Who We Serve
We advise companies in Zurich and across Switzerland subject to export controls, sanctions and licensing requirements under Swiss law.
Defense Contractors
Export licensing and compliance under the War Material Act (KMG) and War Material Ordinance (KMV).
Aerospace Companies
Dual-use and strategic goods classification under the Goods Control Act (GKG) and Goods Control Ordinance (GKV), including SECO licensing via the Elic system.
Technology Exporters
Compliance for controlled software, encryption, and technology transfers under the Goods Control Act (GKG) and Embargo Act (EmbG).
What We Do
Regulatory guidance for export controls, sanctions, and internal compliance programs.
Export Licensing
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) licensing for controlled goods under the Goods Control Act/Ordinance (GKG/GKV), including Elic submissions.
War Material Controls
Classification and licensing for war material exports under the War Material Act/Ordinance (KMG/KMV) framework.
Dual-Use Compliance
Control list mapping aligned with Swiss ordinances and the EU Dual-Use Regulation (EU) 2021/821.
Sanctions Compliance
Embargo Act (EmbG) assessments and screening for country-specific ordinances.
Technology Transfer
Compliance for intangible exports and cross-border technology transfers under GKG/GKV rules.
Internal Compliance Programs
Design of SECO-aligned internal compliance programmes (ICP), training and audit-ready documentation.
Why Switzerland
Swiss export control law combines clear statutes with alignment to international regimes.
Clear Statutory Framework
The Goods Control Act/Ordinance (GKG/GKV) and War Material Act/Ordinance (KMG/KMV) define licensing requirements for dual-use and war material exports.
International Alignment
Swiss control lists align with the EU Dual-Use Regulation (EU) 2021/821 and the Wassenaar Arrangement.
SECO Expertise
SECO guidance and the Elic system provide a centralized process for license submissions and compliance.
Border Enforcement
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS/BAZG) enforces customs controls at the border and during inspections.
Why Allegra LAW
What sets us apart in Swiss Export & Trade Controls legal advisory.
Boutique Precision
Every mandate is led by senior lawyers. No standardised templates. No unnecessary delegation.
Regulated Industries Focus
Our export control practice is integrated with our aerospace, defence and technology advisory work, ensuring sector-specific expertise.
SECO Experience
Experience handling SECO export licence applications and dual-use classifications under Swiss export control law.
Cross-Border Strength
Experience coordinating multi-jurisdictional export control compliance where Swiss, EU and US regimes intersect.
Speed & Clarity
Efficient processes, clear scope, and transparent fee structures. We coordinate work to fit regulatory sequencing without promising outcomes.
Strong Network
Experience coordinating with SECO, Swiss customs authorities and cantonal economic affairs offices on export control matters.
What We Cover
Export control and licensing work for regulated goods and technology under Swiss and international frameworks.
Licensing
✓ SECO export licenses (GKG/GKV)
✓ War material permits (KMG/KMV)
✓ Dual-use authorisations
✓ General license eligibility
Compliance
✓ Control list classification
✓ End-user verification
✓ Sanctions screening (EmbG)
✓ Record-keeping systems
Risk Management
✓ Internal compliance programs (ICP)
✓ Employee training
✓ Audit preparation
✓ Violation remediation
Frequently Asked Questions
Key questions about Swiss export and trade controls.
What products require Swiss export licenses?
Products requiring Swiss export licenses fall into several categories: dual-use goods (items with both civilian and military applications, controlled under the Goods Control Act, GKG), war material (weapons and military equipment under the War Material Act, KMG), strategic goods subject to international control regimes (Wassenaar, MTCR, NSG), and certain chemicals, biological agents, and nuclear materials. The Goods Control Ordinance (GKV) lists specific items by category—from encryption software and precision manufacturing equipment to carbon fiber and certain electronics. Even intangible technology transfers (blueprints, technical data) may require authorization. At Allegra LAW in Zurich, we classify products against Swiss and EU control lists to determine licensing requirements and help structure compliant export processes.
How long does SECO export approval take?
SECO (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs) export approval timelines depend on product classification, end-use documentation, and application complexity. Straightforward dual-use goods with clear civilian end-use move more quickly, while sensitive items, military equipment under KMG, or exports to high-risk destinations require additional review, especially when SECO requires end-user verification or inter-agency consultation. Applications submitted through the Elic system (SECO's electronic licensing portal) are tracked online, and SECO may request clarifications. At Allegra LAW in Zurich, we design submissions to minimize follow-up requests and procedural delays, ensuring applications are complete and properly documented from the outset, though approval timing ultimately rests with SECO's case-by-case review process.
What are dual-use goods under Swiss law?
Dual-use goods under Swiss law are items, software, and technology that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, controlled under the Goods Control Act (GKG) and Goods Control Ordinance (GKV). The GKV control lists align with the EU Dual-Use Regulation (EU) 2021/821 and international regimes like Wassenaar Arrangement. Examples include high-performance computers, certain telecommunications equipment, encryption software, advanced materials, machine tools, and precision instruments. Even if a product has purely civilian intent, it may still be controlled if it meets technical thresholds specified in the annexes to the GKV. Allegra LAW helps classify products, document technical specifications, and support licensing and audit readiness for dual-use exporters.
Do I need licenses for technology transfer?
Yes, technology transfer and intangible exports are controlled under Swiss export control law. Providing technical data, blueprints, software source code, or know-how related to controlled goods may require a license under the Goods Control Act (GKG) and Goods Control Ordinance (GKV), even if no physical goods cross borders. This includes electronic transmissions, cloud-based file sharing, and oral disclosures to foreign nationals (deemed exports). The relevant factor is whether the technology enables the development, production, or use of controlled items. Software downloads, technical training, and collaborative R&D with foreign partners may all trigger licensing requirements. At Allegra LAW in Zurich, we review contracts, data flows, and collaboration agreements to determine intangible export licensing obligations.
How do you handle multi-cantonal approvals?
Multi-cantonal approvals arise when export control activities span multiple Swiss cantons—for example, a company headquartered in Zurich with production facilities in Aargau and shipping operations in Basel. Each canton's economic affairs office may have jurisdiction over different aspects of the operation, and SECO coordinates federal export control licensing. We centralize documentation and coordinate with SECO and relevant cantonal authorities to ensure approvals are consistent and audit-ready. This involves mapping operational footprints, clarifying jurisdictional responsibility, and aligning internal workflows across locations. Allegra LAW structures compliance programs to accommodate multi-site operations and ensure uniform export control procedures across cantons.