Topic Chemicals

More than 26,000 chemical substances are placed on the market in Europe in quantities above one tonne per year. Both the quantities produced and the number of chemicals being used are increasing worldwide. Potential undesirable environmental impacts must therefore be continuously assessed and, if necessary, regulated. Society expects everyday products not to pose any risks from harmful substances. International initiatives for more chemical safety also play an important role for Switzerland.

The Chemicals Risk Reduction Ordinance (ORRChem) is a basin for special provisions. These are enacted when the general provisions of the Chemicals Ordinance (ChemO) are insufficient. The ORRChem contains two appendices with restrictions and prohibitions for the manufacture, placing on the market or use of certain substances and preparations and articles containing them.

The Chemicals Risk Reduction Ordinance (ORRChem) is a basin for special provisions. These are enacted when the general provisions of the Chemicals Ordinance (ChemO) are insufficient. The ORRChem contains two appendices with restrictions and prohibitions for the manufacture, placing on the market or use of certain substances and preparations and articles containing them.

SwissPRTR is the publicly accessible Swiss Pollutant Release and Transfer Register. It provides information about releases of pollutants and transfers of wastes from facilities and diffuse sources.

For the import and export of certain substances, an authorization from FOEN is required under the provisions of the ORRChem. This includes:

Anyone who wishes to use chemicals professionally or commercially must obtain a special licence and must prove that they have the required specialist knowledge.

Switzerland supports the development of a comprehensive, coherent, effective and efficient international regime for chemicals, as well as improved co-operation with the private sector.