text: 420.231 English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.Ordinanceof the Swiss Innovation Promotion Agency on its Funding and Other Support Measures(Innosuisse Funding Ordinance)of 20 September 2017 (Status as of 1 January 2018)approved by the Federal Council on 15 November 2017The Board of Directors the Swiss Innovation Promotion Agency (Innosuisse),based on Article 7 paragraph 1 letter e and 23 of the Innosuisse Act of 17 June 20161 (SIAA), on Article 12 paragraph 3 of the Federal Act of 14 December 20122 on the Promotion of Research and Innovation (RIPA)and on Article 38 of the Ordinance of 29 November 20133 on the Promotion of Research and Innovation (RIPO),ordains:1 SR 420.22 SR 420.13 SR 420.11Chapter 1 Subject Matter  Art. 1 This Ordinance governs the following Innosuisse support measures:a.innovation project funding (Art. 19 RIPA);b.support of science-based entrepreneurial initiatives, including the setting-up and development of science-based businesses (Art. 20 para. 1 und 2 RIPA);c.promotion of knowledge exploitation, and knowledge and technology transfer (Art. 20 para. 3 RIPA);d.promotion of information on funding opportunities and on submitting applications (information transfer) (Art. 3 para. 4 SIAA);e.support for next-generation innovators (Art. 22 RIPA);f.support of activities within the scope of mandates issued by the Federal Council to implement topic-specific funding programmes (Art. 7 para. 3 RIPA);g.support of activities within the framework of partnerships with funding organisations or funding agencies abroad (Art. 4 para. 1 SIAA).Chapter 2 Innovation Project Funding  Section 1 Instruments  Art. 2 Innosuisse supports innovation projects with the following funding instruments:a.contributions to innovation projects with implementation partners;b.contributions to innovation projects without implementation partners;c.preliminary study vouchers(innovation cheques).Section 2 Contributions to Innovation Projects with Implementation Partners (Art. 19 para. 2 RIPA; Art. 29, 30 and 38 RIPO)Art. 3 Submitting applications and applicant requirements  1 Applications for contributions to innovation projects with implementation partners must be jointly submitted to Innosuisse by at least one research partner and at least one implementation partner.2 Research partners may be:a.higher education research centres as set out in Article 4 letter c RIPA;b.non-commercial research centres outside the higher education sector as set out in Article 5 RIPA;c.government research institutions as set out in Article 16 paragraph 3 RIPA which must conduct their own research projects for the appropriate fulfilment of their remit;d.federal research institutes as set out in Article 17 RIPA.3 Implementation partners are private or public institutions or businesses that are responsible for implementation.4 Research and implementation partners must be independent from one another in terms of finances and personnel. The implementing provisions of the Innovation Council (implementing provisions) stipulate the criteria by which independence is assessed.Art. 4 Assessment criteria  Funding is awarded based on the following key criteria:a.the innovative content of the project, measured in terms of the current state of research and the competitive situation in the market;b.the quality of the project planning, quantitative goals and implementation plan to achieve the targeted economic or social benefit;c.the competence of the project team members to implement the project;d.the project’s contribution to sustainable development.Art. 5 Calculation of project contributions  For the calculation of Innosuisse project contributions, the following budgeted project costs are eligible:a.personnel costs in accordance with Article 6;b.material costs, provided they are needed to implement the project, do not concern the basic equipment of a research centre, and are not covered by the financial contribution paid by the implementation partner to the research partner in accordance with Article 7 paragraph 4. These may include costs for apparatus, consumables, third-party services and travel. Material costs may be claimed as capital expense or operating expense.Art. 6 Personnel costs for the calculation of project contributions  1 The actual gross salaries paid to project team members for time spent working on the project are eligible.2 The implementing provisions set out maximum eligible gross salaries. The maximum amounts may only be exceeded if justification can be provided on a case-by-case basis that the participation of the higher-paid project team member is vital to the successful implementation of the project.3 In addition to the gross salaries, the actual employer contributions paid under OASIA / InvIA / LECA, OPA, UIA and AIA are also eligible.4 The implementing provisions stipulate how the salary costs under paragraph 1 and the employer contributions under paragraph 3 should be disclosed and billed. Allowance shall be made in particular for the special features of the different types of research centres.5 No personnel costs may be claimed for project team members whose appointment is already fully financed by the public sector or other third-party funds.Art. 7 Contribution of implementation partners to project costs  1 The implementation partners shall contribute to the overall project costs and shall at least match the project contributions from Innosuisse. A reduced participation from implementation partners in accordance with Article 30 RIPO remains reserved.2 The contribution of every implementation partner comprises an in-kind contribution and a financial contribution to the research partner.3 The actual personnel and material costs incurred by the implementation partner that are directly connected to the project qualify as the in-kind contribution. If the actual personnel costs exceed the maximum amounts set out in the implementing provisions referred to in Article 6 paragraph 2, the amounts in the implementing provisions apply.4 The financial contribution paid to research partners must in total amount to at least 10 per cent of the project contribution under Article 5. The contribution referred to in paragraph 1 may involve a higher financial contribution where it is demonstrably intended to cover the project costs within the meaning of Articles 5 and 6.5 Innosuisse may, in individual cases, allow a share of less than 10 per cent, or waive the financial contribution to the research partner completely if the economic capacity of the implementation partner is insufficient. In this regard, it shall take account of the innovation potential of the project, the risks associated with the project and the viability of the financial burden associated with implementation of the project.6 If several implementation partners are involved in one project, they shall agree on the relevant shares between them and inform Innosuisse of the split.Art. 8 Overhead contributions  1 The overhead contribution is calculated as a percentage of the personnel costs referred to in Article 6.2 The applicable percentage is defined for the subsequent calendar year and published on the Innosuisse4 website.3 The applicable percentage is the one that applies at the time the application is submitted.4 The overhead contribution is paid out together with the contribution tranches for direct project costs, and in the same percentages as the latter.4 www.innosuisse.chArt. 9 Funding administration  1 If a project involves several research partners, the contributions must be managed by a grant administration office.2 Research partners undertake to make all contractually required declarations to the grant administration office and to submit all documents and supporting documentation. They are responsible for ensuring that only eligible expenses in accordance with the Innosuisse regulations are billed.3 The grant administration office is responsible in particular for:a.administering funding;b.carrying out financial reporting;c.informing the research partners concerned without delay if irregularities are detected or if the regulations are breached, and demanding the relevant corrections are made;d.informing Innosuisse without delay in the event of conflicts or serious breaches of the regulations on use of funding;e.obtaining reports on the contributions of implementation partners in accordance with Article 7.4 Innosuisse may conduct on-site inspections at any time to check compliance with these provisions by the research partners and the grant administration office.Art. 10 Obligation to provide information on implementation  Implementation partners are required to provide Innosuisse on request with information on the implementation of the project results within five years of project completion.Section 3 Contributions to Innovation Projects without Implementation Partners (Art. 7 para. 3 and Art. 19 para. 3 RIPA)Art. 11 Submitting applications and applicant requirements  Applications for contributions to innovation projects without implementation partners must be submitted to Innosuisse by one or more research partners referred to under Article 3 paragraph 2.Art. 12 Project types and assessment criteria  1 Funding for projects without implementation partners may be granted for preliminary studies, prototypes and testing facilities and within the framework of tasks awarded by the Federal Council for the implementation of topic-specific funding programmes.2 Funding is awarded based on the following key criteria:a.above-average innovation potential;b.the level of risk involved in implementing the innovation on the market based on the current state of research;c.the prospects for convincing potential implementation partners of the attractiveness of commercial use of the research findings;d.the competence of the project team members to implement the project;e.the project’s contribution to sustainable development.Art. 13 Calculation of contributions, funding period  1 For the calculation of project contributions, Articles 5 and 6 apply.2 For the calculation of overhead contributions, Article 8 applies.3 Innosuisse may support projects without an implementation partner for a maximum period of 18 months.4 The implementing provisions for projects within the framework of tasks awarded by the Federal Council for the implementation of topic-specific funding programmes may contain different provisions.Section 4 Preliminary Study Vouchers (Innovation Cheques) (Art. 19 para. 4 RIPA)Art. 14 Purpose and content  Preliminary studies serve to clarify the feasibility of companies’ innovation projects. They concern in particular:a.concept studies and concept development;b.analysing the innovation and market potential of processes, products, services or technologies.Art. 15 Applicant requirements  Small and medium-sized businesses based in Switzerland are eligible to apply for preliminary study vouchers.Art. 16 Assessment criteria  Funding is awarded based on the following key criteria:a.the innovative content measured against the current state of research and competition in the market;b.the potential benefits for the company resulting from the preliminary study.Art. 17 Preliminary study vouchers  1 If an application is approved, Innosuisse