G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
26 September 2023  
(23-6399) Page: 1/47 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: French  
 
  
REPLIES TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE ON  
IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 7.3 OF THE AGREEMENT  
 ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES  (2023)  
SWITZERLAND - LIECHTENSTEIN  
The following communication, dated 21 September 2022, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Switzerland.  
 
_______________  
 
 
In general terms, the import licensing procedures of Switzerland and Liechtenstein presented in 
the 2022 notificat ion (see G/LIC/N/3/ CHE/18 ) have not changed.  In the replies below, any updated 
information is shown in bold.  
 
_______________  
 
1  AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS - GENERAL IMPORT PERMIT (GIP)  ................................ ... 2 
2  ALLOCATION OF TARIFF QUOTAS  ................................ ................................ ................  4 
2.1  Breeding and production animals  ................................ ................................ ...................  4 
2.2  Animals for slaughter, meat and prepared meat products  ................................ .................  6 
2.3  Milk, dairy products and casein  ................................ ................................ .....................  9 
2.4  Fresh fruit and vegetables (A), frozen vegetables (B)  ................................ .....................  11 
2.5  Potatoes, including seed potatoes and potato products  ................................ ...................  13 
3  SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES  ................................ ............................  16 
3.1  Import, transit and export of animals and animal products  ................................ .............  16 
3.2  Plants and plant products (phytosanitary certifica te, PC)  ................................ ................  18 
4  CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA 
AND FLORA (C ITES) AND VERIFICATION OF THE LAWFUL ORIGIN OF IMPORTED 
MARINE FISHERY PRODUCTS  ................................ ................................ ........................  20 
4.1  Animals  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  20 
4.2  Plants a nd plant products  ................................ ................................ ...........................  22 
4.3  Imported marine fishery products  ................................ ................................ ................  23 
5  FOREST REPRODUCTIVE MATERIAL  ................................ ................................ ...........  25 
6  TRANSPLANTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  26 
7  BLOOD, BLOOD PRODUCTS AND IMMUNOLOGICAL PRODUCTS  ................................ . 27 
 
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 2 - 
 
  8  NARCOTIC DRUGS, PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AND PRECURSORS USED AND 
MARKETED FOR LEGAL PURPOSES  ................................ ................................ ................  29 
9  COMPULSORY STOCKPILING  ................................ ................................ .....................  31 
9.1  Agricultural goods subject to compulsory stockpiling  ................................ ......................  31 
9.2  Liquid fuels subject to compulsory stockpiling  ................................ ...............................  33 
10  WAR MATERIAL, WEAPONS  ................................ ................................ .....................  35 
10.1  War material  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  35 
10.2  Chemical weapons  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 36 
10.3  Weapons, their accessories and ammunition  ................................ ...............................  38 
11  EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS AND PYROTECHNIC DEVICES FOR CIVILIAN USE  ..............  40 
12  NUCLEAR FUEL, DEBRIS AND WASTE  ................................ ................................ ...... 42 
13  RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS  ................................ ................................ ......................  43 
14  REDUCTION OF RISKS RELATING TO THE USE OF CERTAIN PARTICULARLY 
DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES, PREPARATIONS AND ARTICLES (MERCURY)  ......................  45 
15  TRANSBOUNDARY MOVEMENTS OF WASTES (BASEL CONVENTION)  .......................  46 
 
1  AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS - GENERAL IMPORT PERMIT (GIP)  
Outline of system  
1. The general import permit (GIP), granted automatically, free of charge and for an indefinite 
duration, is used for statistical purposes and tariff quota (TQ) management. Persons liable to 
customs controls must state their GIP number on their customs declaration. The GIP is issued by 
the Federal Office for Agriculture (OFAG, www.import.ofag.admin.ch  -> Formulaire Web:  Permis 
général d'importation PGI ). 
 
A GIP is also required for the importation of agricultural products subject to compulsory stockpiling. 
In such cases, it is issued by Réservesuisse Genossenschaft  (see Chapter 9.1).  
  
The Swiss working tariff ( www.tares.ch ) indicates in the comments for each tariff number whether 
a licence is requi red or not. If one is needed, the name of the competent authority from which the 
importer may request further information is also given.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The goods for which a GIP is required, including agricultural goods subject to c ompulsory 
stockpiling (see Chapter 9.1), are listed in Annex 1 to the Ordinance on the import of agricultural 
products (RS 916.01 - Ordonnance du 26 octobre 2011 sur l'importation de produits agr icoles 
(Ordonnance sur les importations agricoles, OIAgr) (admin.ch) ). Goods for which GIPs are issued by 
OFAG are classified under the following Swiss customs tariff numbers ( HS 2022 ): 
 
0101.29  
0102.21  
0102.29  
0102.31  
0102.39  
0102.90  
0103.10  
0103.91  
0103.92  
0104.10  
0104.20  
0105.11  
0105.12  
0105.94  0204.30  
0204.41  
0204.42  
0204.43  
0204.50  
0205.00  
0206.10  
0206.21  
0206.22  
0206.29  
0206.30  
0206.41  
0206.49  
0206.80  0207.55  
0207.60  
0209.10  
0210.11  
0210.12  
0210.19  
0210.20  
0210.99  
0401.10  
0401.20  
0402.21  
0402.29  
0403.20  
0403.90  0706.10  
0706.90  
0707.00  
0708.10  
0708.20  
0708.90  
0709.20  
0709.30  
0709.40  
0709.70  
0709.91  
0709.93  
0709.99  
0710.10  0810.30  
1105.10  
1105.20  
1601.00  
1602.20  
1602.31  
1602.32  
1602.39  
1602.41  
1602.42  
1602.49  
1602.50  
1602.90  
2001.90  3808.59  
3808.61  
3808.62  
3808.69  
3808.91  
3808.92  
3808.93  
3808.99  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 3 - 
 
