Under the Business Relief Act (Unternehmensentlastungsgesetz, UEG), the Confederation must ensure, when enacting legislation, that regulation is economically efficient and imposes minimal burdens on businesses. To this end, the Federal Council must delineate three to five regulatory domains in its annual objectives, which will subsequently undergo an external analysis to assess their potential for reducing the burden on businesses (so-called “Sectoral Study”). The objective is to evaluate current regulations to uncover opportunities for simplification and to identify specific measures to alleviate the burden on businesses. Engaging the relevant businesses is a crucial aspect of this process.

On 13 May 2026, the Federal Council established the subjects for the Sectoral Studies for 2026: The emphasis is on streamlining processes for businesses concerning the implementation of free trade agreements, climate regulations, data protection, the toy industry, and the enhancement of capital markets. The study results are aimed at being accessible in 2027. Consequently, the Federal Council will determine the subsequent actions and the execution of potential relief measures.

The selection of topics is derived from proposals from multiple sources, as articulated by the Federal Council: last autumn, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) solicited topics from cantons, business federations, and other federal departments. More than 30 proposals were submitted. The initial sectoral studies, initiated in May 2025 and encompassing public procurement, industrial enterprise regulation, opportunities to object to construction projects and aspects of pharmaceutical regulation, are currently still ongoing. Their results are expected to be released prior to the conclusion of this year, as announced by the Federal Council.