Projects in Regulatory Policy
We are committed to the ongoing improvement and simplification of existing regulations and to analysing various aspects of regulatory policy. Here you will find our most recent projects.
Standard costs
SECO provides the methodological foundations for regulatory cost estimations (in accordance with Art. 5 of the Business Relief Act, UEG). The administrative units or offices responsible for a given project are in charge of carrying out these cost estimations. To support them in this task, SECO commissioned the development of several tools. These include a tool that identifies the businesses affected by a new regulation, as well as a tool containing standard cost rates for specific obligations. Both tools help simplify the estimation process and ensure a certain level of consistency across assessments. In addition, further guidance materials have been developed for the offices.
Efficient design of regulatory instruments
The political focus on sustainability has led to increased regulatory activity in the environmental sector. A foundational report and a best‑practice guide are intended to provide orientation for the selection and design of effective and efficient regulatory instruments in environmental policy.
Introduction of a regulatory brake (rejected by Parliament)
According to the motion submitted by the FDP‑Liberal Group (16.3360), the regulatory brake was intended to require a qualified majority in Parliament for new regulations that either affect a minimum number of businesses or generate a minimum amount of regulatory costs. The Federal Council prepared the corresponding draft legislation and submitted it to Parliament (22.083). The Federal Assembly decided not to consider the proposal, and the motion was subsequently written off.
Review mandate on regulatory sandboxes
Rigid regulations can hinder innovation and make market entry more difficult, particularly for start‑ups and SMEs. “Regulatory sandboxes” can offer a remedy. Their purpose is to remove regulatory barriers to innovation and to identify potential needs for legal adjustments by allowing targeted temporary deviations from, or more flexible application of, the existing legal framework. The study examines the suitability and the conditions for applying different types of sandboxes.
Assessment framework for evaluating sustainability strategies and targets
The assessment framework serves as a tool for analysing policy proposals and strategies with quantitative targets from an economic policy perspective. The consequences of long‑term objectives in the environmental, social or economic domains are often difficult to assess and are only partially covered by the existing Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) instrument. The framework presented here fills this gap and supports the systematic evaluation of quantitative targets.
Government inspections in businesses
When regulating, the legislator pursues specific objectives such as ensuring the safety and health of employees or protecting the environment. However, it is not sufficient to simply enact a law; compliance must also be ensured. Government inspections are an important instrument in this regard. They do, however, require resources and thereby increase the administrative burden. Reducing this burden would help strengthen the economy. In fulfilment of Postulate 15.3117 de Courten, “Reducing regulatory costs. Bonus‑oriented inspection intervals for businesses and facilities”, the Federal Council adopted a report examining the potential for administrative relief in connection with government inspections.
Postulate report on examining different approaches to potential regulatory brakes
Regulatory brakes are institutional rules and instruments designed to slow the introduction of new regulations or reduce existing ones. In fulfilment of Postulate Caroni 15.3421, the Federal Council examined different approaches to regulatory brakes and outlined their possibilities and limitations.
- Federal Council adopts report on regulatory brakes
Pressrelease of 10 December 2018 (in German)
Differentiated regulation and opting‑out
Through differentiated regulation and opting‑out clauses, the administrative burden on companies with specific characteristics—particularly SMEs—can be selectively reduced. This is achieved by granting such companies simplified regulatory requirements or exempting them entirely from certain provisions. The present study develops a framework for the appropriate use of this instrument and thereby fulfils a corresponding mandate from the Federal Council.
Report on regulatory costs
The report includes a detailed estimate of the costs of government regulation for businesses in Switzerland and identifies potential improvement measures. In fulfilment of the postulates submitted by Fournier and Zuppiger, the competent federal offices conducted in‑depth analyses in selected areas.
Building permit procedures
- Building permit procedures and legal remedies: study identifies potential for optimisation
Press release of 25 June 2015 (in German)
Authorisation and deadlines
- SR 172.010.14
Ordinance on Principles and Time Limits for Authorization Procedures (Time Limits Ordinance) (in German) - Administrative relief: precise deadlines for authorization procedures
Press release of 25 May 2011 (in German)
Index
Relevant topics
Regulation
SECO is committed to promoting business‑friendly framework conditions. As the federal competence centre for regulatory matters, we support and advise the responsible offices in analysing the economic impact of new legislative proposals and in implementing the Act on Reducing the Regulatory Burden on Businesses.
Regulatory impact analysis
The Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is the instrument used to analyse and present the economic effects of federal proposals. This page provides the requirements and tools for planning and conducting an RIA. The RIA unit at SECO supports the federal administration in carrying out these analyses.
Reduction of administrative burdens on businesses
Efficient and proportionate regulations are a key element in ensuring attractive economic framework conditions. The Business Relief Act establishes measures and instruments aimed at reducing the regulatory burden on companies and advancing the digitalisation of public administration services.
Contact
Economic Policy Directorate / Regulatory analysis and policy
Nicolas Wallart
Holzikofenweg 36
CH - 3003 Bern