  0201.10  
0201.20  
0201.30  
0202.10  
0202.20  
0202.30  
0203.11  
0203.12  
0203.19  
0203.21  
0203.22  
0203.29  
0204.10  
0204.21  
0204.22  
0204.23  0206.90  
0207.11  
0207.12  
0207.13  
0207.14  
0207.24  
0207.25  
0207.26  
0207.27  
0207.41  
0207.42  
0207.44  
0207.45  
0207.51  
0207.52  
0207.54  0404.90  
0405.10  
0405.20  
0405.90  
0701.10  
0701.90  
0702.00  
0703.10  
0703.90  
0704.10  
0704.20  
0704.90  
0705.11  
0705.19  
0705.21  
0705.29  0710.21  
0710.22  
0710.30  
0710.80  
0710.90  
0712.90  
0806.10  
0808.10  
0808.30  
0808.40  
0809.10  
0809.21  
0809.29  
0809.40  
0810.10  
0810.20  2004.10  
2004.90  
2005.20  
2005.99  
2009.61  
2009.69  
2009.71  
2009.79  
2009.89  
2009.90  
2202.99  
2204.21  
2204.22  
2204.29  
2206.00  
3808.52  
 
3. The regulations apply  to imports of all goods, irrespective of where they come from.  
 
4. Automatic licensing allows for the statistical monitoring of imports.  
 
5. Legal bases: Federal Law on Agriculture (LAgr; RS  910.1, Article  24, RS 910.1 - Loi fédérale du 
29 avril 1998 sur l'agriculture (Loi sur l'agriculture, LAgr) (admin.ch) ) and Ordinance on the import 
of agricultur al products (RS 916.01 - Ordonnance du 26 octobre 2011 sur l'importation de produits 
agricoles (Ordonnance sur les importations agricoles, OIAgr) (admin.ch) ). 
 
The Federal Law on Agriculture empowers the Federal Council to determine which agricultural 
products should be subject to licensing, and also gives the Government the right to abolish the GIP.  
 
Procedures  
6. The GIP is not used to limit the quantity or va lue of imports.  
 
7.(a) In view of the time required to obtain a licence, the application must be submitted one to 
five days in advance of the importation itself.  However, licences are normally issued in less 
than two days and may also be issued on the day the application is submitted.  
 
(b) Generally, yes.  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Applications are considered by a single authority, the Federal Office for Agriculture (OFAG, 
www.ofag.admin.ch ). 
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an application for a licence other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal 
the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, a t second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.(a) and (b) As a rule, any natural or legal person domiciled in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, 
irrespective of nationality or origin, is eligible to receive a licence. There is no published list of 
authorized importers.  
 
In the case of GIPs for wine, grape must and grapes for pressing, the applicant firm must provide 
its Swiss Wine Trade Inspection (CSCV) identification number to the Federal Office for  Agriculture. 
An applicant who does not yet have this number must first request it from the CSCV. The fee for 
registering with the CSCV is given on the following website: https://www.cscv -swk.ch/ . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 4 - 
 
  Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Only the usual information is required. The form is available on the following website:  
www.import.ofag.admin.ch , Formulaire Web:  Permis général d'importation PGI (admin.ch) . 
 
The GIP for wine, grap e must and grapes for pressing can be found on the same website and is 
subject to the special conditions set out in point 9 above.  
 
11. All other import requirements are listed in the working tariff ( www.tares.ch ). 
 
12. No.  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The validity is not limited as long as the conditions on which the licence was granted are met.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. General import permits are not transferable.  
 
17.(a)  There are no other conditions.  
 
(b) There are no other conditions.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. All other import requirements are listed in the working tariff ( www.tares.c h). 
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange.  
 
2  ALLOCATION OF TARIFF QUOTAS  
Sub-Chapters 2.1 to 2.5 outline the licensing procedures for the allocation of tariff quota (TQ) shares.  
 
With regards to the TQs not listed, no licensing procedures are in force other than the GIP automatic 
licence (see Chapter 1), as either the quotas are not applied or the quota shares are allocated in the 
order in which the customs declarations are receive d. 
 
2.1  Breeding and production animals  
Outline of system  
1. A non -automatic licence is required for the allocation of TQ shares. This licence is part of an 
administrative procedure whereby importers who meet the relevant legal requirements are 
authorized to c arry out imports within the TQ. Quota shares may be transferred among holders of 
non-automatic licences and are usually allocated for a limited period. The importer is not required 
to present this authorization at the border. The Federal Office for Agricul ture (OFAG, 
www.ofag.admin.ch ) is the competent authority for the allocation of TQ  shares.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The goods covered by TQs are listed in Annex 1 to th e Ordinance on the import of 
agricultural  products (RS 916.01 - Ordonnance du 26 octobre 2011 sur l'importation de produits 
agricoles (Ordonnance sur les importations agricoles, OIAgr) (admin.ch) ). They are classified under 
the following Swiss customs tariff numbers (HS 2022):  
 
0102.21  
0102.29  0102.31  
0102.39  0102.90  
0103.10  0103.91  
0103.92  0104.10  
0104.20  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 5 - 
 
  3. The regulations apply to imports of all goods, irrespective of where they come from.  
 
4. Non -automatic licensing allows for the individual allocation of TQ shares and the control of their 
utilization; it restricts the quantity of imports.  
 
5. Legal bases: Federal Law on Agriculture ( RS 910.1 - Loi fédérale du 29 avril 1998 sur l'agriculture 
(Loi sur l'agriculture, LAgr) (admin.ch)  Articles 21 and 22, Ordinance on the import of agricultural 
products  (RS 916.01 - Ordonnance du 26 octobre 2011 sur l'importation de produits agricoles 
(Ordonnance sur les importations agricoles, OIAgr) (admin.ch) ) and Ordinance  on livestock breeding 
(RS 916.310 - Ordonnance du 31 octobre 2012 sur l'élevage (OE) (admin.ch) ). The legislation does 
not authorize the administration to dec ide which products will be subject to licensing. The 
Federal  Law on Agriculture does not allow the Government to abolish the TQ system.  
 
