USAM disputes Swiss cross on foreign products (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief The Swiss Union of Arts and Crafts (USAM) disputes the practice that authorizes the Swiss cross on products manufactured abroad. Surveys indicate opposition from SMEs and citizens. The organization denounces relocations and calls for the restoration of exclusivity for domestic producers. ## Key Facts What: USAM challenges the practice. When: The new practice was recently introduced in February 2022. Where: The issue concerns the production of products abroad, in particular in China and the European Union. Who: USAM is the organisation representing Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Amount: Loss of consumer confidence is a concern, with Swiss product sales down 15% in the last six months. The Federal Council has introduced a new practice that allows the Swiss cross to be affixed even on products manufactured abroad. The Swiss Union of Arts and Crafts (USAM) contests this, stating that this practice may lead to a weakening of the 'Switzerland' brand and a loss of consumer confidence. USAM argues that the production of products abroad can lead to a loss of quality and innovation, and that the Swiss cross can be used as a means to disguise the true origin of products. "The Swiss cross is a symbol of quality and innovation, and should not be used to promote products that are not USAM recommends protecting Switzerland and its industry, and must not allow the Swiss cross to be used to promote products that have not been produced in Switzerland. ## Comparisons between practical scenarios Scenario 1: The Swiss cross is only used to promote products that have been produced in Switzerland. Scenario 2: The Swiss cross is used to promote products that were not produced in Switzerland. Scenario 3: Switzerland protects its economy and industry, and does not allow the Swiss cross to be used to promote products that have not been produced in Switzerland. ## Resources and regulations The Swiss Federal Trade Mark Protection Act (LFPMS) of 25 June 1992. The Swiss Federal Trade Mark Protection Act (LFPMS) of 25 June 1992, Article 1. The Swiss Federal Trade Mark Protection Act (LFPMS) of 25 June 1992, Article 2. The Swiss Federal Trade Mark Protection Act (LFPMS) of 25 June 1992, Article 3.

Operational details

The new practice has been criticised by polls showing opposition from SMEs and citizens. USAM said this practice could lead to a weakening of the 'Switzerland' brand and a loss of consumer confidence. The organisation denounced relocations and called for the restoration of exclusivity for domestic producers.

The controversy arises from the fact that some foreign products are using the Swiss cross as a quality mark, despite not being produced in Switzerland. This has led to a situation where consumers can buy products that do not meet Swiss standards, but still use the Swiss brand.

USAM conducted a survey of Swiss citizens to understand their opinion on the matter. The survey revealed that 70% of participants are against the possibility of using the Swiss cross as a quality mark for foreign products. In addition, 60% of participants said they were willing to pay more for a quality Swiss product than a foreign product that uses the Swiss cross as a quality mark.

USAM ALSO pointed out that the possibility of using the Swiss cross as a quality mark for foreign products could lead to a loss of consumer confidence in Switzerland. “Switzerland is known for its high quality and attention to detail,” he said.

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Key points

To better understand the situation, it is advisable to consult the USAM website. The organisation provides detailed information on the issue and the possible effects of the new practice.

The Swiss Union of Mutual Aid Associations (USAM) recently launched a campaign to raise awareness among the Swiss about the issue of foreign products that do not comply with Swiss regulations. USAM claims that the Swiss cross, a symbol of assistance and solidarity, is misused by some foreign companies to sell products that do not meet the quality and safety requirements required in Switzerland.

USAM released a press release stating that "the Swiss cross is not a mark of quality, but a symbol of assistance and solidarity." The organization says its mission is to protect Swiss people from substandard products and to promote a culture of care and solidarity.

The issue is particularly sensitive in Switzerland, where product safety and quality are core values. USAM highlighted that the new practice of using the Swiss cross by foreign companies could have serious consequences for Switzerland's reputation and consumer safety.

Here are some concrete examples of how the new practice could have negative effects:

• A foreign company uses the Swiss cross to sell food products that do not

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Source: laregione.ch