Switzerland. 2009 ‘Stockpile Management and Security.’ National Report of Switzerland on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA), p. 7. New York, NY: Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations. 31 December

Relevant contents

Stockpile Management and Security

The stockpile location criteria are defined in the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) security concept, and are based on a systematic analysis of all active and passive risks (earthquake zone, threat situation, exposure, etc.) and the resulting planning and implementation of measures.

In addition, costs and efficiency have to be optimized as far as possible. Stockpile locations may be underground or on the surface, and may be located in central, protected zones or in outlying areas.

As a general rule, arsenals (including depots) are equipped with a specially constructed security room (20 cm reinforced concrete walls, armorplated doors, no other apertures and a calculated resistance time), in which pistols, assault rifles, sub-machine guns, machine guns up to a maximum caliber of 9 mm, and 40 mm gun sights are stored.

The applicable legal provisions are those of the Federal Act on the Protection of the Environment (Environmental Protection Act, EPA, article 10) dated 7 October 1983. They stipulate that, for facilities that may cause severe harm to human beings or the environment as a result of extraordinary occurrences, the necessary safety distance has to be maintained and technical safety precautions have to be taken.

Furthermore, monitoring of the facilities has to be guaranteed, and regulations for dealing with emergencies have to be in place.

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