On 2 November 2022, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court upheld the Swiss Federal Administrative Court’s ruling that information can be exchanged to investigate criminal tax matters pursuant to an information exchange request by a foreign tax authority. However, use of the information exchanged for non-tax enforcement purposes is impermissible.
In its decision of 12 September 2022, the Swiss Federal Administrative Court confirmed that interpretive software that uses indicators such as calendar days and body temperature to monitor fertile and infertile phases of a menstrual cycle to achieve natural conception or prevent undesired pregnancy, qualifies as a medical device. This means that such software is subject to a conformity certification procedure with a notified body.
On 1 December 2022, Switzerland’s new Human Genetic Testing Act will enter into force.
The new HGTA provides a comprehensive legal framework for all types of genetic testing (including direct-to-consumer genetic testing and lifestyle genetic testing) and implements stronger measures to protect privacy rights, prevent abuse of genetic data and ensure the quality of genetic tests and the interpretation of the results.
As part of the comprehensive revision of the HGTA, the Human Genetic Testing Ordinance and the Ordinance on the creation of DNA profiles for civil and administrative purposes have been amended accordingly.
Baker McKenzie’s Sanctions Blog published the alert titled Switzerland implements eighth EU sanctions package and adds UK to certain carve-outs on 28 November 2022. Read the article via the link here. Please also visit our Sanctions Blog for the most recent updates.
Baker McKenzie was invited to serve as the global editor of the Chambers Advertising & Marketing 2022 Practice Guide which features 8 high-profile jurisdictions and provides the latest legal information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, advertising claims and clinical studies, comparative advertising, social/digital media, influencer campaigns, consumer promotions, sports betting/gambling, and cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens.
Baker McKenzie’s Sanctions Blog published the alert titled Switzerland Subjects Iranian Designated Parties to its Russia Sanctions on 4 November 2022. Read the article via the link here. Please also visit our Sanctions Blog for the most recent updates.
Baker McKenzie’s Sanctions Blog published the alert titled Switzerland Adds to the Lists of Designated Parties and Territories under its Russia Sanctions on 18 October 2022. Read the article via the link here. Please also visit our Sanctions Blog for the most recent updates.
In June 2020, the modernized Swiss company law (grosse Aktienrechtsrevision) was adopted after years of parliamentary discussion. The revision includes updated rules with respect to management compensation for listed companies. Furthermore, the Swiss Confederation adopted new rules on the disclosure of non-financial matters as well as minerals and metals from conflict areas and child labor.
After pressure from Parliament, the Swiss Federal Council has against its own intentions opened the consultation process on new legislation to screen foreign investments in future also in Switzerland and has published a draft investment control law (“Draft ICL”). By implementing foreign investment control mechanisms, Switzerland would follow the global trend towards stricter regulation of foreign investments. According to the Draft ICL, the new law would apply to acquisitions of domestic companies by foreign investors. The main objective is the aversion of possible threats to public order and national security resulting from acquisitions of domestic companies by foreign investors. The final aim is to create investment controls in a new and stand-alone federal law.
Baker McKenzie’s Sanctions Blog published the alert titled Switzerland De-Lists Designated Individuals under Russia Sanctions on 28 September 2022. Read the article via the link here. Please also visit our Sanctions Blog for the most recent updates.