Overview and position on chemicals regulation

The way chemicals are regulated has a significant impact on the production of our member companies in Switzerland. It is necessary to ensure high safety and environmental standards while at the same time safeguarding the competitiveness of companies. For this to succeed, science-based regulation is needed that assesses risks in a differentiated manner, is internationally coordinated and has a long-term focus.

In Switzerland, the handling of chemicals is regulated by the Chemicals Act (ChemA), the Chemicals Ordinance (ChemO) and the Chemicals Risk Reduction Ordinance (ORRChem). These rules ensure a high level of protection for health and the environment that is on a par with that in EU countries. Among other things, Swiss chemicals legislation provides for key instruments such as a registration requirement for new substances, information requirements for substances of very high concern, and authorisation and restriction procedures – comparable to EU regulations.

Our members are aware of their responsibility to protect people and the environment. scienceindustries advocates for differentiated, science-based and proportionate regulation. A risk-based assessment is crucial: only the interaction between hazard and exposure probability allows for an appropriate assessment of the actual risk.

Holistic assessment instead of blanket bans

When discussing possible bans or restrictions on substances, it is necessary to consider the situation holistically. Available alternatives must be examined in terms of technical and economic feasibility, environmental impact over the entire life cycle, and effects on health and safety. Otherwise, there is a risk of problematic substitute solutions. Before banning a substance, an impact assessment is also necessary, which takes into account the social and economic benefits generated by the products in question – for example in the areas of health, climate protection, energy efficiency or food security. The risk of not using a substance must be considered in the same way as the risk of using it.

Chemicals legislation in Switzerland and the EU – harmonisation where appropriate and possible

The chemical and pharmaceutical industry in Switzerland is strongly export-oriented: over half of the chemicals exported from Switzerland go to EU countries. The aim of Swiss chemicals legislation is to ensure a high level of protection for health and the environment while avoiding trade barriers with the EU.

In the EU, the REACH Regulation has governed the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals since 2007. Swiss chemicals legislation makes it possible to autonomously align with key developments at European level. In particular, important restrictions introduced under REACH can be adopted in Switzerland if necessary. If, in the future, the use of further substances is restricted or even banned under REACH as a result of their review in the EU, Switzerland can – as has been the case up to now – quickly and pragmatically implement this at the ordinance level (e.g. in the Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance (ORRChem)).

Pragmatic solutions for our industries

scienceindustries is committed to harmonising regulatory requirements in Switzerland with those of the most important supply and export markets, especially the EU, as far as possible. Such harmonisation contributes to legal certainty, reduces trade barriers and strengthens Switzerland as a business location.

Where complete harmonisation is not appropriate or proportionate, scienceindustries advocates pragmatic domestic solutions. These solutions should also ensure a high level of protection for people and the environment while maintaining the innovative strength and competitiveness of Swiss companies. With this goal in mind, scienceindustries closely monitors the further development of Swiss chemicals legislation, especially the Chemicals Ordinance, and plays a constructive role in political and technical processes.