Cross-agency targeted campaign “Peptides 2026”
Bern, 30.06.2026 — On 22 June 2026, Swissmedic, together with the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS), and Swiss Sport Integrity (SSI) conducted a targeted campaign against illegally imported peptides. In the campaign, shipments suspected of containing illegally imported peptides or comparable substances were subjected to targeted checks. The findings showed that such products are increasingly ordered from unregulated online channels. These products are often unauthorised, with no guarantee of quality and pose considerable health risks.
Peptides are small protein molecules that are involved in various biological processes. They are found not only in medicines, but also, increasingly, on the black market. During the campaign, 46 packages containing dubious peptide-based preparations were discovered and checked. 23 packages were retained, 21 of which were categorised as doping agents by Swiss Sport Integrity and two as medicinal products by Swissmedic. Because the quantities were within the legal tolerance limits, 23 packages had to be released despite the health risk. However, the recipients were informed in an accompanying letter that they would be using the respective preparations at their own risk and responsibility. The vast majority (around 80 %) of the checked packages originated from Poland. The products were often wrongly labelled and came from unregulated sources.
The results confirm a trend that Swissmedic, FOCBS and SSI have been aware of for some time: products that straddle the line between medicines, lifestyle offers and doping agents are increasingly being ordered from online channels by private individuals in Switzerland. The checks also show just how professionally such offers are marketed and how difficult it can be for consumers to recognise dubious offers.
Risky substances behind supposedly simple solutions
People who order such products are often looking for quick fixes: more muscle mass, less body fat, faster regeneration, tanned skin, enhanced libido or generally improved physical and mental performance. Peptides and peptide-like substances are advertised on the internet and in social media with such promises. Peptides are not a new class of substances, rather they are molecules consisting of chains of amino acids, some of which are also produced naturally in the human body. Peptide-based active substances have been used for decades in medicines, for example in treatments for diabetes, hormonal disorders or certain cancers. As with all medicinal products, their safety, efficacy and quality must be scientifically proven before they can be authorised.
Peptide-like substances advertised on websites, social media or messaging services are often inadequately tested for use in humans and are not authorised as medicinal products in Switzerland. Such products are often marketed as “research chemicals”, “not for human use” or “laboratory chemicals”. But at the same time, the advertising claims that people can use them. It is unclear whether the substances in these products and their dosages actually match the labelling, or whether adverse reactions may occur.
No guarantee of quality or safety
The formulation and manufacture of peptide-based medicines can be complex due to the challenges associated with stability, absorption, and interactions. Products from unknown, unregulated or illegal sources do not meet the legal requirements for medicines, and it is difficult for consumers to assess whether a product does satisfy these requirements. Unregulated peptide products may be chemically or microbiologically contaminated. Injectable preparations are particularly risky: the lack of any guarantee concerning their sterility, stability or composition can have serious health consequences.
Sport and fitness
An additional factor applies to athletes: many of these substances are banned in sport. Anyone who orders or uses such products risks not only their health, but also a breach of anti-doping regulations. Swiss Sport Integrity investigates such cases and takes action within the scope of its responsibilities.
Distribution can lead to prosecution
SSI takes action against various websites registered in Switzerland that offer peptides. Anyone who believes they can easily make money with a peptide-based business model – for example by setting up a so-called dropshipping website – is mistaken. Any person in Switzerland who distributes unauthorised medicinal products or offers them via dropshipping (shipping to end customers within Switzerland) is acting illegally. The distribution of unregulated products can lead to criminal proceedings. Labelling a product as a “research chemical”, “not for human use” or “nutritional supplement” does not alter this fact if the products are destined for human use.
Joint action to protect the public
With their targeted campaign “Peptides 2026”, Swissmedic, FOCBS and SSI aim to combat specifically the illegal import of high-risk products. Swissmedic and SSI want to raise public awareness and warn against ordering peptides or comparable substances via websites, social media or messaging services from unknown suppliers. Unauthorised products are not a safe shortcut to more performance, a better appearance or faster regeneration since they pose considerable health risks.
Anyone with health concerns or questions about a treatment should consult a healthcare professional.