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Art. 26 – Commencement

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Art. 26

The Federal Council shall determine the date on which this Act comes into force. It shall issue the necessary implementing regulations.

Commencement date: 1 January 1967118

  1. 118 FCD of 27 Dec. 1966.
Legal act context
SR 451 · NCHA · Federal act · Federal Act of 1 July 1966 on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage (NCHA)
Structure path
Aim Section 6 Final Provisions Commencement
Language
English (en)
Data status
2025-08-01

Available language versions

Deutschde Françaisfr Italianoit Englishen Rumantschrm

The official sources and versions published by the competent authorities remain authoritative.

Contents of this enactment

Document textGeneral document text1ArticlesRegular articles in this version70
Document text1
Articles70
1Aim
Art. 1Art. 1 Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214, BBl 1991 III 1121). Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214, BBl 1991 III 1121). Th… Direct link
2Section 1 Nature Protection, Cultural Heritage Protection and Monument Preservation in the Fulfilment of Federal Tasks
3Fulfilment of federal tasks
Art. 2Art. 2 1 The fulfilment of federal tasks as defined in Article 24sexies paragraph 2 of the Federal Constitution [AS 1962 749]. Now Art. 78 para. 2 of the Federal Constitution of 18 April 1999 (SR 101). is taken to mean… Direct link
3Obligations of the Confederation and cantons
Art. 3Art. 3 1 In the fulfilment of federal tasks, the Confederation, its institutions and enterprises, and the cantons shall ensure that heritage landscapes and heritage sites, historic sites, and natural and cultural monume… Direct link
3Classification of sites
Art. 4Art. 4 With regard to heritage landscapes and heritage sites, historic sites, and natural and cultural monuments within the meaning of Article 24sexies paragraph 2 of the Federal Constitution [AS 1962 749]. Now Art. 78… Direct link
3Federal inventories of sites of national importance
Art. 5Art. 5 1 After consultation with the cantons, the Federal Council shall prepare inventories of sites of national importance; these may be based on existing inventories drawn up by official institutions and organisations… Direct link
3Importance of inclusion in an inventory
Art. 6Art. 6 1 The inclusion of a site of national importance in a federal inventory indicates that it particularly deserves to be preserved undiminished, or in any case to be managed with the greatest possible care, includin… Direct link
3Expert report prepared by commission
Art. 7Art. 7 Amended by No I No 3 of the FA of 18 June 1999 on the Coordination and Simplification of Decision-Making Procedures, in force since 1 Jan. 2000 (AS 1999 3071; BBl 1998 2591). Amended by No I No 3 of the FA of 18… Direct link
3Optional expert report
Art. 8Art. 8 Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). In… Direct link
3Other expert reports
Art. 9Art. 9 Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). Th… Direct link
3Consultation of cantons
Art. 10Art. 10 Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). I… Direct link
3Exception for military installations
Art. 11Art. 11 In the case of military buildings and installations not subject to approval in accordance with Article 126 paragraph 4 of the Armed Forces Act of 3 February 1995SR 510.10, the competent federal authority shall n… Direct link
3Right of appeal of communes and organisations
41. Entitlement to appeal
Art. 12Art. 12 Amended by No II 1 of the FA of 20 Dec. 2006, in force since 1 July 2007 (AS 2007 2701; BBl 2005 5351 5391). The provision on commercial activity in para. 1 let. b No 2 comes into force on 1 July 2010. Amended b… Direct link
42. Inadmissible appeals against decisions on providing a federal subsidy
Art. 12aArt. 12a Inserted by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). Amended by No II 1 of the FA of 20. Dec. 2006, in force since 1 July 2007 (AS 2007 2701; BBl 2005 5351 5391). Inserted by No I of th… Direct link
43. Notification of the ruling
Art. 12bArt. 12b Inserted by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). Amended by No II 1 of the FA of 20. Dec. 2006, in force since 1 July 2007 (AS 2007 2701; BBl 2005 5351 5391). Inserted by No I of th… Direct link
44. Loss of right to appeal
Art. 12cArt. 12c Inserted by No II 1 of the FA of 20 Dec. 2006, in force since 1 July 2007 (AS 2007 2701; BBl 2005 5351 5391). Inserted by No II 1 of the FA of 20 Dec. 2006, in force since 1 July 2007 (AS 2007 2701; BBl 2005 53… Direct link
45. Agreements between applicants and organisations
Art. 12dArt. 12d Inserted by No II 1 of the FA of 20. Dec. 2006, in force since 1 July 2007 (AS 2007 2701; BBl 2005 5351 5391). Inserted by No II 1 of the FA of 20. Dec. 2006, in force since 1 July 2007 (AS 2007 2701; BBl 2005… Direct link
46. Early start to construction work