shall issue the company with a preliminary study voucher.2 The preliminary study voucher is worth a maximum of CHF 15,000.3 The company may redeem the voucher with a research partner in accordance with Article 3 paragraph 2.4 Companies may not be issued with more than one preliminary study voucher every two years.Chapter 3 Promotion of Science-Based Entrepreneurial Initiatives  Section 1 Instruments  Art. 18 Innosuisse promotes science-based entrepreneurial initiatives with the following funding instruments:a.awareness-raising and training activities;b.start-up coaching vouchers;c.information and counselling services.Section 2 Awareness-Raising and Training Activities   (Art. 20 para. 1 let. a RIPA)Art. 19 Awareness-raising activities  1 Innosuisse offers awareness-raising measures in the form of events, workshops, talks and publications on starting a business.2 The awareness-raising activities are aimed at persons who want to start a business or who have started a business based in Switzerland.3 Innosuisse may commission appropriate institutions to implement the awareness-raising activities.Art. 20 Training activities  1 Innosuisse offers training activities in the form of courses, events, workshops, talks, teaching resources and publications on setting up and running a business and on business succession.2 The training activities are aimed at:a.persons with an innovative business idea who want to start a business or who have started a business based in Switzerland; orb.persons who intend to take over a business based in Switzerland through full or partial assumption of the financial risk.3 The Innovation Council may restrict participation to a more specific target audience.4 Innosuisse may commission appropriate institutions to implement the training activities.5 Participants shall submit an evaluation at the end of the training course. If an institution was commissioned to implement the training course in accordance with paragraph 4, it shall report back to Innosuisse on the evaluations according to Innosuisse’s instructions.Section 3 Start-up Coaching Vouchers   (Art. 20 para. 2 let. a RIPA)Art. 21 Purpose and content  The purpose of coaching is to help start-up companies:a.verify and develop a business concept with regard to its feasibility and market viability;b.check profitability, develop a strategy and organisational structure, obtain legal advice in particular concerning the protection of intellectual property rights, contract law and tax law, and to enter the market;c.implement a growth strategy, seek funding opportunities, build up a network and develop a process and organisational structure that is capable of growth.Art. 22 Applicant requirements  To be eligible to apply for start-up coaching vouchers, start-up entrepreneurs must:a.intend to set up a business based in Switzerland;b.have set up a business in Switzerland within the last five years; or in justified cases, particularly for start-up companies in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, within the last ten years.Art. 23 Assessment criteria  1 Support is granted based on the following key criteria:a.the innovative content of the business idea measured against the current state of research and competition in the market;b.the market potential;c.the potential of the applicant to implement the business idea.2 In the case of applications for coaching activities under Article 21 letter c, the growth potential and past performance is evaluated in addition to the criteria set out in paragraph 1.Art. 24 Start-up coaching vouchers  1 If Innosuisse approves an application, it shall issue start-up entrepreneurs with a start-up coaching voucher.2 Start-up coaching vouchers are worth:a.a maximum of CHF 5,000 for services under Article 21 letter a;b.a maximum of CHF 50,000 for services under Article 21 letter b;c.a maximum of CHF 75,000 for services under Article 21 letter c.3 Start-up entrepreneurs may redeem the start-up coaching voucher with one or more qualified start-up coaches in accordance with Article 51 paragraph 1.4 Any change of coach requires the approval of Innosuisse.Section 4 Information and Counselling   (Art. 20 para. 1 let. b and para. 2 let. c RIPA)Art. 25 Providing information  1 Innosuisse provides information on entrepreneurship and on setting up and growing a business.2 It may commission appropriate institutions to provide the information.Art. 26 Counselling on internationalisation for start-up companies  1 Innosuisse offers specific counselling on internationalisation for start-up businesses, in particular through internationalisation programmes and by enabling them to attend international trade fairs.2 Counselling on internationalisation is aimed at start-up companies:a.whose application for coaching in accordance with Article 18 letter b was approved;b.that wish to tap international markets to increase value creation in Switzerland; andc.that can be expected to successfully enter the target market.3 Support is granted based on the following key criteria:a.the quality of the start-up company’s internationalisation strategy;b.its ability to tap the relevant market;c.the value creation potential in Switzerland.4 Innosuisse may commission appropriate institutions to provide counselling on internationalisation.5 It may issue start-up entrepreneurs with a voucher to redeem at an institution that offers an appropriate counselling programme. Innosuisse shall publish on its website a list of institutions that offer corresponding programmes.6 Internationalisation support provided to start-up entrepreneurs may be worth up to a maximum of CHF 20,000. Innosuisse may require start-up entrepreneurs to cover a portion of the costs themselves.Chapter 4 Promotion of Knowledge Exploitation and Knowledge and Technology Transfer (Art. 20 para. 3 RIPA)Section 1 Instruments  Art. 27 Innosuisse supports the exploitation of knowledge and knowledge and technology transfer, in particular between research centres and industry, using the following funding instruments:a.innovation mentoring vouchers;b.contributions to national thematic networks;c.contributions to specialised events.Section 2 Innovation Mentoring Vouchers  Art. 28 Purpose and content  Innovation mentoring serves to help businesses exploit their innovation potential. It concerns in particular:a.analysis of an innovation project;b.support with setting up project partnerships, in particular with identifying suitable research partners with whom to implement the innovation project and putting companies in touch with such partners;c.support with defining the content and focus of a specific innovation project;d.support with optimisation and focus of a specific innovation project.Art. 29 Applicant requirements  Small and medium-sized businesses that are based in Switzerland are eligible to apply for innovation mentoring vouchers.Art. 30 Innovation mentoring vouchers  1 Businesses that can demonstrate their mentoring needs are issued with a mentoring voucher. This is worth:a.a maximum of CHF 2,000 for services under Article 28 letter a;b.a maximum of CHF 5,000 for all other services under Article 28.2 The services referred to under Article 28 letters a‒c may be cumulated.3 The business can redeem the innovation mentoring voucher with a qualified innovation mentor in accordance with Article 53.Section 3 Contributions to National Thematic Networks  Art. 31 Applicant requirements  Non-profit organisations that have a legal personality and are based in Switzerland are eligible to apply for contributions to national thematic networks.Art. 32 Assessment criteria  Funding is awarded based on the following key criteria:a.the future potential of the innovation topic represented by the network for the Swiss economy and society;b.the significance of the innovation topic for applied research and for the Swiss economy and society;c.the methods and mechanisms in place to promote knowledge and technology transfer between research, industry and society;d.the potential to cover an innovation topic of international significance at national level;e.the budget, in particular the plausibility of the costs claimed, the cost-benefit ratio, the  self-financing level and the third-party funds allocated.Art. 33 Duration and calculation of contributions  1 Funds shall be awarded for a period of four years.2 The contributions are calculated and released on an annual basis in accordance with paragraph 3. If a network fails to achieve its targets by a substantial degree, the funding may be stopped.3 The annual contribution per network amounts to a maximum of CHF 500,000. It is made up of three components:a.a basic contribution to set up and ensure basic operation of the network;b.a performance-based component, which depends in particular on the project partnerships generated and the resulting applications for funding an innovation project with an implementation partner;c.a component that is dependent on the extent to which the network can secure third-party funds.4 Support may be extended once for a maximum period of four years. Before an extension is granted, eligibility shall be checked in accordance with the criteria set out under Article 32.Section 4 Contributions to Specialised Events  Art. 34 Applicant requirements  Non-profit organisations are eligible to apply for contributions to specialised events.Art. 35 Assessment criteria  Funding is awarded based on the following key criteria:a.the significance of the innovation topic represented by the specialised event to the Swiss economy and society, as well as the focus and specific features of the topic compared with other activities;b.the suitability of the methods and mechanisms presented at the event for the promotion of knowledge and technology transfer between research, industry and society;c.the quality of the concept of the specialised event;d.the budget, in particular the plausibility of the costs claimed, the cost-benefit ratio, the self-financing level and the third party funds allocated.Art. 36 Calculation of contributions  1 The Innosuisse contributions shall cover a maximum of half of the reported expenses.2 The eligible costs are set out in the implementing provisions.Chapter 5 Promotion of Information on Funding Opportunities (Dissemination of Information) (Art. 3 para. 4 SIAA)Art. 37 Applicant requirements  Non-profit organisations are eligible to apply for contributions to promote information on funding opportunities.Art. 38 Assessment criteria  Funding is awarded based on the following key criteria:a.the scope and positioning of the information on Innosuisse funding opportunities within the framework of the event or publication;b.the quality of the information on Innosuisse funding opportunities;c.the  way in which the target group is defined and addressed;d.the significance of the event or publication for the target group addressed.Art. 39 Calculation of contributions  1 The Innosuisse contributions shall cover a maximum of 25 per cent of the reported expenses.2 The eligible costs are set out in the implementing provisions.Chapter 6 Support for Next-Generation Innovators   (Art. 22 RIPA)Art. 40 Fellowship grants and interest-free loans  1 Fellowship grants from Innosuisse are designed to cover living