WAK-N follows the Council of States and wants a level playing field

The Council of States forged ahead in the last spring session and sent a clear signal in favour of fair competition: it approved two decisive motions. Both are aimed at foreign online marketplaces and are intended to ensure fairer conditions for domestic companies. On Tuesday, the National Council's Committee for Economic Affairs and Taxation followed this decision and recommends that the two motions be adopted in the upcoming session.

Making Swiss standards visible

Beni Würth, a member of the Centre Councillor of States, wants to create clarity: online platforms from abroad should have to clearly indicate if their products for private use do not comply with Swiss regulations or are prohibited. This will protect consumers and keep competition fair. The Council of States voted unanimously in favour.

Systematically check small goods consignments

His counterpart Fabio Regazzi is calling for more checks on small consignments of goods: Today, countless small parcels arrive in Switzerland almost unchecked every day. With significantly more money, systematic controls should enforce compliance with Swiss safety and quality standards and curb unfair competition to the detriment of Swiss SMEs. The Federal Council is also to propose financing solutions. The Council of States voted in favour by 37 votes to 1.

Now it is the National Council's turn as the second chamber. It will deal with the motions in the summer session, which begins on 1 June. If it follows its committee and adopts the motions, the Federal Council will take action. It will be instructed to take appropriate measures to ensure fair competition.

For Swiss Textiles, the signals from the Council of States and the WAK-N are important steps. The industry association has been campaigning for several years on behalf of its members for a level playing field with foreign online marketplaces. If it is accepted, the Federal Council would have to take appropriate measures.

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