Procedures  
6.I. The administration of TQs is described in Switzerland's  notification to the Committee on 
Agriculture ( G/AG/N/CHE/108 ). All information concerning TQ  utilization (quantities, 
application procedures for licences, exceptions, exemptions, etc.) is set forth in the specific 
ordinances (cf. question 5).  
 
II. The TQs for breeding and production anima ls are distributed in the order in which applications 
are received by OFAG ( www.import.ofag.admin.ch ). The non -automatic licences are valid from 
1 January of the quota perio d or as soon as they are issued during the quota period. All non -
automatic licences are valid until the end of the calendar year (31  December). Exception for 
bovine animals: 70% of the TQ is put up for auction in September, with the licences valid for 
the next calendar year (1  January to 31  December) and the remaining 30% of the TQ is put 
up for auction in April, with the licences valid until the end of the same year (31  December).  
 
III. The unused remainder of the allocations is not added to quotas for a s ucceeding period. In 
January of each year, the annex to the Federal Council Report on Tariff Measures provides the 
names of importers for the preceding year and includes data on quantities allocated and 
quantities actually imported by individual importing companies. This annex to the Report can 
be viewed online at www.import.ofag.admin.ch  by following the link " Publication de 
l'attribution des contingents tarifaires ". 
 
IV. With regard to bovines, the deadline for applications in the case of auctions is generally set at 
30 days following publication. As regards the other regimes, there is no time  limit for the 
submission of applications. They can be submitted throughout the y ear of opening of the TQ.  
 
V. As a rule, applicants receive a response within one to five working days according to the 
product.  
 
VI. Three to 90 days.  
 
VII. Applications are examined by a single administrative body. The importer must obtain a licence 
from the Federal Office for Agriculture (OFAG).  
 
VIII. The TQs for breeding and production animals are distributed in chronological order of 
submission of applications, with the exception of the TQs for bovine animals, which are put 
up for auction.  
 
IX. The same rules apply to all imports within the TQs, regardless of the regulations of the 
exporting country.  
 
X. Export licences from the exporting countries are not required.  
 
XI. No. 
 
7. Not applicable.  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an applicat ion for a licence other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 6 - 
 
  the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.(a) TQ shares are only allocated to individuals, businesses and organizations, irrespective of 
nationality or origin, that are established on Swiss  customs territory and provide guarantees 
that, where n ecessary, they can meet the requirements and undertake the commitments 
related to the utilization of TQ shares. In January of each year, the annex to the Report on 
Tariff Measures provides the names of all the importers for the preceding year and includes 
data on quantities allocated and quantities imported by individual importing companies 
(see point 6.III above).  
 
(b) Not applicable.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. For breeding animals, the importer is required to p rovide a copy of the pedigree certificate. In 
the case of non -pure-bred breeding or production animals, a written statement justifying the 
animal 's use is required.  
 
11. Other than the automatic licence (GIP) number, the importer is not required to present  an 
authorization to carry out imports within the TQ; controls are performed electronically when the 
customs declaration is processed. All other import requirements are listed in the working tariff 
(www.tares.ch ). 
 
12. No.  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Non -automatic licences are valid until the end of the calendar year (31 December).  
 
15. No.  
 
16. In general, TQ share transfers are permitted and must be notified by the holder of the TQ  share 
no later than the working day before the day the customs declaration is made, with the help of the 
Internet application made available to users by OFAG (Article 14 of the Ordinance on the import of 
agricultural products). Access to the  Internet application : www.ekontingente.admin.ch . 
 
17.(a)  The TQs for bovine breeding and production animals are put up for auction.  
 
(b) Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No. 
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange.  
 
2.2  Animals for slaughter, meat and prepared meat products  
Outline of system  
1. A non -automatic licence is required for the allocation of TQ shares. This licence is part of an 
administrative procedure whereby importers who meet the relevant legal requirements are 
authorized to carry out imports within the TQ. Quota shares may be transferred among holders of 
non-automatic licences and are usually allocated for a limited period. The importer is not requir ed 
to present this authorization at the border. The Federal Office for Agriculture 
(OFAG,   www.ofag.admin.ch ) is the competent authority for the allocation of TQ  shares.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 7 - 
 
  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The goods covered by TQs are listed in Annex 1 to the Ordinance on the import of 
agricultural  products (RS 916.01 - Ordonnance du 26 octobre 2011 sur l'impor tation de produits 
agricoles (Ordonnance sur les importations agricoles, OIAgr) (admin.ch) ). They are classified under 
the following Swiss customs tariff numbers (HS 2022):  
 
0101.29  
0102.29  
0102.39  
0102.90  
0103.91  
0103.92  
0104.10  
0104.20  
0201.10  
0201.20  
0201.30  
0202.10  
0202.20  0202.30  
0203.11  
0203.12  
0203.19  
0203.21  
0203.22  
0203.29  
0204.10  
0204.21  
0204.22  
0204.23  
0204.30  
0204.41  0204.42  
0204.43  
0204.50  
0205.00  
0206.10  
0206.21  
0206.22  
0206.29  
0206.30  
0206.41  
0206.49  
0206.80  
0206.90  0207.11  
0207.12  
0207.13  
0207.14  
0207.24  
0207.25  
0207.26  
0207.27  
0207.41  
0207.42  
0207.44  
0207.45  
0207.51  0207.52  
0207.54  
0207.55  
0207.60  
0209.10  
0210.11  
0210.12  
0210.19  
0210.20  
0210.99  
1601.00  
1602.10  
1602.20  1602.31  
1602.32  
1602.39  
1602.41  
1602.42  
1602.49  
1602.50  
1602.90  
 
3. The regulations apply to imports of all goods, irrespective of where they come from.  
 
4. Non -automatic licensing allows for the individual allocation of TQ shares and the control of their 
utilization; it restricts the quantity of imports.  
 