expenses during a fellowship at a host institution in accordance with Article 22 paragraph 2 RIPA.2 Interest-free loans from Innosuisse contribute to living expenses during a fellowship at a host institution and have to be repaid.Art. 41 Applicant requirements  Persons who hold a degree and who are employed as follows by one of the following institutions are eligible to apply for support for young researchers:a.persons who have worked as researchers at a research centre under Article 4 letter c or Article 5 RIPA for at least one year;b.persons who have worked in research and development at a public or private company based in Switzerland for at least three years.Art. 42 Assessment criteria  Fellowship grants and interest-free loans are awarded based on the following key criteria:a.the applicant’s track record;b.the expected level of capacity building in science-based innovation;c.the innovation potential of the project;d.the thematic and methodological quality of the project;e.the added value of the fellowship for the host institution and if applicable for the employer institution.Art. 43 Duration, calculation and management of contributions  1 The fellowship must last at least six months and may not exceed three years.2 The fellowship grant amount is calculated based on the applicant’s previous salary, up to a maximum of CHF 120,000 per year for a full-time post.3 If the employer institution is a research centre in accordance with Article 4 letter c or Article 5 RIPA, Innosuisse shall pay the actual employer contributions under OASIA / InvIA / LECA, OPA, UIA and AIA in addition to the fellowship grant. If the employer institution is a private or public company, the company shall bear the employer contributions.4 The interest-free loan may not exceed CHF 180,000 per year. The loan amount must be used to cover all additional costs, such as material and apparatus costs and any insurance payments and social insurance contributions.5 The contributions are paid into a bank account in Switzerland in the name of the applicant. If the contribution is paid out in the form of a fellowship grant, the applicant shall be responsible for ensuring that social insurance contributions are duly paid.Art. 44 Financial participation of businesses  1 If the applicant’s employer institution is a private or public company, it shall bear at least 50 per cent of the direct material costs incurred by the host institution through implementation of the project, up to a maximum annual amount of CHF 50,000, in addition to the employer contributions in accordance with Article 43 paragraph 3 second clause. The details must be set out in an agreement between the host institution and the employer institution.2 If the applicant receives a fellowship grant, the host institution shall bear the direct and indirect material costs resulting from implementation of the project, provided it is a company within the meaning of Article 22 paragraph 2 letter a RIPA.3 If the applicant receives an interest-free loan, the host institution is not required to bear any other project costs.Art. 45 Repayment of an interest-free loan  1 Applicants must submit a repayment plan together with their application for an interest-free loan.2 An initial repayment of at least ten per cent of the loan amount must be made at the latest twelve months after completion of the research visit.3 The loan must be repaid in full at the latest ten years after completion of the fellowship.Chapter 7 Support within the Framework of Partnerships with Funding Organisations and Funding Agencies Abroad (Art. 4 para. 1 SIAA)Art. 46 1 The details of cooperations with funding organisations and agencies abroad shall be set out in agreements between Innosuisse and the partner organisations.2 If the Innosuisse contribution comprises a portion to cover the project activities of a foreign research partner, an agreement between the Swiss research partner and the foreign research partner shall set out the services to be supplied by the latter.3 Contributions are calculated analogously in accordance with this Ordinance. Additional contributions may be granted for coordination and travel expenses that are associated with the cooperation, provided they are essential for successful implementation of the international project.Chapter 8 Selection Process for Start-up Coaches and Innovation Mentors (Art. 21 RIPA)Section 1 Common Provisions for Start-up Coaches and Innovation Mentors Art. 47 Recruitment of service providers  1 Innosuisse shall publicly announce the possibility of participating in the selection procedure for coaches and mentors. It may also directly approach persons who may be suitable coaches or mentors and invite them to apply.2 When selecting candidates, it shall ensure that the particularly important subjects for science-based innovation and the different geographical and language areas of Switzerland are appropriately represented among the qualified coaches and mentors. It shall also ensure a gender balance.3 There shall be no legal entitlement to be included on the list of qualified service providers (Art. 21 para. 2 RIPA).4 Being qualified as a coach or mentor does not entitle individuals to be employed in this capacity.Art. 48 Obligations of service providers  Those who apply to become coaches or mentors undertake to fulfil the following obligations when performing their work for Innosuisse:a.to publish their personal coaching or mentoring profile in accordance with Innosuisse regulations;b.to keep confidential all information obtained in the course of their coaching or mentoring activity;c.to ensure independence;d.to disclose their vested interests;e.to report activities;f.to play an active part in training and networking activities;g.to cooperate with quality assessment of coaching and mentoring activities.Art. 49 Verification and time limitation of qualification  1 The coaches and mentors are monitored in their work by Innosuisse experts. The experts are entitled to carry out inspections and offer advice during the course of a coaching or mentoring programme.2 Start-up entrepreneurs who use Innosuisse coaching services and businesses that use Innosuisse mentoring services are required to evaluate the quality of these services in accordance with Innosuisse requirements. In addition, start-up entrepreneurs are required to provide information on the performance of their businesses for five years after completion of the coaching programme.3 Service providers must undergo a detailed assessment by Innosuisse every two years. If they no longer meet the quality requirements defined by Innosuisse, they will be removed from the list of qualified coaches in accordance with Article 21 paragraph 2 RIPA.4 A service provider may feature on the list for a maximum of twelve years.Art. 50 Exclusion of financial contribution  1 Coaches may not make a direct or indirect financial contribution to the start-up business they have coached during the coaching programme and for one year after its completion.2 Mentors may not make a direct or indirect financial contribution to the supported business during the mentoring programme.Section 2 Qualification of Start-up Coaches  Art. 51 Types of start-up coach  1 Innosuisse distinguishes between the following types of coach:a.coaches who support start-up entrepreneurs by providing the services under Article 21 letters a and b;b.coaches who support start-up entrepreneurs by providing the services under Article 21 letter c;c.special coaches who advise start-up entrepreneurs on an ad-hoc basis in the areas of expertise set out in Article 21 letters b and c, in particular regulatory matters and issues relating to intellectual property rights strategy, organisational development, financing models, tax law and securing investment.2 As part of its selection process, Innosuisse shall announce the number of coaches to be qualified by type.Art. 52 Qualification criteria  1 Coaches under Article 51 paragraph 1 letters a and b must possess relevant practical experience as entrepreneurs in the field of science-based innovation.2 In addition, coaches are also selected on the basis of the following criteria:a.experience in corporate and human resources management at senior management level, and specifically also in developing and turning around small and medium-sized companies;b.relevant experience in strategy and organisational development;c.relevant theoretical knowledge and practical experience of business model development, innovation management, product development, marketing and sales;d.experience in financial management and financing matters;e.good knowledge of the Swiss and international market in one or more sectors;f.ability to put start-up entrepreneurs in touch with potential investors or business partners in Switzerland and abroad;g.recognised and successful consulting and support activity in a comparable field, and proven methodological expertise;h.good connections in the Swiss and preferably also the international start-up ecosystem.3 Start-up coaches as referred to in Article 51 paragraph 1 letter b must also demonstrate experience with the growth processes of start-up companies.4 Special start-up coaches under Article 51 paragraph 1 letter c must demonstrate successful activity as a trainer or consultant in their area of expertise instead of the criteria set out in paragraphs 1 and 2.5 Start-up coaches may qualify simultaneously for different types of coaching.Section 3 Qualification of Innovation Mentors  Art. 53 Innovation mentors are selected based on the following criteria:a.relevant experience in research, development or product management;b.experience in defining and implementing product, service and process development strategies;c.experience at senior management level;d.very good connections in the Swiss research landscape;e.good contacts and experience with cantonal and regional economic development agencies and industry and trade associations;f.very good understanding of knowledge and technology transfer in Switzerland and internationally.Chapter 9 Scientific  Integrity and Good Scientific Practice   (Art. 12 para. 3 RIPA)Art. 54 Principle and duty to provide information  1 Innosuisse shall not consider applications that violate the rules of scientific integrity or good scientific practice.2 Applicants are required to provide information to Innosuisse on:a.existing proceedings concerning suspected violation of scientific integrity or good scientific practice that have been initiated against them;b.ongoing sanctions that have been imposed on them due to violations as referred to in letter a.Art. 55 Sanctions  1 Innosuisse shall punish violations of scientific integrity and good scientific practice with the following sanctions:a.written reprimand;b.written warning;c.reduction, suspension or repayment of the contributions;d.temporary exclusion from making further applications.2 Innosuisse may impose sanctions on an individual or cumulative basis.Chapter 10 Final Provisions  Art. 56 Repeal of other legislation  The Funding regulation of the Commission for Technology and Innovation of 13 November 20135 is repealed.5 [AS 2013 4627, 2016 4255]Art. 57 Commencement  This Ordinance comes into force on 1 January 2018.