Art. 12eArt. 12e Inserted by No II 1 of the FA of 20. Dec. 2006, in force since 1 July 2007 (AS 2007 2701; BBl 2005 5351 5391). Inserted by No II 1 of the FA of 20. Dec. 2006, in force since 1 July 2007 (AS 2007 2701; BBl 2005… Direct link
47. Procedural costs
Art. 12fArt. 12f Inserted by No II 1 of the FA of 20. Dec. 2006, in force since 1 July 2007 (AS 2007 2701; BBl 2005 5351 5391). Inserted by No II 1 of the FA of 20. Dec. 2006, in force since 1 July 2007 (AS 2007 2701; BBl 2005… Direct link
3Right of appeal of the cantons and the Federal Office concerned
Art. 12gArt. 12g Inserted by No II 1 of the FA of 20. Dec. 2006, in force since 1 July 2007 (AS 2007 2701; BBl 2005 5351 5391). Inserted by No II 1 of the FA of 20. Dec. 2006, in force since 1 July 2007 (AS 2007 2701; BBl 2005… Direct link
2Section 2 Federal Support for Nature Protection, Cultural Heritage Protection and Monument Preservation, and Independent Federal Measures
3Financial assistance for the preservation of sites deserving protection
Art. 13Art. 13 Amended by No II 7 of the FA of 6 Oct. 2006 on the New System of Financial Equalisation and Division of Tasks between the Confederation and the Cantons (NFA), in force since 1 Jan. 2008 (AS 2007 5779; BBl 2005 6… Direct link
3Subsidies for organisations
Art. 14Art. 14 Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). T… Direct link
3Research, training, public relations
Art. 14aArt. 14a Inserted by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). Inserted by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121)… Direct link
3Purchase and safeguarding of sites deserving protection
Art. 15Art. 15 1 The Confederation may, by contract or, if this is not possible, by compulsory purchase, purchase or safeguard natural landscapes, historic sites and natural or cultural monuments of national importance. It may… Direct link
3Precautionary measures
Art. 16Art. 16 In cases where a natural landscape as defined in Article 15, a historic site, or a cultural monument of national importance is in immediate danger, the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy an… Direct link
3Provision of subsidies
Art. 16aArt. 16a Inserted by Annex No 9 of the Subsidies Act of 5 Oct. 1990 (AS 1991 857; BBl 1987 I 369). Amended by No II 7 of the FA of 6 Oct. 2006 on the New System of Financial Equalisation and Division of Tasks between th… Direct link
3Repayment of subsidies
Art. 17Art. 17 Amended by Section 9 of the Annex to the Subsidy Act of 5 Oct. 1990, in force since 1 April 1991 (AS 1991 857; BBl 1997 I 369). Amended by Section 9 of the Annex to the Subsidy Act of 5 Oct. 1990, in force since… Direct link
3Special reports
Art. 17aArt. 17a Inserted by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). Inserted by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121)… Direct link
2Section 3 Protection of Indigenous Flora and Fauna
3Protection of animal and plant species
Art. 18Art. 18 1 The extinction of indigenous animal and plant species must be prevented by preserving sufficiently extensive habitats (biotopes) and by other appropriate measures. These measures must pay due regard to agricul… Direct link
3Biotopes of national importance
Art. 18aArt. 18a Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987, in force since 1 Feb. 1988 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987, in force since 1 Feb. 1988 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). 1… Direct link
3Biotopes of regional and local importance and ecological compensation
Art. 18bArt. 18b Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987, in force since 1 Feb. 1988 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987, in force since 1 Feb. 1988 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). 1… Direct link
3Position of land owners and operators
Art. 18cArt. 18c Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987, in force since 1 Feb. 1988 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987, in force since 1 Feb. 1988 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). 1… Direct link
3Financing
Art. 18dArt. 18d Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). Amended by No II 7 of the FA of 6 Oct. 2006 on the New System of Financial Equalisation and Division of Tasks between the Confederatio… Direct link
3Gathering of wild plants and capturing of animals; obligatory approval
Art. 19Art. 19 The gathering of wild plants and capturing of animals living in the wild for commercial purposes are subject to approval by the competent cantonal authority. Such approval may be restricted to particular species… Direct link
3Protection of rare plants and animals
Art. 20Art. 20 1 The Federal Council may completely or partially prohibit the picking, digging up, uprooting, removal, offering for sale, sale, purchase or destruction of rare plants. It may likewise take appropriate measures… Direct link
3Riparian vegetation
