Key takeaway
What This Development Means
Switzerland's Packaging Ordinance creates a broader compliance framework for packaging design, recycling, producer responsibility, deposits and reporting. Although PFAS are not specifically named, the SVHC requirement makes chemical due diligence an important part of packaging compliance planning.
Does Switzerland's Packaging Ordinance Ban PFAS In Packaging?
No. The Packaging Ordinance does not explicitly mention or ban PFAS. However, it requires packaging to avoid SVHCs where technically possible and economically reasonable, meaning businesses should check whether any PFAS used in coatings, additives or barriers fall within Swiss high concern substance rules.
When Do The Packaging Ordinance Requirements Take Effect?
Most provisions apply from 1 January 2027, with key duties phased in later. Glass fees start in 2028, design and SVHC requirements in 2030, broader take-back and reporting duties in 2031, and possible deposit measures linked to recycling performance from 2032.
Source basis: Fedlex, Verordnung über Verpackungen (24 June 2026)
Switzerland has adopted a new Packaging Ordinance (Verpackungsverordnung, VerpV) that will expand packaging compliance duties across design, recycling, take back systems, reporting and chemical risk management. Approved by the Swiss Federal Council on 24 June 2026, the regulation will replace the existing Beverage Packaging Ordinance and introduce phased obligations between 2027 and 2032.
From 1 January 2030, packaging placed on the Swiss market must, where technically feasible and economically reasonable, be limited to the minimum necessary volume and mass, be suitable for collection and recycling, contain the highest possible proportion of recyclates and avoid substances of very high concern (SVHCs) under Article 70(1) of the Swiss Chemicals Ordinance.
The ordinance does not explicitly name PFAS. However, its SVHC requirement means companies should review fluorinated chemicals, coatings, processing aids and other high concern additives used in packaging materials, particularly where PFAS or PFAS related substances may be present.
From 1 January 2031, retailers and manufacturers placing beverage cartons and single use plastic packaging on the Swiss market must join or financially support an industry organisation, or operate their own take back system at or near the point of sale.
The regulation sets minimum recycling rates of 70% for beverage cartons and 55% for single use plastic packaging. If these are not met from 2032, Swiss authorities may require minimum deposits and mandatory return systems for affected packaging.
From 1 January 2028, manufacturers and importers of glass packaging must pay an advance disposal fee of CHF 0.01 to CHF 0.10 per package, subject to exemptions for very small containers and low volume suppliers. Revenue will fund glass collection, transport, sorting, recycling and public information activities.
Reusable beverage packaging will generally require a minimum CHF 0.30 deposit, while glass, PET and aluminium beverage packaging must each meet a 75% recycling rate. Companies above CHF 1 million turnover and 500 kilograms of packaging thresholds will also face electronic reporting duties.
Businesses supplying products into Switzerland should review packaging formats, recycled content, SVHC controls, PFAS screening, producer responsibility arrangements and data systems ahead of the phased implementation dates.
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