5. Legal bases: Federal Law on Agriculture ( RS 910.1 - Loi fédérale du 29 avril 1998 sur l'agriculture 
(Loi sur l'agriculture, LAgr) (admin.ch)  Articles 21, 22 and 48, Ordinance on the import of agricultural 
products (RS 916.01 - Ordonnance du 26 octobre 2011 sur l'importation de produits agricoles 
(Ordonnance sur les importations agricoles, OIAgr) (admin.ch) ) and Ordinance on the slaughter 
animal and meat markets (RS 916.341 - Ordonnance du 26 novembre 2003 sur les marchés du 
bétail de boucherie et de la viande (Ordonnance sur le bétail de boucherie,  OBB) (admin.ch) . The 
legislation does not authorize the administration to decide which products will be subject to licensing. 
The Federal Law on Agriculture does not allow the Government to abolish the TQ system.  
 
Proced ures 
6.I. The administration of TQs is described in Switzerland's  notification to the Committee on 
Agriculture ( G/AG/N/CHE/108 ). All information concerning TQ  utilization (quantities, 
application procedures for licences, exceptions, exemptions , etc.) is set forth in the specific 
ordinances (cf. question 5). Auction dates and details are published on the OFAG website 
(www.import.ofag.admin.ch ). 
 
II. The maximum dur ation of non -automatic licences is one year.  
 
III. The unused remainder of the allocations is not added to quotas for a succeeding period. In 
January of each year, the annex to the Federal Council Report on Tariff Measures provides the 
names of importers f or the preceding year and includes data on quantities allocated and 
quantities actually imported by individual importing companies. This annex to the Report can 
be viewed online at www.import.ofag.admin.ch  by following the link " Publication de 
l'attribution des contingents tarifaires ". 
 
IV. The deadline for applications involving auctions is generally set at 30  working days following 
publication in the case of tariff lines wit h a one -year TQ period, and six days for the others.  
 
V. As a rule, applicants receive a response within one to five working days according to the 
product.  
 
VI. Three to 90 days.  
 
VII. Applications are examined by a single administrative body. The importer must obtain a licence 
from the Federal Office for Agriculture (OFAG).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 8 - 
 
   
VIII.  TQ distribution in accordance with a contribution to local production (50% for bovine and ovine 
meat, 40% for caprine and equine meat) and auctioning (50% for bovine and  ovine meat, 
60% for caprine and equine meat, 100% for other products).  
 
IX. The same rules apply to all imports within the TQs, regardless of the regulations of the 
exporting country.  
 
X. Export licences from the exporting countries are not required.  
 
XI.  No. 
 
7. Not applicable.  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an application for a licence other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal 
the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.(a) TQ shares are only allocated to individuals, businesses and organizations, irrespective of 
nationality or origin, that are established on Swiss  customs territory and provide guarantees 
that, where necessary, they can meet the requirements and undertake the commitments 
related to the utilization of TQ shares. In January of each year, the annex to the Report on 
Tariff Measur es provides the names of all the importers for the preceding year and includes 
data on quantities allocated and the quantities imported by individual importing companies 
(see point 6.III above).  
 
(b) Not applicable.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Only the usual information is required. Samples of the various application forms are available 
on the following website: www.import.ofag.admin.ch . 
 
11. Other than the automatic licence (GIP) number, the importer is not required to present an 
authorization to carry out imports within the TQ; controls are performed electronically when the 
customs declaration is processed. All other import requirem ents are listed in the working tariff 
(www.tares.ch ). 
 
12. No.  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The maximum duration of non -automatic licences is one year.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. In general, TQ share transfers are permitted and must be notified by the holder of the TQ share 
no later than the working day before the day the customs declaration is made, with the help of the 
Internet application made available to users by OFAG (Art icle 14 of the Ordinance on the import of 
agricultural products). Access to the Internet application: www.ekontingente.admin.ch . 
 
17.(a)  The TQs for slaughter animals, meat  and prepared meat products are put up for auction or 
distributed for purchases of animals from the country and according to the number of animals 
slaughtered in Switzerland.  
 
(b) Not applicable.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 9 - 
 
  Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. There are no res trictions on foreign exchange.  
 
2.3  Milk, dairy products and casein  
Outline of system  
1. A non -automatic licence is required for the allocation of TQ  shares. This licence is part of an 
administrative procedure whereby importers who meet the relevant legal requirements are 
authorized to carry out imports within the TQ. Quota shares may be transferred among holders of 
non-automatic licences and are usual ly allocated for a limited period. The importer is not required 
to present this authorization at the border. The Federal Office for Agriculture 
(OFAG,  www.ofag.admin.ch ) is the comp etent authority for the allocation of TQ  shares.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The goods covered by TQs  are listed in Annex 1 to the Ordinance on the import of 
agricultural  products ( RS 916.01 - Ordonnance du 26 octobre 2011 sur l'importation de produits 
agricoles (Ordonnance sur les importations agricoles, OIAgr) (admin.ch) ). They are classified under 
the following Swiss customs tariff numbers (HS 2022):  
 
0401.10  
0401.20  0402.21  
0402.29  0403.20  
0403.90  0404.90  
0405.10  0405.20  
0405.90  
 
3. The regulations apply to  imports of all goods, irrespective of where they come from.  
 
4. Non -automatic licensing allows for the individual allocation of TQ  shares and the control of their 
utilization; it restricts the quantity of imports.  
 
