News Details

The Swiss Federal Council has officially adopted the new Packaging Ordinance (Verpackungsverordnung, VerpV). The ordinance is designed to strengthen the circular economy frameworks and establishes mandatory recycling targets, extended producer responsibility (EPR), subsidiary take-back rules, and an advance disposal fee system for glass packaging. It replaces the existing Beverage Packaging Ordinance and will be implemented in phases from 1 January 2027.

Minimum Recycling Targets

• Glass, PET and Aluminium Beverage Packaging: A minimum 75% recycling rate for each material.
• Beverage Cartons: Minimum 70% recycling rate.
• Single-Use Plastic Packaging: Minimum 55% recycling rate.

Packaging Design Requirements (Art.3)

Manufacturers and retailers supplying filled packaging must limit its mass and volume to the minimum required for safety and hygiene purposes. Packaging must be designed for optimized collection and material recycling, contain the maximum possible proportion of recycled content, and strictly omit Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) as defined under Article 70(1) of the Swiss Chemicals Regulation.

Take-Back Obligations (Art. 4–5)

Traders and manufacturers with a turnover exceeding CHF 1,000,000 and who have placed more than 500 kg of packaging on the market over two consecutive years must establish free take-back points at or near sales outlets, unless they participate in an approved industry organization scheme.

Advance Disposal Fee for Glass Packaging (Art. 8–16)

An advance disposal fee of between 1 and 10 centimes per package will be levied on food and cosmetic glass containers.

Implementation Timeline

Phase-in roadmap for VerpV obligations:

• Jan 1, 2027 General Ordinance enters into force.
• Jan 1, 2028 The Advance Glass Disposal Fee system begins.
• Jan 1, 2030 Mandatory eco-design and recycled content requirements come into effect.
• Jan 1, 2031 Subsidiary take-back obligations and mandatory annual electronic reporting start.
• Jan 1, 2032 Enforcement of minimum recycling rates and deposit penalties for non-compliance.

Reporting Obligations

Annual Deadlines:

• Feb 28: Direct electronic reporting to FOEN on packaging volumes and material classifications.
• March 31: Annual compliance and disposal reports by industry organizations and take-back entities.
• April 30: Consolidated reports by private reporting centers.

Action Items

• Review whether annual turnover and Swiss market volume thresholds (1M CHF /500 kg) trigger compliance obligations.
• Assess product portfolios for SVHC compliance and recycled content ratios.
• Evaluate participation in recognized industry take-back organizations.