When it comes to food supplements, Switzerland does not follow exactly the same regulations as the European Union (EU). Its rules are largely harmonised with those of the EU, while retaining certain national specificities. Here is a summary of the key points to import food supplements in Switzerland :
🇨🇭 Swiss regulations on food supplements
1. Main legal framework :
o Food supplements in Switzerland are governed by legislation on foodstuffs, in particular the Ordinance on Foodstuffs and Everyday Objects (ODAlOUs) and the DFI Ordinance on Food Supplements.
o The competent authority is the Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (OSAV).
2. Harmonisation with the EU :
o Switzerland often adopts European directives, in particular for :
The definition of food supplements.
Vitamin and mineral limits.
Authorised substances.
o However, harmonisation is not automatic: each change in European law must be incorporated manually into Swiss law.
3. Swiss specificities :
o Switzerland can authorise or ban certain substances that differ from the EU lists.
o It can set its own nutritional reference values (NRVs) and maximum limits for vitamins/minerals. Furthermore, certain health claims may be authorised or refused differently.
4. Bilateral agreement with the EU :
o The Agreement on Agriculture between Switzerland and the EU allows some mutual recognition, but food supplements are not always fully included.
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⚖️ Practical consequences for Food Supplements
- A food supplement authorised in the EU is not automatically authorised in Switzerland, and vice versa.
- Companies must check compliance for each market.
- In the case of imports, prior notification to the OSAV is often required, particularly for NOVEL FOOD.
- A food safety officer whose business address is in Switzerland must be appointed.
CONCLUSION :
Before importing a product into Switzerland, it is essential to check that it is suitable for the Swiss market and to appoint a food safety officer whose business address is in Switzerland. Our recommendation is to be very carefull to import & market Food Supplements in Switzerland.
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