Switzerland ranked 11th for global arms exports

In 2016, Switzerland exported CHF 412 million of weapons, according to the Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO).

This ranks Switzerland 11th globally, according to RTS. The five largest importers of Swiss weapons were Germany, South Africa, the US, India and Pakistan.

Weapons exports made up only 0.14% of Switzerland’s total exports in 2016, said the SFAO.

The SFAO report said that all war material exports in 2016 which were checked by the SFAO were correctly authorized in accordance with the War Material Act and the War Material Ordinance.

At the same time, SFAO described how some exporters are adept at finding and using loopholes to get shipments to particular destinations. Tricks include shipping half made products to intermediary countries, granting production licences in third countries, and arguing defense products can also be used for civilian purposes, a strategy that can reduce restrictions.

The SFAO recommended more risk-based company audits and said the federal control network for war material exports is too weak and insufficiently coordinated.

More on this:
SFAO report (in English)
RTS article (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now

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