Art. 21Art. 21 Amended by Art. 66 Section I of the Environmental Protection Act of 7 Oct. 1983, in force since 1 Jan. 1985 (AS 1984 1122; BBl 1979 III 749). Amended by Art. 66 Section I of the Environmental Protection Act of 7… Direct link
3Exceptional approval
Art. 22Art. 22 1 The competent cantonal authority may, for scientific purposes or for educational and therapeutic purposes, grant exceptional approval for protected plants to be gathered or dug up or for animals to be captured… Direct link
3Foreign animal and plant species: obligatory approval
Art. 23Art. 23 Amended by Art. 27 Section 2 of the Hunting Act of 20 June 1986, in force since 1 April 1988 (AS 1988 506; BBl 1983 II 1197). Amended by Art. 27 Section 2 of the Hunting Act of 20 June 1986, in force since 1 Apr… Direct link
2Section 3a Mires and Mire Landscapes of Outstanding Beauty and National Importance
3Protection of mires
Art. 23aArt. 23a Articles 18a, 18c and 18d apply to the protection of mires of outstanding beauty and national importance. Direct link
3Definition and demarcation of mire landscapes
Art. 23bArt. 23b 1 A mire landscape is a near-natural landscape characterised by the presence of mires. The non-mire part thereof bears a close ecological, visual, cultural or historical relationship to the mires. 2 A mire land… Direct link
3Protection of mire landscapes
Art. 23cArt. 23c 1 The overall protection objective shall be to preserve the natural and cultural features of the mire landscapes that account for their outstanding beauty and national importance. The Federal Council shall spec… Direct link
3Remodelling and use of mire landscapes
Art. 23dArt. 23d 1 The remodelling and use of mire landscapes shall be permitted provided that this does not conflict with the preservation of the features typical of these landscapes. 2 Subject to paragraph 1, the following ar… Direct link
2Section 3b Parks of National Importance
3Definition and categories
Art. 23eArt. 23e 1 Parks of national importance are areas with high natural and landscape values. 2 They are divided into the following categories: a. national parks; b. regional nature parks; c. nature discovery parks. Direct link
3National parks
Art. 23fArt. 23f 1 A national park is a large area that provides unspoiled habitats to the indigenous flora and fauna, and which allows the landscape to evolve naturally. 2 Within this framework, it also serves the purpose of:… Direct link
3Regional nature parks
Art. 23gArt. 23g 1 A regional nature park is a large, partly populated area, characterised by the richness of its natural and cultural landscape, whose buildings and installations blend harmoniously with the landscape and herit… Direct link
3Nature discovery parks
Art. 23hArt. 23h 1 A nature discovery park is an area close to a densely populated area that offers unspoiled habitats to the indigenous flora and fauna and allows the general public to experience nature. 2 Within this framewor… Direct link
3Support for regional initiatives
Art. 23iArt. 23i 1 The cantons shall support regional efforts to establish and operate parks of national importance. 2 They shall ensure that the residents in the communes concerned can play their part in a suitable manner. Direct link
3Park label and product label
Art. 23jArt. 23j 1 The Confederation shall award a park label to the park authority on the recommendation of the cantons provided: a. the long term existence of the park is guaranteed through appropriate measures; b. the requir… Direct link
3Financial assistance
Art. 23kArt. 23k 1 The Confederation shall provide the cantons with global financial assistance within the limits of the authorised credits and on the basis of programme agreements for the establishment, operation and quality a… Direct link
3Federal Council regulations
Art. 23lArt. 23l The Federal Council shall issue regulations on: a. the requirements for the award of the park label and the product label to parks of national importance, and in particular on the size of the park, the permitte… Direct link
3Existing National Park in Canton Graubünden
Art. 23mArt. 23m 1 The existing National Park in Canton Graubünden is governed by the National Park Act of 19 December 1980SR 454. SR 454 2 The Confederation may award the «Swiss National Park Foundation» a park label before an… Direct link
2Section 3c Genetic Resources
3Due diligence requirement
Art. 23nArt. 23n See also: Art. 25d. See also: Art. 25d. 1 Any person who in accordance with the Nagoya Protocol utilises genetic resources or benefits directly from their utilisation (users) must apply due diligence appropriat… Direct link
3Notification requirement
Art. 23oArt. 23o See also: Art. 25d. See also: Art. 25d. 1 Notification of compliance with the due diligence requirement must be given to the FOEN before market authorisation has been obtained or, if such authorisation is not r… Direct link
3Traditional knowledge
