Made in Switzerland: what changes for Swiss products
Discover the new rules for the use of the Swiss Made brand and its economic impact. The Federal Institute of Intellectual Property has amended the regulations.
Contesto
In brief - New rules for the Swiss Made brand - 60% of production costs must be in Switzerland - Up to 50% added value for luxury goods ## Key facts - What: Amendment to the rules for using the Swiss Made brand - When: Clarification of practice announced at the end of March 2026 - Where: Switzerland - Who: Federal Institute of Intellectual Property - Amount: 7 billion Swiss francs Switzerland has always had strict rules on which products can boast the Swiss cross. However, recently, the On shoe manufacturer managed to obtain a relaxation of the rules. The Federal Institute of Intellectual Property announced at the end of March a 'clarification of practice' that modifies the effects of the use of the Swiss origin indication. This change now also allows products whose manufacture takes place largely abroad to 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, communicates the Intellectual Property Institute. Customers are more willing to pay a higher price for products bearing the Swiss cross; the 'Swiss Made' brand is synonymous with quality, precision, and reliability. ### Value of the Swiss Made brand The effect of 'Made in Switzerland' is also reflected in the index of the value of 'Made in' brands on an international scale, last determined in 2017 through a global online survey. According to the Swiss Intellectual Property Institute, the added value can reach up to 20% of the selling price for natural agricultural products and typical Swiss products, and up to 50% for luxury goods. Studies by the University of St. Gallen estimate the average valu...
Dettagli operativi
Implications for Consumers and Businesses The new rules for the use of the Swiss Made brand have significant implications for both consumers and businesses. For consumers, the Swiss Made brand continues to represent a symbol of quality and reliability. However, with the relaxation of the rules, it is important to be aware that some products may not be entirely manufactured in Switzerland, but still use the Swiss cross. For businesses, the new rules offer greater opportunities to use the Swiss Made brand, but also greater responsibility. Companies must ensure that products meet the criteria established to obtain the brand. This may mean increased production costs in Switzerland or greater attention to the quality and origin of raw materials. ### Comparison with the Previous Situation Before the changes, the rules for using the Swiss Made brand were very strict. Only products entirely manufactured in Switzerland could boast the Swiss cross. This meant that many Swiss companies had to incur high costs to maintain production in Switzerland, even if part of the production process could have been cheaper abroad. With the new rules, companies have greater flexibility. They can use the Swiss Made brand even if part of the production takes place abroad, provided that the product is based on Swiss research or development. This can reduce production costs and make products more competitive in the international market. ### Future Scenarios With the relaxation of the rules, it is possible that more and more Swiss companies will decide to use the Swiss Made brand. This could increase competition between Swiss companies and foreign companies producing in Switzerland. Additionally, it could increase demand for Swiss products, both nationally and internationally. However, it is als...
Punti chiave
What to do if you are a consumer If you are a consumer and want to ensure that the products you purchase are actually made in Switzerland, there are a few things you can do. First of all, read the product labels carefully. If a product carries the Swiss Made label, it should clearly indicate the percentage of Swiss production. Additionally, you can research online to learn more about the origin of the products. Many companies provide detailed information about their production practices and the origin of raw materials. If you have doubts, do not hesitate to contact the company to ask for more information. ### What to do if you are a company If you are a company and want to use the Swiss Made label, it is important to ensure that you meet the established criteria. This means that at least 60% of the production costs must be incurred in Switzerland for industrial goods, and 80% of the weight of the raw materials must come from Switzerland for food products. If your product is based on Swiss research or development, you can use the Swiss cross even if part of the production takes place abroad. However, it is important to be transparent about the origin of the product and provide clear information to consumers. ### Useful tools If you want to know more about the new rules for the use of the Swiss Made label, you can consult the website of the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property. Additionally, you can use our calculator to determine if your product meets the criteria to obtain the Swiss Made label. Calculate your product Source: tvsvizzera.it
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What does the Swiss Made label exactly mean?","a":"The Swiss Made label indicates that 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."},{"q":"What are the implications of the new rules for consumers?","a":"The new rules allow products whose manufacture largely takes place abroad to be marketed using the Swiss cross, provided they are based on Swiss research or development. This means that consumers need to be more attentive to the origin of the products."},{"q":"What do companies need to do to use the Swiss Made label?","a":"Companies must ensure that at least 60% of the production costs of industrial goods are incurred in Switzerland. For food products, 80% of the weight of the raw materials must come from Switzerland. Additionally, they must be transparent about the origin of the products."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the Swiss Made label exactly mean?
- The Swiss Made label indicates that 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 of the new rules for consumers?
- The new rules allow products whose manufacture largely takes place abroad to be marketed using the Swiss cross, provided they are based on Swiss research or development. This means that consumers need to be more attentive to the origin of the products.
- What do companies need to do to use the Swiss Made label?
- Companies must ensure that at least 60% of the production costs of industrial goods are incurred in Switzerland. For food products, 80% of the weight of the raw materials must come from Switzerland. Additionally, they must be transparent about the origin of the products.