Running an online business
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You do not need a specific license to operate an online store. The regulations that apply to you depend on your product range, your target audience, and your target markets. This page provides an overview of the most important requirements, which are not exhaustive.
Table of contents
The most important points in brief
- You do not need a specific license to operate an online shop.
- The regulations that apply depend on the products you offer for sale.
- When selling products, you must comply with product safety regulations and the provisions of the Federal Act on Product Safety (PrSG).
- In addition, requirements regarding data protection and price transparency must be met.
- Online shops are subject to the legal notice requirement.
- In certain cases, an entry in the commercial register may be advisable or necessary.
Requirements and Guidelines
Product Safety
All products you sell must meet the requirements of the Federal Act on Product Safety (PrSG). The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is the point of contact for general product safety and price disclosure. Therefore, please contact SECO directly if you have any questions. For food, consumer goods, cosmetics, and chemicals, the Cantonal Laboratory is also relevant in the Canton of Zurich.
Price Transparency
The Ordinance on Price Indication (PBV) stipulates how you must display prices in your online store. Always display the total price—including value-added tax (VAT) and any shipping costs. Hidden costs that only appear at checkout are not permitted.
Legal Notice Requirements and Data Protection
The legal notice is required by law. The legal notice must be easy to find, e.g., via a link in the footer. The following information is required:
- Name/Company name (for legal entities as listed in the commercial register).
- Physical address (street, ZIP code, city – no P.O. box only).
- Electronic contact address (email).
- Company identification number (UID), if applicable.
The privacy policy informs your customers about what data you collect and how you process it. It is required under the Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) if personal data is processed. If you serve customers in the European Union (EU), the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) also applies. If you have any questions, please contact the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC).
How to proceed
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Clearly define your business model and product range:
- What products or services do you sell?
- Target region: Switzerland, Europe, or worldwide?
- Are your products subject to industry-specific regulations?
This influences all subsequent requirements.
Select a suitable e-commerce platform:
- Payment methods: credit card, bank transfer, PayPal, etc.
- Shop solutions: Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento
- Security: Ensure SSL encryption (HTTPS)
- Data protection: Review the platform operator’s privacy policy
Integrate the following elements into your shop:
- Legal Notice: Name, address, phone number, and email address clearly displayed
- Privacy Policy: How you process and protect customer data
- Terms and Conditions: Returns, warranty, payment terms
- Transparent pricing: Display all costs including VAT (value-added tax)
Have these texts reviewed by an attorney.
Choose secure and customer-friendly methods:
- Payment methods: Credit card, bank transfer, PayPal, etc.
- Security: Use certified payment providers (e.g., PCI-DSS compliant)
- Shipping: Ship with insurance, provide tracking information
- Returns: Be clear about return policies and procedures
Secure payment processing is crucial for building customer trust.
Clarify the following points with the tax authorities:
- Value-Added Tax (VAT): Registration required for annual sales of CHF 100,000 or more
- Cross-border sales: Special regulations for the EU and other countries
- Accounting: Documentation of all transactions
- Income taxes: Monthly or annual filing
Note:
The information on this page is for guidance only and is not exhaustive. Details should be clarified with experts or the relevant authorities as early as possible.
Further information
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Contact
Amt für Wirtschaft – Standortförderung
Montag bis Freitag
8.00 bis 12.00 Uhr und
13.30 bis 17.00 Uhr
