Article 3 of the National Economic Supply Act states that the supply of goods and services to the country is fundamentally a matter for the private sector. Compulsory stocks are only released if a serious nationwide shortage is identified following an assessment of the supply situation with all suppliers of an active substance.
If there is a supply shortage of a veterinary medicinal product for which there are compulsory stocks in accordance with Ordinance SR 531.215.31, distributors may apply to the compulsory stockholder to purchase this product using the form 'Application to purchase compulsory stocks (veterinary medicinal products)', which is available in German and in French. The correctly completed application can then be submitted to the FONES by email at kontakt-vet@bwl.admin.ch. Applications for compulsory stocks will only be approved if the market is no longer independently able to guarantee the supply of a certain product. Applications are assessed by the National Economic Supply organisation in cooperation with the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office.
A leaflet with step-by-step instructions on submitting an application for the release of veterinary medicinal products from compulsory stocks is available in German and in French to assist marketing authorisation holders. If the marketing authorisation holder plans to withdraw from the market, it can use the same form to apply for the compulsory stock to be dissolved. Further questions relating to veterinary medicinal products can be sent by email to kontakt-vet@bwl.admin.ch.
Last modification 21.06.2021