type: legislation

jurisdiction: Switzerland

text: 420.233 English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.Ordinanceof the Swiss Innovation Agencyon the Fees and other Contractual Conditions for Members of the Innovation Council and on the Remuneration of Experts(Innosuisse Remuneration Ordinance)of 20 September 2017 (Status as of 1 January 2021)approved by the Federal Council on 15 November 2017The Board of Directors of the Swiss Innovation Agency (Innosuisse) based on Article 7 paragraph 1 letter k of the Innosuisse Act of 17 June 20161 (SIAA),ordains:1 SR 420.2Section 1 Fees for Members of the Innovation Council  Art. 1 Basic fee  1 Members of the Innovation Council are entitled to a basic fee of CHF 20,000 per annum. The basic fee is equivalent to 10 per cent of a full-time annual salary of CHF 200,000.2 The basic fee is compensation for the following commitments, unless a flat-rate payment is intended for any of them:2a.participating in Innosuisse’s ordinary and extraordinary meetings;abis.3preparatory and follow-up work to meetings;b.4evaluating and supervising up to 30 innovation projects;bbis.5evaluating and supervising other funding proposals;c.6all measures relating to the appointment of experts, coaches and mentors;d.developing proposals for the funding strategy and instruments for the Board of Directors and performing activities in relation to the development of multi-year programmes on behalf of the Board of Directors;e.performing activities within the Innovation Council’s competencies that lead to the adoption of implementing provisions in accordance with Article 10 paragraph 1 letter b SIAA;f.7...3 The basic fee increases by CHF 5,000 per year whenever a member of the Innovation Council is elected to one of the following positions in addition to their regular tasks:a.a managerial position in the Innovation Council;b.a member of a committee that makes decisions regarding funding applications and measures; this excludes membership of regular theme-based bodies and of non-permanent bodies that are put together on an ad hoc basis.84 ...95 The basic fee is paid every six months for the previous half calendar year.2 Amended by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and in force since 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).3 Inserted by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and in force since 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).4 Amended by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and in force since 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).5 Inserted by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and in force since 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).6 Amended by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and in force since 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).7 Repealed by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and with effect from 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).8 Amended by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and in force since 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).9 Repealed by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and with effect from 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).Art. 2 Individual flat-rate payments  1 In addition to the basic fee, members of the Innovation Council are entitled to the following individual flat-rate payments for performing the services listed below:CHF 2,000 per year for being a member of a body without autonomous decision-making powers set up by the Innovation Council on a temporary basis; if the member sits on this body for less than one year, the flat-rate will be paid pro rata;CHF 500 for participating in a meeting of a jury with changing membership and without autonomous decision-making powers in order to prepare decisions; where more than five hours’ presence is required, the flat-rate payment rises to CHF 1,000;CHF 500 for giving a talk or otherwise appearing on behalf of Innosuisse; where more than five hours’ presence is required, the flat-rate payment rises to CHF 1,000;CHF 100 for evaluating and supervising an innovation project, from the 31st innovation project in any calendar year;flat-rate payments under Article 4 paragraph 1 letters a–g for assessing a funding application or a funding measures;f.CHF 500–1000, at the discretion of the Innosuisse director, for fulfilling individual special tasks not covered by the other flat-rate payments or by an increase in the basic fee.101bis Preparatory and follow-up work for tasks for which a flat-rate payment is paid is covered by the flat-rate payment.112 The individual flat-rate payments are paid every six months for the previous half calendar year. For this purpose, the members of the Innovation Council must provide Innosuisse with a detailed list of the services they have provided for the settlement.10 Amended by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and in force since 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).11 Inserted by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and in force since 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).Art. 3 Maximum remuneration amount  1 The total remuneration from basic fees and individual flat-rate payments shall amount to no more than CHF 40,000 per annum for any member of the Innovation Council.2 ...1212 Repealed by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and with effect from 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).Section 2 Remuneration for Experts  Art. 4 Individual flat-rate payments  1 1 Experts within the meaning of Article 10 paragraph 2 SIAA only receive flat-rate payments in accordance with the following provisions:CHF 1000 for the initial assessment of a large-scale specific funding measure spanning several years;CHF 500 for the initial assessment of a grant application for an innovation project or theme-based specialist event;CHF 100 for the initial assessment of an application for an innovation cheque and for assessing interim and final reports on innovation chequesCHF 250 for initial assessments of funding applications and measures that do not fall under letters a–c;e.CHF 250 for assessing the conditions for all types of funding measure, for assessing interim reports on coaching measures and for assessing interim and final reports on innovation projects; CHF 500 for carrying out on-site assessments of an ongoing or concluded funding measure; where more than five hours’ presence is required, the flat-rate payment rises to CHF 1,000;CHF 500 for interim and final assessments not covered by letters c, e or f; if the assessment is particularly complex or time-consuming, the Innosuisse Secretariat may double the fee;CHF 50 for clarifications that need to be made before funding measures to be continued and which are not made as part of the assessments under letters a–g;CHF 100 for clarifying assessments to applicants orally; CHF 500 for giving a talk or otherwise appearing on behalf of Innosuisse and for taking part in meetings and events where participation is required in order for the expert to fulfil their tasks; where more than five hours’ presence is required, the flat-rate payment rises to CHF 1,000;CHF 500–1000, at the discretion of the Innosuisse director, for assessing the qualifications of coaches and mentors and for conducting similar special tasks not covered by the usual flat-rate payments.131bis Initial assessments within the meaning of paragraph 1 letters a–d shall include a written report and where necessary an oral explanation of the report given to the decision-making body.141ter Preparatory and follow-up work for tasks for which a flat-rate payment is paid is covered by the flat-rate payment.152 Article 2 paragraph 2 applies to the payment procedure.13 Amended by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and in force since 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).14 Inserted by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and in force since 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).15 Inserted by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and in force since 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).Art. 516 Maximum remuneration amount  1 The maximum remuneration amount per expert and year is: CHF 30,000;CHF 45,000 for experts with specific specialist knowledge that is unavailable from other experts.2 If it is not possible to recruit additional experts for the implementation of a temporary special programme for reasons of quality or time, the Board may increase the maximum remuneration amount to a maximum of CHF 45,000 per year for all experts for a limited period of one year.16 Amended by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and in force since 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).Section 3 Social Insurance  Art. 617 Tax liability  The statutory contributions under the OASIA, InvIA, LECA and UIA on the fees for the members of the Innovation Council and the remuneration of experts are paid in equal shares and are settled by Innosuisse. Those under the AIA are paid in accordance with the rules applicable to Innosuisse employees and are settled by Innosuisse17 Amended by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and in force since 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).Art. 718 Occupational pension funds  Members of the Innovation Council and experts are compulsorily insured against the economic consequences of old age, death and disability in accordance with the Pension Regulations of 6 December 201119 of the Federal Pension Fund for Fee Recipients provided the statutory requirements are met.18 Amended by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and in force since 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).19 SR 172.220.141.2Section 4 Reimbursement of Expenses  Art. 8 1 Members of the Innovation Council and experts are reimbursed for necessary and documented expenses incurred while performing official duties for Innosuisse.2 The expenses are reimbursed in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Ordinance of 3 July 200120 on the Personnel of the Swiss Confederation. The remuneration amount is calculated based on the FDF Ordinance of 6 December 200121 to the Federal Personnel Ordinance.3 Trips abroad and business-class flights must be approved by the Innosuisse management team in writing beforehand.4 Expenses shall be reimbursed against claims in writing. All relevant expense receipts must be submitted before settlement can be made.2220 SR 172.220.111.321 SR 172.220.111.3122 Amended by No I of the O of the Board of Directors of Innosuisse of 16 Sept. 2020, approved by the FC on 4 Nov. 2020 and in force since 1 Jan. 2021 (AS 2020 4991).Section 5 Other Contractual Terms  Art. 9 Personal fulfilment of the contract  The members of the Innovation Council and experts must personally fulfil the tasks they have been assigned to perform.Art. 10 Handling of gifts and invitations  1 As part of their contractual relationship with Innosuisse, members of the Innovation Council and experts may not claim, receive or accept promises for any gifts or other benefits such as invitations.2 The acceptance of customary gifts and invitations not exceeding the market value of CHF 200 shall not be regarded as a benefit within the meaning of paragraph 1 unless the member of the Innovation Council or the expert is involved in a procurement or funding process and the benefit is offered by a third party who is affected by the outcome of the procurement or funding process.3 In the event of any doubt, the chairperson of the Board of Directors shall decide on whether benefits may be accepted.Art. 11 Recusal  1 Members of the Innovation Council and experts shall recuse themselves if there is a conflict of interests. The suspicion of a conflict of interests shall suffice.2 Reasons for the conflict of interests specifically include special connections or personal friendship with or hostility towards the natural or legal person participating in or affected by a business or a decision process.3 In the event of any doubt, the chairperson of the Board of Directors shall decide on the recusal.Art. 12 Dealings on one’s own account  1 Members of the Innovation Council and experts may not use or claim any other advantage from information that is not publicly accessible and of which they become aware of as part of their work for Innosuisse.2 If members of the Innovation Council and experts have information that is not publicly accessible and the disclosure of which may have a foreseeable effect on the value of securities and foreign currency, they may not invest in any of these securities and foreign currency on their own account. The purchase of foreign currencies to cover daily requirements is permitted at any time.3 Dealings on one’s own account refer to legal business conducted by members of the Innovation Council or experts on their own account or on the account of a third party or that they arrange for a close person or for which they engage a third party, particularly to cover their identity.Art. 13 Relations to foreign states  The members of the Innovation Council may not carry out any official duties for a foreign state and may not take any decorations or titles from foreign authorities.Art. 14 Premature termination of the contractual relationship by members of the Innovation Council  1 The members of the Innovation Council may terminate the contract in writing at the end of a given calendar year by giving three months' notice.2 A termination of the contractual relationship is possible at any time by mutual consent.Art. 15 Term of the experts’ contractual relationship and premature termination  1 Experts are elected for a fixed period of time and for a maximum of four years.2 Re-election is possible up to a total of eight service years.3 Experts who are elected for longer than one year may terminate their contractual relationship prematurely at the end of a given calendar year by giving three months’ notice.4 A termination of the contractual relationship is possible at any time by mutual consent.Art. 16 Termination of the contract by the Board of Directors  If, despite written warning, members of the Innovation Council and experts continue to violate their duties set out in Article 9 paragraphs 5-8 SIAA or in Articles 10–13 of this Ordinance, the Board of Directors may terminate the contractual relationship with them without providing compensation and without adhering to a notice period.Section 6 Commencement  Art. 17 This Ordinance comes into force on 1 January 2018.


