Executive Summary
On April 15, 2026, the Federal Council opened the consultation process for a modernization of the Publication Act (PublG). The reform is intended to adapt official publications to current technological and social conditions. The core point is the abolition of the obligation to produce and distribute printed periodicals such as the Official Collection (AS) and the Federal Gazette (BBl). At the same time, print-on-demand special prints should remain possible. The consultation period runs until July 15, 2026. Additionally, criteria for reference publications are to be clarified in order to reduce their disadvantages (lack of machine readability, poor user-friendliness).
Persons
- Federal Council (collectively; executive)
Topics
- Digitalization of administration
- Publication law and legal certainty
- Federal legislation
- Access to law
Clarus Lead
The reform responds to a factual change that was already completed in 2016: for ten years, the digital version has been legally binding, while paper editions are produced only out of tradition. The step not only modernizes the cost structure but also signals a fundamental reorientation of legal communication from mass media print to digital primary source. For those seeking legal information and authorities, this means simplified access to law via the Fedlex publication platform, while the abolition of printing obligations enables substantial savings.
Detailed Summary
Federal law is today consulted almost exclusively online via Fedlex. This reality contrasts with legal obligations that still refer to a time when printed periodicals were the primary information medium. The planned legislative change eliminates this discrepancy by removing minimum circulation requirements and distribution obligations for AS and BBl.
Parallel to the digitalization strategy, reference publications are to be more heavily regulated. This form of publication – where authorities only link to external content instead of publishing it in full – has significant shortcomings. Lack of machine readability complicates automated legal database queries; poor user-friendliness increases barriers for those seeking legal information. By establishing conclusive criteria in law, such reference publications should only be permitted in justified exceptional cases, while substantive legal acts must be published in full in AS or BBl.
Key Points
- The Federal Council abolishes legal printing obligations that are technologically outdated; digital publication becomes the norm.
- Print-on-demand remains available for niche demand without forcing mass production.
- Reference publications are limited by legal criteria to ensure legal certainty and access to law.
Critical Questions
Data Quality/Source Validity: What empirical data supports the "not insignificant demand" for print-on-demand copies? Were usage statistics or market analyses conducted?
Conflicts of Interest/Incentives: Do printing companies or distributors benefit from maintaining POD options? Who bears the costs for POD orders – the federal government or the requester?
Causality/Alternatives: Is the abolition of printing obligations absolutely necessary, or could a gradual transition (e.g., reduction instead of abolition) achieve similar savings?
Feasibility/Risks: How is it ensured that Fedlex continues to function as a reliable legal source in case of technical failures or cyberattacks? Are there backup scenarios?
Reference Publications – Control Mechanisms: Who monitors compliance with the new criteria for reference publications? What sanctions are imposed for violations?
Access to Law – Digital Divide: How is access ensured for population groups without stable internet connection or digital skills?
Sources
Primary Source: Federal Council – Modernizing Publication Law – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/Fc5BPHwYfmTaIpFkJ6zca
Verification Status: ✓ 15.04.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-check: 15.04.2026