FOOD AND HEALTH ESSENTIALS

New origin labeling rules take effect in Switzerland

New rules governing the use of the "Made in Switzerland" mark on food products are now in effect in Switzerland.

Under the terms of a 2015 implementing ordinance that came into effect on January 1, 2017, at least 80 percent of a food product’s "raw material" net weight must originate in Switzerland for that product to legally bear the "Made in Switzerland" mark or the well-known Swiss cross. The raw material calculation is based on the "rate of self-provision for natural products," which is derived from a complex formula intended to balance Swiss-based production and Swiss-based consumption.

A handful of natural products and ingredients are exempt from the new origin labelling rules, including certain products and ingredient that cannot be produced in Switzerland, such as coffee, cocoa, pineapple and avocado. Also excluded from the rules are natural products that are temporarily unavailable due to agricultural cycles or crop failures, as well as spices and other food additives that do not contribute materially to the weight of a given food product.

The complete text of Switzerland’s new implementing ordinance on origin and geographic indications is available here (in French).