​Marketing cosmetics in Switzerland requires compliance with specific legal requirements that not only protect consumer health but also ensure that products are safe and meet market standards. Since May 1, 2017, new regulations have come into effect, setting obligations for manufacturers and distributors. Below, we will explore the key legal requirements for marketing cosmetics in Switzerland, along with the necessary practices related to exporting goods to the country.

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1. Product Information and Safety Report

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As of May 1, 2017, every cosmetic product placed on the Swiss market must be accompanied by a Product Information File (PIF). The documentation must include a safety report, drafted by a qualified person, and a description of the manufacturing process along with a declaration of compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). These requirements are in place to ensure that each product meets the safety standards set by law. The documentation must be prepared for each cosmetic product, except for artisanal cosmetics distributed locally and under limited circumstances, such as school fairs or markets.

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2. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

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Cosmetics must be manufactured following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), which ensure the quality and safety of the product. The ISO 22716 standard has been adopted to establish the criteria for manufacturing, though formal certification is not required. However, manufacturers must ensure that their processes comply with hygiene and safety requirements, preventing any risks to human health.

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3. Prohibition of Misleading Claims

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Since May 1, 2017, the prohibition of misleading claims has been extended to all cosmetic products. Labels must not make misleading statements, particularly regarding the medical or therapeutic properties of the products. All claims must be truthful, transparent, and compliant with the legal criteria defined in Article 47 of the Ordinance on Foodstuffs.

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4. Exemptions for Artisanal Cosmetics

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Artisanal cosmetics, distributed locally under limited circumstances, are exempt from some of the more complex legal formalities, provided they are safe for health and not intended for vulnerable groups, such as children under three years old or individuals with sensitive skin. However, even in these cases, manufacturers must ensure that the products comply with safety principles.

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5. Exporting Cosmetics to Switzerland: Required Documents

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For companies exporting cosmetics to Switzerland, fulfilling certain documentation requirements is essential. This not only facilitates the entry of goods into the country but also ensures that the products comply with Swiss customs regulations.

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6. DAU, AEO System, and EUR1 Document

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For exports from countries outside the European Union, the DAU (Single Administrative Document) is required, which serves as a customs declaration and is governed by Reg. CEE 2454/93. If the product is coming from an EU country, businesses can benefit from the simplifications introduced by the AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) system, which speeds up the customs process. Additionally, to benefit from preferential treatment in the EU territory, proof of the origin of the shipment must be provided through the EUR1 document. For goods valued below 6,000 euros, a declaration of origin on the invoice is sufficient.

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7. Commercial Invoice

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The commercial invoice is a crucial document for export procedures. It must be prepared in triplicate and contain essential information about the goods being transported, including the amount, issuance date, number of packages, weight, description of the goods, and origin, as well as the identification details of both the seller and the buyer. Depending on the type of goods, additional certificates may be required, such as phytosanitary certificates (for plant products) or sanitary certificates (for meat and animal-derived products).

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8. Transport Document

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The goods exported to Switzerland must also be accompanied by a transport document (DDT), which has replaced the delivery note and certifies the transfer of goods from the seller to the buyer at a specified location. This document must include the seller's and buyer's details, the document's number and date, a description of the goods, quantity, carrier references, and the number and weight of the packages. Another similar document is the CMR (Convention des Marchandises par Route), the international waybill.

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9. Certificate of Origin of the Goods

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It is also important to provide the certificate of origin for the exported goods, especially when they are not from the European Union. The certificate of origin is not required for exchanges between EU member states unless the goods are subject to further export. It is, however, essential for trade with third countries, where it verifies the production of the goods in the country of origin and the absence of alterations or modifications to the goods between the place of origin and the destination.

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Exporting cosmetics to Switzerland requires thorough preparation in terms of documentation, in addition to compliance with local regulations on safety and good manufacturing practices. Companies wishing to introduce their products to the Swiss market must follow a series of steps, including meeting legal requirements for consumer safety and fulfilling customs obligations.

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It is advisable to reach out to Swiss companies specialized in the sector, such as BLOOM, which can provide valuable assistance in navigating the legal and regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance, and streamlining the export process. With expert guidance, businesses can smoothly enter the Swiss market and meet the necessary standards for their products.

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