Executive Summary
On 24 June 2026, the Swiss Federal Council commissioned the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) to examine the modernization of the Commercial Register together with the cantons. The focus is on standardizing the technical infrastructure in order to optimize and simplify processes. The FDJP is to submit a detailed cost analysis and a proposal for further action by the end of 2028. In parallel, the FDJP is commissioned to prepare a consultation draft for the revision of the Commercial Register Ordinance (HRegV) by the end of 2027, which will enable process improvements even independently of IT changes.
Persons
- Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) (Lead responsibility for Commercial Register modernization)
Topics
- Commercial Register modernization
- Technical infrastructure
- Administrative optimization
- Federal cooperation
Clarus Lead
The modernization of the Commercial Register addresses a central weakness in Swiss administrative infrastructure: the previous decentralized structure with cantonal systems differing from each other leads to inefficiencies in business registration. With this, the Federal Council signals its ability to act on a reform project that has both technical and regulatory dimensions – a strategic signal for digital administrative transformation in Switzerland.
Detailed Summary
Previous work between the federal government and cantons has developed a shared future vision for the Commercial Register and prepared a rough cost estimate. However, significant uncertainties emerged: the exact costs of technical standardization remain unclear, and financing options still need to be clarified. Equally important is the analysis of potential cost savings in order to realistically assess benefits and expenditure.
The reform strategy pursues a two-stage approach. On one hand, the FDJP will examine various options for unified IT infrastructure by the end of 2028 – a technically and organizationally complex undertaking that requires coordination with 26 cantons. On the other hand, a revision of the Commercial Register Ordinance is being prepared in parallel, which should go into consultation by the end of 2027. This ordinance revision enables faster process optimizations that can be implemented independently of major infrastructure projects and thus offer earlier relief effects.
Key Messages
- The Federal Council commissions the FDJP with a comprehensive cost analysis and feasibility review for unified Commercial Register infrastructure (deadline: end of 2028)
- A parallel ordinance revision is intended to enable faster process improvements by the end of 2027 without having to wait for IT modernization
- The central challenge is the specification of costs and the identification of cost-saving potential for profitability assessment
Critical Questions
Evidence/Data Quality: What data does the previous rough cost estimate base on, and how valid are these estimates for a decision by the end of 2028?
Conflicts of Interest: Which cantons benefit more from standardization, and could this lead to resistance from cantons with already modern systems?
Causality/Alternatives: Has it been examined whether federalization (stronger cantonal autonomy) with standard interfaces would be more cost-effective than central infrastructure?
Feasibility: How will transition processes be designed to avoid operational disruptions in business registration during the conversion?
Financing: Are the federal government and cantons in agreement on cost-sharing, or is this still subject to negotiation in the analysis?
Timing: Why is the deadline for technical infrastructure analysis (end of 2028) two years after the ordinance revision (end of 2027)?
Source Directory
Primary Source: Federal Council – Commercial Register Modernization – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/OdEbUpEdESvH
Verification Status: ✓ 24.06.2026
This text was created with the assistance of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-check: 24.06.2026