Summary
Details
- Switzerland
Binding for operators and traders placing timber/wood products on the market.
Certain exclusions may apply based on product scope definitions (as set in the ordinance).
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What's Required
Organizations placing timber or timber products on the Swiss market must:
Implement a due diligence system to minimize the risk of illegal timber entering the supply chain.
Collect information about timber species, origin country, supplier identity, quantity, and legal compliance documentation.
Conduct risk assessments regarding the likelihood of illegal harvesting.
Apply mitigation measures where risks are identified.
Maintain traceability records for suppliers and customers.
Cooperate with Swiss authorities during inspections or investigations.
Retain documentation and due diligence records for legally required periods.
The ordinance generally applies to operators placing timber products on the market for the first time and to traders further along the supply chain.
Important Deadlines
The ordinance entered into force on January 1, 2022.
Compliance obligations apply continuously to covered timber products placed on the Swiss market after the regulation became effective.
Organizations are expected to maintain ongoing due diligence and traceability systems rather than comply through a one-time filing or certification process.
Current Status
The Switzerland Timber Trade Ordinance is currently in force.
The regulation was introduced as part of Switzerland’s broader environmental and trade policy framework aimed at reducing illegal logging and aligning with international timber governance standards.
Swiss authorities continue to monitor implementation and may update guidance or enforcement priorities over time, particularly as global deforestation regulations evolve, including developments related to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
At present, the ordinance remains fully applicable and operational.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Statutory fines
Organizations that fail to comply with the ordinance may face administrative or legal penalties under Swiss law.
Potential consequences may include:
Financial penalties or fines.
Product seizures or restrictions.
Orders to remove non-compliant timber products from the market.
Enforcement actions related to inadequate due diligence or recordkeeping.
Liability for providing inaccurate or misleading information to authorities.
Companies may also face reputational risks and supply-chain disruptions if found to be sourcing or trading illegally harvested timber.
Examples of Known Violations
As of May 2026, we were not able to find publicly available examples of major penalties specifically imposed under the Switzerland Timber Trade Ordinance.
This is partly because the regulation is relatively recent compared to similar timber regulations in other jurisdictions.
However, enforcement authorities in Switzerland retain the authority to conduct inspections, investigate supply-chain documentation, and impose penalties for non-compliance where necessary.
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