I'm finally getting to the stage in my business development plan to import some products here into Switzerland.

I'm looking for a recommendation for either a graphic designer or a packaging company that can design a box for some food supplements for the retail sales market here in der Schweiz. I need someone who is experienced with the labelling laws here. Yes I have done a google search but most companies look like they will be way above my start-up budget. Perhaps one of you fine people here have had some experience in this area? If so I'd really appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction for my meager budget.

I can't give you specific advice for packing for the Swiss market (except 1. whatever you do, don't make it look cheap and 2. less-is-more, as the Swiss don't like excess packaging) and obviously your packaging requirements will be different depending on whether your supplements are blister-packed or bottled, but...

...if your supplements are regulated, there will certainly be labelling requirements in three languages. Time to do a little more research -- Swissmedic is the definitive licensing body with whom you need to make sure you are compliant.

Try starting here:

http://www.swissmedic.ch/marktueberw...x.html?lang=en

Happy reading!

I wasn't asking for the licensing body as I am up to speed on the requirements from Swissmedic despite my poor German. I also have to apply for a BAG approval too. No doubt the link will be useful to others here though, so thanks for that.

I just want to make sure that I work with a package designer who is fully versed in these regulations so that I don't waste any time or money.

Good pointers on the design elements I will definitely keep those in mind.

My suggestion is get the graphic design done by designer A and the legal bits of the tags by lawyer B.

Designer A then adjusts design as per instructions of lawyer B.

Designer: Anywhere in the world (but will require sample of material -shape, texture-)
Lawyer: Swiss

You might want to consider the students at Hochschule Lucerne ( Bachelor of Design Mgmt ):

http://english.hslu.ch/h-hochschule-...ign-management

I do have a lawyer to cover the legal issues, that is not really a problem.

Just need a small firm or perhaps a freelance graphic designer that has a good understanding of the Swiss market, cultures, languages ect... and can work with a small budget. As I said I'm a start up.

I disagree with you. I don't believe any designer from any where in the world would be a good fit for this especially since I'm sure there are bound to be many talented graphic designers here who already know the culture better. Just my humble opinion. While my budget is small it is still respectable.

Fantastic suggestion, I will follow up on that. Thanks very much

Actually, Packaging Science is a really specialized degree. My son in the Packaging Science program at Clemson University and they have one of the most sought-after programs in the US. This program partners with multi-national corporate clients throughout the world to design and patent packaging products and bring them to market. (And, they're cheap! As in zero dollars up front!)

If you PM me, I can give you my son's email and he can give you more details, but it sounds like what you are looking for is right up their alley.

Well, I wish you would import the "Nik-Naks" from SA..... there is nothing here to satisfy my craving for this maize/cheesy/salty snack!

Perhaps you can find what you are looking for here? //http://worldradio.ch/wrs/programmes/theconnectors/the-connectors-foods-expats-cant-leave-behind.shtml?28659

I might be able to help you! I am a business and marketing student living for the past 4 years in Geneva. I am currently in the process of startin my own "branding services" freelance activity for small business in Switzerland. you can benefit from a number of different branding activities including packaging design as well as other types of graphic design services, such as logos, websites or even photography. And since I am a student and I work with other students on these projects the prices I can offer are quite competitive.

If you are interested you can send me an email at: dan@dg-design.ch and tell me more about your business, and we can possibly set up a meeting.

You can also check out my website dg-design.ch however it is still under construction for the following days.