Swiss SECO clarifies Iran humanitarian transfer exemption

BERN Aug. 11, 2026 — Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs has detailed the Iran-related transactions that may qualify for an exemption from transfer authorization, drawing a distinction between prior approval and continuing reporting requirements.

Under Article 21(6) of Switzerland’s Iran Ordinance, authorization is not required for money transfers connected to transactions involving food, health services, medical equipment or humanitarian purposes. Those transfers remain subject to the notification requirement in Article 21(1).

The guidance links the exemption to broad customs categories covering food and agricultural goods, including live animals, meat, fish, dairy products, vegetables, fruit, grains, prepared foods and certain farming machinery.

Covered health services include human and veterinary medicine, dental care, psychology, preventive care, nursing and therapy. Related accommodation, meals, transportation and instruction are also included.

Medical equipment categories span diagnostic and surgical instruments, syringes and catheters, respiratory-treatment devices, orthopedic products, prostheses, hearing aids, pacemakers and medical furniture.

The list is not exhaustive. Transfers involving goods that are not listed may still qualify for the exemption, but their inclusion must be sufficiently justified and, where appropriate, clarified with SECO in advance.

For compliance teams, the guidance makes tariff classification and transaction purpose important to distinguishing transfers requiring authorization from those subject only to notification. The material does not state when the guidance took effect.