Switzerland strengthens firearm export regulations following discovery of its ammunition in Ukraine
The Swiss government has implemented stricter regulations regarding arms exports following the resale of 645,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine by a Polish company. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
**New Regulations Mandate Buyers to Commit to Domestic Use or Specify Third Parties**
The Swiss government has enforced stricter regulations on arms exports to deter the diversion of weapons to conflict zones, an action prompted by a scandal involving a Polish firm that shipped over half a million rounds of Swiss-made ammunition to Ukraine.
This move follows the revelation that around 645,000 rounds of small-caliber ammunition were found in Ukraine, contravening Switzerland's neutrality laws. The government announced the new rules in a statement on the Swiss parliament's website on Monday.
According to the updated regulations, buyers must provide written assurances that the weapons will be exclusively utilized within their territory. Should re-exportation be necessary, the agreement must clearly list any third-party nations involved. This initiative aims to enhance guarantees and minimize the risk of unauthorized diversion.
The controversy became public in November when a report from the US-based news outlet Defense One revealed that hundreds of thousands of armor-piercing rifle cartridges produced by SwissP Defence had reached Ukraine through UMO, a Polish company. An investigation by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs revealed that even though SwissP Defence and UMO had entered into an agreement restricting the resale of ammunition to Poland, UMO did not adhere to this obligation.
Consequently, last month, SECO prohibited any further exports to UMO, citing that “the risk of diversion to Ukraine is assessed as being too high.”
SwissP Defence has affirmed its compliance with regulations, though it has chosen not to disclose further information regarding its customer relationships. In contrast, UMO asserted that its ammunition exports were conducted in line with local laws, contending that Switzerland “handed over control of the goods to Polish law.”
Furthermore, UMO released a statement on its website, expressing pride in its contributions to support Kiev after the Swiss government indefinitely blacklisted the company.
Switzerland has traditionally upheld a policy of neutrality and maintains strict enforcement of laws that ban the export or re-export of military equipment to nations in conflict. The country has reiterated its commitment to this neutral position, even while supporting EU sanctions against Russia and granting approval last month for participation in a NATO “crisis-management exercise” scheduled for the upcoming spring.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
The Swiss government has enforced stricter regulations on arms exports to deter the diversion of weapons to conflict zones, an action prompted by a scandal involving a Polish firm that shipped over half a million rounds of Swiss-made ammunition to Ukraine.
This move follows the revelation that around 645,000 rounds of small-caliber ammunition were found in Ukraine, contravening Switzerland's neutrality laws. The government announced the new rules in a statement on the Swiss parliament's website on Monday.
According to the updated regulations, buyers must provide written assurances that the weapons will be exclusively utilized within their territory. Should re-exportation be necessary, the agreement must clearly list any third-party nations involved. This initiative aims to enhance guarantees and minimize the risk of unauthorized diversion.
The controversy became public in November when a report from the US-based news outlet Defense One revealed that hundreds of thousands of armor-piercing rifle cartridges produced by SwissP Defence had reached Ukraine through UMO, a Polish company. An investigation by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs revealed that even though SwissP Defence and UMO had entered into an agreement restricting the resale of ammunition to Poland, UMO did not adhere to this obligation.
Consequently, last month, SECO prohibited any further exports to UMO, citing that “the risk of diversion to Ukraine is assessed as being too high.”
SwissP Defence has affirmed its compliance with regulations, though it has chosen not to disclose further information regarding its customer relationships. In contrast, UMO asserted that its ammunition exports were conducted in line with local laws, contending that Switzerland “handed over control of the goods to Polish law.”
Furthermore, UMO released a statement on its website, expressing pride in its contributions to support Kiev after the Swiss government indefinitely blacklisted the company.
Switzerland has traditionally upheld a policy of neutrality and maintains strict enforcement of laws that ban the export or re-export of military equipment to nations in conflict. The country has reiterated its commitment to this neutral position, even while supporting EU sanctions against Russia and granting approval last month for participation in a NATO “crisis-management exercise” scheduled for the upcoming spring.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
