Switzerland Adopts Disclosure Requirements for Synthetic Nanomaterials in Fibrous or Tubular Form

On March 1, 2018, amendments to Switzerland’s Chemicals Ordinance took effect.  The amendments, adopted by the Federal Council on January 31, 2018, include new disclosure requirements for synthetic nanomaterials of fibrous or tubular form.  Switzerland states that the specified nanomaterials can cause lesions in the lungs if inhaled.  As reported in our September 29, 2017, blog item, Switzerland notified the European Commission of the draft amendment in September 2017.  The draft consultation paper released in spring 2017 included proposals to modify the definition of nanomaterial and introduce a communication requirement concerning the use of nanomaterials.  Switzerland states that these proposals were withdrawn due to the comments received.