Anglo-Swiss agreement on authorized economic operators

An agreement aims to make it easier for companies with AEO status to trade between the UK and Switzerland and reduce barriers to trade

At its meeting on April 14, 2021, the Federal Council of the Swiss Confederation approved the Agreement with the United Kingdom on Mutual Recognition of Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs).
The purpose of the agreement is to facilitate business with the United Kingdom for companies with AEO status as well as to reduce technical barriers to trade.
Since the attacks of 11 September 2001, measures have been taken at international level to increase customs security, which also has an impact on cross-border goods traffic.

Abkommen zwischen der Schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft und dem Vereinigten Königreich von Grossbritannien und Nordirland über die gegenseitige Anerkennung ihrer Programme für zugelassene Wirtschaftsbeteiligte (in German)

Accord entre la Confédération suisse et le Royaume-Uni de Grande-Bretagne et d’Irlande du Nord sur la reconnaissance mutuelle de leurs programmes relatifs aux opérateurs économiques agréés (in French)

Accordo tra la Confederazione Svizzera e il Regno Unito di Gran Bretagna e Irlanda del Nord sul reciproco riconoscimento dei loro programmi per operatori economici autorizzati (in Italian)

For example, the summary declaration of all goods imported from third countries or exported to these countries is envisaged. One of the key elements of the safety initiatives is the introduction of AEO status for companies.
The aim is to ensure continuous security throughout the entire supply chain, from the manufacturer to the end consumer.
On 31 December 2020 the transition period in accordance with the withdrawal agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom came to an end. This means that the UK, like other third countries, is obliged to make a summary declaration for all goods.

Mutual privileges for Authorised Economic Operators

The mutual recognition of AEO status with the United Kingdom approved today by the Federal Council makes it possible to grant essential advantages and facilities to companies from the Contracting States that have this status.

Switzerland and the United Kingdom much closer in financial matters

These companies are considered to be particularly trustworthy and therefore benefit from facilitations during customs security inspections and in the area of customs duties. This reduces technical barriers to trade and facilitates business activity.
The United Kingdom has not yet ratified the agreement.