In addition to the EFTA agreement and the free trade agreement with the European Union, Switzerland currently has a network of 30 free trade agreements with 40 partners outside the EU and new agreements are being negotiated. Implementation in the SME sector is often not given sufficient attention to free trade agreements and the origin statements of exporting firms. To determine the country of origin, it is necessary to coordinate the management of the company, the export department, procurement, quality assurance, logistics and finance. For example, if the purchasing service changes supplier due to lower prices (old countries of origin, Switzerland, new countries of origin, China and the third country), the export department must also be informed, as this could change the country of origin. Changes in prices and production or fluctuations in exchange rates may also affect the valuation of the country of origin. If the calculations are not checked regularly and thus give false information, this can lead to retroactive payment of customs duties and significant fines against companies. This was the reaction of the French head of state to the strong opposition of French farmers to the two free trade agreements CETA ratified by French MPs in July 2019 and Mercosur. An approved exporter may, in all agreements, submit invoice declarations in all agreements, regardless of the value of the lot. These should not be signed by hand. The exporter must obtain the authorization of the relevant district customs office; this authorization is granted on the condition that the applicant guarantees that he is complying with the country of origin provisions and that he has submitted correct country of origin declarations in the past. For more information: SCA – Licensed exporters.

On 15 February 2017, the European Parliament approved the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). CETA removes most of the remaining tariffs and allows for better reciprocal access to markets for goods and services in the EU and Canada. Compliance with common rules and the creation of open market access in this way will help CETA parties ensure and increase their prosperity. CETA does not only create better opportunities for European producers of industrial products, agricultural products and services. It also reaffirms social and environmental standards and provides for a modern form of investment protection. CETA is a modern agreement that offers its parties a great opportunity to play an active role in globalization and to set fair and solid rules for this process. The high standards agreed between the EU and Canada will serve as a benchmark for future trade agreements. CETA has been applied on an interim basis since September 21, 2017. However, this applies only to chapters for which the EU is solely responsible. As a result of the provisional entry into force of the agreement, EU businesses and citizens have been directly benefiting from CETA since 21 September 2017. Canada eliminates all tariffs on 98% of goods traded between the EU and Canada (with respect to customs positions). This will save EU businesses 590 million euros a year in tariffs.

They also have the best access to Canadian federal, provincial and municipal public sector markets, which have ever been awarded to non-Canadian companies.