ESG: Switzerland Adopts Ban On Greenwashing

With the renewed amendment of the CO2 Act, the Swiss parliament has also amended the Unfair Competition Act (UWG). Anyone who makes statements about themselves, their work or their services in relation to the climate impact caused that cannot be backed up by objective and verifiable data is acting unfairly.

With the renewed amendment of the CO2 Act (Federal Act on the Reduction of CO2 Emissions), the Swiss Parliament has also amended the Unfair Competition Act (UCA; UWG). If no referendum is held by 4 July 2024, the Federal Council will bring the amendment into force on 1 January 2025.

Art. 3 para. 1 UCA will be amended as follows (Art. 3 para. 1 lit. x UCA): In particular, anyone who: ... "makes statements about himself, his works or services with regard to the climate impact caused that cannot be substantiated by objective and verifiable bases."