Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance (ORRChem)

Some chemicals, due to the danger they represent or due to the inacceptable risks when used, are subject to specific bans and restrictions.

If a chemical is of such a kind that it may have a harmful effect on an organism, it poses a hazard. Examples of hazards are chemicals that initiate skin irritations or may be carcinogenic.

Risk minimisation

The hazards posed by chemicals cannot be modified, but the risks can be minimised by preventing or limiting exposure. The labelling sticker and the safety data sheet of hazardous chemicals always contain information on the hazards and advice for safe use. However, this standard information is not always sufficient to adequately limit the risks. Certain chemicals, due to the danger they represent or due to the inacceptable risks when used, are subject to specific bans and restrictions.
Measures that reduce risks are summarised under the heading Risk Management.

More information on dealing with hazards and risks can be found under ‘Documents’: Factsheet Gefahr und Risiko

Restrictions and Bans

Specific bans or restrictions have been decreed in regard to placing on the market or to the use of certain substances or families of substances due to health and environmental risks associated with their use. These provisions can be found in the Annexes of the Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance (ORRChem).

The ORRChem totally bans certain substances or permits them only for certain applications when no substitute material is available from state of the art technology. Examples in the field of health and consumer protection are the prohibited supply of carcinogenic substances to the public or the restriction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in articles that contain plastics, which may come into contact with the body (e.g. bicycle handlebars).

An overview of the restrictions and bans pursuant to ORRChem can be found under ‘Links’.

Faktenblatt Umgang mit Gefahren und Risiken (PDF, 846 kB, 28.11.2016)available only in German, French or Italian

FOEN Bans and restrictions on use according to ORRChem

Ordinance on the Reduction of Risks relating to the Use of Certain Particularly Dangerous Substances, Preparations and Articles (Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance, ORRChem)