5. Legal bases: Federal Law on Agriculture ( RS 910.1 - Loi fédérale du 29 avril 1998 sur l'agricult ure 
(Loi sur l'agriculture, LAgr) (admin.ch) ) Articles 21 and 22 and Ordinance on the import of 
agricultural products ( RS 916.01 - Ordonnance du 26 octobre 2011 sur l'importation de produits 
agricoles (Ordonnance sur les importations agricoles, OIAgr) (admin.ch) ). The legislation does not 
authorize the administration to decide which prod ucts will be subject to licensing. The Federal  Law 
on Agriculture does not allow the Government to abolish the TQ system.  
 
Procedures  
6.I. The administration of TQs is described in Switzerland 's notification to the Committee on 
Agriculture ( G/AG/N/CHE/108 ). All information concerning TQ  utilization (quantities, 
application procedures for licences, exceptions, exemptions, etc.) is set forth in the specific 
ordinances (cf. question 5). Auction dates and details are published on the OFAG website 
(www.import.ofag.admin.ch ). 
 
II. Quotas and non -automatic licences are established for one calendar year. Any increases in 
the TQ are valid from the day of release through to  the end of the year.  
 
III. The unused remainder of the allocations is not added to quotas for a succeeding period. In 
January of each year, the annex to the Federal Council Report on Tariff Measures provides the 
names of importers for the preceding year a nd includes data on quantities allocated and 
quantities actually imported by individual importing companies. This annex to the Report can 
be viewed online at www.import.ofag.admin.ch  by following the link " Publication de 
l'attribution des contingents tarifaires ". 
 
IV. For partial tariff quotas No.  7.2 (milk powder) and No.  7.4 (butter and other fats and 
oils derived from milk), the deadline for applications in the case of aucti ons is 
generally set at 14  working days following publication. Shares of partial tariff quota 
No. 7.3 are allocated in the order in which applications are received by OFAG.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 10 - 
 
  V. As a rule, applicants receive a response within one to five working days accord ing to the 
product.  
 
VI. Three to 90 days.  
 
VII. Applications are examined by a single administrative body. The importer must obtain a licence 
from the Federal Office for Agriculture (OFAG).  
 
VIII. The distribution of partial TQs takes place as follows:  
 
- partial tariff quota No.  7.2 (milk powder) and partial tariff quota No.  7.4 (butter and 
other fats and oils derived from milk): by auction;  
- partial tariff quota No.  7.3 (various dairy products): in the order in which 
applications are received by OFAG (a s needed) . 
 
IX. The same rules apply to all imports within the TQs, regardless of the regulations of the 
exporting country.  
 
X. Export licences from the exporting countries are not required.  
 
XI. No. 
 
7. Not applicable.  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an application for a licence other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal 
the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.(a) TQ shares are only allocated to individuals, businesses and organizations, irrespective of 
nationality or origin, that are established on Swiss  customs territory and provide guaran tees 
that, where necessary, they can meet the requirements and undertake the commitments 
related to the utilization of TQ shares. In January of each year, the annex to the Report on 
Tariff Measures provides the names of all the importers for the preceding year and includes 
data on quantities allocated and the quantities imported by individual importing companies 
(see point 6.III above).  
 
(b) Not applicable.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Only the usual information is  required. Samples of the various application forms are available 
on the following website: www.import.ofag.admin.ch . 
 
11. Other than the automatic licence (GIP) number, the i mporter is not required to present an 
authorization to carry out imports within the TQ; controls are performed electronically when the 
customs declaration is processed. All other import requirements are listed in the working tariff 
(www.tares.ch ). 
 
12. No. 
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The maximum duration of non -automatic licences is one year.  
 
15. No.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 11 - 
 
  16. In general, TQ share transfers are permitted and must be notified by the holder of the TQ share 
no later than the working day before the day the customs declaration is made, with the help of the 
Internet application made available to users by OFAG (Article 14 of the Ordinance on the import of 
agricultural products). Access to the Internet application:  www.ekontingente.admin.ch . 
 
17.(a) Applicants for partial TQs  Nos. 7.2 and 7.4 must take part in the auction.  
 
(b) Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange  in force . 
 
2.4  Fresh fruit and vegetables (A), frozen vegetables (B)  
Outline of system  
1. A non -automatic licence is required for the allocation of TQ shares. This licence is part of an 
administrative procedure whereby importers who meet the relevant legal requirements are 
authorized to carry out imports within the TQ. TQ shares may be transferred among holders of non -
automatic licences and are usually allocated for a limited period. The importer is not required to 
present this authorization at the border. The Federal Office for Agriculture 
(OFAG,   www.ofag.admin.ch ) is the competent authority for the allocation of TQ  shares.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The goods covered by TQs are listed in Annex 1 to the Ordinance on the import of 
agricultural  products ( RS 916.01 - Ordonnance du 26 octobre 2011 sur l'importation de produits 
agricoles (Ordonnance sur les importations agricoles, OIAgr) (admin.ch) ). They are classified under 
the following Swiss customs tariff numbers ( HS 2022 ): 
 
(A) 
0702.00  
0703.10  
0703.90  
0704.10  
0704.20  
0704.90  
  
0705.11  
0705.19  
0705.21  
0705.29  
0706.10  
0706.90  
  
0707.00  
0708.20  
0709.30  
0709.40  
0709.70  
0709.93  
  
0709.99  
0808.10  
0808.30  
0809.10  
0809.29  
0809.40  
  
0810.10  
0810.20  
0810.30  
0808.10  
0808.30  
2009.71  
  
2009.79  
2009.89  
2009.90  
2202.99  
2206.00  
 
(B) 
0710.21   
0710.22   
0710.30   
0710.80   
0710.90   
 
3. The regulations apply to imports of all goods, irrespective of where they come from.  
 
4. Non -automatic licensing allows for the individual allocation of TQ shares and the control of their 
utilization; it restricts the quantity of imports.  
 
