Action Plan on synthetic nanomaterials officially terminated
On September 2nd 2020, the Swiss Federal Council took note of the final report on the action plan "Synthetic nanomaterials". The report shows that the action plan has achieved most of its objectives. This means that it is now possible to better understand this new technology. The federal government's work on nanomaterials will be continued within the existing organization.
Every new technology brings unknown factors with it. Nanotechnology, which has enormous potential, is no exception. For this reason, the Federal Council decided in 2008 to create the conditions for the safe use of nanomaterials to protect the health of humans, animals and the environment in Switzerland with the "Synthetic nanomaterials" action plan.
The action plan has made it possible to establish the technical and scientific basis necessary for the evaluation of chemical products from this technology. Various nanospecific adjustments have been made to Swiss law accordingly. The accompanying guidelines, enforcement aids and platforms for consultation have supported companies and other stakeholders in dealing with nanomaterials. The action plan has thus contributed to an open, factual dialogue on nanotechnology in Switzerland.
The work of the Action Plan and the National Research Program 64 (NRP64), which ran in parallel, provided general insights into which nanomaterials pose a greater or a lesser risk. The regulation could be adapted accordingly.
There are still open scientific and methodological questions regarding the assessment of health and environmental risks and the design of a regulation of synthetic nanomaterials. However, the necessary work on this can be carried out once the action plan has been completed within the framework of the existing organization of federal agencies under the leadership of the Steering Committee on Chemicals and Plant Protection Products. This committee is made up of the directors of the FOPH, FOEN, SECO, FOAG, FOAG-FOAG and FOAG-FOAG.
The information website www.infonano.ch will be kept up to date and will remain so until further notice.
Original article: Press releases of the Swiss Federal Council - Admin.ch
Final report (German): Abschlussbericht zum Aktionsplan "Synthetische Nanomaterialien"