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European Member States and UK

Swiss Responsible Business Ordinance

Swiss RBO · Switzerland

Under review Last updated 1 June 2026

Plain-language summary

The Swiss Responsible Business Ordinance (Verordnung uber Sorgfaltspflichten und Transparenz bezuglich Mineralien und Metallen aus Konfliktgebieten und Kindheitsarbeit) entered into force in January 2022. It is narrower in scope than comparable EU legislation, applying only to supply chain due diligence for minerals and metals from conflict-affected areas and for supply chains with child labour risks.

The ordinance was issued under the Swiss Code of Obligations following the rejection of the Responsible Business Initiative in a 2020 referendum. The Federal Council is now reviewing whether to expand the scope of the ordinance to align more closely with the EU CSDDD as Switzerland seeks to maintain regulatory coherence with its major trading partners.

For suppliers in affected sectors, the ordinance requires Swiss buyers to conduct due diligence on minerals and metals from conflict zones and on supply chains with identified child labour risks. An expansion of scope would significantly increase the obligations on Swiss companies and correspondingly on their Global South suppliers.

Key obligations

  1. 1

    Supply chain due diligence for conflict minerals

    Companies importing tin, tantalum, tungsten, or gold from conflict-affected areas must conduct due diligence in line with OECD guidance.

  2. 2

    Supply chain due diligence for child labour

    Companies with supply chains in countries with elevated child labour risks must conduct due diligence to identify and address child labour.

  3. 3

    Annual reporting

    Covered companies must publish an annual due diligence report on their supply chain practices.

Implementation timeline

November 2020

Responsible Business Initiative rejected in referendum

The broader initiative to create civil liability for Swiss companies was rejected by 50.7% of voters.

January 2022

Ordinance enters into force

The narrower ordinance covering conflict minerals and child labour entered into force.

2026 (ongoing)

Federal Council reviewing scope expansion

The Federal Council is evaluating whether to expand the scope to align with EU CSDDD.

Change log

Official sources