The Swiss Federal Council intends to prolong the Action plan for Synthetic Nanomaterials until 2019. The Federal Council issued a report, analysing the implementation of the action plan to date and defining goals for the coming years.

The "Action plan for synthetic nanomaterials" illustrates the work required in Switzerland for the safe handling of nanomaterials. It was adopted by the Federal Council in April 2008. On 17.12.2014 the Federal Council decided to continue the action plan until 2019.

The action plan was developed by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) in cooperation with an inter-departmental task force and the involvement of a panel of scientific and economic experts.

The objectives of the action plan (PDF; 500 KB) include:

1. development of regulatory framework conditions for the responsible handling of synthetic nanomaterials
2. creation of scientific and methodical conditions aimed at identifying and preventing potential harmful effects of synthetic nanomaterials on health and the environment
3. promotion of the public dialogue about opportunities and risks of nanotechnology
4. better utilisation of existing tools for the development and rollout of sustainable nanotechnology applications

The creation of regulatory framework conditions is divided into two phases:

• Phase 1 (short and medium term): Strengthening of corporate responsibility through different tools (precautionary matrix, guide to self-regulation, support of private-sector codes of conduct, guidelines for nano-specific safety data sheets, improved consumer information, disposal guide)

• Phase 2 (medium and long term): Development of legal framework conditions for the safe handling of synthetic nanomaterials (review of measures exceeding existing provisions and coordination with developments abroad)

The complete press  release (in German) can be accessed via the following link http://www.bag.admin.ch/dokumentation/medieninformationen/01217/index.html?lang=de&msg-id=55708

Contacts:

• BAG: Communication, Phone +41 (0)58 462 11 30, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• BAFU: Josef Tremp, Section Industrial Chemicals, Phone +41 (0)58 464 46 18
• SECO: Kaspar Schmid, Departmental Chemicals and Work, Phone +41 (0)58 462 69 01, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.