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Agreement Document symbol Notifying Member Year Harmonized types of environment-related objectives Harmonized types of measures Harmonized types of sectors subject to the measure Measure description See more information
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures G/SCM/N/372/CHE Switzerland 2022
Air pollution reduction, Climate change…
Air pollution reduction, Climate change mitigation and adaptation
 Tax concessions Manufacturing
Refund of the CO2 levy (Art. 31 and Art. 32a of…
Refund of the CO2 levy (Art. 31 and Art. 32a of Federal Act on the Reduction of CO2 Emissions (CO2 Act) of 23 December 2011 (status as of 1 January 2020).
Environment related objective
To avoid an undesirable worsening of the competitiveness of the companies that participate in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) or commit to emission reductions (nonETS)
Measure description Coverage of the measure
Refund of the CO2 levy (Art. 31 and Art. 32a of Federal Act on the Reduction of CO2 Emissions (CO2 Act) of 23 December 2011 (status as of 1 January 2020).
The refund of the CO2 levy is granted only to companies covering an activity referred to in Annex 7 of the CO2 Ordinance. Eligible companies have to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions on the basis of a fixed emissions reduction target. Small companies also have the possibility to set a target solely based on effective emissions reductions measures. If a company fails to fulfil its target, a sanction of CHF 125 for each excess tonne CO2eq emitted has to be paid and an emission reduction certificate for each excess tonne has to be surrendered
Type of measure
Refund of CO2 levy
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount
The CO2 levy that was refunded by the Swiss Customs Administration to exempted companies was 97 CHF million in 2015 (1.618 mio t CO2 * 60 CHF / t CO2), 139 CHF million in 2016 (1.655 mio t CO2 * 84 CHF / t CO2), CHF 141 million in 2017 (1.674 mio t CO2 * 84 CHF / t CO2), CHF 158 million in 2018 (1.649 mio t CO2 * 96 CHF / t CO2). CHF 163 million in 2019 (1.695 mio t CO2 * 96 CHF / t CO2) and CHF 157 million in 2020 (1.638 mio t CO2 * 96 CHF / t CO2). Data on the amount of refunds in 2021is not yet available.
 Implementation period
2015 - 2020
Keywords
Climate
Emissions
Energy
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures G/SCM/N/372/CHE Switzerland 2022
Afforestation/reforestation, Sustainable forestry…
Afforestation/reforestation, Sustainable forestry management
 Grants and direct payments Forestry
New system of fiscal equalization and division of…
New system of fiscal equalization and division of tasks (NFE) between the federal government and the cantons.
Environment related objective
Compensation to forest owners for services rendered to the public. Subsidies are paid in accordance with the Federal Act on Forests (ForA). The principles of this financing system are indicated in Art. 35 ForA.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
New system of fiscal equalization and division of tasks (NFE) between the federal government and the cantons.
The federal government and the cantons mainly provide comprehensive subsidies that favour the categories Protection Forest, Forest Biodiversity and Forest Management. Generally, the contributions from the cantons are as least as high as those from the federal government. However, the cantons vary greatly in the requirements they have for their forests and what kinds of forest they have. These differences mean that the cantons also vary greatly in how they distribute their contributions across the categories. With the NFE the federal government introduced four-year long programme agreements between the federal government and the cantons. The subsidies paid by the federal government and the cantons are managed by the cantons to achieve the common defined goals within the programme. The programme forest for the period 2020-2024 includes the sub programmes protection forest, forest biodiversity and forest management.
Type of measure
Since 2008 the new system of fiscal equalization and division of tasks (NFE) is in force. This system also concerns the assistance in the field of forestry. Assistance is allocated in the form of indemnities and financial assistance.
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount
In 2019, the Confederation was engaged in programs amounting to CHF 160.3 million; in 2020, it was CHF 152.2 million
 Implementation period
2019-2020
Keywords
Environment
Forest
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures G/SCM/N/372/CHE Switzerland 2022 Alternative and renewable energy Grants and direct payments Manufacturing
Investment grants for photovoltaic, hydropower…
Investment grants for photovoltaic, hydropower and biomass plants (Energy Act; SR 730.0)
Environment related objective
Investment grants are an instrument that was developed by the Confederation for the purpose of encouraging renewable energy production
Measure description Coverage of the measure
Investment grants for photovoltaic, hydropower and biomass plants (Energy Act; SR 730.0)
The grants are provided to operators of new or significantly expanded or upgraded plants upon request and subject to available funds.
