Summary
The revised PEM Agreement entered into force on January 1, 2025 and leads to a substantial change in international trade law. The transition period for EUR-MED certificates of origin expired on December 31, 2025. Swiss authorities and companies can no longer issue EUR-MED certificates under free trade agreements with the revised PEM rules. This transition significantly affects cross-border goods traffic.
Persons
- Swiss federal authorities
Topics
- Free trade agreements
- Certificates of origin
- International trade policy
- EUR-MED framework
Clarus Lead
Switzerland's revised free trade agreement framework entered into force on January 1, 2025 and marks a turning point in trade processing. With the expiration of the transition period on December 31, 2025, Swiss authorities can no longer issue EUR-MED certificates of origin. This change directly affects exporters and importers trading with countries that apply the revised PEM rules.
Clarus Performance (Mandatory)
Clarus Research: The revised PEM Agreement completely replaces the previous system. The transition period ended precisely on 31.12.2025, representing a hard deadline for the changeover.
Classification: While the abolition of EUR-MED certificates simplifies the regulatory framework, it creates challenges for companies that must adapt their processes. Small and medium-sized enterprises with trade relationships in affected countries are particularly affected.
Consequence: Exporters must immediately switch their documentation processes. Companies still using EUR-MED certificates risk delays and customs complications in processing.
Detailed Summary
The revised PEM Agreement (Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Cumulation System) represents a fundamental reform of the European-Mediterranean rules of origin framework. Switzerland has implemented this revision and activated the system on January 1, 2025.
This transition ends a transition phase that was valid until December 31, 2025. During this period, authorities could still issue EUR-MED certificates of origin. This option no longer exists. All free trade agreements applying the revised PEM rules are subject to this new regulation.
The change affects the cumulation rules for certificates of origin. The EUR-MED system was a certification instrument for determining the origin of goods in trade between Europe and the Mediterranean region. The revision modernizes these processes and simplifies trade processing administratively.
Key Statements
- EUR-MED certificates of origin can no longer be issued as of January 1, 2026
- The revised PEM Agreement has been valid since January 1, 2025
- The transition period ended on December 31, 2025
- Swiss authorities must comply with the new regulations
- Free trade agreements with revised PEM rules are subject to the new provisions
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Stakeholder | Impact |
|---|---|
| Swiss exporters | Must adapt documentation processes |
| Swiss importers | New requirements for goods origin verification |
| Swiss customs authorities | Implementation of new control procedures |
| Trade partners in EU/Mediterranean region | Adaptation to revised cumulation rules |
| SMEs in foreign trade | Increased adaptation pressure |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Simplified administrative processes | Transition chaos among non-adapted companies |
| Modernized regulatory framework | Delays in customs processing |
| Improved transparency | Compliance requirements for exporters |
| Harmonization with EU standard | Costs for system changeover |
Action Relevance
For Exporters and Importers:
- Immediate review of all documentation processes required
- Train personnel on new PEM rules
- Inform customs brokers and logistics partners
- Monitoring indicator: Customs delays on first shipments after January 1, 2026
For Authorities and Compliance Departments:
- Review implementation of new control systems
- Convert documentation to new standards
- Coordinate communication with trading partners
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and data verified
- [x] Transition period and key dates verified
- [x] Official source confirmed
- [x] No conflicting information identified
Supplementary Research
⚠️ Note: No additional sources provided in metadata. Recommended would be:
- Detailed guidelines from Swiss customs administration
- Industry association notices on changeover requirements
- Comparative analyses with EU implementation
Source Directory
Primary Source:
Free Trade Agreements – Revised PEM Agreement no longer provides EUR-MED certificates of origin – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/kpix-6n0fgCcYA-7FRRKS
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on January 30, 2026
Footer (Transparency Notice)
This text was created with the assistance of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: January 30, 2026