Switzerland Proposes Stand-Alone PFAS Regulation to Reduce Pollution and Support Farms

Switzerland is set to tighten its national rules on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with a stand-alone regulation aimed at reducing pollution and supporting farms. The National Council's Committee on the Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy (CEATE-N) has proposed measures instructing the Federal Council to curb PFAS emissions and explore whether Switzerland should set independent limit values for PFAS in drinking water, separate from the European Drinking Water Directive.

Support for Farms and Site Remediation

CEATE-N approved a revised Motion 25.3421 to enforce stricter national measures on PFAS. The motion aims to provide timely solutions for affected sectors, support agricultural operations, and balance environmental and economic considerations when defining PFAS limits. It emphasizes reducing PFAS production and use, especially where safer alternatives exist, while a minority of the committee advocates closer alignment with EU chemical legislation due to potential health and environmental concerns.

In addition, CEATE-N supported retroactive compensation for PFAS-related site remediation. This would be financed under the OTAS fund, Switzerland’s federal fund for the remediation of contaminated sites, and take effect from April 1, 2025, aligning with provisions for other types of pollution under the Environmental Protection Act.

Wider Environmental and Energy Measures

Beyond PFAS, the committee discussed broader environmental and energy initiatives:

• Approval of the Fish Action Plan to protect aquatic habitats and biodiversity, balancing professional and recreational fishing interests.
• Acceleration of electricity grid authorizations to support renewable energy expansion.
• Examination of conditions for small wind turbine installations to enhance Switzerland’s energy security.
• Support for a trade agreement on climate change, trade, and sustainability, already signed with Costa Rica, Iceland, and New Zealand, aimed at liberalizing trade in environmental goods and services.

CEATE-N’s proposals mark a significant step in Switzerland’s commitment to

environmental protection, sustainable energy, and innovative trade policies.