⏱ 1 min read
Background
The Tox Info poison centre has suffered from a lack of funding for years and was close to bankruptcy. Last year, it was decided that the Confederation, the cantons and private players would co-fund it.
The key points
On 21 October 2026, the Federal Council decided to enshrine in law an obligation for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries to co-fund Tox Info. Talks had shown that the industry was not willing to support the centre in the long term.
The government had warned it would legislate if no agreement was reached. The sector's products cause more than 70% of poisoning cases.
Key figures
- Chemical companies concerned: around 5,500, at 240 francs a year each.
- Therapeutic product companies concerned: nearly 300, at nearly 5,300 francs a year.
- Annual operating costs of Tox Info: just over 4 million francs.
- Calls received per year: around 40,000.
What it means for businesses
Manufacturers of chemicals and medicines will have to pay an annual contribution to the centre. The amount differs by company category.
Who says what
According to the Federal Council, talks with the Federal Department of Home Affairs revealed the industry's refusal to support the centre over the long term.
What's next
The draft is under consultation until 8 February. Parliament had already released additional funds last December.
Further reading
Sources
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