For a forward-looking Swiss identity

Swiss Textiles aims to protect the ‘Swiss Made’ label whilst at the same time updating the Swissness concept to reflect contemporary realities. Where Swiss value creation stems entirely from research, development, engineering or design, this should also be clearly communicated. This reflects the reality of the Swiss economy, in which knowledge, innovation and highly skilled activities account for an increasingly significant proportion of value creation.

‘Swiss Made’ remains important

For companies that manufacture in Switzerland, ‘Swiss Made’ is a significant guarantee of quality and origin. Swiss Textiles therefore expressly supports the retention of the existing ‘Swiss Made’ regulations and is committed – amongst other things, through ‘Swissness Enforcement’ – to ensuring that their credibility and value are defended and maintained both in Switzerland and worldwide.

At the same time, Swiss value creation is changing

Switzerland is one of the leading centres for innovation and research. In our sector too, new materials and technologies are researched here, products are developed, technical solutions are devised and textiles are designed – even if the subsequent industrial manufacturing takes place partly abroad.

Until now, this form of value creation could only be associated with Switzerland to a limited extent. Swiss Textiles therefore welcomes the IPI’s change in practice, whereby the Swiss cross may be used in conjunction with a specific description of activity such as ‘Swiss Design’ or ‘Swiss Engineering’, provided that this activity is carried out entirely in Switzerland.

Swiss Textiles members see an opportunity in the change in practice

A recent survey conducted by Swiss Textiles amongst its members this summer shows that a majority of the companies surveyed regard the change in practice as an opportunity both for the Swiss economy and for the textile sector, as well as for their own businesses. The results also show that, for our members, ‘Swissness’ is not created solely through industrial production. Research and development, industrial manufacturing and design are viewed almost equally as expressions of Swiss value creation.

Preserving ‘Swiss Made’ – rethinking ‘Swissness’

For Swiss Textiles, these two objectives are not at odds with one another. The change in practice does not expand the group of companies permitted to label their products with an indication of Swiss origin: anyone who was previously not permitted to label their product as ‘SWISS’ will still not be permitted to affix the Swiss cross to it in future. Those who already meet the requirements for ‘SWISS’ may now also use the Swiss cross.

Where a product meets the criteria for ‘Swiss Made’, this designation of origin should be protected and reinforced. Where specific Swiss value is created in research, development, engineering or design, this too should be made visible.

At the same time, clear rules are needed. Legal certainty and effective protection against misuse are of central importance to our members. Swiss indications of origin must be based on value added that has actually been generated in Switzerland.

In this way, ‘Swissness’ remains credible – whilst at the same time reflecting what distinguishes the Swiss economy today and in the future.

Political process

The IPI’s change in practice is politically controversial. Various political motions have already been tabled with the aim of restricting or preventing the new practice at the legislative level, including Motion 26.3629 Regazzi.

For the reasons outlined above, Swiss Textiles opposes such efforts. We are convinced that the change in practice usefully complements the existing ‘Swiss Made’ regulations and better reflects the current reality of the Swiss economy.

Swiss Textiles will monitor the political process accordingly and advocate for a solution that protects ‘Swiss Made’ whilst simultaneously highlighting Swiss value creation in all its current diversity.