Type of measure
Grant
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount
Photovoltaic systems:
2017: 100 Mio CHF
2018: 200 Mio CHF
2019: 300 Mio CHF
2020: 380 Mio CHF

Hydropower plants:
2017: 0 Mio CHF (grants introduced on 1.01.2018)
2018: 15 Mio CHF
2019: 170 Mio CHF
2020: 15 Mio CHF

Biomass plants:
2017: 0 Mio CHF (grants introduced on 1.01.2018)
2018: 2 Mio CHF
2019: 0 Mio CHF
2020: 10 Mio CHF
 Implementation period
2017 - 2020
Keywords
Bio
Energy
Environment
Renewable
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures G/SCM/N/372/CHE Switzerland 2022 Alternative and renewable energy Grants and direct payments Manufacturing
Investment grants for geothermal exploration …
Investment grants for geothermal exploration (Energy Act; SR 730.0).
Environment related objective
Increase electricity production from renewable energy sources to reach the goals defined in the Swiss Energy Act. Financial contributions for geothermal exploration activities that result in proving the presence of a geothermal reservoir suitable for power production.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
Investment grants for geothermal exploration (Energy Act; SR 730.0).
Contributions may firstly be granted for surface prospecting activities with the goal of defining surface locations of wells and their paths to subsurface target points.
Second, and after prospecting activities have been successfully completed, contributions may be granted for drilling wells and associated activities that prove that a targeted potential reservoir exists and is suitable for power generation.
The investment grants may amount to at most 60% of the eligible cost and are subject to availability of funds.
Type of measure
Grant
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount
Total amount of the subsidy:
2018: 0 Mio CHF
2019: 75 Mio CHF
2020: 25 Mio CHF
 Implementation period
2018 - 2020
Keywords
Energy
Environment
Renewable
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures G/SCM/N/372/CHE Switzerland 2022 Alternative and renewable energy Grants and direct payments Manufacturing
Market premium for electricity from large…
Market premium for electricity from large hydropower plants (Energy Act; SR 730.0).
Environment related objective
The Market Premium is granted for electricity from hydropower plants of more than 10 MW, which is sold at a market price below its production cost. This scheme covers economic losses incurred by operators in order to promote the continuous production of electricity from renewable energy sources.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
Market premium for electricity from large hydropower plants (Energy Act; SR 730.0).
The potential beneficiary must fill in a detailed application form by May 31. The Swiss Federal Office examines all the applications with a commissioned external inspection body and decides on the amount of the subsidy granted.
The beneficiaries are those who carry the losses, i.e. the plant operator, the plant owner(s), or contractually obligated off-takers (retailers).
Type of measure
Grant
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount
Total amount of the subsidy:
2018: 100 Mio CHF
2019: 65 Mio CHF
2020: 85 Mio CHF
 Implementation period
2018 – 2020
Keywords
Energy
Environment
Recycle
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures G/SCM/N/372/CHE Switzerland 2022
Biodiversity and ecosystem, Natural resources…
Biodiversity and ecosystem, Natural resources conservation
 Grants and direct payments Agriculture
Agricultural policy 2014 – 2021 (AP 14-21) –…
Agricultural policy 2014 – 2021 (AP 14-21) – direct payments
Environment related objective
Conservation of natural resources and the upkeep of the countryside
Measure description Coverage of the measure
Agricultural policy 2014 – 2021 (AP 14-21) – direct payments
Payments are granted to agricultural producers.
Type of measure
Grant and direct payment
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount
Biodiversity payments: 2019 (mio. CHF) - 415.8; 2020 (mio. CHF) - 424.8
Resource efficiency payments: 2019 (mio. CHF) - 58.4; 2020 (mio. CHF) - 67.5



 Implementation period
2019-2020
Keywords
Bio
Conservation
Environment
Natural resources
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures G/SCM/N/372/EU/ADD.18 European Union: Luxembourg 2022 Energy conservation and efficiency Grants and direct payments Energy Promotion of environmentally sound technologies.
