The Swiss Retail Federation has thrown its weight behind proposed federal overhauls to product safety and trade laws, urging tighter regulations to curb regulatory imbalances for foreign online marketplaces.
In its response to public consultations on partial revisions to the Federal Act on Product Safety (LSPro) and the Federal Act on Technical Barriers to Trade (LETC), the federation voiced support for measures targeting international e-commerce platforms.
Key proposals receiving its backing include mandatory registration and cooperation requirements, the designation of a responsible legal representative within Switzerland, and a risk-based supervisory levy on direct-from-abroad shipments.
Patrick Erny, director of the Swiss Retail Federation, explained, “It is unacceptable that Swiss law obliges domestic retailers to meet rigorous standards regarding product safety, traceability, and compliance, while international platforms can, in practice, evade these same requirements.”
Closing Loopholes
The federation stressed that the proposed statutory updates represent a key step towards closing enforcement loopholes that have long disadvantaged domestic sellers.
The National Council further supported a level playing field by recently voting to adopt five motions extending the scope of the Foodstuffs and Consumer Goods Act to direct private imports.
Erny added, “The National Council has sent a clear signal: Swiss safety standards must not stop at the country’s borders.
“Anyone wishing to benefit from the Swiss market must assume their responsibilities and comply with the rules in force within our territory.”
Digital Product Passport
However, the retail association strongly opposed the Federal Council’s plans to introduce a Swiss-specific digital product passport under the LETC.
The federation warned that diverging from key trading standards – specifically those of the EU – would introduce an unnecessary ‘Swiss finish’, creating heavy administrative burdens and added costs for retailers without tangible improvements to market surveillance or product safety.