Swiss Made: new rules for cross-border workers

Di Valerie Linc ·

New rules for using the Swiss Made label: what it means for cross-border workers in Ticino and which products can now display the Swiss cross

Contesto

In brief - New rules for the Swiss Made brand - Relaxation of norms for products with foreign production - Economic value of the Swiss Made brand - Impact on Ticino cross-border workers ## Key facts - What: Change in rules for the use of the Swiss Made brand - When: Clarification of practice made public at the end of March 2024 - Where: Switzerland - Who: Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) - Amount: 7 billion Swiss francs depend on the reputation of the Swiss Made brand Switzerland has always had strict rules on which products can boast the Swiss cross. However, recent changes to the rules are altering the landscape. The Federal Institute of Intellectual Property made public at the end of March a 'clarification of practice' that has significant effects on the use of the Swiss origin label. This modification now also allows products with largely foreign production to be marketed using the Swiss cross, provided they are based on Swiss research or development. ### Market impact The value of the 'Swiss Made' brand is significant for the Swiss economy. According to standard calculations by the Confederation, 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, as communicated by the Intellectual Property Institute. ### What does 'Swiss Made' mean? 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 development and the 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, with som...

Dettagli operativi

Analysis of the new rules The new rules for the Swiss Made brand, which came into effect on January 1, 2024, represent a significant change from the past. Previously, only products with at least 60% of Swiss added value could boast the Swiss cross. Now, with the relaxation of the rules, products with a significant portion of production abroad can also use the brand, provided they are based on Swiss research or development, with at least 20% of Swiss added value. ### Advantages and disadvantages Among the advantages, there is the possibility for Swiss companies to collaborate more easily with foreign partners without losing the prestige of the Swiss Made brand. This could lead to greater competitiveness in the international market and new business opportunities. For example, a company in Lugano could collaborate with an Italian manufacturer to reduce production costs, while still maintaining the Swiss Made brand if the design and research are Swiss. > "The new rules offer greater flexibility, but it is fundamental to maintain the quality and integrity of the brand." However, there is also the risk that the brand may lose some of its perceived value if used too freely. For example, a company in Mendrisio might decide to produce abroad to save on costs, but if the final product does not maintain Swiss quality standards, it could damage the brand's reputation. ### Product examples A concrete example is Toblerone chocolate, which had to give up the Matterhorn on the packaging after production was moved to Slovakia. With the new rules, it might be possible to use the Swiss Made brand again if the product is based on Swiss research or development, even if production takes place abroad. Another example is watchmaking: a company in Bellinzona could design and develop a watch...

Punti chiave

Swiss Made: what changes for cross-border workers with the new rules If you are a cross-border worker in a sector related to Swiss production, it is essential to know the new rules for the Swiss Made label, which came into force on January 1, 2023. These changes could open up new job and collaboration opportunities with companies that can now use the label for products with up to 60% foreign components, compared to the previous 40%. ### Concrete steps 1. Learn about the new rules: Check the new rules for the use of the Swiss Made label and how they might affect your sector. For example, if you work in watchmaking, you should know that it is now possible to use the Swiss Made label even if the movement is composed of up to 60% foreign components, provided that the final assembly takes place in Switzerland. 2. Collaborate with Swiss companies: Look for collaboration opportunities with Swiss companies that could benefit from the new rules. For example, companies in Lugano or Mendrisio might be interested in expanding their production thanks to the new regulations. 3. Verify the quality of the products: Ensure that products with the Swiss Made label maintain the high quality standards for which the label is known. A concrete example is the textile industry, where 50% of the materials must be Swiss to use the label. 4. Use comparison tools: Use tools like the salary calculator to compare job opportunities and tax benefits. For example, a cross-border worker earning 80,000 CHF per year could save up to 10,000 CHF in taxes compared to an Italian colleague. ### Operational checklist - 📊 Check the regulations: Verify the new rules on the website of the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (UIPM). - 💡 Explore opportunities: Contact local companies to understand ho...

Punti chiave

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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to obtain the Swiss Made label?
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, with some exceptions such as chocolate, where the recipe and production must be Swiss.
What changes with the new rules for the Swiss Made label?
The new rules also allow products with largely foreign production to be marketed using the Swiss cross, provided they are based on Swiss research or development. This relaxation of the rules opens new opportunities for Swiss companies collaborating with foreign partners.
What is the economic value of the Swiss Made label?
According to standard calculations by the Confederation, 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 Swiss francs today.

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