Cross-cultural dialogue
Exchange perspectives across legal systems and build relationships grounded in respect.
Connecting Cultures. Creating Value. Advancing Peace Through Law.
SCLA is a Geneva-based nonprofit organisation connecting people across legal traditions and cultures. Through dialogue, education and public-interest cooperation, we help make law more accessible and strengthen the understanding on which fair and peaceful societies depend.
EstablishedFounded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2019
United NationsECOSOC special consultative status since 2026
Latest
ChinaMainland China Customs Guidance on Postal Printed, Audio, and Video Products
ChinaUnderstanding China Customs Clearance Rules: Thresholds, Channels, and Declaration Requirements for International Travelers
Cross-BorderWCO Unveils Smart Customs Community Portal Supported by China Customs
Cross-BorderMOFCOM Issues Updates on International Trade Consultations, Sanctions Responses, and Economic Partnerships
ChinaChina’s State Council Approves Consumption Expansion Plan for 15th Five-Year Plan Period
ChinaChina State Council Unveils Action Plan to Clean Up Community-Level Water Bodies by 2030
ChinaChina Unveils Ninth Five-Year Plan on Public Legal Education (2026–2030)
ChinaChina Promulgates Revised Regulation on Electric Power Safety Accident Response and Investigation
European UnionEU Supervisory Authorities Propose Amendments to Simplify Bilateral Margin Requirements Under EMIR
European UnionEBA Issues No-Action Letter and Technical Guidance on EU Market Risk Framework Implementation
European UnionEBA Responds to European Commission’s Non-Adoption of Draft Amending RTS on Prior Permission
European UnionEBA Consults on Revised Technical Standards for Joint Decisions on Prudential Requirements
Law serves people when understanding becomes action
Understanding the law helps people protect their rights, work across borders and find constructive ways through disagreement. We bring legal knowledge and different perspectives together so that cooperation can create lasting public value.
Law connects cultures
Legal traditions reflect different histories, values and ways of life. By learning from one another, legal communities can bridge misunderstandings and build cooperation founded on mutual respect.
Law creates shared value
Fair rules and accessible knowledge help people protect their rights, pursue opportunities and build responsible organisations. We connect professional expertise with the wider needs of society.
Law advances peace
Peace grows through the ability to address differences fairly. We encourage dialogue, mediation and dispute prevention as practical ways to preserve relationships and build trust across borders.
About SCLA
Rooted in Geneva. Open to the world.
Founded in 2019, SCLA grew from legal exchange between Switzerland and China. Today, our purpose connects that foundation with a wider international conversation about access to law, cross-cultural cooperation and the public good.
The Swiss Chinese Law Association is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organisation bringing legal professionals, researchers and civil society into dialogue about law’s role in public life.
Read about SCLA
Our work
Putting knowledge into action
Our work brings legal expertise into conversation with the needs of people, communities and organisations.
Open legal knowledge
Help more people understand changing rules and the questions that affect their rights.
Public-interest collaboration
Connect professional expertise with education, capacity building and community needs.
Mediation and dispute prevention
Explore practical ways to address differences and preserve cooperation.
SCLA Legal Observatory
Understand what is changing and why it matters
Explore legal and policy developments in China, Switzerland and the European Union, with clear explanations, source links and cross-border context.
Mainland China Customs Guidance on Postal Printed, Audio, and Video Products
Understanding China Customs Clearance Rules: Thresholds, Channels, and Declaration Requirements for International Travelers
WCO Unveils Smart Customs Community Portal Supported by China Customs
MOFCOM Issues Updates on International Trade Consultations, Sanctions Responses, and Economic Partnerships
China’s State Council Approves Consumption Expansion Plan for 15th Five-Year Plan Period
China State Council Unveils Action Plan to Clean Up Community-Level Water Bodies by 2030
China Unveils Ninth Five-Year Plan on Public Legal Education (2026–2030)
China Promulgates Revised Regulation on Electric Power Safety Accident Response and Investigation
EU Supervisory Authorities Propose Amendments to Simplify Bilateral Margin Requirements Under EMIR
EBA Issues No-Action Letter and Technical Guidance on EU Market Risk Framework Implementation
EBA Responds to European Commission’s Non-Adoption of Draft Amending RTS on Prior Permission
EBA Consults on Revised Technical Standards for Joint Decisions on Prudential Requirements
Investment and Business
Market access, bilateral investment, company governance and cross-border transactions.
Trade and Customs
Imports, exports, tariffs, product rules and the movement of goods.
Finance and Payments
Financial regulation, payment systems and the protection of financial consumers.
AI and Data
Artificial intelligence, privacy, data transfers and digital responsibility.
Sustainability and Responsibility
Environmental rules, supply chains and the social responsibilities of business.
Intellectual Property and Culture
Creative work, brands, geographical indications and cultural knowledge.
Dispute Resolution
Mediation, arbitration, court processes and the prevention of disputes.
Everyday Rights
Work, consumer protection and legal questions in daily and cross-border life.
China and Switzerland
Comparative analysis of parallel developments in both jurisdictions.
China and the European Union
Where EU and Chinese rules meet, diverge or create compliance questions.
Switzerland and the European Union
Bilateral arrangements, equivalence and market access questions.
Comparisons
Side-by-side readings of how different systems approach the same problem.
Clarity begins with the source
We identify the jurisdiction, publication date and legal status of the developments we cover. Articles distinguish between proposals, adopted measures and rules in force. Where information changes, we update the article and record material corrections.
What changedWho may be affectedCross-border contextKey datesOfficial sources
Events and dialogue
Different perspectives. A shared space for dialogue.
Join discussions on law, culture and public responsibility. Find opportunities to learn from different experiences and contribute your own.
25Jun 2026
The CAS in Arbitration Course 2026
25 June 2026 – 12 April 2027
05Oct 2026
WIPO-IPOM IP Meister Training Program for the Digital Economy
5 October 2026 – 8 October 2026
05Oct 2026
IBA 2026 Annual Conference Copenhagen — Law Firm Meeting Room Bookings
5 October 2026 – 8 October 2026
05Oct 2026
IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026
5 October 2026
Public lectures
Accessible introductions to legal questions and their wider social implications.
Professional roundtables
Focused exchanges on cross-border practice, policy and legal developments.
Youth and academic exchange
Conversations that connect emerging professionals, students and researchers.
Public-interest workshops
Practical learning on legal knowledge, organisational responsibility and community needs.
News and impact
The public value of legal expertise
Discover the people, conversations and collaborative efforts that make legal knowledge useful beyond professional circles.
Stay connected to law and its wider impact
Receive selected legal updates, public-interest stories and opportunities to participate in SCLA activities.
Put your knowledge to work for others
Contribute your experience to a discussion, a research project or a public-interest initiative. Help make legal understanding available to more people.