Swiss airports demand quick resolution on arrivals shopping

Gavin Lipsith

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The Swiss International Airports Association has expressed disappointment that the Federal Council’s decision to change legislation rather than pass an ordinance to allow arrivals duty-free could slow the introduction of arrivals shopping

The Swiss International Airports Association has welcomed the Federal Council’s long-delayed decision to move to introduce arrivals duty-free shopping. However, the association also voiced disappointment that the route chosen by the council, which will involve changing VAT, alcohol and tobacco legislation before shops can open instead of allowing them to open by issuing an ordinance, would delay the introduction of stores.

In a statement SIAA said that the Federal Council had cited the “demanding economic situation” at Swiss airports as a key factor in its decision to support arrivals duty-free. However, it added: “The path chosen to approve duty-free in Switzerland by means of a change in legislation precludes new jobs from being created quickly...By choosing that route, the council has failed to provide this support in the short and medium term.”

It concluded: “The SIAA is now waiting for the Confederation to implement the planned changes of legislation in an expedient way.”