5. Legal bases: Federal Law on Agriculture ( RS 910.1 - Loi fédérale du 29 avril 1998 sur l'agriculture 
(Loi sur l'agriculture, LAgr) (admin.ch) ) Articles 21 and 22 and Ordinance on the import of  
agricultural products ( RS 916.01 - Ordonnance du 26 octobre 2011 sur l'importation de produits 
agricoles (Ordonnance sur les importations agricoles, OIAgr) (admin.ch) ) and Ordinance on the 
import and export of vegetables, fruit, and horticultural plants ( RS 916.121.10 - Ordonnance du 7 
décembre 1998 sur l'importation et l'exportation de légu mes, de fruits et de plantes horticoles 
(OIELFP) (admin.ch) ) and OFAG Ordinance on the determination of periods and time  limits and on 
authorization of TQ portions for fresh vegetables and fresh fruit (RS 916.121.100 - Ordonnance de 
l'OFAG du 16 septembre 2016 sur la fixation des périodes et des délais ainsi que sur l'autorisation 
de parties de contingent tarifaire de légumes frais et de fruits frais (Ordonnance  sur l'autorisation 
des importations relative à l'OIELFP) (admin.ch) ). The legislation does not authorize the 
administration to decide which products will be subject to licensing. The Federal Law on Agriculture 
does not a llow the Government to abolish the TQ system.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 12 - 
 
   
Procedures  
6.I. The administration of TQs for the calendar year 2022  is described in Switzerland 's notification 
to the Committee on Agriculture ( G/AG/N/CHE/108 ). All information concerning TQ  utilization 
(quantities, application procedures for licences, exceptions, exemptions, etc.) is set forth in 
the specific ordinances (cf. question 5). Auction dates and details are published on the OFAG 
website ( www.import.ofag.admin.ch ). 
 
II.  Non-automatic licences are issued for 12 months maximum.  
 
III. The unused remainder of the allocations is not added to quotas for a succeeding period. In 
January of each year, the annex to the Federal Council Report on Tariff Measures provides the 
names of importers for the preceding year and includes data on quantiti es allocated and 
quantities actually imported by individual importing companies. This annex to the Report can 
be viewed online at www.import.ofag.admin.ch  by following the link " Publication de 
l'attribution des contingents tarifaires ". 
 
IV. (a) With respect to non -automatic licences granted according to previous imports 
by the applicant, OFAG sends the new licence to the importers at the beginning 
of each y ear. As regards other licensing systems, there is no time limit for the 
submission of applications. They can be submitted throughout the year of 
opening of the TQ. Licences are issued primarily on the basis of the applicants' 
previous imports.  
 (b)  OFAG s ends the new licences to the importers before the beginning of the TQ 
period.  
 
V. As a rule, applicants receive a response within one to five working days according to the 
product.  
 
VI. The date of opening of the period of importation may be the same as th e date for the utilization 
of the licence. In other cases, the goods may be imported as soon as the individual TQ share 
has been allocated.  
 
VII. Applications are examined by a single administrative body. The importer must obtain a licence 
from the Federal  Office for Agriculture (OFAG).  
 
VIII. The allocation of TQs takes place as follows:  
 
(a) For the vast majority of products, licences are issued according to previous 
imports by the applicant.  For certain products, allocations are made in 
response to the m arket shares or pro rata to applications. During the non -
administered period for each product and for some products throughout the 
year, imports within the TQ take place without allocation and only the 
automatic licence is required for importation.  
(b) Licences are issued on the basis of a combination of two criteria: previous 
imports by the applicant, and purchase of domestic goods by the applicant.  
 
IX. The same rules apply to all imports within the TQs, regardless of the regulations of the 
exporting cou ntry. 
 
X. Export licences from the exporting countries are not required.  
 
XI. No. 
 
7. Not applicable.  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an application for a licence other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal 
the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 13 - 
 
  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.(a) TQ shares are only allocated to individual s, businesses and organizations, irrespective of 
nationality or origin, that are established on Swiss  customs territory and provide guarantees 
that, where necessary, they can meet the requirements and undertake the commitments 
related to the utilization of  TQ shares. In January of each year, the annex to the Report on 
Tariff Measures provides the names of all the importers for the preceding year and includes 
data on quantities allocated and the quantities imported by individual importing companies 
(see poin t 6.III above).  
 
(b) Not applicable.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Only the usual information is required. Samples of the various application forms are available 
on the following website:  www.eKontingente.admin.ch . 
 
11. Other than the automatic licence (GIP) number, the importer is not required to present an 
authorization to carry out imports within the TQ; cont rols are performed electronically when the 
customs declaration is processed. All other import requirements are listed in the working tariff 
(www.tares.ch ). 
 
12. No. 
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.(a)  The validity of the licence ranges from one month to 50 weeks according to the 
system of allocation in force and cannot be extended.  
 
(b) The period of validity of the licence is one year and cannot be extended.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. TQ share t ransfers are permitted and must be notified by the holder of the TQ share no later 
than the working day before the day the customs declaration is made, with the help of the Internet 
application made available to users by OFAG (Article 14 of the Ordinance o n the import of agricultural 
products). Access to the Internet application: www.ekontingente.admin.ch . 
 
17.(a) For the criteria for TQ  allocation, see point 6.VIII above.  
 
(b) Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 
2.5  Potatoes, including seed potatoes and potato products  
Outline of system  
1. A non -automatic licence is required for the allocation of TQ shares. This licence is part of an 
administrative procedure whereby importers who meet the relevant legal requirements are 
authorized to carry out imports within the TQ. Quota shares may be tr ansferred among holders of 
non-automatic licences and are usually allocated for a limited period. The importer is not required 
to present this authorization at the border. The Federal Office for Agriculture (OFAG, 
www.ofag.admin.ch ) is the competent authority for the allocation of tariff quota shares.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Potatoes, including seed potatoes and potato products, are subject to non -automatic licensing fo r 
imports within TQs. The goods covered are listed in Annex 1 to the Ordinance on the import of 
agricultural products (RS 916.01 - Ordonnance du 26 octobre 2011 sur l'importation de produits 
agricoles (Ordonnance sur les importations agricoles, OIAgr) (admin.ch) ). They are classified under 
the following Swiss customs tariff numbers (HS 2022): 0701.10, 0701.90, 0710.10, 0710.90, 
0712.90, 1105.10, 1105.20, 2001.90 , 2004.10, 2004.90, 2005.20, 2005.99.  
 
