 33).  
 
WT/TPR/S 355  
 
Page 88 para 3.190  "Swissness law"  The measures taken aim at protecting national products 
in the framework of public purchases/government procurement or via the c riteria set to obtain the 
trade mark/ label "Swissness".  
 
EU Question N° 12  
How does the Switzerland assess the impact of the new Swissness rules on imports of inputs and 
on the level of prices?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The purpose of the Swissness rules is  the protection of consumers against deceptive and false 
indications of source on goods and services. The use of Swiss indications of source on products 
and services is optional. However, the criteria defined in the Swissness rules apply if such 
indication s are used on goods or services. No authorisation procedure applies. At this point in time, 
it is therefore, not expected that the Swiss rules will have an impact on the import of components 
or price levels.  
EU Follow up question  
The EU would appreciate a  reply that focusses on the origin of the decision to adopt this legislation  
Answer by Switzerland  
Swiss goods and services are particularly valued by consumers, so it is no wonder that such 
products enjoy an excellent reputation both home and abroad. As a  result, a higher price can be 
charged for Swiss products than similar products not from Switzerland or whose origin is unknown 
(i.e. a 'Swissness' premium). As shown in several studies, this economic added value can account 
for up to 20 % of the sales pric e for agricultural products and typical Swiss products. For luxury 
goods, it can even amount to as much as 5% . 
Meanwhile, more and more companies are using the "Switzerland" brand. In addition to their own 
brand label, they are using the Swiss cross on the ir products and services (co -branding) or another 
appealing reference to Switzerland (e.g. "Swiss ", "Switzerland" , "Swiss Quality ", "Made in 
Switzerland"  or figurative marks such as the Matterhorn or Wilhelm Tell). In parallel to the success 
of the "Switze rland" brand, however, instances of wrongful use have also greatly increased. Some 
products labelled with the indication "Switzerland" or with the Swiss cross hardly have anything to 
do with Switzerland. Such wrongful or questionable use of the Swiss brand  is leading to a loss in 
image and value of the Swiss brand and is damaging the credibility of 'Made in Switzerland'.  
Such a negative development has not only led to complaints from both the business community 
and consumers, but it has also initiated many parliamentary requests. To avoid instances of 
wrongful use and to sustainably maintain the "Swissness " premium, Parliament adopted the 
"Swissness " legislative amendment on 21 June 2013 following three -and-a-half years of intensive 
debate. New criteria laid  down by law specify how much "Switzerland" must be in a product or a 
service so that it can be labelled as being Swiss.  
Anyone wishing to benefit from the "Swissness " added value can do so free of charge. 
Authorisation is not required, nor is any official  verification carried out. Those wishing to label their 
services or goods with the Swiss cross or with the indication "Switzerland" must respect the 
"Swissness " regulations. Companies that cannot or do not want to fulfil the "Swissness " criteria, 
can conti nue to produce their products as previously and advertise them with their own brand. 
Added value can therefore also be created in this way without having to relinquish Switzerland as 
their production base.  
It is too early to measure precisely the impact of  the new Swissness rules on imports of inputs and 
the level of prices but this impact is expected to be very limited, as the Swissness legislation does  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 162 - 
 
not diminish the level of competition. The new rules merely clarify the requirements to be met by 
produc ers or providers wishing to label their products or services as Swiss.  
EU Question N° 13  
What is the exact role of representatives of sectoral organi zations under the new Swissness rules 
and how does Switzerland make sure that this role is not exercised to  the detriment of competitors 
not represented by the organi zations?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
According to Art. 50 of the Swiss Trademark Law, organi zations representative of the relevant 
economic sector may submit to the Federal Council a draft proposal def ining in greater detail the 
requirements under which a Swiss indication of source may be used for specific goods and services 
in that economic sector. Representativeness of the sectorial organi zation is examined by the 
Government ahead of any legislative p rocess. After examination and, where needed, amendments, 
the Government will send the revised draft proposal to public consultation. In this public and 
inclusive process, interested professional and trade associations as well as any other interested 
third persons or organi zations (including competitors not represented in the respective 
organi zation) may comment on the draft proposal and submit their own proposals. In light of the 
responses and after an analysis of the interests at stake, the draft might the n again be amended 
before its submission to the competent authorities for enactment. The Law thus provides for a 
broad and inclusive process to ensure maximum participation of interested stakeholders.  
 
