What are the technical details of the fields changed in the forms from 19 August 2026?

The DEFR communication of 19 August 2026 does not specify in detail which individual fields have been modified in the declaration and authorisation forms. The Department has advised that the updated forms are available for consultation. For specific clarifications on the compilation, you can contact the DEFR directly or contact your Swiss bank.

Can I still use the above forms after August 26, 2026?

No. As of 26 August 2026, only the appropriate forms as amended by the DEFR will be accepted. Previous forms will no longer be valid for transfers of assets to Iran. If submitted after that date, they will be rejected.

Who do I contact with technical questions about the new forms or the procedure?

You can contact the Federal Department of Economics, Education and Research (DEFR) directly, or contact your Swiss bank. If you make transfers through a lender, customer service or compliance should be able to guide you through the process and clarify the steps required.

Does this change only affect commercial enterprises or even private citizens?

The amendment concerns anyone who needs to transfer capital to Iran in accordance with Swiss federal law. This includes both commercial organisations and individual citizens, non-profits and other entities resident in Switzerland.

How much time remains before the mandatory deadline of August 26th?

The DEFR communication was published on 19 August 2026, with mandatory application from 26 August 2026. This means you have a seven-day window to capture updated forms and adjust your administrative procedures before new forms become mandatory.

DEFR: new forms for transfers to Iran (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 19 August 2026

Swiss Federal Administration headquarters in Bern, location of the Federal Department of Economy.

On 19 August, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs adapted the declaration forms. From 26 August, only updated models will be mandatory.

Context

In a nutshell

DEFR adapted the forms on 19 August 2026
From 26 August only new models will be accepted
Relates to transfers of assets according to art. 21 of the Iran order

Key facts

What: Modification of declaration and authorization forms for transfers of assets
When: Adaptation 19 August 2026; mandatory application from 26 August 2026
Where: Bern, Federal Department of Economics
Who: DEFR (Federal Department of Economics, Training and Research)
Reference: Art. 21 order measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran

On 19 August 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Training and Research (DEFR) made a major change to the administrative forms for transfers of assets. The decision concerns in particular the declaration and authorisation forms governed by Article 21 of the Ordinance instituting measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The date of mandatory application

As of August 26, 2026, only the appropriate forms according to the modified version will be accepted. This means that anyone who has to transfer capital to Iran, as of that date, must use the new forms. The time window between the announcement (August 19) and the entry into force (August 26) allows a seven-day transition for administrative managers, Swiss banks and citizens

Operational details

Who is affected by the change

This administrative change concerns anyone who needs to transfer funds to the Islamic Republic of Iran in accordance with Swiss federal rules. These are not only companies that trade with the country, but also individual Swiss citizens who maintain financial relations abroad or who must transfer capital to family members or beneficiaries in Iran. Non-profit organizations and entities with offices in Switzerland also fall within the scope of the law.

Impact on banking procedures

Swiss banks authorized to make international transfers will have to update their processing systems to verify that customers only fill out and submit forms in the version of August 19, 2026. Credit institutions will have the task of checking the compliance of the documentation and rejecting any requests based on obsolete forms. This could result in slower processing times during the first transition period.

Prevent administrative errors

The nature of the change makes it essential to acquire the correct forms promptly. Those who delay the retrieval of updated documentation risk finding themselves in the situation of not being able to make transfers in the period immediately following 26 August, if they are still using the previous forms. Organizations that handle transfers

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

Step-by-Step Practical Procedure

To comply with the new regulations before the August 26 deadline, it is advisable to follow these steps. First, access the official DEFR website and download the forms in the modified version of August 19, 2026. Do not delay this operation beyond August 25. Second, if you operate through a Swiss bank, contact the customer service or compliance office to verify that the institution has already integrated the new modules into its processing systems. Third, review the technical compilation specifications provided by the DEFR together with the updated forms, as there may be variations in the required fields compared to the previous version.

Pre-Application Checklist

Before August 26, 2026, make sure you have completed the following requirements: have you downloaded the updated forms from the DEFR portal? Have you verified which is the correct version? Have you contacted your bank to confirm that it accepts the new modules? Have you fully completed the required documentation? Have you prepared backup copies for your records and for the bank? Have you informed your beneficiaries in Iran, if necessary, about any possible procedural delays? Have you checked for any changes in processing times during the transition phase?

Next Actions

Do not delay the completion of the new forms beyond August 25, 2026. Federal administrations and banks will apply the new procedure strictly from the date of entry into force. If you need assistance in managing the tax treatment of international transfers, consult our salary and tax calculator to verify your tax burden in Switzerland. For further information on your rights and duties in completing federal administrative documentation, contact the DEFR directly or your banking institution.

Source: admin.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the technical details of the fields changed in the forms from 19 August 2026?: The DEFR communication of 19 August 2026 does not specify in detail which individual fields have been modified in the declaration and authorisation forms. The Department has advised that the updated forms are available for consultation. For specific clarifications on the compilation, you can contact the DEFR directly or contact your Swiss bank.
Can I still use the above forms after August 26, 2026?: No. As of 26 August 2026, only the appropriate forms as amended by the DEFR will be accepted. Previous forms will no longer be valid for transfers of assets to Iran. If submitted after that date, they will be rejected.
Who do I contact with technical questions about the new forms or the procedure?: You can contact the Federal Department of Economics, Education and Research (DEFR) directly, or contact your Swiss bank. If you make transfers through a lender, customer service or compliance should be able to guide you through the process and clarify the steps required.
Does this change only affect commercial enterprises or even private citizens?: The amendment concerns anyone who needs to transfer capital to Iran in accordance with Swiss federal law. This includes both commercial organisations and individual citizens, non-profits and other entities resident in Switzerland.
How much time remains before the mandatory deadline of August 26th?: The DEFR communication was published on 19 August 2026, with mandatory application from 26 August 2026. This means you have a seven-day window to capture updated forms and adjust your administrative procedures before new forms become mandatory.