3. The regulations apply to imports of all goods, irrespective of where they come from.  
 
4. Non -automatic licensing allows for the individual allocation of TQ shares and the control of their 
utilization; it restricts the quantity of imports.  
 
5. Legal bases: Federal Law on Agriculture ( RS 910.1 - Loi fédérale du 29 avril 1998 sur l'agriculture 
(Loi sur l'agriculture, LAgr) (admin.ch)  Articles 21 and 22 and Ordinance on the import of agricultural 
products ( RS 916.01 - Ordonnance du 26 octobre 2011 sur l'importation de produits agricoles 
(Ordonnance sur le s importations agricoles, OIAgr) (admin.ch) ). The legislation does not authorize 
the administration to decide which products will be subject to licensing. The Federal  Law on 
Agriculture does not allow the Government to a bolish the TQ system.  
 
Procedures  
6.I.  The administration of TQs is described in Switzerland 's notification to the Committee on 
Agriculture ( G/AG/N/CHE/108 ). All information concerning TQ  utilization (quantities, 
application procedures for li cences, exceptions, exemptions, etc.) is set forth in the specific 
ordinances (cf. question 5). 5. Auction dates and details are published on the OFAG website 
(www.import.ofag.admin.ch ). 
 
II. Non-automatic licences are issued for 12 months maximum. The period of validity of TQ shares 
is set by OFAG.  
 
III. The unused remainder of the allocations is not added to quotas for a succeeding period. In 
January of each year, the annex to the Federal Council Report on Tariff Measures provides the 
names of importers for the preceding year and includes data on quantiti es allocated and 
quantities actually imported by individual importing companies. This annex to the Report can 
be viewed online at www.import.ofag.admin.ch  by following the lin k "Publication de 
l'attribution des contingents tarifaires ". 
 
IV. With respect to non -automatic licences granted on the basis of contribution to domestic 
production for TQ 14.1 (seed potatoes) and TQ 14.2 (potatoes for processing), on the basis 
of auctions  for half of TQ 14.3 (table potatoes) and according to market shares for the other 
half of TQ 14.3, and on the basis of auctions for TQ 14.4.2 (potato products, category of 
finished goods) , OFAG sends the new licence to the importers before the beginning o f the 
TQ period. For half of TQ 14.3 and for TQ 14.4.2 , the deadline for applications in the case of 
auctions is generally set at 30 days following publication.  
 
V. As a rule, applicants receive a response within one to five working days according to the 
product.  
 
VI. Licences are granted before the opening of the period of importation.  
 
VII. Applications are examined by a single administrative body. The importer must obtain a licence 
from the Federal Office for Agriculture (OFAG).  
 
VIII. Non-automatic lice nces for TQ 14.1 (seed potatoes) and TQ 14.2 (potatoes for processing) 
are allocated according to purchases of domestic goods. Non -automatic licences for TQ  14.3 
(table potatoes) are allocated for half of the quota according to the criterion of the market 
shares of eligible parties and for the other half by auction. Non -automatic licences for 
TQ 14.4.2 (potato products, category of finished goods)  are allocated by auction. New 
importers may obtain a licence when each new allocation is made.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 15 - 
 
  IX. The same ru les apply to all imports within the TQs, regardless of the regulations of the 
exporting country.  
 
X. Export licences from the exporting countries are not required.  
 
XI. No. 
 
7. Not applicable.  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an application for a licence  other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal 
the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court.  
 
Eligibility  of importers to apply for licence  
9.(a) TQ shares are only allocated to individuals, businesses and organizations, irrespective of 
nationality or origin, that are established on Swiss  customs territory and provide guarantees 
that, where necessary, they ca n meet the requirements and undertake the commitments 
related to the utilization of TQ shares. In January of each year, the annex to the Report on 
Tariff Measures provides the names of all the importers for the preceding year and includes 
data on quantitie s allocated and the quantities imported by individual importing companies 
(see point 6.III above).  
 
(b) Not applicable.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Only the usual information is required. Samples of the various application forms are available 
on the following website: www.eKontingente.admin.ch . 
 
11. Other than the a utomatic licence (GIP) number, the importer is not required to present an 
authorization to carry out imports within the TQ; controls are performed electronically when the 
customs declaration is processed. All other import requirements are listed in the wor king tariff 
(www.tares.ch ). 
 
12. No. 
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The validity of the licence ranges from five months to one year according to the system of 
allocation in force.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. In general, TQ share transfers are permitted and must be notified by the holder of the TQ share 
no later than the working day before the day the customs declaration is made, with the help of the 
Internet application made available to users b y OFAG (Article 14 of the Ordinance on the import of 
agricultural products). Access to the Internet application: www.ekontingente.admin.ch . 
 
17.(a)  For the criteria for TQ a llocation, see point 6 .VIII above.  
 
