Switzerland: Export Controls & Trade & Investment Sanctions

Swiss parent companies with Russian subsidiaries face mounting risks as Russia increasingly places foreign-owned entities under temporary administration, following recent actions against Nestlé, Danone, Carlsberg...

On 1 October 2026, Switzerland's revised Anti-Money Laundering Act brings lawyers, trustees and notaries under its regulatory scope for the first time, requiring them to align their organizations with sanctions risks. The reform adds a second layer of control to transactions already monitored by banks and financial intermediaries, raising questions about whether this duplication enhances security or merely increases compliance costs and encroaches on professional secrecy.

Switzerland has adopted additional measures aligning with the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia, introducing significant changes to export restrictions, LNG-related services, and crypto-asset transactions. The amendments, which entered force on August 20, 2026, include the removal of military equipment export restrictions to Ukraine and new protections for Swiss companies against Russian IP infringements and abusive court decisions.

In a continued effort to align with European Union ("EU") sanctions, on 29 October 2025, the Swiss Federal Council implemented further measures transposing the core elements of the European Union's 18th sanctions package adopted on 18 July 2025.

Arbitration plays a vital role in resolving disputes within the global energy industry, where high financial stakes and geopolitical complexities often collide.

As reported by GIR (behind a paywall) a decision by the Swiss Supreme Court has revealed an ongoing investigation by the Swiss Office of the Attorney General into alleged...

In a significant move to bolster the enforcement of its sanctions regime, the European Union Council has officially passed legislation that introduces EU-wide minimum rules...

When addressing context in treaty interpretation, the primary point of reference is the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (the "Vienna Convention").

In response to Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine, Switzerland has adopted the EU's 13th sanctions package.