<P> Prominent display of the Swiss flag on clothing and apparel has become more frequent with the "Swissness" fashion trend in the first decade of the 21st century, while such use of the flag had previously been largely limited to conservative and right - wing circles . The flag and coat of arms are also often used (frequently in contravention of federal law, see below) as design elements on merchandise, particularly on high - quality goods or on merchandise aimed at tourists; for example, the emblems of Victorinox and Wenger, manufacturers of Swiss Army knives and the sole purveyors of these knives to the Swiss army, are based on the Swiss coat of arms . </P> <P> The display of the flag on federal, cantonal and municipal public buildings follows no uniform pattern or regulation . Many public buildings are equipped with flag posts (most often one each for the federal, cantonal and municipal flag), but the flag (s) may only be flown during part of the year or only on National Day . In Bern, the flag is flown on the cupola of the Federal Palace while the Federal Assembly is in session . </P> <P> Destruction, removal or desecration of a Swiss, cantonal or municipal flag or coat of arms that has been installed by a public authority is punishable by a monetary penalty or imprisonment of up to three years according to the federal penal code . The destruction or desecration of privately owned flags is legal . </P> <P> The use of the Swiss flag or coat of arms on merchandise is technically prohibited by the 1931 Federal Act for the protection of public coats of arms and other public insignia, but that prohibition is not enforced . </P>

Switzerland is the only country with a square flag