# Mercosur-EFTA free trade agreement implementation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mercosur-efta-free-trade-agreement-implementation
> Updated: 2026-09-26T18:38:11.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 3.

The free trade agreement between the Mercosur bloc and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) has moved toward implementation following legislative and executive actions in Switzerland and Brazil.

In Switzerland, the Council of States approved the deal with a 35 to 7 vote. To address concerns regarding the impact on the domestic agricultural sector, the Council authorized a 517 million CHF package to be distributed between 2028 and 2033. While proponents highlighted modern sustainability standards, some members expressed concerns regarding environmental protections such as Amazonian deforestation.

In Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has formalized the agreement’s internalization through Presidential Decree No. 13.126. Following approval by the Brazilian National Congress, the decree was published in an extra edition of the Official Gazette of the Union. The pact aims to expand trade and investment flows between the two blocs, which represent a combined market of 290 million consumers and a GDP of approximately US$ 4.3 trillion.

The agreement is scheduled to enter into force for Brazil and Iceland on October 1, 2026, and for Brazil and Norway on November 1, 2026. Preferential tariffs for Switzerland and Liechtenstein remain dependent on their respective internal processes. Under the terms of the deal, EFTA members will eliminate import tariffs on industrial and fisheries products from the Mercosur bloc. For the Brazilian agricultural sector, the deal offers opportunities through the reduction or elimination of tariffs on various products, such as roasted coffee.

The agreement focuses on reducing technical barriers, simplifying customs procedures, and improving access to government procurement markets. It also includes commitments regarding intellectual property, sustainable development, environmental protection, biodiversity, and human rights.

## Claims

- The agreement enters into force for Brazil and Iceland on October 1, 2026. (disputed by 15 sources)
- The agreement applies to Brazil and Norway starting November 1, 2026. (disputed by 3 sources)
- President Lula da Silva promulgated the Free Trade Agreement between Mercosul and EFTA via Presidential Decree No. 13.126. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The EFTA bloc consists of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The agreement aims to reduce technical barriers and unnecessary sanitary and phytosanitary measures. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The treaty includes commitments regarding intellectual property, sustainable development, environmental protection, biodiversity, and human rights. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- Negotiations between Mercosul and EFTA were concluded in 2025 after ten rounds that began in 2017. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The Mercosul bloc includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with Bolivia also mentioned as a member. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Tariff preferences for Switzerland and Liechtenstein will take effect once those countries complete their internal incorporation processes. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- EFTA countries will eliminate import tariffs on industrial and fisheries products from Mercosur. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Brazil President Lula signs Mercosur-EFTA Free Trade Agreement

President Lula has signed the Mercosur-EFTA Free Trade Agreement into Brazilian law, with implementation starting October 1 for Iceland and November 1 for Norway.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-president-lula-signs-mercosur-efta-free-trade-agreement

### 2026-09-24: Brazil promulgates Mercosul-EFTA Free Trade Agreement

President Lula da Silva has promulgated the Mercosul-EFTA Free Trade Agreement, set to enter into force for Brazil and Iceland on October 1, 2026, to boost trade, investment, and sustainable development.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mercosul-efta-free-trade-agreement-enters-into-force-in-brazil

### 2026-09-14: Swiss Council of States approves Mercosur trade deal with 517 million CHF farm package

The Swiss Council of States approved the EFTA-Mercosur free trade deal, attaching a 517 million CHF support package for Swiss farmers to offset potential economic impacts.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/swiss-council-of-states-approves-mercosur-trade-deal-with-517-million-chf-farm-package

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Cite as: Mercosur-EFTA free trade agreement implementation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mercosur-efta-free-trade-agreement-implementation