Art. 23pArt. 23p Articles 23n and 23o also apply to traditional knowledge of indigenous and local communities associated with genetic resources unless such traditional knowledge is already freely available to the public. Direct link
3Genetic resources in Switzerland
Art. 23qArt. 23q 1 The Federal Council may make access to genetic resources in Switzerland subject to notification or authorisation and to an agreement that regulates the utilisation of genetic resources and the sharing of bene… Direct link
2Section 4 Criminal Law Provisions
3Misdemeanours
Art. 24Art. 24 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987, in force since 1 Feb. 1988 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). Amended by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987, in force since 1 Feb. 1988 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). 1 Any… Direct link
3Contraventions
Art. 24aArt. 24a Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987, in force since 1 Feb. 1988 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987, in force since 1 Feb. 1988 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). 1… Direct link
3Application to legal entities and commercial companies
Art. 24bArt. 24b Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987, in force since 1 Feb. 1988 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987, in force since 1 Feb. 1988 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). Ar… Direct link
3Forfeiture
Art. 24cArt. 24c Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). Amended by Art. 334 of the Criminal Code (SR 311.0) in the version of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 3459… Direct link
3Prosecution
Art. 24dArt. 24d Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987, in force since 1 Feb. 1988 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987, in force since 1 Feb. 1988 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). 1… Direct link
3Restitution
Art. 24eArt. 24e Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 June 1987 (AS 1988 254; BBl 1985 II 1445). Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). Inserted by No I of the FA of… Direct link
2Section 5 Implementation, Organisation and Information
3Implementing powers of the cantons
Art. 24fArt. 24f Inserted by the Annex to the FD of 21 March 2014 (Nagoya Protocol), in force since 1 Sept. 2014 (AS 2014 2629; BBl 2013 3009). Inserted by the Annex to the FD of 21 March 2014 (Nagoya Protocol), in force since… Direct link
3Supervision and coordination by the Confederation
Art. 24gArt. 24g Inserted by the Annex to the FD of 21 March 2014 (Nagoya Protocol), in force since 1 Sept. 2014 (AS 2014 2629; BBl 2013 3009). Inserted by the Annex to the FD of 21 March 2014 (Nagoya Protocol), in force since… Direct link
3Implementing powers of the Confederation
Art. 24hArt. 24h Inserted by the Annex to the FD of 21 March 2014 (Nagoya Protocol), in force since 1 Sept. 2014, para. 3 in force since 12 Oct. 2014 (AS 2014 2629; BBl 2013 3009). Inserted by the Annex to the FD of 21 March 20… Direct link
3Organisation
Art. 25Art. 25 Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). 1… Direct link
3Information and advice
Art. 25aArt. 25a Inserted by No 1 of the Annex to the FA of 21 Dec. 1995, in force since 1 July 1997 (AS 1997 1155 1174; BBl 1993 II 1445). Inserted by No 1 of the Annex to the FA of 21 Dec. 1995, in force since 1 July 1997 (AS… Direct link
2Section 6 Final Provisions
3Restoration of mires and mire landscapes
Art. 25bArt. 25b Originally Art. 25a. Inserted by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214; BBl 1991 III 1121). Originally Art. 25a. Inserted by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1… Direct link
Art. 25cArt. 25c Inserted by Annex No I of the Gene Technology Act of 21 March 2003 (AS 2003 4803; BBl 2000 2391). Repealed by Annex No 43 of the Administrative Court Act of 17 June 2005, with effect from 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 2… Direct link
3Transition provision to the amendment of 21 March 2014
Art. 25dArt. 25d Inserted by the Annex to the FD of 21 March 2014 (Nagoya Protocol), in force since 12 Oct. 2014 (AS 2014 2629; BBl 2013 3009). Inserted by the Annex to the FD of 21 March 2014 (Nagoya Protocol), in force since… Direct link
3Transitional provision to the Amendment of 27 September 2024
Art. 25eArt. 25e Inserted by No I of the FA of 27 Sept. 2024, in force since 1 Aug. 2025 (AS 2025 429; BBl 2024 408, 788). Inserted by No I of the FA of 27 Sept. 2024, in force since 1 Aug. 2025 (AS 2025 429; BBl 2024 408, 788)… Direct link
3Commencement
Art. 26Art. 26 The Federal Council shall determine the date on which this Act comes into force. It shall issue the necessary implementing regulations. Commencement date: 1 January 1967 FCD of 27 Dec. 1966. FCD of 27 Dec. 1966. Current article Direct link

The official sources and versions published by the competent authorities remain authoritative.

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