Summary

The Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) is opening a consultation on April 22, 2026, regarding the revision of the Wood Trade Ordinance (HHV). The changes aim to remove trade barriers for imports of wood and wood products from the European Union. For products with proven EU-compliant first placing on the market, simplified due diligence obligations shall apply in the future. The consultation period ends on August 13, 2026. The goal is to strengthen the competitiveness of affected Swiss companies.

Persons

  • Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (Authority)

Topics

  • Wood Trade Ordinance (HHV)
  • EU imports
  • Trade barriers
  • Due diligence obligations
  • Competitiveness

Clarus Lead

The revision addresses a central regulatory problem: the current HHV creates import barriers that disadvantage Swiss wood companies in EU competition. Simplifying due diligence obligations for EU-compliant products reduces compliance costs and accelerates approval procedures – a relevant signal for economic liberalization in the wood sector.

Detailed Summary

The planned revision of the Wood Trade Ordinance focuses on removing trade barriers for EU imports. The central mechanism is the introduction of simplified due diligence obligations for wood and wood products that have already been lawfully placed on the market in the EU. This regulation reduces redundant inspections and documentation requirements on the Swiss side, since EU compliance has already been demonstrated.

The measure explicitly aims at strengthening the competitiveness of Swiss companies in this sector. By reducing import costs and administrative hurdles, these businesses should be able to compete more efficiently with EU competitors. The draft ordinance will be submitted to the public for comment; the deadline for submissions runs until August 13, 2026.

Key Statements

  • Simplified due diligence obligations for EU-compliant wood products planned
  • Removal of trade barriers to reduce import costs
  • Goal: Improvement of competitiveness for Swiss wood companies
  • Consultation period: April 22 to August 13, 2026

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence/Data Quality: What empirical data demonstrates that the current HHV actually represents a significant competitive barrier? Have cost analyses been conducted?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: Who primarily benefits from the simplification – large importers or SMEs? Were environmental and sustainability associations involved in the preparation?

  3. Causality: To what extent is the simplified due diligence obligation sufficient to actually compensate for competitive disadvantages? Are there other regulatory barriers?

  4. Feasibility: How will the traceability and authenticity of EU compliance certificates be verified? What control mechanisms are planned?

  5. Side Effects: Could simplified inspection lead to quality or sustainability deficiencies if EU standards are lower than Swiss standards?

  6. Timeline: Why is the consultation period only just under four months? Is this sufficient for thorough submissions?

Source Directory

Primary source: Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (2026): Consultation opening – Revision of the Wood Trade Ordinance – https://fedlex.data.admin.ch/eli/dl/proj/2026/42/cons_1

Verification status: ✓ April 22, 2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: April 22, 2026