Seco boss Budliger wants tighter control of commodity trade because of sanctions against Russia Federal councilors want easier night and Sunday work

Switzerland is trying to get a better overview of the commodity trade in this country. Overall, according to Seco boss Helene Budliger Artieda, EU sanctions against Russia were implemented quickly and well.

In some cases, trade with Russia is not reported separately in customs statistics, says the State Secretary for Economic Affairs in the “Saturday Review” of the Swiss radio station SRF. The State Secretariat of Economic Affairs (Seco) is trying to gain more insight into the trade in commodities. An external investigation has been commissioned. Figures were missing, for example on the number of jobs and the tax base in the raw materials sector.

Within the federal government, they also want to actively develop better statistics at the federal level via the raw materials platform. Budliger noted that not all commodity traders traded exclusively or primarily with Russia. Commodity traders also “credibly” confirmed to Seco that they had now ceased doing business with Russia.

In the implementation of the complex sanctions package, Seco also calls on other administrative bodies in the federal administration, in the cantons and in the banks. Violations of the sanctions will be prosecuted and reported by us or the cantons,” said the Seco boss.

When it comes to controls to ensure compliance with the sanctions, they cooperate with customs, because the Seco is neither the police nor the prosecutor’s office and Switzerland does not have its own sanctions authority.

“We rely on companies operating in Switzerland to comply with Swiss law,” says Budliger. The European neighbors and the US gave Switzerland good marks for the implementation of the sanctions. (saw/sda)