Switzerland has officially paused its corporate climate disclosure law revisions until early 2026, aligning with broader ESG and carbon neutral strategy developments across Europe. The Federal Council made the decision during its June 25, 2025 meeting, citing the need to synchronize domestic reforms with evolving international and EU sustainability reporting standards. 

The Ordinance on Climate Disclosures, which took effect in January 2024, was designed to increase transparency and require financial institutions to report on climate targets under the Swiss Climate Protection Act. Proposed updates to the law aimed to strengthen alignment with global standards, including mandatory climate transition plans for financial companies. 

However, strong stakeholder feedback during public consultation prompted the government to delay implementation. Many industry voices called for legal clarity and warned against premature rulemaking while Switzerland’s Code of Obligations—its corporate legal foundation—is still under revision. 

On March 21, 2025, the Federal Council tasked the Federal Department of Justice and Police with drafting updates to the Code of Obligations. These changes will address corporate sustainability reporting and governance, setting the stage for a more cohesive ESG framework. 

“The ordinance on climate disclosures will remain on hold until revisions to the Code of Obligations are finalized and the EU concludes its own reporting simplification process,” the Council stated. The EU is currently streamlining its Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which will directly impact cross-border regulatory alignment. 

A final decision on Switzerland’s updated climate disclosure rules is expected by early 2026, with a firm implementation date no later than January 1, 2027. 

This pause reflects Switzerland’s commitment to building a globally consistent, effective ESG system while supporting companies in adopting meaningful carbon neutral strategies in line with international best practices. 

Sources: 

https://esgnews.com/swiss-climate-disclosure-law-put-on-hold-as-eu-finalizes-sustainability-reforms/ 

https://www.esgtoday.com/switzerland-pauses-new-climate-reporting-requirements-to-await-clarity-on-eu-omnibus/