text: 431.01English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.Federal Statistics Act(FStatA)of 9 October 1992 (Status as of 1 January 2016)The Federal Assembly of the Swiss Confederation,based on the Articles 27sexies, 31quinquies paragraph 5 and 85 number 1 of the Federal Constitution1,and having considered the Federal Council Dispatch dated 30 October 19912,decrees:1 [BS 1 3; AS 1973 1051, 1978 484]. The provisions mentioned are now Art. 64, 65, 100 and 164 para. 1 let. g of the Federal Constitution of 18 April 1999 (SR 101).2 BBl 1992 I 373Section 1  General Provisions  Art. 1 Aim  This Act has the aim:a.of providing the Confederation with the statistical principles that it requires to fulfil its duties;b.of making public statistical results available to the cantons, the communes, the economy, the private sector, representatives from civil society and the general public;c.of gearing the organisation of federal statistical bodies towards gathering and processing data efficiently and in a manner considerate to interviewees;d.of promoting national and international cooperation in the area of statistics;e.of ensuring data protection within federal statistical bodies.Art. 2 Scope of application  1 This Act applies to all statistical activities:a.instructed by the Federal Council;b.3conducted or commissioned by the Federal Administration’s administrative units, not including the Federal Institutes of Technology.2 The Federal Council shall determine which articles of the Act are applicable to the statistical activities of the Federal Institutes of Technology, Swiss Post, and the telecommunications enterprises of the Confederation.43 It may declare the provisions of this Act to be applicable for other public corporations, institutions or private individuals, if these entities:a.are under the supervision of the Confederation;b.receive financial aid or payments from the Confederation; orc.are engaged in an activity requiring a licence or authorisation from the Confederation.4 When making an entity subject to this Act in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3, the Federal Council shall take account of the freedom of research as well as the statutory duties and the autonomy of the organisations concerned.3 Amended by Annex No 4 of the FA of 20 March 1998 on the Swiss Federal Railways, in force since 1 Jan. 1999 (AS 1998 2847; BBl 1997 I 909).4 Amended by No II 6 of the FA on Railways Reform 2 of 20 March 2009, in force since  1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 5597; BBl 2005 2415, 2007 2681).Art. 3 Duties of the federal statistical bodies  1 Federal statistical bodies prepare representative results in a professionally independent way on the status of and changes in the population, the economy, society, education, research, spatial planning and the environment in Switzerland.52 They assist in:a.the preparation, conduct and review of federal tasks;b.the assessment of specialist fields in which the duties of the federal government and cantons are closely interlinked, such as education, science and research, culture, sport, legal matters, tourism, public finances, land management, construction and residential accommodation, transport, energy, healthcare and welfare;c.supporting research projects of national importance;d.6the assessment of the fulfilment of the constitutional mandate to establish equal opportunities for men and women and for disabled and non-disabled people;e.7the evaluation of the employability and activities of university graduates.3 To perform these duties, the Confederation works together with the cantons, the communes, academia, the private sector and representatives from civil society as well as foreign and international organisations, and if possible takes their information needs into account.5 Amended by Annex No II 5 of the Higher Education Act of 30 Sept 2011, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 4103; BBl 2009 4561).6 Amended by Annex No 1 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002 on the Elimination of Discrimination against People with Disabilities, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4487; BBl 2001 1715).7 Inserted by Annex No II 5 of the Higher Education Act of 30 Sept 2011, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 4103; BBl 2009 4561).Art. 4 Principles of data collection  1 Insofar as the Confederation has the necessary data available or that such data becomes available to an organisation subject to this Act in the implementation of federal law (federal administrative data), separate surveys need not be conducted by federal statistical bodies (direct surveys, indirect surveys or surveys based on observations and measurements).2 In the event that the data required by federal statistical bodies on third parties is available from cantonal or communal agencies or from other entities of the public law, such data must be collected from said agencies or entities (indirect survey).3 Direct surveys require the collection of new data at source by interviewing natural persons and legal entities for the sole purposes of this Act. The number and type of surveys are limited to what is strictly necessary.4 In the case of surveys conducted in terms of this Act, the Confederation gives notice of the purpose and the legal basis for processing the data, and the categories of participants in the data records and the data recipients.5 The organisations, agencies and other public legal entities in terms of paragraphs 1 and 2 must make the data available to the Federal Statistical Office free of charge.88 Inserted by Art. 17 No 2 of the Census Act of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2008 (AS 2007 6743; BBl 2007 53).Section 2 Power to Commission Surveys and Participation  Art. 5 Commissioning surveys  1 The Federal Council shall commission the required surveys. In doing so, it may provide for hybrid direct and indirect surveys.2 It may delegate the authority to a department, a group or an office to commission:a.surveys that do not include the collection of any personal data;b.surveys with no disclosure obligation relating to a small group of companies and businesses under private and public law;c.one-off surveys that relate to a small group of persons.3 The federal institutions for research promotion and research centres subject to this Act may instruct surveys with no disclosure obligation that are one-off or limited in time.4 Other organisations governed by this Act in accordance with Article 2 paragraphs 2 or 3 have the autonomous power to instruct:a.surveys that do not include the collection of any personal data;b.surveys with no disclosure obligation relating to natural persons and legal entities under private and public law that work with the organisation in order to fulfil its other duties;c.surveys with the disclosure obligation if this is provided for by another act.5 Surveys for the purpose of testing methodology may be conducted without special instruction, provided there is no disclosure obligation.Art. 6 Obligations of the interviewees  1 Direct surveys are voluntary for natural persons in private households. The foregoing is subject to the obligation to provide information under Article 10 of the Census Act of 22 June 20079.101bis Indirect surveys are mandatory for natural persons, legal entities and organisations that carry out public tasks.11.2 The survey shall be conducted in a format that imposes the least possible administrative burden on those under obligation.3 Any person who provides information voluntarily for a survey must do so in a truthful manner and to the best of their knowledge. The Federal Council may provide compensation for voluntary information where its provision requires an exceptional amount of time and effort from the interviewees.4 The Federal Council may on, commissioning a survey, require natural persons and legal entities under private and public law and their representatives to disclose information if this is absolutely necessary for the completeness, representativeness, comparability or up-to-dateness of a statistic. The persons and entities under this obligation are required to provide the information truthfully, within the deadline, free of charge and in the prescribed form.129 SR 431.11210 Amended by No I of the FA of 23 Dec. 2011 (Participation in Federal Statistical  Surveys), in force since 15 July 2012 (AS 2012 3131; BBl 2011 3967 4429).11 Inserted by No I of the FA of 23 Dec. 2011 (Participation in Federal Statistical Surveys), in force since 15 July 2012 (AS 2012 3131; BBl 2011 3967 4429).12 Inserted by No I of the FA of 23 Dec. 2011 (Participation in Federal Statistical Surveys), in force since 15 July 2012 (AS 2012 3131; BBl 2011 3967 4429).Art. 7 Participation of the cantons and the communes  1 On commissioning a survey, the Federal Council shall determine the extent to which the cantons and communes participate in conducting the survey.2 It may instruct the transfer of data from their data records, provided the legal basis for the data records does not expressly exclude use of such data for statistical purposes. In the event that the data is subject to a statutory duty of confidentiality, it may not be divulged in accordance with Article 19 of this Act as well as with Article 2213 of the Data Protection Act of 19 June 199214.3 The cantons and communes each meet the costs incurred arising from their participation. Cantonal legislation may regulate the allocation of costs between the cantons and the communes differently.4 The Federal Council may provide compensation for special expenditures or for supplementary services provided voluntarily.13 Revised by the Drafting Committee of the Federal Assembly (Art. 33 Inter-Council Relations Act; AS 1974 1051).14 SR 235.1Art. 8 Participation of other agencies  Research centres and other suitable organisations may, with their consent, be called on to participate in surveys or in other statistical activities, provided that data protection is guaranteed. Compensation may be provided.Art. 9 Multi-year programme  1 A multi-year programme is prepared for each legislature period as part of the legislative planning.2 The multi-year programme provides information on:a.the major statistical activities of federal statistical bodies;b.the financial and staff resources provided by the Confederation;c.the impact on participants and interviewees;d.international cooperation.Section 3 Organisation of Federal Statistics  Art. 10 Federal Statistical Office  1 The Federal Statistical Office (Federal Office) is the central statistical office of the Confederation. It provides statistical services for the administrative units of the Confederation, for other users of data produced by federal statistical bodies and for the general public.2 The Federal Office coordinates federal statistical bodies and draws up standard principles in the interests of national and international comparability. It prepares the multi-year programme in cooperation with other statistical offices and after consulting interested parties. It normally conducts the surveys and prepares comprehensive compilations of data, provided the Federal Council does not assign this duty to another statistical office or federal office.3 The Federal Office cooperates closely with the cantons in the maintenance of a Business and Enterprise Register (BER) used as an aid in conducting surveys on businesses and enterprises. The Federal Council may provide that specific data is also used for purposes related to specific persons in the public interest.3bis The Federal Office cooperates closely with the cantons in the maintenance of a Federal Register of Buildings and Dwellings (RBD). Access to the Register for statistical, research and planning purposes and to fulfil statutory obligations is open to the Confederation, and to each canton and commune in respect of the data pertaining to its territory. The Federal Council shall regulate the management of the Register and decree more detailed provisions on data protection. Insofar as no personal data is involved, the Federal Council may make the data in the register accessible to the public.153ter ...163quater The Federal Office maintains a Random Sample Register used as an aid for surveys of households and persons. Providers of public telephone services are obliged to provide the Federal Office with the required customer data, as far as this data is available. They may be compensated partially or fully for their time and efforts. The offices called on