What are the main contents of the ACCTS Agreement?

The Agreement integrates trade, climate and environmental policy. It provides for the liberalisation of environmental goods and services between Switzerland, Costa Rica, Iceland and New Zealand; provisions relating to subsidies for fossil fuels; guidelines for eco-labelling. The aim is to promote ecological transition through an international trading system based on transparent rules.

What emerged from the Federal Council consultation?

The consultation concluded on 9 September 2026 received 45 opinions: 42 in favour and 3 against. Wide support from Cantons, political parties, economic associations, energy sector and environmental organizations. The project enjoys a solid consensual basis to proceed towards the Council of States.

What concerns were raised during the consultation?

Three participants fear risks to public service and working conditions from liberalisation. Some worried about a limitation of Switzerland's room for manoeuvre in energy policy. Doubts were also raised about exceptions to fossil subsidies, energy supply assurance, and administrative burdens for businesses and authorities.

After approval by the National Council (September 2025) and consultation (concluded September 2026), the draft passes to the Council of States for preliminary examination and final approval. Ratification is expected by the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027, following international coordination procedures with the other three signatories.

How does the Agreement impact Swiss companies and consumers?

For environmental technology and sustainable services companies, it opens up access to markets in Costa Rica, Iceland and New Zealand with lower barriers. For consumers, more standardized eco-labelling. For national energy policy, greater coordination with international commercial constraints in managing subsidies and energy strategies.

Climate Agreement and Trade: Consultation concluded (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 9 September 2026

Swiss federal parliament chamber, seat of international trade policy decisions

Federal Council concludes accts consultation: 42 in favour out of 45. Agreement on climate, trade and sustainability between Switzerland, Costa Rica, Iceland and New Zealand.

Context

In Brief

ACCTS consultation concluded on September 9, 2026 with broad consensus
42 favorable opinions out of 45: support from cantons and business associations
Agreement between Switzerland, Costa Rica, Iceland and New Zealand
Liberalization of environmental goods/services and provisions on fossil fuel subsidies

Key Facts

What: Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS)
When: Consultation concluded September 9, 2026
Where: Switzerland, Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand
Who: Federal Council, with approval from cantons and associations
Result: 42 favorable opinions out of 45 total
Central elements: Environmental liberalization, fossil fuel subsidies, ecological labeling
Timeline: National Council approval September 2025

On September 9, 2026, the Federal Council concluded the consultation on the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), signed by Switzerland, Costa Rica, Iceland and New Zealand. The results show broad national consensus: of the 45 opinions received, 42 were favorable and only 3 were against.

The Agreement integrates aspects of trade, climate and environmental policy into a single regulatory instrument. Specifically, it provides for the liberalization of environmental goods and services, provisions on subsidies for fossil energy and guidelines for ecological labeling. The innovative element lies in the combined approach: rather than addressing trade, climate and environment separately, the ACCTS brings them together in a coherent sustainability framework.

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Operational details

Broad Consensus, But Targeted Criticisms

Although the consensus is widely overwhelming, it was not unanimous. Three consultation participants expressed opposition, raising questions that reflect normal tensions in large-scale commercial negotiations. Primarily, they fear that the liberalization of environmental goods and services may entail risks to public services and working and wage conditions. An understandable concern: market openings often bring about employment adjustments in sectors hitherto protected by tariff barriers.

Secondly, they expressed criticism regarding an excessive limitation of Switzerland's room for maneuver in energy policy matters. This touches a central aspect of national sovereignty: Switzerland has its own energy strategy, based on hydroelectric and nuclear sources, and the commitment to align with international commercial rules entails normal constraints for any multilateral agreement. The balance between commercial opening and strategic autonomy remains delicate.

Technical and Administrative Doubts

Several participants raised more specific questions relating to the formulation and consequences of individual provisions. In particular, they sought clarification on exceptions relating to subsidies for fossil fuels: in what situations will Switzerland be able to maintain national support for specific energy sectors? How can energy supply security be ensured without violating commercial constraints? A concern made even more significant in a context of global energy volatility.

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Key points

Next steps in Parliament

The Agreement continues its legislative path. Following the approval of the National Council in September 2025 and the conclusion of the consultation on September 9, 2026, the dossier now passes to the Council of States for preliminary examination and subsequent final approval. The precise schedule of votes has not yet been communicated in the Federal Council's press release, but the accelerated pace of the procedure suggests that ratification by the end of 2026 or early 2027 is aimed at. Once approved by both chambers, the Agreement will proceed according to international ratification procedures, in coordination with Costa Rica, Iceland, and New Zealand.

Concrete impact for businesses and consumers

The ACCTS will have impacts on three main areas of Swiss economic life. First, Swiss companies operating in the environmental technologies and sustainable services sector will benefit from easier access to the markets of Costa Rica, Iceland, and New Zealand. The elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers for goods such as energy efficiency devices, renewable energy solutions, and environmental consulting services will support national exports in these sectors.

Second, Swiss consumers will progressively see more standardized and transparent ecological labels on products from the four signatory countries. Assessing whether a good meets environmental responsibility criteria will become easier. This feeds the already strong trend in Switzerland toward conscious and sustainable consumption.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main contents of the ACCTS Agreement?: The Agreement integrates trade, climate and environmental policy. It provides for the liberalisation of environmental goods and services between Switzerland, Costa Rica, Iceland and New Zealand; provisions relating to subsidies for fossil fuels; guidelines for eco-labelling. The aim is to promote ecological transition through an international trading system based on transparent rules.
What emerged from the Federal Council consultation?: The consultation concluded on 9 September 2026 received 45 opinions: 42 in favour and 3 against. Wide support from Cantons, political parties, economic associations, energy sector and environmental organizations. The project enjoys a solid consensual basis to proceed towards the Council of States.
What concerns were raised during the consultation?: Three participants fear risks to public service and working conditions from liberalisation. Some worried about a limitation of Switzerland's room for manoeuvre in energy policy. Doubts were also raised about exceptions to fossil subsidies, energy supply assurance, and administrative burdens for businesses and authorities.
What's Next?: After approval by the National Council (September 2025) and consultation (concluded September 2026), the draft passes to the Council of States for preliminary examination and final approval. Ratification is expected by the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027, following international coordination procedures with the other three signatories.
How does the Agreement impact Swiss companies and consumers?: For environmental technology and sustainable services companies, it opens up access to markets in Costa Rica, Iceland and New Zealand with lower barriers. For consumers, more standardized eco-labelling. For national energy policy, greater coordination with international commercial constraints in managing subsidies and energy strategies.