Governance & Policy
Swiss CO2 Act
Switzerland's principal climate law, combining a CO2 levy on heating fuels, emissions trading, vehicle standards and building programmes.
Definition
The Swiss CO2 Act, in force in successive versions since 2000 and consolidated in the 2012 revision, is Switzerland's main climate instrument. It imposes a levy on fossil heating fuels with partial redistribution to households and businesses, requires importers of transport fuels to compensate a share of emissions, sets CO2 standards for new cars and buildings, and underpins Switzerland's link to the EU emissions trading system.
Quick reference
At a glance
- Subject
- Governance & Policy
- Editorial status
- Editorial draft
- Definition status
- Established
- Last updated
- 19 August 2026
- Also known as
- CO2 Act · CO2-Gesetz · Loi sur le CO2
Overview
What it means
Switzerland decarbonises through a durable price-and-standards mix rather than a single framework target law.
How it is used
Fuel suppliers surrender compensation credits; building owners access levy-funded renovation subsidies; industry opts into ETS-linked arrangements.
Why it matters
It is one of Europe's longest-running carbon pricing regimes and a case study in climate policy surviving referendums.
Review
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