Limited statutory examination

The Swiss Code of Obligations provides for a limited statutory examination when the criteria for a full statutory audit are not fulfilled. With a smaller scope and lower depth of audit procedures, the limited statutory examination offers less assurance than the statutory audit. Companies are generally subject to an audit requirement if certain legally defined thresholds are met.

For smaller companies, that audit requirement is usually in the form of a limited statutory examination; listed companies and those of economic significance are required to undergo a statutory audit. A company is considered of economic significance if it generates revenue of CHF 40 million, has a balance sheet total of CHF 20 million and employs more than 250 FTEs; two of these three criteria must be met in two successive years. Very small organisations are exempt from the audit requirement in specific circumstances.