Whosoever imports chemical products – even in the case of parallel imports – is considered in the legal sense to be the responsible manufacturer in Switzerland. In consequence, all obligations of a manufacturer shall be met.
Placing chemical products on the market essentially requires self-regulation of the manufacturer and hence is under their own 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”
Last modification 23.05.2017