In summer 2013, the new “Swissness” legislation was agreed by the Swiss parliament. The objective of the new legal framework is to provide long-term security to the added value delivered by the brand “Switzerland”. On 2 September 2015, the Federal Council approved regulations for the implementation of the Swissness legislation and the complete legislative package came into force as of 1 January 2017.
In order to be able to continue to utilise “Swissness” for their products and services, businesses have to demonstrate that they adequately fulfil the statutory criteria for “Swiss origin”. This enables them to continue to use the “Switzerland” brand. The minimal required level of Swissness will vary depending on the product category (natural products, foodstuff, industrial/other products, services).