Embargo Act (EmbA)
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Art. 1 Subject matter
1 The Confederation may enact compulsory measures in order to implement sanctions that have been ordered by the United Nations Organisation, by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe or by Switzerland’s most significant trading partners and which serve to secure compliance with international law, and in particular the respect of human rights. 2 The right is reserved for the Federal Council to take measures to safeguard the interests of the country in accordance with Article 184 paragraph 3 of the Federal Constitution. 3 Compulsory measures may in particular: a. directly or indirectly restrict transactions involving goods and services, payment and capital transfers, and the movement of persons, as well as scientific, technological and cultural exchange; b. include prohibitions, licensing and reporting obligations as well as other restrictions of rights.
Art. 2 Scope of authority
1 The Federal Council has the authority to enact compulsory measures. It may stipulate exceptions in order to support humanitarian activities or to safeguard Swiss interests. 2 The Federal Council may stipulate exceptions in accordance with paragraph 1 above, in particular for the provision of food supplies, medicines and therapeutic products for humanitarian purposes. 3 The compulsory measures are enacted in the form of ordinances.