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🇨🇭 What product compliance requirements must I meet as a merchant?

🇨🇭 What product compliance requirements must I meet as a merchant?

Table of Contents

 

 

Product Compliance

Product compliance means that products comply with the applicable rules according to laws, guidelines or own standards. Product compliance can save time, reduce costs and minimise risks for the company and the customer. The following list is therefore a guide to meet our restrictions in our product range. These are not exhaustive.

Notes due to the group requirements of the Migros Group

Information regarding legal provisions Digitec Galaxus CH marketplace

Alcohol

For alcoholic products, it is mandatory to indicate the alcohol content.

Pharmaceuticals / Medical Devices

Since Digitec Galaxus AG is not licensed as a pharmacy, only category E medicines are offered. Additionally, we don't offer veterinary medicines due to the lack of required permits. Due to the differing classifications in Switzerland and the EU, only category E products from Switzerland are available.
When submitting medical devices, please ensure that all information in the online shop, on the product, and in the product leaflet is available in the three official languages (German, French, Italian). Furthermore, all products without a Swiss manufacturer must have a CH-REP label printed on the packaging.

  1. Trilingual Information
    All product information, such as labels, instructions for use, and packaging details, must be available in Switzerland's three official languages:

    • German

    • French

    • Italian

This ensures that the products are understandable for all users in Switzerland.

  1. Swiss Authorized Representative (CH-REP)
    For all medical devices originating from a manufacturer outside of Switzerland, a Swiss Authorized Representative (CH-REP) must be designated. The representative's details (name, address) must be clearly visible on the product packaging.

  2. Professional Use Products
    For products intended exclusively for professional users, please note that Digitec Galaxus does not verify the qualifications of professionals. Therefore, offering products for professional users is not permitted.

Distributor Obligations Under Article 54 MedDO

  1. General Duty of Care
    A distributor placing a product on the market must consider the applicable requirements with due diligence in the context of their activities.

  2. Verification Before Placing on the Market
    Before placing a product on the market, the distributor must verify that:

    1. The conformity marking is present on the product;

    2. The declaration of conformity is available;

    3. The product information is available;

    4. For imported products, the importer has provided the information required under Article 53 paragraph 2; and

    5. Where necessary, the manufacturer has assigned a UDI (Unique Device Identifier).

  3. Random Sampling
    Except for paragraph 1, letter d, the verification may be conducted on a random sampling basis.

  4. Procedure in Case of Non-Conformity
    If a distributor believes or has reason to believe that a product does not comply with the requirements of the regulation, they must not place the product on the market until the product's conformity is established.

  5. Additional Distributor Obligations
    The additional obligations of the distributor before and after placing a product on the market are governed by Articles 14 and 16 paragraphs 3 and 4 of the EU-MDR. These obligations particularly include:

    1. Storage and transport, as well as the quality management system;

    2. Cooperation with the manufacturer, the authorized representative, the importer, and the competent authorities;

    3. Informing the manufacturer, the authorized representative, the importer, and the competent authorities.

Importer Obligations Under Article 53 MedDO

  1. Verification Before Placing a Product on the Market
    Before placing a product on the market, the importer must verify that:

    1. The manufacturer has manufactured the product in compliance with the applicable requirements of the MedDO;

    2. The EU declaration of conformity is available, and the product complies with the applicable requirements;

    3. The product is marked with a conformity marking;

    4. The required product information (e.g., instructions for use, labeling) is available in the required language;

    5. Where necessary, the manufacturer has assigned a UDI (Unique Device Identifier).

  2. Importer Information
    The importer ensures that the following information is provided on the product, its packaging, or an accompanying document:

    • Name, registered trade name, or registered trademark;

    • Address of the importer’s registered office;

    • Contact information for traceability.

  3. Cooperation with Authorities
    The importer cooperates with the competent authorities and provides, upon request, all necessary documentation to demonstrate the product's compliance.

  4. Procedure in Case of Non-Conformity
    If an importer believes or has reason to believe that a product does not comply with the requirements of the regulation, they must not place it on the market. The importer must inform the manufacturer and, if necessary, the competent authorities.

