Swiss audit finds major delays in pesticide approval system

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  Switzerland’s Federal Audit Office says the pesticide approval system is too bureaucratic, slow and underfunded.

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  Half of the applications submitted from 2018 to 2025 were still pending, the audit found.

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  In 2024, authorities issued 34 emergency permits compared with 18 regular approvals.

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  The audit blamed fragmented responsibilities across five federal offices, a lack of binding deadlines and problems with the digital system.

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  The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office accepted all the recommendations and is preparing an action plan.

Who

Switzerland’s Federal Audit Office reviewed the system; the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office leads it.

What

An audit found major delays and other shortcomings in the approval process for plant protection products.

When

The audit report was published Monday evening. The article was published on 12 October 2026.

Where

Switzerland.

Why

The audit cited fragmented responsibilities, missing binding deadlines, problems with the Infofito digital system and fees that cover only 15 percent of costs.

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