Product Safety Regulations: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Understand your legal obligations and liability risks when selling consumer goods in Switzerland.
These regulations provide the legal framework required to ensure that all consumer goods sold on the market are safe for the public. This framework is designed to maintain high safety standards across all types of retail transactions.
Who it's for
This scheme is intended for all retailers who sell consumer goods. If your business involves the sale of products to the public, you fall under these regulations.
What you get
By adhering to these regulations, you gain the benefit of a clear legal framework for selling safe products. This system helps establish a standard of quality for the market, ensuring that businesses operate within a predictable and regulated environment.
What it costs you
Compliance is not free. You will encounter compliance costs related to ensuring your stock meets the necessary safety requirements. Furthermore, you bear the legal and financial liability for any goods that are found to be unsafe. This means you must account for the potential costs of managing product safety within your business budget.
The catch to know
The most important thing to understand is that your responsibility does not end at the point of purchase from a supplier. You are legally liable for the products you sell even if you did not manufacture them yourself. This makes it essential to vet your supply chain carefully to avoid being held responsible for a manufacturer's mistake.
How to apply
- Identify every category of consumer goods you intend to sell in your shop.
- Verify that your suppliers provide proof that their goods comply with safety standards.
- Implement a process to check that all incoming stock meets the required safety criteria.
- Keep detailed records of your product sources to help manage your liability and compliance.