How to use the Swiss cross on foreign products? (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

The Swiss cross is a symbol of quality and authenticity that can be used on foreign products if combined with specific indications. The IGE (Institute of Labelling and Quality Management) monitors compliance with the 'Swissness' legislation, which establishes the rules for the use of the Swiss cross.

Key facts

The Swiss cross can be used if at least 60% of the production costs are incurred in Switzerland. The essential phase of processing must take place in the country. For food products, at least 80% of the weight of the raw materials must come from Switzerland. The head office of the company and the place of actual management must be located in Switzerland.

Concrete examples

Suppose a watch production company has a subsidiary in Switzerland and produces watches that are assembled in Switzerland, but with components from other countries. In this case, the company could use the Swiss cross if at least 60% of the production costs are incurred in Switzerland. For example, if the cost of production is 100,000 Swiss francs, at least 60,000 Swiss francs must be incurred in Switzerland.

Regulations

Switzerland has a federal law regulating the use of the Swiss cross, the federal law of 24 March 2006 on 'Swissness' (SR 232.14). The law states that the Swiss cross can be used if at least 60% of the production costs are incurred in Switzerland. In addition, the

Operational details

How to use the Swiss cross on foreign products?

The Swiss cross can be used on foreign products if combined with specific indications. At least 60% of the production costs must be incurred in Switzerland. The essential phase of processing must take place in the country. For food products, at least 80% of the weight of the raw materials must come from Switzerland.

The legislation governing the use of the Swiss cross on foreign products is established by the Federal Office of Switzerland (OFOS) and the Code of Indices of Provenance (CIP) of 20 June 2019. The Code provides that products wishing to use the Swiss cross must meet certain production and processing requirements.

For example, if a watch manufacturer wishes to use the Swiss cross on its watches imported from China, it must ensure that at least 60% of the production costs have been incurred in Switzerland. In addition, the essential phase of the working of the time mechanisms must take place in Switzerland. The manufacturer could entrust the processing of the hour mechanisms to a Swiss company based in Geneva, for example.

For food products, the regulations are even stricter. The cheese producer who wishes to use the Swiss cross on his cheeses imported from France must ensure that at least 80% of the weight of the raw materials come from Switzerland. For example, if the producer uses Swiss milk to

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Key points

How to use the Swiss cross on foreign products? If you want to advertise a product or service with the Swiss cross, you must respect the strict legal provisions. The Institut für Geistiges Eigentum (IGE) monitors the observance of the 'Swissness' legislation. The Swiss cross can be used if combined with specific indications.

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Source: tio.ch