The Federal Council opens the consultation process on the agreement on digital trade between the EFTA states and Singapore.
On May 13, 2026, the Federal Council opened the consultation process on the agreement on digital trade between the EFTA states and Singapore (Digital Agreement). The agreement supplements the existing free trade agreement between the EFTA states and Singapore and establishes a clear framework for trade. The consultation period runs until September 3, 2026.
The Digital Agreement between the EFTA states and Singapore facilitates digital trade in goods and services, increases legal certainty, and strengthens trust in digital commerce. A key element is the clear regulation of cross-border data flows, ensuring compliance with strict data protection standards. The agreement also prohibits the imposition of customs duties on electronic transmissions and protects software source code from unauthorized access. Furthermore, it obligates the contracting parties to guarantee a high level of consumer protection and promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Singapore is one of Switzerland’s most important partners in Asia, particularly in the areas of finance and ICT services. Bilateral trade in goods and services reached a volume of approximately five billion Swiss francs in 2024. The Digital Agreement builds on this partnership and strengthens the position of Swiss companies in an economically central and technologically leading market.
A free trade agreement has been in place between the EFTA states and Singapore since 2003. However, this agreement does not contain any provisions on digital trade. The Digital Agreement closes this gap.
The Digital Agreement was signed in Bern on September 25, 2025, by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and Singapore’s Minister of Trade, Grace Fu.
: Swiss Federal Government