ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL COMMODITY TRADING COMPANIES IN SWITZERLAND: WHAT THE LAW SAYS

In Switzerland, accounting is far more than a legal formality — it is a strategic management tool, particularly for companies active in international commodity trading. Understanding local accounting requirements helps businesses not only streamline operations but also avoid tax and regulatory pitfalls.

This guide offers a clear overview of the main accounting obligations applicable to trading companies operating in Switzerland.

Who Is Required to Keep Accounting Records in Switzerland?

Under Swiss law, all businesses engaged in commercial activity must maintain accounting records. However, the level of accounting required depends on the company’s legal form and annual revenue.

Full (Double-Entry) Accounting is mandatory for:

Capital companies (SA/AG, Sàrl/GmbH), cooperatives, and foundations
Sole proprietorships and partnerships generating more than CHF 500,000 in annual turnover

Simplified Accounting applies to sole proprietorships and partnerships with annual turnover below CHF 500,000. They may opt for a simplified structure including:

A record of income and expenses
A list of receivables and payables

Annual Financial Statements: A Legal Requirement

All companies must prepare year-end financial statements, typically closing on December 31 or at the end of their fiscal year. These must include:

A balance sheet (assets and liabilities)
A profit and loss statement
Notes (if applicable)

Consolidated financial statements are required if, for two consecutive fiscal years, a company exceeds two of the following thresholds:

CHF 20 million in total assets
CHF 40 million in turnover
250 full-time employees or more

Document Retention: Minimum 10 Years

Swiss law requires that all accounting records be retained for at least 10 years — whether in digital or paper form. This includes journals, invoices, bank statements, and contracts.

VAT and Tax Obligations

A Swiss company becomes subject to VAT if it generates more than CHF 100,000 in global turnover annually. This entails:

Registration with the Federal Tax Administration (FTA)
Maintaining VAT-compliant accounting (effective or flat-rate methods)
Filing regular VAT returns (quarterly or semi-annually)

Annual accounts also serve as the basis for corporate tax filings, and must be accurate, complete, and auditable.

Why Work with a Fiduciary Partner?

Partnering with a fiduciary like Fidpro Suisse SA enables your business to:

Ensure full compliance with Swiss accounting and tax laws
Access tailored tax planning advice
Strengthen financial management and mitigate regulatory risks

At Fidpro, we support international trading companies at every stage — from monthly bookkeeping to year-end closing, including VAT reporting and corporate tax compliance.

Conclusion

For trading companies in Switzerland, accounting is governed by well-defined legal standards that vary depending on company size and legal form. However, maintaining sound accounting practices is not just about compliance — it is a crucial lever for growth, transparency, and risk mitigation.

To make the most of these strategic benefits, we strongly recommend working with seasoned fiduciary experts.