Environment related objective
To promote investment to protect the environment and implement new techniques for the rational use of energy.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
Promotion of environmentally sound technologies.
The aid is granted by ministerial decision to enterprises meeting the criteria under the Law
Type of measure
Capital subsidy, interest rate subsidy, repayable advance, loan and guarantee
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount
2019: EUR 17.31 million.
2020: EUR 6.2 million.
 Implementation period
2019-2020
Keywords
Energy
Environment
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures G/SCM/N/372/EU/ADD.18 European Union: Luxembourg 2022
Climate change mitigation and adaptation, General…
Climate change mitigation and adaptation, General environmental protection
 Other support measures Manufacturing Prevention of carbon leakage
Environment related objective
Environmental protection
Measure description Coverage of the measure
Prevention of carbon leakage
Enterprises meeting the criteria under the Law of 1 August 2018 introducing an aid scheme in the context of the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme post-2012
Type of measure
Capital subsidy
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount
2019: EUR 4.156 million.
2020: EUR 10.603 million.
 Implementation period
2019-2020
Keywords
Emissions
Environment
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures G/SCM/N/372/EU/ADD.19 European Union: Malta 2022
Environmental goods and services promotion, Waste…
Environmental goods and services promotion, Waste management and recycling
 Grants and direct payments, Tax concessions Manufacturing, Other
Investment Aid Tax Credits The activities that…
Investment Aid Tax Credits
The activities that qualify for Investment Aid are as follows:
(...);
[d] eco-innovations, waste treatment and environmental solutions;
[e] biotechnology, comprising the production or development of intellectual property or goods or the rendering of services resulting from, or related to, the study, research, discovery, application, modification or development of living organisms or materials derived from them;
(...)
Environment related objective
To support eco-innovations, waste treatment and environmental solutions
Measure description Coverage of the measure
Investment Aid Tax Credits
The activities that qualify for Investment Aid are as follows:
(...);
[d] eco-innovations, waste treatment and environmental solutions;
[e] biotechnology, comprising the production or development of intellectual property or goods or the rendering of services resulting from, or related to, the study, research, discovery, application, modification or development of living organisms or materials derived from them;
(...)
Micro, SMEs or Large Enterprises that have activities in eco-innovations, waste treatment and environmental solutions
Type of measure
Cash grant or a tax credit
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount
2019 – EUR 17,831,738.00
2020 – EUR 9,990,572.00
 Implementation period
1 January 2019 until the 31 December 2020
Keywords
Bio
Eco
Environment
Waste
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures G/SCM/N/372/EU/ADD.19 European Union: Malta 2022 Waste management and recycling Grants and direct payments Other
Business START [also known as B.Start] (...) …
Business START [also known as B.Start]
(...)
The Corporation, through Business START, is offering assistance to small start-up undertakings. The Support Measure is intended to support small start-up undertakings that have a viable business concept and are in their early stages of their development. Ensuring that viable small start-up undertakings have access to suitable assistance is essential for a sustainable economy. In this regard, the Corporation is dedicated to creating the conditions for a strong sustainable growth by ensuring that small start-up undertakings in the region of Malta are assisted so that they may be competitive, dynamic and able to internationalise and participate in efficient markets. (...)
Beneficiaries must carry out a commercial activity where principle business shall be classified under one [1] of these sectors:(...) water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities;(...)
Environment related objective
To support water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
Measure description Coverage of the measure
Business START [also known as B.Start]
(...)
The Corporation, through Business START, is offering assistance to small start-up undertakings. The Support Measure is intended to support small start-up undertakings that have a viable business concept and are in their early stages of their development. Ensuring that viable small start-up undertakings have access to suitable assistance is essential for a sustainable economy. In this regard, the Corporation is dedicated to creating the conditions for a strong sustainable growth by ensuring that small start-up undertakings in the region of Malta are assisted so that they may be competitive, dynamic and able to internationalise and participate in efficient markets. (...)
Beneficiaries must carry out a commercial activity where principle business shall be classified under one [1] of these sectors:(...) water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities;(...)
Eligible beneficiaries that carry out water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
Type of measure
Grant
ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount
2019 – EUR 175,000.00
2020 – EUR 675,000.00
 Implementation period
1 January 2019 until the 31 December 2020
Keywords
Sustainable
Waste