The Federal Council brings new chemical legislation into force

On 1st August 2005, the Federal Council will bring into force new legislation on chemical substances and the totally revised Ordinance concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market. New labelling on products will give consumers more complete information about possible dangers. Alignment with EU requirements will be beneficial for Swiss chemical industry. This legislation has been harmonised with the EU, and takes account of up-to-date scientific and technical information. The level of protection for human beings and the environment from damaging effects of chemical substances will be improved. Through the new legislation on chemical substances, for the Swiss chemical industry, unnecessary technical impediments to trade will be reduced, whilst the previous high level of protection will be maintained. The alterations to the Swiss requirements for putting chemical substances on the market, to meet those of the EU, will be an advantage for consumers. They will notice the new labelling system on the packages and labels of chemical preparations such as cleaning agents, washing detergents, insecticide sprays, paints and dyes, and adhesives. Danger symbols and warnings will give a clearer indication of possible dangers than the previous poison bands and poison classes. The new labelling system will become obligatory on 1st August 2005, with a transition period of two years. The new danger symbols are already in use on certain products, on a voluntary basis. The new legislation on chemical substances will also be beneficial for the Swiss chemical industry. Since most preparations will no longer be subject to authorisation, small and medium enterprises in Switzerland will benefit from lower administrative costs and less waiting periods. However, manufacturers and importers will become subject to self-regulation, which means that they must test and assess substances and products themselves, and classify and label them according to the criteria and regulations. Nevertheless, this is already done by the many companies that have been exporting chemicals to the EU. There will be stricter requirements for new substances, biocide products, and plant protection agents. The improvement in goods trading should make products from the EU more readily available. The application of identical norms (labelling, package) will also help consumers to compare products from Switzerland with those from other countries. The new chemical legislation will have positive effects on the environment and for people. Whenever the EU regulations are stricter, they are adopted, for instance in the case of heavy metals and of brominated flame retardants, which are banned. Certain Swiss regulations such as the ban on phosphates in washing detergents are maintained, despite less strict regulations in the EU. For more information please click "here":[ http://www.umwelt-schweiz.ch/buwal/eng/medien/presse/artikel/20050518/01162/].

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