Para 3.205 and 3.206  
 
EU Question N°14  
Could Switzerl and provide additional clarifications as to next steps and envisaged measures to be 
addressed by the Swiss Government in the revision of the Copyright Act to improve the protection 
and enforcement of copyright?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The public consultati on on the draft bill showed that modernising copyright law is generally 
welcomed although views on the course to take diverged widely. The Federal Department of 
Justice and Police FDJP had therefore clarified outstanding issues from the consultation on the  
revision with the relevant stakeholders in the so called AGUR 12 II process. From these talks, a 
number of shared understandings emerged:  
The fight against piracy should occur where it is most effective, namely with hosting providers who 
can act quickly and in a targeted manner. Swiss hosting providers should rapidly remove affected 
content in cases of copyright infringement via their servers. Self -regulation is paramount, which 
already works successfully today. Hosting providers shall ensure through a "s tay down" that 
copyright infringements, once eliminated, also remain eliminated. It should also be explicitly laid 
down in law that the processing of data for the prosecution of copyright infringement is 
permissible.  
The package also includes a series of f urther measures for modernising Swiss copyright law: an 
inventory index privilege for the benefit of users and consumers, a royalty -free exception for 
scientific purposes as well as the use of orphan works. For creative artists, the package contains 
an ext ension of the period of protection for related rights, protection for photographs lacking 
individuality and remuneration for authors and performers for video -on-demand uses. Finally, the 
compromise also includes the introduction of extended collective lice nsing, improvements in the 
tariff approval process as well as electronic user notification to the collective rights management 
organizations.  
The FDJP is now reviewing the outcome of this extended stakeholder process and will submit a 
proposal on how to p roceed to the Swiss Government by the end of 2017. Should the Swiss 
Government pass a proposal for an amendment, parliamentary deliberations would follow.  
EU follow up question  
The last part o f EU original q uestion has not been replied. Could Switzerland g ive a reply?  
Answer by Switzerland  
The stakeholder group recommended the adoption of an express provision requiring hosting 
providers who potentially aid and abet infringements through its technical set up or commercial 
orientation to provide for a "stay d own" obligation. In addition the stakeholder recommended a 
specific provision regarding data collection by infringed parties in order to demand a criminal  WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 163 - 
 
enforcement procedure. The Swiss government has to date not yet decided upon these 
recommendations.  
EU Question N°15  
Concerning enforcement in the digital environment, could Switzerland provide additional 
information on envisaged amendments to ISP liability provisions and improvement of the "notice 
and take -down procedure"? Will the reform tackle the issu e of 'right to information' for the 
identification of the infringer in the context of on -line piracy?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Rogue sites cannot be reached through autoregulation such as the "code of conduct hosting" by 
the Swiss Internet Industry Associat ion (SIMSA ). As a consequence, the draft bill will likely include 
a provision requiring hosting providers whose technical or commercial design encourages piracy to 
ensure the "stay down" of prior notified infringing content. In line with the report of the Federal 
Council on civil responsibility of Internet service providers  
(https://www.ejpd.admin.ch/dam/data/bj/aktuell/news/2015/2015 -12-110/ber -br-f.pdf), the dr aft 
bill does not provide for specific "safe harbor" provisions for internet service providers . 
With regard to the right of information, the draft bill will likely include a legal basis for the initial 
collection of preliminary evidence in order to request  criminal enforcement in case of copyright or 
neighboring rights infringements. As the Copyright Law revision is work -in-progress and an 
ongoing dialogue and negotiation process, it is, however, impossible at this point in time to 
comment in more detail an d comments made are of provisional nature.  
 
EU follow up questions  
-Could Switzerland clarify whether civil enforcement will be included in the legal basis relating to 
the right of information?  
-Could Switzerland provide more information as to the regulat ion of "safe harbours" for ISP?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The stakeholder group has neither recommended civil enforcement of the identification of an 
infringer independent from a criminal procedure nor the introduction of a "safe harbor" regulation. 
The Swiss  government has to date not yet decided upon these recommendations.  
 
Page 102 para 4.34 states that " 1.9% of Swiss milk production is C -milk (and that this milk is 
exported partly financed with a fee of SWF 0.35/kg marketed milk paid by the milk producers) . 
Taking into account the WTO panel report in case DS 265, and the arguments in this report on 
cross-subsidisation between A and B quota and exported C -quota quantities ",  
 
EU Question N°16  
How is the C -segment milk production included in the Swiss ES:1 WT  notification? Which quantities 
of the total quantity notified under ES:1 is coming from the C -segment (quantity of Butter and 
SMP as well in milk equivalent). What is the total production for the C -segment over the last three 
years?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland does not pay export subsidies for dairy products since 2009. Therefore no quantities 
were notified in the Swiss ES:1 WT 2015.  
The average production of C -segment milk in the period 2014 –2016 amounted to 2.0 % (2014: 
1.7 %, 2015: 1.9 %, 2016: 2.5 %). The total Swiss milk production was 3.46 m tons (2014: 3.51, 
2015: 3.46, 2016: 3.41).  
 
