The FONES concludes compulsory storage contracts with the companies concerned. In these contracts, the companies undertake to store a certain quantity of a certain good in a certain quality at a certain location. The compulsory stock products are regularly transshipped and sold via the companies' normal sales channels. The FONES or an inspection body commissioned by it periodically inspects the compulsory stocks.
Stockpiling Section
Compulsory stock organisations
The compulsory stock organisations are private-sector organisations that provide their members with services such as support in organising imports or funding stockpiling costs. They also represent their members’ interests towards the Confederation and form a link between the state and the private sector.
There are currently five of these organisations:
- réservesuisse (Foodstuffs and feed)
- Helvecura (Therapeutic products)
- Agricura (Fertilisers)
- CARBURA (Oil)
- Provisiogas (Natural gas)
The organisations have set up guarantee funds from which the costs of holding compulsory stocks are met, e.g. payments to warehouse owners and compensation for price fluctuations in the stockpiled goods. The companies pass the costs on to consumers via the sales price of the goods.
If a sector has a guarantee fund, all compulsory stockholders are required by the state to become a member of the compulsory stock organisation and to pay into the guarantee fund.
Last modification 07.03.2024
