Utility articles and handling of utility articles

Food Contact Materials (FCM) are materials and articles in contact with food. They include products such as food packaging, tableware, cutlery, vessels and cooking utensils, through to equipment, machinery and conveyor belts in production.

Most FCMs are made of plastic, paper, cardboard, inks, glass, ceramics, metal and/or combinations of these.  FSVO Information

In Switzerland, legal requirements for tattoo dyes and colors for permanent make-up have already been established for several years. Particularly questionable substances, such as those with proven carcinogenic properties, are already prohibited by this. Since the color pigments are introduced into the dermis layer of the skin, allergies can be triggered.  FSVO information

Cosmetic agents come into contact especially with the skin, hair, teeth and mucous membranes of the oral cavity. They are used to cleanse them, perfume them, change their appearance, protect them or keep them in good condition.

Cosmetic products must be safe for health and meet the requirements of the Food Act.  FSVO information

Metallic objects may not give off nickel when they come into contact with the skin over a long period of time. Especially with costume jewelry and piercing, nickel release can be a problem because it can trigger a contact allergy.

But the regulation also applies to other metal utensils with prolonged contact with the skin, such as watches, buttons, rivets on clothes, belts, eyeglass frames and the like. FSVO information

Textiles, leather products and cords and drawstrings on children's clothing are regulated by the Ordinance on Articles for Human Contact. FSVO information

Substances in hygiene products such as tampons and pads can enter the human organism through the skin. To ensure that this skin contact does not endanger health, the requirements are laid down in the Foodstuffs and Utility Articles Act. FSVO information

A toy is any product designed or obviously intended to be used for play by children 14 years of age or younger. This includes toys and certain infant articles as well as learning, painting and drawing materials.  

Toys can pose an acute health hazard when used. Infants and toddlers not only touch toys with their hands, but also explore them with their mouths.  FSVO Information

Bathing water in publicly accessible swimming pools Art. 7 let. h TBDV is classified as a utility article, since it comes into contact with the human body. Swimming pools must provide bathing water of impeccable quality. For this purpose, equipment for bathing water treatment must be used and chemical substances must be used.

Shower water in publicly accessible facilities Art.7 let. h TBDV is classified as a utility article because it comes into contact with the human body. Shower facilities must be operated according to the recognized rules of technology and the water must not endanger health.

A possible health hazard is legionella. These are environmental bacteria that can multiply in domestic installations at temperatures in the range of 25 °C to 45 °C and stagnation. If contaminated water is inhaled in the form of minute water droplets, bacteria can enter the respiratory tract and infect the lungs. Research Project LeCo

E-cigarettes, also called "electronic cigarette", consist of the following parts: a mouthpiece, a rechargeable battery, an electric vaporizer and a cartridge containing the liquid to be vaporized.

E-cigarettes, including cartridge and liquid, currently still fall within the scope of food law and are treated as commodities. From 2024, however, new legal regulations will apply. 

Before starting an activity with utility articles, it is necessary to check whether notification requirements must be met. In addition, the relevant requirements and obligations must be complied with. Companies / Notifications and Permits   Duties in handling food and utility articles

Regarding trade practice, respectively for the issuance of a possible trade license, reference is made to the Office of National Economy.

Some substances used in the textile industry, which often remain as residues in the clothes, can cause intolerances or even allergies.

Many of these substances can be easily removed by washing once: That's why new clothes with direct skin contact as well as children's clothes should be washed before they are worn for the first time.

Consumers should inform themselves about purchased products and use them as directed. In addition, it is important to take into account the safety measures specified by the manufacturer.