Agriculture. Tariff quotas  
 
Page 97 section 4.1.1.2 stresses the complexity and lack of transparency of the tariff quotas 
(preferential tariff quotas being somet imes mixed with non -preferential and many sub quotas may 
be further sub -divided)  
 
EU Questions N°17  
Are there non automatic import licences that apply without time limitation?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
No, all licences (automatic and non -automatic) are limite d in time.  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 164 - 
 
EU Question N° 18  
Under which circumstances would automatic licences be non-transferable  to other importers?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
All the licences can be transferred except where there are special requirements (e.g. kosher or 
halal meat).  
 
EU Question N°19: except for horse and eggs, are there other products subject of TRQ 
but non subject of import licensing requirements?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
There is a range of products not subject to import licensing requirements, e.g. Egg products dried 
(tariff quota 10) and Egg products other (tariff quota 11); Fontal tariff quota (cheese). The full list 
of products can be seen in the relevant ordinance on imports of agricultural products (Swiss 
ordinance number SR 916.01)  
 
EU Question N°20  
How does Swit zerland ensure that preferential and non preferential quotas are properly identified 
and managed? Does Switzerland contemplate merging certain sub quotas for ex in the milk sector 
if they belong to the same category of products as was done for wine in 2001 ? 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Preferential and non -preferential quotas are administered separately.  
With regard to the question of merging of sub quotas there are currently no such intentions.  
 
EU Question N°21  
Can Switzerland provide details on the functionin g of the "prise en charge" system? the auctions?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
With the "prise en charge" system, tariff quota shares are granted to importers in proportion of the 
quantity of purchased goods produced locally. Every importer that buys these produc ts from local 
producers is automatically authorized to request a tariff quota share (non -automatic license).  
Within the auction system, every importer has the possibility to make five offers for quota shares. 
The attribution is made in descending order st arting with the best offer submitted in the course of 
the auctioning procedure.  
 
EU Question N°22  
Is Switzerland planning to simplify those parts of the tariff allocation system which undermine the 
pursued commitments by tariff quotas to facilitate trade e xchange for certain products?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The quota system is a result of the Uruguay Round and has been very well used by operators since 
then. As for the near future, there are no plans to change this system.  
 
Page 102 para 4.34 states that " 1.9% of Swiss milk production is C -segment milk (and that 
exports of this milk are partly financed with a fee of SWF 0.35/kg marketed milk paid by the milk 
producers).   
 
EU Question N°23  
In the light of Article 9.1(c) of the Agreement on Agriculture, how w ould Switzerland ensure that 
the export of C -segment milk which is financed by a contribution of the milk producers does not 
benefit from export subsidies?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
Switzerland does not pay export subsidies for dairy products since 2009. The refore there is no risk 
that the exports of C -segment milk could benefit from export subsidies.  
 
EU Question N°24  
In the light of the WTO panel Case DS 265, how would Switzerland ensure that the export of C 
segment milk would not include transfers of finan cial resources, through cross -subsidization from 
A and B segments to C segment?  
 WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1  
 
- 165 - 
 
Answer by Switzerland  
The Swiss measures are not comparable with the WTO panel Case DS 265. There is no public 
regulation of the quantities of milk per segment or the milk pri ces per segment. The quantities and 
prices for every segment are freely negotiable between the buyers and sellers of raw milk. The 
production of milk in the C -segment is not mandatory for milk producers.  
 
EU Question N°33  
What is the state of play of Switz erland preparation of its instrument of ratification of the revised 
GPA at federal and cantonal level in the course of 2017?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
At federal level, the Federal Council adopted on 15 February 2017 the draft bills on the revised 
GPA and t he revised law on government procurement. The two Chambers of the Swiss Parliament 
are expected to deliberate on the revised GPA and the revised Law on Government Procurement in 
the course of 2017. At cantonal level, the internal procedures for the approva l of the revised 
cantonal legislation are following their normal course. Once both approval procedures are 
completed, Switzerland will be able to ratify the revised GPA.  
 
EU follow up question : The reply indicates that it "procedures are following the norm al 
course". Can Switzerland provide more information on the precise time -frame?  
 
Answer by Switzerland  
In parallel to the ongoing approval procedure at federal level, the competent intercantonal body 
has been revising the intercantonal concordat. Once th e Federal Parliament has approved the 
revised federal law on government procurement, the competent intercantonal body will review the 
text adopted and proceed to the definitive adoption of the intercantonal concordat. Once both 
approval procedures are comp leted, Switzerland will be able to ratify the revised GPA.  
 
__________