Made in Switzerland: 2026 changes
New rules for using the Swiss cross and 'Swiss Made' label from 2026. Here's what changes for products and consumers
Contesto
In brief - New rules for the 'Swiss Made' brand from 2026 - Up to 20% added value for agricultural products - Up to 50% for luxury goods - Estimated impact on 7 billion Swiss francs ## Key facts - What: New rules for the 'Swiss Made' brand - When: From April 20, 2026 - Where: Switzerland - Who: Federal Institute of Intellectual Property - Amount: 7 billion Swiss francs Switzerland has always had very strict rules on which products could boast the Swiss cross. Now, with a new 'clarification of practice' made public at the end of March by the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, the rules are changing. This has potentially explosive effects on the use of the Swiss origin indication. Now even products whose manufacture takes place largely abroad can be marketed using the Swiss cross. According to the Confederation's standard calculations, 1% of Switzerland's gross domestic product depends on the good reputation of its territory as a place of production. This added value corresponds to approximately 7 billion francs. Customers would be more willing to pay a higher price for products featuring the Swiss cross. The 'Swiss Made' brand is synonymous with quality, precision, and reliability. ### What does 'Swiss Made' mean exactly? To obtain the 'Swiss Made' brand, at least 60% of the production costs of industrial goods must be incurred in Switzerland. For watches, the movement must be produced in Switzerland for at least 60%, and the development and most important stages of production must also take place in Switzerland. For food products, 80% of the weight of the raw materials must come from Switzerland. For chocolate, however, an exception applies since hazelnuts and cocoa are not available in sufficient quantities in Switzerland. ### Concrete examples and local...
Dettagli operativi
Made in Switzerland: What Changes in 2026 The new rules for the 'Swiss Made' label, which came into effect in 2026, have significant implications for consumers and businesses. In particular, products based on Swiss research or development can now use the Swiss cross even if manufactured abroad, provided at least 60% of the added value is generated in Switzerland. This changes the competitive landscape and could influence consumer choices. ### Implications for Consumers Consumers may find a greater variety of products with the 'Swiss Made' label at more competitive prices. For example, a watch with 60% of its added value produced in Switzerland but assembled in China can still bear the label. However, it is important to note that the 'Swissness' law is as sharp as a Swiss army knife and has also had notable victims. Toblerone chocolate had to remove the Matterhorn from its packaging after production was moved to Slovakia. ### Implications for Cross-Border Workers Cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and live in Italy may benefit from a greater variety of products with the 'Swiss Made' label at more competitive prices. However, it is important to be aware of the new rules and exceptions that may affect the quality and origin of the products. ### Operational Checklist for Cross-Border Workers - Check the Origin: Check the label to ensure the product complies with the new regulations. - Compare Prices: Compare the prices of products with the 'Swiss Made' label with those of similar non-Swiss products. - Inform Yourself About Exceptions: Learn about the exceptions to the new rules, such as food products using raw materials from abroad. ### Concrete Examples - Watches: A watch with 60% of its added value produced in Switzerland but assembled in China can still...
Punti chiave
Made in Switzerland: What Changes in 2026 For cross-border workers who want to take advantage of the new rules on the 'Swiss Made' brand, it is essential to pay attention to labels and origin indications. Here are some concrete steps to follow: 1. Check the labels: Always verify the labels of products to understand if the 'Swiss Made' brand has been obtained following the new rules or the old regulations. For example, a watch with the 'Swiss Made' brand must have at least 60% of Swiss added value, whereas previously 50% was sufficient. This change, which came into force on January 1, 2017, was introduced to strengthen the credibility of the brand. 2. Learn about exceptions: Some products, such as chocolate, have specific exceptions. For example, for chocolate, the regulation stipulates that at least 30% of the added value must be Swiss. It is useful to inform yourself about these exceptions to make conscious choices. For example, a chocolate bar produced in Lugano with local ingredients will have a higher added value than one produced in Mendrisio with imported ingredients. 3. Use comparison tools: Use comparison tools to understand the added value of products with the 'Swiss Made' brand compared to those without. For example, a watch produced in Chiasso with 70% Swiss added value will have an average price of 2,000 CHF, while a watch without the 'Swiss Made' brand could cost 1,200 CHF. ### Operational Checklist - Brand verification: Check the label for the 'Swiss Made' brand and the percentage of Swiss added value. - Price comparison: Use comparison tools to evaluate the price of the product with and without the 'Swiss Made' brand. - Information on exceptions: Seek specific information on exceptions for the products that interest you. ### Comparisons Between Pra...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What does 'Swiss Made' exactly mean?
- To obtain the 'Swiss Made' label, at least 60% of the production costs of industrial goods must be incurred in Switzerland. For watches, the movement must be produced in Switzerland for at least 60%, and the development and most important stages of production must also take place in Switzerland. For food products, 80% of the weight of the raw materials must come from Switzerland.
- What are the implications for cross-border workers?
- Cross-border workers might benefit from a greater variety of products with the 'Swiss Made' label at more competitive prices. However, it is important to be aware of the new rules and exceptions that might affect the quality and origin of the products.
- How can I verify the authenticity of the 'Swiss Made' label?
- Always check the product labels and inform yourself about specific exceptions for certain products like chocolate. Use comparison tools to understand the added value of products with the 'Swiss Made' label compared to those without.