to participate in the survey may not use the data for their own purposes. Data in the Random Sample Register may only be used for surveys in accordance with this Act.173quinquies The Federal Council shall regulate the details.184 The administrative units as well as the other organisations, depending on the extent to which they are subject to Article 2 paragraph 3, provide the Federal Office with the results and principles of their statistical activities and, if required, data from their data records and surveys in order that the Federal Office may fulfil its duties.5 Duties of confidentiality and disclosure prohibitions may only prevent the disclosure of data to the Federal Office if a Federal Act expressly excludes divulging or using data for statistical purposes. The Federal Office may not divulge such data in accordance with Article 19 of this Act as well as Article 2219 of the Data Protection Act of 19 June 199220.15 Inserted by Art. 10 of the FA of 26 June 1998 on the Federal Census (AS 1999 917; BBl 1997 III 1225). Amended by Art. 24 No 1 of the Second Homes Act of 20 March 2015, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 5657; BBl 2014 2287).16 Inserted by Art. 25 of the University Support Act of 8 Oct. 1999, in force since  1 April 2000 valid to 31 Dec. 2007 (AS 2000 948; BBl 1993 297).17 Inserted by Annex No 2 of the FA of 24. March 2006, in force since 1 April 2007  (AS 2007 921; BBl 2003 7951).18 Inserted in accordance with Annex No 2 of the FA of 24 March 2006, in force since  1 April 2007 (AS 2007 921; BBl 2003 7951).19 Revised by the Drafting Committee of the Federal Assembly (Art. 33 Inter-Council Relations Act; AS 1974 1051).20 SR 235.1Art. 11 Other federal statistics generators  1 The other administrative units, as well as the organisations partially subject to the Act, conduct the surveys in accordance with Article 5 paragraph 2–4. The Federal Council may on a case-to-case basis delegate further surveys to an administrative unit, and with its consent also to a subordinate body or institution.2 Federal survey offices that are not exclusively involved in statistics and research designate one or more statistical officers for their statistical activities.3 The statistical analysis of administrative data of the Confederation is in principle the duty of the administrative unit, body or institution that holds the data. In agreement with the Federal Office or by resolution of the Federal Council, the Federal Office may be entrusted with processing the data.4 The Federal Office advises the other federal statistics generators and provides them with the required data within the terms of the data protection provisions.Art. 12 Coordination  1 The Federal Office must be consulted on the design of the surveys, the compilation of the collected data, as well as the other data sources of the federal statistical bodies.2 The Federal Office endeavours to coordinate with the cantonal statistics authorities, and in particular to coordinate the survey programmes, and to harmonise the registers or other data records for the purpose of processing statistics.3 It also cooperates with the cantons, the universities and the research centres on statistics-related research and training matters.Art. 13 Committee for Federal Statistics  1 The Federal Council shall establish a Committee for Federal Statistics. The Committee advises the Federal Council and the federal statistics generators on important issues related to federal statistical bodies.2 The cantons, communes, academia, the private sector, representatives from civil society as well as the administrative units of the Confederation and the organisations governed by this Act are represented in the Committee.Section 4 Data Protection and Data Security  Art. 14 Data protection and official secrecy   1 The data collected or divulged for statistical purposes may not be used for other purposes unless a Federal Act expressly orders another application or those concerned provide their written consent.2 The persons entrusted with statistical activities must treat as confidential all data related to individual natural persons and legal entities that they may have come across in their work. This obligation also applies in particular to persons who are involved by the cantons, the communes or other offices in the conduct of surveys or who receive data in accordance with Article 19.Art. 14a21 Data links  1 In order to fulfil its statistical duties, the Federal Office may link data, provided the data is rendered anonymous. In the event that data links involve data considered especially sensitive or that data links generate personal profiles, the linked data must be deleted on completion of the statistical analysis. The Federal Council regulates the details.2 Statistical offices of the cantons and the communes may only link data from the Federal Office with other data in fulfilling their statistical duties with the written consent of the Federal Office and by taking account of its requirements.21 Inserted by Annex No 4 of the Register Harmonisation Act of 23 June 2006, in force since 1 Nov. 2006 (AS 2006 4165; BBl 2006 427).Art. 15 Data security and data storage  1 All offices that process personal data for or from federal statistical bodies must protect this data against unauthorised handling by introducing necessary organisational and technical measures.2 The offices conducting the surveys may only retain the name and address lists used to prepare, conduct and coordinate surveys for as long as these lists are required for processing for the aforementioned purposes. The provisions on the Businesses and Enterprises Register are reserved.3 Survey material containing names or personal identification numbers of the interviewees in addition to the requested data may only be processed by the offices authorised to conduct the survey. This material and data must be destroyed as soon as processing has been completed.4 Data may be stored and archived at the competent statistical offices of the Confederation, at the Federal Office or, with the written consent of the Federal Office and taking account of requirements, at the cantonal statistical offices, provided it does not contain any names or personal identification numbers of the interviewees.2222 Amended by Annex No 4 of the Register Harmonisation Act of 23 June 2006, in force since 1 Nov. 2006 (AS 2006 4165; BBl 2006 427).Art. 16 Application of other data protection provisions  1 In addition to the provisions of this Act, the provisions of the Data Protection Act of 19 June 199223 on the processing of the data for research, planning and statistics apply to data protection for all statistical activities.2 The Federal Council shall issue supplementary provisions on data protection and on data security for the collection and processing of data by federal bodies.23 SR 235.1Art. 17 Data protection in the cantons  1 Articles 14, 15 and 16 paragraph 1 of this Act and, provided it is not contrary to these articles, cantonal law that regulates the processing of data not related to specific persons applies to the processing of data by cantonal bodies. In the absence of such regulations, federal law applies.2 In the event that the cantons and communes are involved in conducting a survey, the cantons determine an office that will ensure compliance with data protection.Section 5 Dissemination and Services  Art. 18 Dissemination  1 The relevant statistical results and principles are published in user-friendly form in the official languages. Results that are not published are made accessible in an appropriate manner.2 The Federal Office provides the required facilities for this purpose; these facilities are also available to the other statistics generators for disseminating their results.3 Unless such publication is required by law, the results may not enable any conclusions to be drawn regarding the circumstances of individual natural persons or legal entities that the person or entity concerned has not already made generally available.4 The Federal Council may restrict access to statistical results for other important reasons.Art. 19 Other services  1 The Federal Office and the other statistics generators carry out special data analyses for the administrative units of the Confederation and, where they have the capacity, for third parties.2 The federal statistical bodies providers may disclose personal data for purposes not related to specific persons, in particular for research, planning or statistics, to research and statistical offices of the Confederation and to third parties, if:a.the data is rendered anonymous, as soon as the purpose of the processing the data is achieved;b.the recipient divulges the data with the consent of the statistics generators;c.the recipient only discloses the results so that the persons concerned are not recognisable; andd.the recipient meets the requirements for compliance with statistical secrecy and the other data protection provisions.3 The Federal Office may carry out short-term research, analysis and advisory duties in connection with federal statistical bodies if the commissioning party bears the costs or provides the required staff.Art. 20 Re-use of data by third parties  1 Statistical results that have been published, made available, or processed from data from federal statistical bodies may be used or reproduced without copyright authorisation provided reference is made to their source.2 The Federal Council may make exceptions for the use of data for commercial purposes.Art. 21 Fees  The Federal Council regulates the fees for publications, services and authorisations.Section 6 Criminal Provisions24 24 From 1 Jan. 2007 the potential penalties must be interpreted and the limitation periods recalculated in accordance with Art. 333 paras. 2–6 of the Criminal Code (SR 311.0) in its version according to the FA of 13 Dec. 2002 (AS 2006 3459; BBl 1999 1979). Art. 22 Violation of the disclosure obligation  Anyone who in a survey commissioned under this Act wilfully provides false information or does not or does not properly fulfil the duty to disclose information despite receiving a reminder is liable to a fine.Art. 23 Violation of data protection and official secrecy  Anyone who wilfully or negligently violates the provisions of Article 14 by divulging data that must remain secret or by using data for purposes other than statistical purposes is liable to imprisonment or a fine.Art. 24 Prosecution  1 The cantons prosecute and judge violations of the disclosure obligation in the case of surveys conducted by cantonal bodies, and violations of statistical secrecy by cantonal bodies.2 The competent department prosecutes and judges the other offences in accordance with the procedural regulations of the Federal Act of 22 March 197425 on Administrative Criminal law.3 In addition, the general provisions of the Criminal Code26 and Articles 6 and 7 of the Federal Act of 22 March 1974 on Administrative Criminal Law also apply.25 SR 313.026 SR 311.0Section 7 Final Provisions  Art. 25 Implementation  1 The Federal Council is responsible for implementation and issues the implementing provisions.2 It may within the scope of its own powers conclude agreements on international cooperation.Art. 2627 27 Repealed by No II 20 of the FA of 20 March 2008 on the Formal Revision of Federal Legislation, with effect from 1 Aug. 2008 (AS 2008 3437; BBl 2007 6121).Art. 27 Referendum and commencement  1 This Act is subject to an optional referendum.2 The Federal Council determines the date on which this Act comes into force.Commencement date: 1 August 19932828 FCD of 30 June 1993.Annex Repeal and Amendment of other Legislation 1. Federal Act of 23 July 187029 on Official Statistical Surveys in Switzerland 29 [BS 4 282]Repealed2. Federal Decree of 17 September 187530 on the Statistical Compilation of Births, Deaths, Marriages, Divorces and Marriage Annulments occurring in Switzerland 30 [BS 4 285; AS 1985 660 No I 11]Repealed3. Federal Act of 27 June 197331 on Statistical School Surveys 31 [AS 1975 1029]Repealed4. Federal Decree of 30 November 196432 on the Periodic Conduct of Road Traffic Censuses 32 [AS 1970 1005]Repealed5. Federal Assembly Decree of 14 June 195433 on the Periodic Conduct of Business Censuses 33 [AS 1954 652, 1974 1857 Annex No 26]Repealed6. Federal Assembly Decree of 12 April 193334 on the Introduction of Federal Statistics on Tourism 34 [BS 4 286; AS 1974 1857 Annex No 27]Repealed7. –14. ...3535 The amendments may be consulted under AS 1993 2080.


