The BASA serves as a framework for aviation safety cooperation between BAZL and the CAAC. It authorises both aviation authorities to define specific areas of cooperation in technical annexes. These annexes contain detailed guidelines and set out the procedures for technical cooperation. They therefore play a key role in cooperation.

FOCA and the CAAC signed the first technical annex on the same day as the BASA. The annex sets out procedures for the bilateral validation of certificates and authorisations for civil aeronautical products. The harmonised validation processes contained in the agreement will help reduce administrative duplication in the trade of aeronautical products on the Swiss and Chinese markets, while also maintaining high safety standards.

The signing of this BASA with China is the result of discussions going back to 2018. It is the second such agreement Switzerland has signed, following on from the BASA it concluded with the US.

The BASA also allows for harmonisation with the member states of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) with regard to China. This is a significant development for Swiss design and production companies working on EASA certified products.

Switzerland and China sign bilateral aviation safety agreement