Executive Summary
The Federal Department of Finance (FDF) has decided on an amendment to the ordinance on the applicable variable components for the import of agricultural products. The new regulation enters into force on February 1, 2026. This measure affects Swiss customs authorities and regulates the tariff rates for agricultural imports anew.
Persons
Topics
- Customs law and tariff rates
- Agricultural imports
- Ordinance amendment
- International trade policy
Detailed Summary
The Swiss government published an ordinance amendment on January 12, 2026, which regulates the tariff rates for the import of agricultural products. The amendment to the FDF ordinance (reference: SR 632.111.722.1) affects the so-called variable components in tariff calculation.
The new regulation becomes effective from February 1, 2026 and applies to all imports of agricultural products into Switzerland. This measure is part of the regular adjustment of Swiss customs policy to international market conditions and trade agreements.
Further details on the exact design of the new tariff rates are available on the website of the Federal Customs Administration (FCA).
Key Statements
- Effective Date: February 1, 2026
- Affected Ordinance: SR 632.111.722.1 (FDF Ordinance on Variable Components)
- Subject Area: Tariff calculation for agricultural import goods
- Responsible Authority: Federal Customs Administration (FCA)
- Document Type: Third-party notification from the Swiss Federal Government
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Affected Groups | Impact |
|---|---|
| Importers of agricultural products | New tariff calculation from February 1, 2026 |
| Swiss customs authorities | Application of new ordinance provisions |
| Domestic agriculture | Possible changes in competitive conditions |
| Consumers | Potential impact on food prices |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Transparent and updated customs regulation | Increased tariff burden for importers |
| Alignment with international standards | Possible price increases for imported goods |
| Better planning capability for importers | Administrative effort during transition |
| Protection of domestic agriculture | Trade tensions with partner countries |
Action Relevance
Decision-makers should consider the following measures:
- Review of exact tariff rates on the FCA website by no later than January 31, 2026
- Information to affected importers and suppliers about the new regulations
- Adjustment of calculations and business processes before entry into force
- Monitoring of market impacts after entry into force
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and data verified
- [x] Publication date and source verified: 12.01.2026
- [x] Ordinance reference confirmed
- [x] Effective date correctly documented
- ⚠️ Detailed tariff rates not included in original text (see FCA website)
Supplementary Research
For complete information, the following are recommended:
- Federal Customs Administration (FCA): www.bazg.admin.ch – Detailed tariff rates and ordinance texts
- Swiss Tariff: Official tariff numbers and rates for agricultural products
- State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO): Trade policy information and trade agreements
Sources
Primary Source:
Third-party notification – News Service Confederation
Published on January 12, 2026
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/pES4FbUQpwbWMiyaThWsp
Supplementary Sources:
- Federal Customs Administration (FCA) – www.bazg.admin.ch
- FDF Ordinance (SR 632.111.722.1) – Systematic Collection of Federal Law
- Federal Department of Finance (FDF) – www.efd.admin.ch
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on January 12, 2026
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: January 12, 2026