  5. Storage and Transport
    The importer ensures that storage and transport conditions don't compromise the product's compliance.

Baby Food

It is prohibited to label infant formulae or follow-on formulae in such a way as to discourage breastfeeding. It is also forbidden to use pictures of babies, other images or wording that could idealize the use of this food. The use of terms such as «humanised», «materialised» or «adapted» is prohibited.

Bamboo Plastic Commodity

Since July 2021, there is a sales ban in Switzerland for bamboo plastic commodities (articles that come into contact with food) such as cups, plates or cutlery. Due to this, we ask you to refrain from making such offers. Bamboo articles in which the structure of the bamboo is recognisable ("pure bamboo") are still permitted.

Copper Cup Commodity

Cups made of copper may only contain copper on the inside of the vessel if this side has a coating.

Biocidal Products and Plant Protection Products

Biocidal products and plant protection products must be labelled with the following mandatory product information: "Use biocides or plant protection products with caution. Always read the label and product information before use." Only biocides and plant protection products authorised in Switzerland may be offered for sale.

Biocidal treatment

A product treated with biocides may contain one or more biocidal products for protection against microorganisms, insects or other harmful organisms. Such products must indicate their biocidal properties (e.g., odour control) and the name of the substance concerned (e.g., silver) in their product description. Examples of «treated products» are sportswear with sweat protection or a keyboard with a germicidal coating.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Since, according to the current legal regulations, CBD oil can only be offered with denaturant (not approved as food), we have decided not to offer CBD oils.

Chemicals

Chemicals must be declared according to the GHS labelling system (Globally Harmonised System), in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 applicable in Switzerland. No products will be accepted that are labelled according to a predecessor or other system. The import of chemicals that are not authorised in Switzerland is prohibited.

Products in Group 2 of chemicals are only included in the Digitec Galaxus AG range subject to strict testing. Retailers are therefore forbidden to supply products with the following H-phrases in combination with the respective hazard pictograms without further ado:

Explosives Precursors

To enhance public safety, EU Regulation 2019/1148 regulates the trade of chemicals that could be misused for the illicit manufacture of explosives. As a merchant, you are obligated to strictly comply with these regulations.

If you offer products containing substances listed in Annex I or II of the Regulation (e.g., specific concentrations of nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, nitromethane, or acetone), the following provisions apply:

  • Prohibition of sale to the general public (Annex I): Substances listed in Annex I may not be sold, made available, or transferred to members of the general public (private individuals) above the statutory concentration limits.

  • Verification duty for professional customers: Sales to professional users or other economic operators may only take place after verifying the identity of the customer and the legitimate intended use of the substance.

  • Reporting obligation for suspicious transactions: You are legally required to report suspicious transactions, as well as the disappearance or theft of significant quantities, to the relevant national contact point within 24 hours.

  • Information sharing: You must ensure that your own customers within the supply chain are also informed about these restrictions and reporting obligations (pursuant to Art. 7 Para. 3 of the Regulation).

Electrical Safety

If appliances originate from the EU, a fixed adapter suitable for Switzerland (type 11 / contour plug CEE 7/17 or type 12 / Schuko CEE 7/7) or a suitable Swiss mains cable must be supplied. Products with British connections or electrical connections that are common outside Europe cannot be offered as no suitable fixed adapters exist. It is prohibited to offer products with a travel adapter instead of a fixed adapter.

Devices with plugs that have mechanical reverse polarity protection may also not be offered, as no suitable fixed adapters are available for these either.

image-20250527-062312.png
The symmetrical contour plug (CEE 7/17) is authorised in Switzerland (left).
The asymmetrical contour plug (CEE 7/17) is not authorised in Switzerland (right). It is not possible to connect a fixed adapter to the mechanically polarised version.

Please also note that products with an output of over 2,300 watts may not be offered with a fixed adapter in Switzerland.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is regulated in Switzerland in accordance with the Energy Efficiency Ordinance (EnEV).
Accordingly, the following product categories must display the energy efficiency class and a corresponding energy label:

  • Refrigerators and freezers

  • Washing machines

  • Washer-dryers

  • Tumble dryers

  • Dishwashers

  • Ovens

  • Extractor hoods

  • Televisions and monitors

  • Room air conditioners

  • Water heaters and hot water tanks

  • Room and combination heaters

  • Ventilation systems

  • Lamps

  • Domestic coffee machines (exempt from mandatory labelling in the EU)Fireworks

Due to the regulations concerning storage, transport and sale of fireworks, Digitec Galaxus AG has no fireworks in its product range.

