Executive Summary
On 22 April 2026, the Swiss Federal Council opened a public consultation procedure for the revision of the Wood Trade Ordinance (HHV). The adjustment aims to reduce trade barriers and administrative burdens on imports of wood and wood products from the EU. In future, EU wood products that have already been placed on the market in the EU are to be subject to simplified due diligence obligations – provided there were no violations of EU regulations. The public consultation runs until 13 August 2026. This measure is part of a comprehensive competitiveness package from November 2025.
Persons
- Federal Council (collective institution; decision-making body)
Topics
- Wood Trade Ordinance
- EU trade relations
- Administrative simplification
- Illegal timber trade
Clarus Lead
The revision responds to economic policy pressure: Switzerland's economic location is to be strengthened through deregulation, while simultaneously maintaining standards against illegal timber operations. Since over 90 percent of all Swiss wood imports come from the EU, the simplification has an immediate impact on importers and trade. The measure signals a pragmatic middle ground between competitiveness and sustainability goals – a balancing act that is likely to be critically questioned during the consultation phase.
Detailed Summary
The Wood Trade Ordinance has been in force since January 2022 and requires all companies that first place wood on the Swiss market to conduct comprehensive due diligence checks. The aim is to prevent the placing on the market of illegally felled and traded wood and products made from it. These controls have so far also been required for wood products that have already been legally placed on the market in the EU.
The planned adjustment introduces a two-tier due diligence system: products without EU pre-market placement remain under full control; products with documented EU pre-market placement will in future be subject to simplified review. Swiss importers will need confirmation from their EU suppliers that the EU market placement was lawful. This differentiation is intended to significantly reduce the administrative burden without compromising protection against illegal timber flows. The measure is embedded in the December 2025 package to strengthen Swiss competitiveness.
Key Statements
- Federal Council opens public consultation on simplification of Wood Trade Ordinance (22 April 2026)
- Simplified due diligence obligation planned for EU wood products with documented pre-market placement
- Over 90 percent of Swiss wood imports come from the EU; administrative relief is substantial
- Protection standards against illegal timber operations remain in place
- Consultation period: 22 April to 13 August 2026
Critical Questions
Evidence/Data Quality: What data demonstrates that simplified due diligence does not significantly increase the risk of illegal wood imports? How will the compliance status of EU suppliers be verified?
Conflicts of Interest: To what extent were importer associations and sustainability organizations involved in shaping the revision proposal? Which stakeholders directly benefit from the simplification?
Causality/Alternatives: Is the simplification of the HHV the only instrument to strengthen competitiveness, or would tariff reductions or bilateral trade agreements have similar effects?
Feasibility/Risks: How will it be ensured that EU supplier confirmations are reliable? What sanctions apply in case of false statements? Can Swiss authorities verify compliance in the EU?
Sustainability Consequences: Could the simplification lead to greenwashing if EU pre-market placement is misused as a quality seal? How will forest protection impact be measured?
Source Directory
Primary Source: Federal Council – Public Consultation Procedure for the Revision of the Wood Trade Ordinance – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/_1EXDtzk5gsid0kF5xF_a
Verification Status: ✓ 22.04.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 22.04.2026