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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.
In addition, for companies operating in regulated financial sectors, understanding the banking and capital services landscape through resources like the Overview of the Swiss Banking Sector is essential to positioning their Swissness claims on solid legal footing.
In addition, for companies operating in regulated financial sectors, understanding the banking and capital services landscape through resources like the Overview of the Swiss Banking Sector is essential to positioning their Swissness claims on solid legal footing.
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.
For entities planning to establish in Zug or take advantage of low-tax jurisdictions, the Company Formation in Zug guide offers valuable insights that complement Swissness strategies through local incorporation advantages.
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.
For entities planning to establish in Zug or take advantage of low-tax jurisdictions, the Company Formation in Zug guide offers valuable insights that complement Swissness strategies through local incorporation advantages.
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:
- Product manufacture as well as product research and development must occur in Switzerland
- 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
- 60% of the manufacturing costs are generated in Switzerland
To calculate the Swissness percentage, the "Swissness calculator" can be used. This step is particularly important for Swiss-based group structures such as a Swiss Holding Company, where multiple subsidiaries may contribute to the manufacturing and cost base under one umbrella.
The calculator was developed by the Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI).
The calculator was developed by the Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI).
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.
Our experience in regulatory frameworks such as the Financial Institutions Act (FinIA) further ensures compliance for financial service providers using Swissness indicators in product or service branding.
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.
Our experience in regulatory frameworks such as the Financial Institutions Act (FinIA) further ensures compliance for financial service providers using Swissness indicators in product or service branding.
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.
Get in touch
Please contact us directly or via email if you require assistance. We are here to help you move forward.
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. For businesses engaged in transactions requiring trust mechanisms, integrating services like Swiss Escrow Account Services can further reinforce the credibility and Swiss identity of your operations. 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.
Swissness regulations were enforced in January 2017 to safeguard Swiss labeling from misuse and ensure the long-term value of the Swiss brand.
Swissness regulations are enforced by authorities like BAKOM and Intellectual Property of Switzerland (IGE). Misusing Swiss indications can lead to civil and criminal actions initiated by affected parties.
Businesses must fulfill statutory criteria such as conducting product manufacture and research in Switzerland, having essential producing processes physically in Switzerland, and generating 60% of manufacturing costs in Switzerland.
Businesses can seek legal advisory services to navigate Swissness legislation, calculate manufacturing products and costs, and prepare documentation fulfilling Swissness criteria.
Legal advisors offer consultancy on Swissness legislation, assistance with manufacturing and cost calculations, and documentation preparation to ensure compliance with Swissness criteria.
Compliance with Swissness regulations not only enhances credibility but also preserves Switzerland's esteemed business legacy and contributes to maintaining the integrity of the Swiss brand.
Businesses can contact legal experts for guidance on implementing "Swiss Made" labeling and integrating the "Swissness factor" into their marketing campaigns in accordance with Swiss law.