Handbook for Investors. Business location in Switzerland.

In the main, Swiss product liability regulations are comparable
with those in the European Union – the manufacturer is liable for
damage caused by defective goods, irrespective of whether the
manufacturer itself is negligent. In Switzerland, liability applies to
all products put into circulation from 1994 onwards. The health
and safety requirements for technical equipment are governed
by ordinance. In terms of technical standards, Switzerland has
largely adopted European Union regulations, thereby removing
any major barriers to exporting to the EU in this area.
The following sections give further details on the regulations relating
to a number of important product categories. Due, however,
to the large number of laws and ordinances in existence, it is essential
that detailed information be sought in specific cases.
3.4.1 Foodstuffs
The Swiss Foodstuffs Ordinance (Lebensmittelverordnung, LMV)
contains very strict regulations on the information that must be
declared. All ingredients must be named and listed on the packaging
or labels of pre-packed foodstuffs in descending order of
quantity. Foodstuffs not on the federal list must be authorized by
the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). Approval is mandatory
for products where an ingredient contains more than 1 % of
genetically modified organisms. It is forbidden to market foodstuffs
as having a therapeutic effect. Products with a therapeutic
effect are medicines and must be authorized by Swissmedic (see
Section 3.4.2).
Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
Mutual recognition agreements (MRAs)
www.seco.admin.ch
Languages: German, French
www.bag.admin.ch
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
Permitted foodstuffs
Government approvals
www.e-service.admin.ch/bewilligungen
Languages: German, French
www.admin.ch
Search under: Law on foodstuffs
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
Official test centers – Switzerland, EU
www.seco.admin.ch
Search under: SAS (accredited centers)
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
3.4.2 Pharmaceutical products
The manufacture and sale of medicines is subject to mandatory
approval in Switzerland. It takes on average six months to register
a new pharmaceutical product with Swissmedic, the Swiss Agency
for Therapeutic Products, making Switzerland’s registration process
one of the quickest in the world. Normal evaluation of a
license application for a human medicine costs a maximum of
CHF 25,000 (CHF 60,000 under the fast track procedure).
Swiss Association for Standardization
www.snv.ch
Languages: German, English, French
The registration requirements are largely comparable with those
in the EU, which makes it simple to apply for registration in
Switzerland and the EU simultaneously. Swiss registration enjoys
high-level international standing, thanks to the country’s exceptional
scientific reputation, its strict criteria and the large number
of renowned clinical-testing hospitals. The fast track procedure
enables vital medicines (e.g. to treat AIDS or Alzheimer’s) to be
brought to market very quickly (three-four months maximum),
despite rigorous testing.
Handbook for Investors 2010
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