Access to official documents
Since the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act (FoIA), any person can request access to official documents without having to prove a particular interest. The right of access applies to documents that have been created or received by a public authority since the entry into force of the FoIA on 1 July 2006.
How can an application for access be made?
Requests must be formulated in such a way that the competent authority can identify the desired documents. To this end, as much information as possible should be provided about the document (e.g. date, title, reference number, period, special event, subject area, creating or receiving authority, other authorities concerned). Requests can be made by post, e-mail or telephone.
Access to official documents may be restricted or refused in order to protect overriding public or private interests. This is the case, for example, if access to official documents could impair the freedom of opinion and decision-making of an authority or endanger Switzerland's internal or external security. Further exceptions to the principle of freedom of information are also provided for if they could reveal professional, business or manufacturing secrets.
Cost
In principle, no fees are charged for procedures for accessing official documents, unless the application requires particularly time-consuming processing by the authority. The details for the collection of fees are regulated in the Publicity Ordinance of 24 May 2006.
Contact
State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF
Freedom of Information Act
Legal Service
Bundesgasse 3
3003 Bern
Data Protection and Freedom of Information Officer SIF: Christoph Feuz
Tel.: +41 58 480 09 62
E-mail: rechtsdienst@sif.admin.ch
Further information
Federal Act on Freedom of Information in the Administration
Federal Act on Data Protection