Consumer Protection in Switzerland

Right of Withdrawal for Doorstep Sales (art. 40a-40g CO)

Applies to contracts concluded during doorstep solicitation, at the workplace or on public transport, for personal/family use, exceeding CHF 100. 14-day withdrawal period (art. 40e CO). Does not begin until the consumer is informed of this right.

No general right of withdrawal for online purchases in Switzerland, unlike EU law.

Warranty for Defects (art. 197 et seq. CO)

Two-year prescription for movables (art. 210 para. 1 CO). Warranty exclusion void if seller fraudulently concealed defects (art. 199 CO).

Unfair Competition Act (UCA)

Unfair clauses (art. 8 UCA): prohibits GTCs creating notable unjustified imbalance to consumer's detriment. Unfair commercial practices (art. 3 UCA): misleading advertising, aggressive sales methods. Consumer may sue for cessation, declaration and damages (art. 9 UCA).

Consumer Credit (CCA)

Applies to loans of CHF 500-80,000 for private purposes (art. 7 CCA). Requirements: creditworthiness assessment (art. 28 CCA), maximum interest rate set by Federal Council (art. 14 CCA), 14-day withdrawal right (art. 16 CCA).

Product Liability (PLA)

Strict liability of the producer for defective products (art. 1 PLA). No fault required. Prescription: three years (art. 9 PLA).

Consumer Remedies

Civil action, simplified procedure up to CHF 30,000 (art. 243 CPC), UCA complaint (civil and criminal), sector ombudsmen (banking, insurance, telecoms).