For European and worldwide companies alike, Switzerland, despite being a small country in terms of population, represents a potential market. However, although Switzerland is part of the EEA (European Economic Area), it does not fully comply with European laws. Here are the main stages involved in marketing a food supplement in Switzerland
1. Clearly define your product
– Check whether it is a food (food supplement) or a medicine (e.g. if you claim therapeutic properties).
– In Switzerland, a food supplement remains a food (and not a medicine) as long as it is not presented or sold with claims to prevent, treat or cure illnesses.
2. Comply with Swiss food legislation
o Food supplements are governed by the Law on Foodstuffs (LDA) and its ordinance (ODAlOUs).
o Authorised additives, colouring substances and vitamins/minerals must comply strictly with the maximum limits set.
o Nutritional and health claims (e.g. ‘rich in vitamin C’, ‘contributes to…’) must comply with EU Regulation 1924/2006, recognised by Switzerland via the ODAlOUs. All health claims must be included in their positive list.
o Make sure you comply with hygiene and traceability standards, as well as those applicable to importers/distributors/food business operators.
3. Notification/information procedures for marketing a food supplement in Switzerland
– Unlike some European countries, Switzerland does not have a compulsory centralised registration system (except for medicinal products or novel foods).
– You must, however, inform your cantonal office (SCAV) when you place new or imported products on the market. You must ensure that the importer is registered with the SCAV.
– If vitamins or minerals exceed the nutritional limits, they will be reclassified as novel foods. Their marketing will require special authorisation from the OSAV (Office Fédéral de la Sécurité Alimentaire et des Affaires Vétérinaires – Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs).
4. Labelling & regulatory information
– The label must be in French, German or Italian, depending on the region concerned.
– Essential requirements (and much more!) :
o Declaration of product identity, list of ingredients, declaration of quantities of active nutrients, country of origin/importer, minimum durability date, precautions for use, batch number.
o Health claims must be clearly worded and not contain promises of treatment.
o If the product may present contraindications (children, pregnant women, etc.), this must also be clearly stated.
5. Good manufacturing practice (GMP)
– Although it is not a formal requirement, it is strongly recommended to produce according to HACCP principles (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), ensuring traceability, microbiological quality, analytical controls, etc.
– This good practice is often required by distributors (pharmacies, e-shops, organic shops) or e-business platforms.
6. Food supplements in Switzerland: Marketing & authorised claims
o You are only allowed to use authorised health claims: Switzerland applies, in translation, European regulations 1924/2006; all claims must be included in the harmonised list of the EFSA (European Food & Safety Agency).
o For unauthorised claims, clinical studies will have to be carried out and a dossier submitted to the EU/EFSA, which also implies a request for registration in Switzerland under the equivalence agreements.
7. Importation and customs formalities
– If you are importing the supplements from abroad, your designated importer (or yourself if you are importing directly) must register with the SCAV and ensure that the labelling requirements are met.
– Supplements must comply with the law on tobacco products, nicotine, etc. if applicable (for example, for vitamin gums containing caffeine).
– Customs declarations must be made, particularly in the event of export/transit to another country.
8. Post-marketing surveillance
– Maintain a batch archiving system, possibility of product recall if necessary.
– Regulatory monitoring: rapid adaptation to any changes, such as the banning of certain substances (e.g. too much caffeine, excipient structures).
CONCLUSION
If you want to market your food supplements in Switzerland with peace of mind, make sure you follow these steps carefully. Composition, labelling and the production process all need to be carefully controlled before importing or marketing.
If you want to work with experts on these subjects, call on our services
To Read Too:
White label, a solution?
Probiotics: What is this new trend consisting of bacteria for In & Out use?
Cosmetic Packaging: Airless, bio-sourced & refillable for greener products
Cosmetics: towards green formulation
Powdered cosmetics, a trend to follow?
Regulation and development of cosmetic ranges or well-being products
