Switzerland Eases Rules for India-EFTA FTA Rollout
Switzerland has streamlined its regulations to activate the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with India, effective from 1 October 2025. The move clears the way for the pact to come into force as scheduled.
Regulatory Changes Enable Entry Into Force
Switzerland, the largest economy within the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA), has completed all necessary legal amendments to honor the FTA’s customs and tariff concessions. Other EFTA members—Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein—are also prepared to launch the agreement from the same date.
Major Investment and Market Access Benefits
The TEPA is expected to generate up to USD 100 billion in investments into India over the next 15 years, with Switzerland and fellow EFTA members boosting access for their exports. Indian goods such as pharmaceuticals, machinery, optical instruments, watches, and processed agricultural products will gain improved access in Switzerland and beyond, while the gold trading provisions remain unchanged.
Sustainability Clause and Legal Safeguards
This agreement includes legally binding provisions on trade and sustainable development—a first for India’s trade pacts. It also confirms that both parties retain commitments under other international environmental, labor, and human rights agreements, without enforcing uniform standards across nations.
Job Generation and Future Outlook
Authorities believe the agreement will ease trade, enhance investment flows, and potentially create up to one million direct jobs in India. Switzerland’s streamlined procedures signal the final administrative key needed for TEPA to take effect, reinforcing expectations of a robust economic partnership ahead.
