Art. 19 DPO

Exception to the requirement not to charge fees

Chapter 3: Rights of the Data SubjectSection 1: Right of Access

Statutory textStatus: 1 December 2025

¹ If providing the information involves a disproportionate cost, the controller may require the data subject to contribute to the costs in an appropriate manner.

² The contribution may not exceed 300 francs.

³ The controller must notify the data subject of the amount of the contribution before providing the information. If the data subject does not confirm the request within ten days, the request is deemed to have been withdrawn with no costs incurred. The period referred to in Article 18 paragraph 1 shall begin on expiry of the ten-day reflection period.

Source: Version on FedlexThis translation is not an official version. Only the German, French and Italian versions are legally binding.

In brief

Access is generally free of charge. If providing the information involves a disproportionate effort, the company may ask for an appropriate contribution to the costs of no more than 300 francs. It must tell you the amount in advance; if you do not confirm your request within ten days, it is deemed withdrawn with no costs incurred. The 30-day period only begins after this reflection period.

What does this mean for me?

A contribution to costs is only permitted where the effort is disproportionate and never exceeds 300 francs. Once informed, you decide for yourself whether to maintain your request.

Example

A company informs you that providing the information involves a disproportionate effort because of very extensive records and tells you the amount of your contribution. If you do not confirm within ten days, your request is deemed withdrawn, with no costs to you.

Implements these provisions of the Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP)

Art. 25 FADPRight to information

Explanation by mydatenschutz.ch in plain language – not legal advice. The statutory text is authoritative.