The PSSA requires companies intending to provide private security services abroad from Switzerland to declare the services to the competent authority in advance. The Export Controls and Private Security Services Section (ECPS) of the FDFA is responsible for implementing the PSSA. In 2024, a total of 111 activities in various categories were declared. The ECPS initiated one review procedure in 2024 but did not prohibit any activities. In 2024, no private security services were found to potentially involve direct participation in hostilities or serious human rights violations. Such activities are prohibited under Articles 8 and 9 of the PSSA.

Strengthening cooperation at national and international level

In 2024, the increase in global tensions has led to increased armament and favoured the influence of non-state actors such as private military and security companies (PMSCs). As Switzerland’s central competence centre for PMSCs, the ECPS monitors these activities on an ongoing basis and works the international level to further develop standards for regulation and promote exchange between regulatory authorities within the framework of the Montreux Document.

At the national level, in 2024, the ECPS’s activities focused on finalising the report on the effectiveness of the 2021 Ordinance on Private Security Services provided Abroad (OPSA), as amended, three years after it came into force. Following a review, an interdepartmental working group came to the conclusion that the amended OPSA has proven its effectiveness.

Address for enquiries:

FDFA Communication Bundeshaus West 3003 Bern +41 58 460 55 55 kommunikation@eda.admin.ch