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"Swiss Made" Sells or Swissness Labeling

Uncover the significance of "Swiss Made" labeling and the regulatory framework of Swissness in business. Explore the criteria and implications for businesses leveraging the esteemed Swiss brand, and discover the crucial role of adherence to Swissness regulations in maintaining credibility and upholding the legacy of Swiss craftsmanship.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The coveted "Swiss brand" carries with it an implicit promise of quality and reliability, making it a magnet for businesses seeking to leverage its prestige. However, to safeguard the integrity of this label and uphold the longstanding tradition of Swiss craftsmanship, Switzerland has implemented stringent regulations known as Swissness labeling. Enforced by the Swiss authorities, these regulations dictate the proper use of Swiss indications of source in marketing endeavors. In this context, understanding and adhering to Swissness regulations becomes imperative for businesses aiming to capitalize on the Swiss brand while maintaining integrity and credibility. Our legal advisors also offer expert assistance in guiding these regulations and ensuring compliance with Swissness labeling requirements.

Safeguarding Swiss Brand Integrity: Implementation and Enforcement of Swissness Regulations

It is not a secret that Switzerland is often chosen for establishing businesses because of the "Swiss brand". Swiss business legacy creates an appearance of high quality image and this, in its turn, boosts credibility among customers and partners.

To protect Swiss labeling from misuse and ensure the long-term value of the Swiss brand, Switzerland imposes Swissness regulations that came into force in January 2017. The regulation provides clear rules for using the Swiss indication of source for marketing purposes. The Swiss authorities authorized to protect Switzerland interests and prevent third parties from misusing the .swiss and "swiss made" are BAKOM and Intellectual Property of Switzerland (IGE). In case of the wrong use of the indication "-Swiss", persons affected, particularly Swiss producers who adhere to the requirements for using this designation, as well as industry and consumer organizations, can initiate civil and criminal actions.

Criteria for "Swissness" Label Eligibility

To be able to use "Swissness" labels: "Swiss Made","Made in Switzerland", "Manufactured in Switzerland", "Produced in Switzerland", "Swiss technology", "Designed in Switzerland", "Swiss Quality" or any other with –Swiss- on the products, and/or Swiss Images (f.e. Swiss flag) on the website and/or within any other marketing tool, businesses have to fulfill the statutory criteria for "Swiss origin".
Businesses are able to use indications of "Swiss made" if they сarry out at least three cumulative criteria:
  • 1
    Product manufacture as well as product research and development must occur in Switzerland
  • 2
    At least one producing process at which the product obtains its essential characteristics should take place physically in Switzerland to ensure a 'physical' connection to the country
  • 3
    60% of the manufacturing costs are generated in Switzerland
To calculate the Swissness percentage, the "Swissness calculator" can be used. The calculator was developed by the Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI).
Swiss Made
If you've answered "yes" to any of the questions, your products or services must comply with the regulations outlined in the Swissness legislation.

Expert Legal Advisory Services for Swissness Compliance

If you are interested in developing your business with "Swiss quality" and preventing the misusage of "Swiss Made" in your marketing campaigns, we are legal advisors providing services of consultancy on the Swissness legislation, calculation of manufacturing products, and costs due to BAKOM requirements and Intellectual Property of Switzerland and preparation of documentation fulfilling Swissness criteria.

In enforcing "Swiss Made" to the products/services and implementing the "Swissness factor" in the marketing campaign according to Swiss Law, kindly contact our experts.

Conclusion

In the competitive landscape of global commerce, the Swiss brand stands as a beacon of quality and trustworthiness. By embracing Swissness regulations and adhering to the criteria for "Swiss Made" labeling, businesses can not only enhance their credibility but also contribute to the preservation of Switzerland's esteemed business legacy. Contact our experts today to embark on a journey of authenticity and excellence in your business ventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

"Swiss Made" labeling carries a promise of quality and reliability, making it attractive to businesses and boosting credibility among customers and partners.