Politics · Switzerland · 1 hr ago
Swiss arms export reform faces referendum over weaker controls
Switzerland is due to vote on 29 November on a proposal to ease arms export rules.
The change was approved by a parliamentary majority, and opponents have called a referendum to challenge it.
The government could approve exports to countries on a list of 36 even when they are involved in armed conflicts, subject to an exception for extraordinary circumstances.
Under the proposal, recipient countries would usually no longer have to promise not to pass on Swiss weapons, raising concerns about weaker checks on re-exports.
International law experts say the changes could increase the risk of decisions that violate international law, while the arms industry says current rules make exports too difficult.
The reform would not ease restrictions on exports to Ukraine, which would remain subject to Switzerland's neutrality rules.
The referendum vote will decide whether the rules change.
Switzerland plans to ease arms-export rules, but opponents have called a referendum on the reform.
Voters are due to decide on the measure on 29 November.
Supporters in the arms industry say the current rules are too strict and deter potential buyers.
International-law experts warn the revision could weaken controls over where Swiss weapons end up.
The reform would generally remove the requirement for recipient states to promise not to re-export Swiss arms.
- Who
- Swiss voters will decide on the reform. The arms industry supports easing the rules, while opponents include left-wing groups and international-law experts.
- What
- A referendum will decide whether to loosen Switzerland’s arms-export controls.
- When
- The vote is scheduled for 29 November 2026.
- Where
- Switzerland.
- Why
- The arms industry says current rules are too strict and deter buyers; opponents warn the reform could weaken controls and increase the risk of unlawful exports.
Arms industry and supporters of the reform
Opponents of the reform
Export rules
Arms industry and supporters of the reform
The current rules are too strict and deter potential buyers.
Opponents of the reform
The reform would loosen controls and raise the risk of problematic exports.
Re-exports
Arms industry and supporters of the reform
Not stated.
Opponents of the reform
Removing the usual requirement for recipient states to promise not to re-export Swiss arms could allow unrestricted onward transfers.
Deutsche Welle reported Swiss-made Ruag grenades among a militia in Yemen.
Switzerland supplied hand grenades to the United Arab Emirates on the condition they would not be passed on.
The list of countries for which exports may generally be approved was expanded from 25 to 36.
Swiss voters are due to vote on the reform.
- Referendum date
- 29 November 2026
- Countries on the list
- 36, up from 25
- Previous UAE export
- Switzerland supplied hand grenades to the United Arab Emirates in 2003
- Reported Yemen case
- Ruag grenades were reported with a militia in Yemen in 2019
What people are saying
With the legislative revision, the risk of decisions contrary to international law increases.
The history of the War Material Act shows that previous discretionary powers have repeatedly led to very problematic exports.