text: 431.011 English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.Ordinanceon the Organisation of Federal Statisticsof 30 June 1993 (Status as on 1 April 2021)The Swiss Federal Council,based on Article 25 paragraph 1 of the Federal Statistics Act of 9 October 19921 (the Act),ordains:1 SR 431.01Art. 1 Aim  This Ordinance regulates:a.the scope of application of the Act;b.the preparation of the multi-year programme;c.cooperation between the various agencies;d.the provision of statistical information.Art. 2 Scope of application  1 The institutions, public corporations and other legal entities named in the Annex are partly subject to the Act. The provisions of the Act and the implementing provisions of this ordinance apply in the following areas:a.the duties of the federal statistical bodies (Art. 3 of the Act);b.the principles of data collection (Arts. 4 and 6 para. 2 of the Act);c.the autonomous instruction of surveys (Art. 5 para. 4 of the Act);d.the participation of other agencies (Art. 8 of the Act);e.cooperation with the Federal Statistical Office (Federal Office) (Art. 10 para. 4 of the Act);f.the duties of federal statistics generators (Art. 11 of the Act);g.consultation with the Federal Office (Art. 12 para. 1 of the Act, Art. 8 para. 1 of this Ordinance);h.data protection and data security (Art. 14–16 and 23 of the Act, Art. 10 of this Ordinance);i.publications (Art. 18 para. 2 and 3 of the Act, Art. 11 para. 1 of this Ordinance);k.other services (Art. 19 para.. 1 and 2 of the Act).2 For the Swiss National Bank, paragraph 1 letters a–e applies, other than for statistical work that is instructed by the Federal Council under Article 2 paragraph 1 letter a of the Act.Art. 3 Definitions  1 Federal statistics generators are administrative units of the Federal Administration (Art. 58 of the Administration Organisation Act of 19 Sept. 19782) or parts thereof, as well as the public corporations, institutions and other legal entities that are partly subject to the Act insofar as they carry out statistical work.2 Statistical work comprises:a.the conduct of direct and indirect surveys;b.the provision of general surveys and statistical summaries;c.the preparation and the updating of classifications, nomenclatures and terminological collections;d.the evaluation for statistical purposes of administrative data, registers and of data from observation and monitoring networks;e.statistical analysis, provision of statistical information and archiving;f.devising statistical methods for federal statistical bodies as well as the related information technology programs;g.training and research in the field of statistics;h.the cultivation of international contacts relating to the coordination and harmonisation of statistics, as well as the exchange of statistical information.3 Work that that solely involves the internal administrative activities of administrative units and the other public corporations, institutions and private entities, the results of which provide no representative information at federal level, is not regarded as statistical work.2 [AS 1979 114, 1983 170 931 Art. 59 No 2, 1985 699, 1987 226 No II 2 808, 1989 2116, 1990 3 Art. 1 1530 No II 1 1587 Art. 1, 1991 362 No I, 1992 2 Art. 1, 288 Annex No 2 510 581 Annex No 2, 1993 1770, 1995 978 4093 Annex No 2 4362 Art. 1 5050 Annex No 1, 1996 1486 1498 Annex No 1, 546 Annex No 1. AS 1997 2022 Art. 63]. See now the Government and Administration Organisation Act of 21 March 1997 (SR 172.010).Art. 4 Multi-year programme  1 The multi-year programme contains the goals and priorities of federal statistical policy for the legislative period. It also includes information on measures that relieve the burden on those involved in the conduct of surveys, on the required financial and human resources and on international cooperation.2 The Federal Statistical Office participates in the preparation of the legislative programme, in order to ensure the coordination of the multi-year programme with the legislative programme.3 In the preparation of the multi-year programme, the Federal Office takes account wherever possible of the information needs of the cantons, communes, the scientific world, the private sector, social partners and international organisations.4 The federal statistics generators provide the Federal Office with information on the aim, content and form of their planned statistical work as well as a list of the planned resources.5 If new statistical work, a fundamental modification or the termination of existing statistical work is planned, the Federal Office must be notified without delay. The Federal Office must be regularly informed of developments relating to the planning of statistical work.Art. 5 Federal Statistics Committee  1 The Federal Statistics Committee (the Committee) advises the Federal Council and the federal statistics generators on the following matters:a.the preparation of the multi-year programme and the supervision of this programme;b.the provision of recommendations and guidelines for statistical work;c.general statistics projects;d.the policy on the publication of statistical information;e.other issues that are important for improving official statistics in Switzerland.2 Matters falling under the autonomous control of the institutions partly subject to the Act are not included in the foregoing.3 The Committee draws up an annual report for submission to the Federal Council on developments in the multi-year programme and the situation and development of official statistics in Switzerland.4 It may form sub-committees to deal with specific matters and may call on experts. The legal status, term of office and remuneration of the members the Committee are governed by the regulations on the extra-parliamentary committees.5 The Committee is made up of a maximum of 25 members and normally meets twice a year. The Committee Secretariat is run by the Federal Office.6 The Federal Department of Home Affairs issues the internal regulations.Art. 6 Cooperation between federal statistics generators  1 In order to encourage statistical cooperation, planning and coordination at federal level, the Federal Office shall establish a contract group (FEDESTAT), in which the federal statistics generators are represented.2 The Federal Department of Home Affairs issues the internal regulations after consulting with the parties concerned.Art. 7 Cooperation with the cantons and communes  1 In order to encourage statistical cooperation, planning and coordination between the Confederation, cantons and communes, the Federal Office shall establish a contract group (REGIOSTAT), in which the cantonal statistical offices, the statistical officers for those cantons that have no statistical office and the statistical offices of the cities may be represented.2 The Federal Department of Home Affairs issues the internal regulations after consulting with the parties concerned.Art. 8 Specialist panels of experts  1 In order to obtain advice on issues specific to a particular field raised by the federal statistics generators, the Federal Office may establish panels of experts with suitable representatives from the Confederation, the cantons and communes, the scientific world, the private sector and representatives from civil society.2 Their remuneration is governed by the Ordinance of 1 October 19733 on the Remuneration of Committee Members, Experts and Mandataries.3 [AS 1973 1559, 1989 50, 1996 518 Art. 72 No 2. AS 1996 1651 Art. 21 let. b].  See now the Ordinance on the Daily Allowances and Remuneration of the Members of Extra-Parliamentary Committees (SR 172.311).Art. 9 Coordination  1 The federal statistics generators must consult the Federal Office before the start, the fundamental modification or the termination of statistical projects in terms of Article 3 paragraph 2 letters a–c. The Federal Office must likewise be consulted before the creation, fundamental modification or termination of federal administrative data collections and federal registers that are suitable for the federal statistical purposes.2 The Federal Office advises the federal statistics generators as well as the regional statistical offices on statistical matters. It offers them suitable basic and advanced in statistics.3 The Federal Office may for the purpose of the coordination and harmonisation of federal statistics, after consulting with the parties concerned and with the agreement of the Statistics Committee, issue recommendations and technical and methodological guidelines on the statistical work in terms of Article 3 paragraph 2 letters a–c.4 The Federal Office shall draw up an inventory of the statistical activities in terms of Article 3 paragraph 2 letters a–c, of the federal administrative data collections and federal registers that are suitable for federal statistical purposes, and of the observation and monitoring networks. The inventory shall be updated annually.5 The Federal Office coordinates the relations of the Confederation with international organisations in the field of statistics. It also guarantees the exchange of data between the federal statistical bodies and the relevant international organisations, insofar as this is not guaranteed by other federal statistics generators. The exchange of data via networks is carried out in cooperation with the Federal Office for Information Technology and Systems4.4 Term in accordance with the unpublished FCF of 19 Dec. 1997.Art. 105  Data protection and data security  1 In order to guarantee data protection, in addition to the provisions of the Act and the Ordinance of 30 June 19936 on the Conduct of Federal Statistical Surveys, the provisions of the Federal Act of 19 June 19927 on Data Protection and the Ordinance of 14 June 19938 to the Data Protection Act apply.2 In order to guarantee data security, in addition to the provisions of the Act, the provisions of the Cyber Risks Ordinance of 27 May 20209 and the Ordinance to the Federal Act on Data Protection also apply.5 Amended by Annex No 10 of the O of 24 Feb. 2021, in force since 1 April 2021  (AS 2021 132).6 SR 431.012.17 SR 235.18 SR 235.119 SR 120.73Art. 11 Statistical information  1 The federal statistics generators disseminate the most important statistical results and principles through suitable media such as press releases, publications, machine-readable data carriers and databases. If possible, they provide an information service. Additional services may be provided for a fee.2 The Federal Office maintains:a.an integrated and structured collection of statistical and geographical data (data warehouse);b.a central online statistical information system that provides access to statistical results and metadata from affiliated databases for various target groups.103 It provides these facilities to the federal statistics generators and other data providers for the provision of statistical information.114 It may issue recommendations and guidelines for the provision of data by these facilities.1210 Amended by No I of the O of 28 June 2006, in force since 1 Aug. 2006 (AS 2006 2799).11 Amended by No I of the O of 28 June 2006, in force since 1 Aug. 2006 (AS 2006 2799).12 Inserted by No I of the O of 28 June 2006, in force since 1 Aug. 2006 (AS 2006 2799).Art. 12 Commencement  This Ordinance comes into force on 1 August 1993.Annex13 13 Amended by No II of the O of 2 July 2008, in force since 1 Aug. 2008 (AS 2008 3463). (Art. 2 para. 1)Institutions subject to the Act  (Art. 2 para. 2 and 3 of the Act) Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ), Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (ETHL), the General Secretariat of the ETH Board and the following research institutes:–Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI)–Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)–Swiss Federal Laboratory for Materials Testing and Research (EMPA)–Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG)Swiss National Accident Insurance Organisation (SUVA)Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BfU)Secretariat of the Swiss Farmers’ UnionSwiss Service for Alcohol-related Issues (Fachstelle für Alkoholfragen) (SFA)HIA Collective Institution (Gemeinsame Einrichtung KVG)


