Switzerland revises the Biocidal Products Ordinance

In November 2023 the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) published a revision of the Biocidal Products Ordinance. The revision implements changes to the Chemicals Act (ChemG), which has been adapted to reduce the risks from the use of pesticides. The revised ordinance will enter into force on 1 January 2024.

Obligation to report the quantities of biocidal products

The revision of the Biocidal Products Regulation introduces a new obligation to report annually on the quantities of biocidal products placed on the market. This will allow better tracking of sales volumes. This reporting obligation must be fulfilled by the person who first places a biocidal product on the market in Switzerland. This mainly concerns authorisation holders, manufacturers, and Swiss importers. Dealers, direct sales points, professional and commercial users are not affected.

The first report for data from 2024 must be submitted by 31 May 2025 and thereafter by 31 May each year.

Introduction of Indicators

Indicators based on measurements in aquatic environments have been established to assist in the assessment and mitigation of risks associated with biocidal products. If the values specified in the Water Protection Ordinance are consistently exceeded, authorisations for biocidal products may be altered or revoked if necessary.