Japan - Swiss EPA in force on Sept 1, 2009

According to MOFA of Japan, the Exchange of Diplomatic Notes concerning the Entry into Force of the Agreement on Free Trade and Economic Partnership ("EPA") between Japan and the Swiss Confederation will take place in Bern on July 29 (Wed).

With this Exchange of Notes, the Agreement will enter into force on September 1 (Tue).

Customs tariff for both countries, 99% of goods in trade amount will be eliminated within 10 years.

One point to noteworthy for Japan is the adoption of "approved exporter" system for declaration of country of origin. This system is first time introduction in Japan, but in Europe, the self-declaration by approved exporter is common system in claiming preferential tariff in FTA.

(Source: http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2009/7/1194357_1138.html )