The Swiss National Council's Committee for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy (CEATE-N) voted in favour (20 to 2, with 3 abstentions) of a revised motion (25.3421) calling for stricter national action on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The committee's proposal tasks the Federal Council with limiting PFAS discharges and considering a Swiss-specific regulatory framework, potentially diverging from the EU Drinking Water Directive.
This move signals Switzerland's intention to proactively manage PFAS risks across its chemicals ecosystem, balancing public health, environmental safety, and economic impact.
Divergence from EU PFAS Limits Under Consideration
A key aspect of the proposal is to assess whether Switzerland should adopt autonomous PFAS limit values, rather than fully aligning with the EU’s new drinking water directive. CEATE-N clarified that while the original motion excluded EU adoption altogether, the revised wording offers flexibility to the Federal Council. This would allow Switzerland to prevent potential trade barriers while tailoring regulations to national needs.
The commission emphasised that any future PFAS limit values must consider multiple factors, including evolving contamination levels and the socioeconomic implications of stricter thresholds.
Targeting PFAS at the Source
In addition to remediating existing contamination, the committee stresses preventive action. CEATE-N wants the Federal Council to limit the production and use of PFAS where suitable, safer alternatives exist. This includes evaluating the social and economic utility of PFAS-containing products to ensure only essential uses persist.
This broader regulatory vision aims to protect both environmental and human health across multiple sectors—chemical manufacturing, water utilities, agriculture, and waste management.
Financial Support for PFAS Clean-ups
The committee also endorsed a separate initiative (25.440) to make retroactive compensation available for clean-up activities related to PFAS pollution—especially from firefighting foams. Since 1 April 2025, costs for investigating and remediating PFAS-contaminated sites can be reimbursed through the OTAS environmental fund. The proposed legislative change would ensure retroactive eligibility, aligning PFAS cases with existing legal provisions for other pollutants.
Implications for Industry and Regulators
This shift in Switzerland’s PFAS policy would have wide-reaching implications. Manufacturers may face stricter use conditions or reporting requirements. Agricultural businesses could receive support for soil decontamination, while regulators and municipalities must prepare for enhanced water quality controls.
A minority within CEATE-N opposed parts of the motion, citing concerns about maintaining consistency with EU chemicals legislation and ensuring adequate health protections. These internal divisions highlight the complex trade-offs involved in PFAS regulation.
