A prepackage is the quantity of a product which has been measured and placed in a package without the purchaser being present. Usually, the prepackage comprises the product and the individual wrapping in which it is packed.
A differentiation is made between prepackages of the same nominal contents...
... and prepackages of variable contents (random pre-packages).
The manufacurers of prepackages are legally bound to specify the net weight of goods for sale. Most goods in shops today are prepackaged (prepackages) and get weighed in absence of the customer. The details of quantity declarations, both for the contents of prepackages and for goods sold in bulk, are defined by two ordinances and a directive:
- Ordinance of September 5, 2012 on declarations of quantity in bulk sales and on prepackages (MeAV; SR 941.204);
- FDJP Ordinance of September 10, 2012 on declarations of quantity in bulk sales and on prepackages (MeAV-FDJP; RS 941.204.1);
- Directives from METAS for ordinances on declarations of quantity.
The cantonal bureau of weights and measures are responsible for inspections and the market surveillance of prepackages.
Further information
- Ordinance of September 5, 2012 on the indication of quantities in open sales and on prepackages (MeAV; SR 941.204) (in German)
- Ordinance of the FDJP of September 10, 2012 on the indication of quantities in open sales and on prepackages (MeAV-EJPD; SR 941.204.1) (in German)
- Directives on the quantity declaration ordinances of November 11, 2013 (as of January 1, 2025) (in German) (PDF, 593 kB, 08.01.2025)
- Publication «Correct quantity and price information» (in German) (PDF, 4 MB, 07.01.2025)
Last modification 06.01.2025