The SBVV organizes the three departments publishers, booksellers and intermediaries as well as related organisations such as publishing representatives or agencies in German-speaking Switzerland.
The SBVV represents the interests of the book trade vis-à-vis authorities and political decision-makers on cultural and economic matters. It is also responsible for training and further education and book promotion abroad. In addition, the SBVV provides its members with numerous services, from the business directory to the trade magazine "Schweizer Buchhandel" including a weekly newsletter to discounts from partner companies and the support fund for members in financial difficulties. The offer also includes industry indicators and job advertisements as well as various consulting services (assistance for start-ups, legal questions). The SBVV is the official ISBN agency for German- and French-speaking Switzerland and issues the industry codes.