1. Key elements
The restrictions on certain heavy metals in vehicle materials and components as well as in vehicles in Switzerland are identical to those in Directive 2000/53/EU on end-of-life vehicles in relation to:
- the nature and extent of the regulated heavy metals
- the categories of vehicle affected
- exemptions from the substance bans
- special labelling
As a result, materials and components for vehicles as well as vehicles themselves that fulfil the EU requirements may also be placed on the market in Switzerland.
2. Bans
Materials and components for vehicles as well as the vehicles themselves may not be placed on the market if they contain mercury, lead, cadmium or chromium (VI). Maximum concentration levels of up to 0.1% are tolerated, for cadmium a maximum of 0.01%. The maximum levels relate in each case to homogeneous materials.
3. Categories of vehicle
Vehicles are defined as private vehicles and light commercial vehicles in classes M1 and N1 of Annex II Section A of Directive 70/156/EEC on the type-approval of motor vehicles.
4. Exceptions
The bans do not apply to materials and components listed in Annex II of Directive 2000/53/EC under the conditions mentioned there.
