Obligations to the manufacturers of chemicals

Placing chemical products on the market requires the manufacturers’ self-regulation and hence under their responsibility. However, certain chemical products are subject to the obligation of notification, registration or to authorisation.

The majority of chemical products may be placed on the market without prior official approval but under the responsibility of the manufacturer (manufacturer in the legal sense of the term also means importers and certain dealers; Definition of Manufacturer). This requires that a self-regulation is carried out. Checks must also be made whether

  • a notification obligation as a chemical product exists
  • a notification obligation as a parallel imported plant protection agent exists
  • an authorisation as a biocidal product is required
  • an authorisation as a plant protection agent is required
  • an authorisation or registration as a fertiliser is required
  • a registration of a new substance is required
  • and that neither restricted nor prohibited substances are used in the chemical product “Restrictions and Prohibitions

Self-regulation

The responsibility and liability for correctly placing the majority of chemical products on the market lies entirely with the relevant manufacturers. The principle of self-regulation applies; there are no prior regulatory controls.

Objects

For certain substances the chemicals legislation contains provisions that must be respected when objects are placed on the market.

E-application for chemicals (RPC)

E-applications for chemicals offer companies the possibility to register new products or to submit a request for authorisation AN as well as to modify already registered products.

Substances

Practical information about applications for exemption for substances listed in Annex 1.17 ORRChem.

Obligation to report preparations

Preparations must be reported to the notification authority via the product register for chemicals within 3 months after first placing them on the market.

Biocidal products

Biocidal products may be placed on the market, be used professionally and commercially only if they have been authorised, notified or recognised according to the Ordinance on Biocidal Products (OBP - SR 813.12).

Registration application of a parallel imported plant protection product

Parallel imported plant protection products must be reported to the notification authority via the product register for chemicals within 3 months after first placing them on the market.

Last modification 23.05.2017

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