Products with gas connections

There is no international standard for pressure regulators, which is why there are so many different connections. Take Germany, for example: pressure regulators fit Swiss barbecues, but cannot be screwed on tightly. This results in gas escaping. Examples include gas barbecues, gas heaters and gas ovens. This means that gas-powered appliances may only be sold with the respective country-specific gas connection.

Laser Pointer

According to the Ordinance to the Federal Act on Protection against Hazards from Non-Ionising Radiation and Sound (V-NISSG), laser pointers must be assigned to laser class 1. The possession, import, distribution and use of laser pointers of higher laser classes (1M, 2, 2M, 3R, 3B and 4) is prohibited in Switzerland.

Food

Since May 1, 2018, all information required by food law must be made available online for foods offered online (Art. 44 of the Foodstuffs and Utility Articles Ordinance, available only in German, French and Italian), which are:

  • Article description

  • List of ingredients including allergen declaration (allergens are written in capital letters)

  • Mandatory nutrition labelling and nutritional values:

    • Energy (kcal/kJ)

    • Fat, of which: - saturated fatty acids

    • Carbohydrates, of which: - sugar

    • Protein

    • Salt

  • Country of production

The food information can be transmitted in a product document (Fig 1.), in a picture (Fig 1.) or in our free text field for food information.

Further mandatory product-specific information must also be provided.

Food and beverages must comply with Swiss food regulations.

Food supplements

  • Advertising: labelling, presentation and advertising that suggest food supplements are necessary for a balanced, varied diet are not permitted.

  • The maximum permitted levels: In Switzerland, maximum levels for vitamins and minerals apply. These are listed in the Regulation on Food Supplements by the Federal Department of Home Affairs FDHA (only available in German, French and Italian). The applicable regulations in Switzerland may differ from regulations in other countries.

  • The content of vitamins and minerals is to be transmitted to us as a picture.

Precious woods

Precious woods such as rosewood, rosewood, mahogany, sandalwood, cedar and yew are CITES protected species and are subject to special import regulations. As a supplier from the EU, we ask that you don't send us any such products.

Salt

All salts and salt mixtures with a sodium chloride (NaCl) content of 30% or more and salt solutions with a sodium chloride content of 18% or more are subject to authorisation when imported into Switzerland. Therefore, products from abroad cannot be offered. For example, seasoning salts, bath salts & salt lamps.

Solid wood / products under the Timber Trade Ordinance (HHV)

In order to increase transparency for customers and to influence their conscious decision to purchase, a declaration obligation applies in Switzerland for round and raw wood as well as certain wood products made of solid wood.

The following products are subject to declaration:

  • Wood for walking sticks, umbrellas, tool handles and sticks.

  • Charcoal

  • Wooden frames for pictures, photographs, mirrors or similar objects

  • Seating and other furniture with main components made of solid wood (but not sofas with solid wood legs!)
    solid wood legs!)

  • Other furniture with main components made of solid wood

This product information shall be provided in the properties:

  • The trade name

  • The origin of the wood

These properties must also be observed for wood and paper products that fall under the HHV. All information on the declaration obligation for wood and wood products as well as the Wood Trade Ordinance are also listed in the BFK and bafu guidelines.

Animal cages

When sending animal cages (aviaries, small animal enclosures, terrariums & aquariums), please also include the following information:

  • Internal dimensions

  • Volume

  • Target animal species

  • Permitted maximum number of animals

The animal welfare regulations of Switzerland apply for the Swiss Shop.

Animal welfare

Illegal training aids are not permitted in the range. These include, for example, choking collars for dogs.

Weapons

Digitec Galaxus does not sell weapons. Furthermore, we reserve the right to exclude weapon-like items or dangerous items from our range for ethical reasons.