Switzerland – 3rd – Non-financial reporting

1. Background

Legal Framework in Switzerland and in the EU

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) The obligation for companies to prepare sustainable development reports took effect in the EU on 5 January 2023. This directive updates and strengthens the rules on the corporate and environmental information that companies must disclose. To ensure Swiss law remains aligned at the international level, on 26 June 2024 the Federal Council initiated a consultation on new provisions governing corporate reporting. In keeping with the standards in effect in EU member states, the proposed rules will require a larger number of companies to publish reports on the risks their activities pose with respect to the environment, human rights and corruption, as well as on the measures taken to counter these risks.

2.2 Updating the measures contained in the NAP 2020–2023

Measure 7: Reduction in human rights risks associated with gold extraction and trading

Starting on 1 January 2022, Swiss-based companies must comply with due diligence obligations as well as with reporting obligations if they import and process minerals and metals from conflict-affected areas (see Article 964j ff. of the Code of Obligations, and the DDTrO). The Federal Administration informs the private sector of the applicable legal provisions.

Measure 27: Promoting efforts to end all forms of child exploitation in supply chains

Since 1 January 2022, companies based in Switzerland have been required to comply with due diligence obligations as well as with reporting obligations if there is reasonable suspicion that the products or services they offer were produced or supplied with the involvement of child labour (see Article 964j ff.CO and DDTrO). The Federal Administration supports the implementation of these legal obligations by providing an analytical tool and cooperating with child labour-related platforms set up by international organisations

The 2024-27 National Action Plan is supplemental to the 2020-23 NAP. The 2020-2023 NAP explicitly addresses this issue. 

Additional Information about the 2020-23 NAP can be found here.