Admission of food products in Switzerland

Food that is not circumscribed in article 4 (1) of the Swiss Regulation on food and commodities or by the Federal Department of Home Affairs, needs a grant from the Federal Office of Public Health. The registration of a new product is regulated by article 5 and 6 of the Swiss Regulation on food and commodities. This can be either a new or novel food for normal consumption or a new special food. The Federal Office of Public Health examines the composition, the intended purpose and the declaration, it determines the name under which the product is sold and assigns a grant number to be indicated on the packing or label. The grants can only be given to persons or societies with a domicile or place of business in Switzerland. Foreign applicants must appoint a representative in Switzerland, who must take responsibility for adherence to the regulations.

Admission of Food Manufacturing Businesses in Switzerland

Business operators who manufacture, process, treat, transport, deliver, import or export food must notify the responsible cantonal executive authority of their activity. Important modifications within businesses and cessation of business must also be notified (article 12 of the Swiss regulation on food and commodities). Enterprises that manufacture, process, treat, store, or deliver food of animal origin require an authorisation by the responsible cantonal enforcement authority (article 13 of the Swiss regulation on food and commodities). The Federal Office of Public Health has specified those enterprises that fall under the special arrangement of the grant obligation in its instruction No 7 of 26 January 2006 for the implementation of the two articles 12 and 13 of the Swiss regulation on food and commodities. It has also published, together with the federation of cantonal chemists, an information letter for enterprises on the obligation of notification and authorisation.