Whether it is counterfeit watches or handbags, it should soon be easier for the Federal Customs Administration (FCA) to destroy fake products in small consignments. A new procedure aims to reduce the administrative effort by giving the authorities more leeway for their checks. These checks are essential – the importation of small consignments from Asia into Switzerland increased sixfold between 2014 and 2018. Swiss companies are particularly affected by counterfeiting. The Federal Council opened the consultation on the introduction of the simplified procedure on 15 January 2020. The consultation procedure will run until 30 April 2020.

Further information can be found in the Federal Council's media release.