Stem Cell Research Act (StRA)
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Art. 11 Mandatory approval for research projects
1 A research project involving embryonic stem cells may only be initiated when approval has been received from the ethics committee responsible. 2 The responsibility of the ethics committee and the approval procedure are governed by the Human Research Act of 30 September 2011.
Art. 11 — Amended by Annex No 5 of the Human Research Act of 30 Sept. 2011, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 3215; BBl 2009 8045). Para. 2 — SR 810.30
Art. 12 Scientific and ethical requirements for research projects
A research project involving embryonic stem cells may only be carried out if: a. the project is designed to yield significant insights: 1. with regard to the detection, treatment or prevention of serious human diseases, or 2. concerning human developmental biology; b. equivalent insights cannot also be gained in a different way; c. the project satisfies the scientific quality requirements; and d. the project is ethically acceptable.
Art. 13 Duties of the project manager
1 The project manager must notify the Federal Office of the research project involving embryonic stem cells before it is carried out. 2 The project manager is required: a. to notify the Federal Office and the competent ethics committee of the completion or discontinuation of the project; b. within an appropriate period after the completion or discontinuation of the project: 1. to report the results to the Federal Office and the competent ethics committee, 2. to make a summary of the results publicly available.
Art. 14 Powers of the Federal Office
The Federal Office may prohibit or attach conditions to a research project involving embryonic stem cells if the requirements specified in this Act are not completely fulfilled.
Art. 15 Licensing requirement for the import and export of embryonic stem cells
1 Any person wishing to import or export embryonic stem cells shall require a licence from the Federal Office. 2 Placing of items in a customs warehouse shall be deemed to constitute import. 3 An import licence shall be granted if: a. the embryonic stem cells are to be used for a specific research project; b. the embryonic stem cells have been derived from embryos that were created for the establishment of a pregnancy but could not be used for that purpose; and c. the couple concerned has freely given informed consent to the use of the embryo for research purposes and receives no payment in return. 4 An export licence will be granted if the conditions for the use of the embryonic stem cells in the country of destination are equivalent to those specified in this Act.
Art. 16 Notification requirement for the storage of embryonic stem cells
1 Any person who stores embryonic stem cells must notify the Federal Office thereof. 2 The Federal Council may provide for exemptions from the notification requirement if it is already guaranteed by other means that the Federal Office is cognizant of the storage of embryonic stem cells.