text: 431.112 English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.Federal Act on the Federal Census(Census Act)of 22 June 2007 (Status as of 1 January 2017)The Federal Assembly of the Swiss Confederation,based on Article 65 of the Federal Constitution1,and having considered the Federal Council Dispatch dated 29 November 20062,decrees:1 SR 1012 BBl 2007 53Section 1 General Provisions  Art. 1 Principles  1 Data shall be collected annually or at shorter intervals on the structure of the population and social developments in Switzerland.2 Data shall be collected on:a.the status, structure and development of the population;b.families, households and living conditions;c.work and earnings;d.health and social issues;e.3continuing education and training;f.migration;g.languages, religions and culture;h.transport and environment;i.buildings, apartments and workplaces and school establishments.3 As far as possible, the survey is based on official registers.4 For attributes not contained in the registers, random sample surveys shall be carried out.3 The amendment in accordance with the Federal Act of 20 June 2014 on Continuing Education and Training, in force since 1 Jan. 2017 only concerns the French and Italian texts (AS 2016 689; BBl 2013 3729).Art. 2 Subject matter  The census is a survey of persons, households as well as buildings and dwellings that provides the authorities, the business community, research institutions and other interested parties with statistical data that forms the basis for:a.planning;b.political decisions;c.research;d.information given to the general public;e.the compilation of other statistics.Art. 3 Statistical populations and survey attributes  1 The Federal Council determines the statistical populations and the survey attributes for the census in an overview.2 It updates the overview regularly.3 It consults with the cantons in advance and seeks their cooperation.Section 2 Elements of the Census  Art. 4 Register-related surveys and random sample surveys  1 The census comprises register-related surveys and additional random sample surveys.2 The census is constituted by all register-related surveys and random sample surveys in accordance with this Act over ten years.3 For the census in general, the Federal Council shall issue more detailed regulations in particular on:a.the subject matter of the survey;b.the modalities of the survey;c.the identifiers;d.the quality assurance measures.Art. 5 Register-related survey  1 In the case of the register-related surveys, in order to compile statistics on persons and household as well as statistics on buildings and dwellings, data in electronic form or in the form of data carriers is compiled from:a.the harmonised official federal registers of persons of the Confederation, the cantons and the communes;b. the Federal Register of Buildings and Dwellings.2 The provision of data is governed by:a.the Register Harmonisation Act of 23 June 20064 (RHA) and the related implementing provisions;b.the provisions on the Federal Register of Buildings and Dwellings.3 If the official registers of persons of the Confederation, the cantons and the communes are not harmonised within the periods laid down in the RHA and the related implementing provisions, the competent agencies responsible for maintaining the registers must provide the data in another suitable form on the same due date as the harmonised register data. The Federal Council may instruct the Federal Statistical Office to issue directives that regulate the details.4 SR 431.02Art. 6 Random sampling  1 Random sampling is the representative collection of data from a section of the population or from another group under investigation that is selected randomly according to scientific principles.2 It includes:a.a structure survey: random sample survey on attributes that are not contained in the Federal Register of Buildings and Dwellings or in the harmonised official federal registers of persons of the Confederation, the cantons or the communes;b.thematic random sample surveys: random sample surveys on various social, demographic and cultural subject areas.3 The Federal Council shall issue more detailed regulations for each random sample survey and in particular on:a.the subject matter of the survey;b.the body responsible for the survey;c.the periodicity;d.the time;e.the conduct of the survey;f.the method.Art. 7 Standard programme  1 The standard programme consists of the register-related surveys and those random sample surveys that are regularly conducted by the Confederation independently of the surveys conducted by the cantons.2 It is carried out throughout the territory of Switzerland.3 The Federal Council determines the standard programme. It publishes the standard programme at the same time as the overview of the statistical populations and survey attributes.Art. 8 Additional programmes  1 The cantons may request the Federal Statistical Office for an expansion of the scope of the structure survey and the thematic random sample surveys. The expanded thematic random sample surveys do not include any new subject areas.2 The Federal Council regulates competences, territorial limits, the scope, deadlines and costs of the additional programmes as well as rights and obligations of the commissioning party.3 The Federal Statistical Office and the commissioning canton shall enter into an agreement on the supplementary programme.Section 3 Responsibility  Art. 9 1 The body responsible for the survey is the Federal Statistical Office.2 The Federal Statistical Office may entrust third parties with the conduct of the surveys.Section 4 Disclosure Obligation, Use of Data and Data Protection, Dissemination Art. 10 Disclosure obligation  1 Anyone who is interviewed within the terms of the structure survey is obliged to provide information.2 In the case of the thematic random sample surveys, the Federal Council may impose a disclosure obligation.3 Natural persons are obliged to provide information on themselves and on those that they legally represent.4 The interviewees must provide the survey offices with the information truthfully, punctually and free of charge.5 The procedure in the event of any violation of the disclosure obligation is governed by cantonal law.Art. 11 Inconvenience fees  1 Anyone who fails to answer the questions in full or who does so incorrectly, or who fails to return the survey forms or other documents in time despite receiving a reminder must the pay a fee to the competent authority for the inconvenience.2 The Federal Council stipulates the hourly rate. The fee may not exceed 1000 francs.3 Persons who are not able to answer the questions, or to process the survey forms or have them processed are exempt from the obligation to pay a fee.Art. 12 Data control, data protection and official secrecy  1 The Federal Statistical Office has control over the data from the standard programme.2 The Federal Statistical Office and the relevant commissioning canton have joint control over the data from additional programmes.3 As soon as the data from the census has been reviewed, it shall be rendered anonymous and the names of persons deleted. Article 16 paragraph 3 RHA5 remains reserved.4 The data from the census may be used for purposes not related to specific persons, and in particular for research, planning and statistics. The results of the survey may be disseminated only if the persons concerned are not identifiable.5 The Federal Council shall issue more detailed provisions on data protection, and in particular on the rights of persons required to provide information and on the destruction of the survey forms after the collection of the data.6 Anyone who is instructed to conduct the census is bound by official secrecy in terms of Article 320 of the Criminal Code6.5 SR 431.026 SR 311.0Art. 13 Dissemination of the residential population numbers  Every four years, the Federal Council shall authoritatively establish the residential population numbers and publish them in the Official Federal Gazette. The figures from the register-related surveys that are conducted in the first calendar year following the general elections to the National Council are decisive.Section 5 Costs  Art. 14 1 The Confederation shall bear the costs of the census in accordance with the standard programme, and in particular the costs of its conduct, the compilation and analysis of the data and the dissemination of the results.2 The Federal Assembly may approve a spending ceiling for the census in a simple federal decree.3 The costs of the additional programmes are borne in their entirety by the commissioning canton.Section 6 Final Provisions  Art. 15 Law also applicable  The provisions of the Federal Statistics Act of 9 October 19927 and the related implementing provisions also apply.7 SR 431.01Art. 16 Repeal of current law  The Federal Act of 26 June 19988 on the Federal Census is repealed.8 AS 1999 917Art. 17 Amendment of current legislation  The legislative instruments listed below are amended as follos:…99 The amendments may be consulted under AS 2007 6743.Art. 18 Transitional provisions  1 The census shall be conducted according to the new law from 2010.2 The Federal Council shall provide the Federal Assembly with an analysis report on the 2010 census at the appropriate time. It shall present the results in the individual survey areas and evaluate the effects of the change of system.Art. 19 Referendum and commencement  1 This Act is subject to an optional referendum.2 The Federal Council determines the date on which this Act comes into force.Commencement date: 1 January 20081010 Federal Council Decree of 7 Dec. 2007