Climate-related information – new enforcement aid creates legal certainty
New FOEN enforcement aid explains how climate-related terms such as ‘carbon-neutral’ should be used, ensuring that they are clear, accurate and verifiable. The enforcement aid provides more detail on an amendment to the Federal Act on Unfair Competition (UCA).
The FOEN has published new enforcement aid on interpreting climate-related information on products. It provides greater detail on applying the legal requirement to substantiate climate information on products and companies on an objective and verifiable basis. This legislation has been in force since 1 January 2025. The enforcement aid enables authorities and private individuals to apply the UCA consistently and provides companies with greater legal certainty. Key points: Product-related information may not be justified by offsetting measures; however, for companies this is possible under strict conditions, whereby emission reductions are prioritised. The term ‘climate-neutral’ is not currently verifiable and should not be used. The main principle is: climate information must be clear, accurate and verifiable.