(b) No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange  in force . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 16 - 
 
  3  SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES  
3.1  Import, transit and export of animals and animal products  
Outline of system  
1. The purpose of the sanitary measures is to prevent the introduction of epizootics and goods that 
present a health risk. As a rule, these measures also apply to re -importation and transit. The Federal 
Office for Food Security and Veterinary Affair s (OSAV, https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/fr/home.html ) 
is responsible for issuing the authorizations provided for under veterinary legislation2 for the 
importation of animals and goods.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. In the case of products from the EU, Norway or Iceland, an authorization is required for:  
 
-  the importation or re -importation of animals or animal products that do not fulfil the conditions 
laid d own in Annex 11 to the Agreement of 21  June 1999 on trade in agricultural products 
(hereinafter the "Agricultural Agreement"; RS 0.916.026.81), including in particular the re -
importation of cloven -hoofed animals after a short stay in a member State of the European 
Union to participate in an exhibition or similar event;  
-  the importation of animal by -products of categories 1 and 2 under Articles  4 and 5 of the 
Ordinance on the elimination of animal by -products (OESPA; RS 916.441.22);  
-  imports of animals o r animal products that are not regulated by the Agricultural Agreement.  
 
In the case of products from other countries, an authorization is required for:  
 
-  non-commercial samples and laboratory samples that do not fulfil the conditions laid down in 
Article 12 of the Ordinance on import, transit and export trade in animals and animal products 
with third countries (OITE PT). This applies to products classified under the following 
Swiss  customs tariff numbers: 0511.99, 3001.20, 3001.90, 3002.10, 3002.90.  
-  dogs, cats and ferrets from countries where urban rabies cannot be ruled out (countries not 
included in Annex 3 to the Ordinance of 28  November  2014 on the import, transit and export 
of pets (OITE -AC)) and imported directly by air into Switzerland. This app lies to animals 
classified under the customs tariff number 0106.1900.  
 
3. See point 2 above.  
 
4. No restrictions. The purpose of the sanitary measures is to prevent the introduction of epizootics 
and goods that present a health risk.  
 
5. Veterinary legislation3 on the importation of animals and goods (Article  7 of the Ordinance of 
18 November  2015 on import, transit and export trade in animals and animal products with the EU 
member States, Iceland and Norway [OITE -UE; RS  916.443.11], the Ordinance of 
18 November  2015 on import, transit and export trade in animals and animal products with 
third countries [OITE -PT; RS  916.443.10], and Article 14 of the Ordinance of 28  November  2014 on 
the import, transit and export of pets [OITE -AC; RS  916.4 43.14]). These are police authorizations 
issued in accordance with the Law on Epizootics of 1  July 1966 (LFE; RS 916.40). It is not possible 
either to make the regime more flexible or to modify the legal bases.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  
 
7.(a) It is recommended that applications should be submitted at least three weeks in advance of 
importation.  
 
 
2 Available at: https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/fr/home/import -und-export/rechts -und-
vollzugsgrundlagen/gesetzgebung.htm  (in French, German and Italian only).  
3 Available at: https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/fr/home/import -und-export/rechts -und-
vollzugsgrundlagen/gesetzgebung.html  (in French, German and Italian only).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 17 - 
 
  (b) Sometimes. In some cases, an approval, opinion or authorization is required from other 
services (cantonal veteri nary services, Federal Office for Agriculture [OFAG]).  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) See point 7(b) above. The procedure is generally regulated so that the applicant needs to 
approach only two services (OSAV and OFAG).  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an application for  a licence other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal 
the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence provided they are 
established on the Swiss customs territory.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licenc e 
10. Please refer to the following websites:  
 
- for laboratory samples and non -commercial samples: 
https://www2.blv.admin.ch/fr/import_filter/pd f?country_group%5B%5D=countrygroup_dritt
staaten&category%5B%5D=cat_tp&supergroup%5B%5D=Og -
tierische_nebenprodukte&group%5B%5D=Og -mustersendungen_laborproben ; 
- for dogs, cats and ferrets: https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/fr/home/tiere/reisen -mit-
heimtieren/hunde -katzen -und-frettchen.html .  
 
11. Import licence (or, if possible, accreditation as a professional importer), supplementary data 
sheet, as appropriate. All other import requirements are listed in the working tariff ( www.tares.ch ). 
 
12. A fee of CHF  40 has been charged since 1  January  2015 for issuing an authorization for dogs, 
cats and ferrets, and for issuing an authorization for laboratory samples and non -commercial 
samples if the batch is not subject to veterinary border cont rol. 
 
13. As a rule, no.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. For dogs, cats and ferrets: until the end of the period of validity of the vaccination, that is, for 
three years maximum. For non -commercial samples: according to type of sample (epizootics policy 
risk), issue of an individual authorization or annual authorization. Import permits for protected 
species are valid for three months; professional importer accreditations are valid for two years.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. The licences are not transferable between eligible persons.  
 
17.(a) Not applicable.  
 
(b) No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Sometimes. Subject to cantonal authorizations required under veterinary laws and laws on 
foodstuffs.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 18 - 
 
  3.2  Plants and plant products (phytosanitary certificate, PC)  
Outline of system  
1. The purpose of the phytosanitary measures is to prevent the introduction and propagation of 
quarantine organisms and regulated non -quarantine organisms (that is, harmful organisms that ar e 
considered particularly hazardous under the terms of the Ordinance on plant health; for reference 
see point 5).  The import of plants and plant products, where not prohibited because of the 
phytosanitary risk that certain plants and plant products present , is subject to the phytosanitary 
certification (PC) regime within the meaning of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). 
Certificates are issued under the responsibility of the national plant protection organization of the 
exporting country if the goods concerned meet Switzerland's phytosanitary requirements. No licence 
as such is needed for the import of goods requiring a phytosanitary certificate, but each shipment is 
subject to a phytosanitary check upon importation and, for this reason, m ust be notified to the 
Federal Plant Protection Service (SPF) no later than the day before the check is to take place. 
Importers are entered in an official register managed by the SPF.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Phytosanitary measures applicabl e to the import of plants, plant products and other items include, 
on the one hand, the prohibition of imports and, on the other, the phytosanitary certification regime 
in accordance with the procedures set out in the IPPC. Dispensation may be granted in t he case of 
goods the import of which is prohibited or which cannot meet the mandatory phytosanitary 
requirements for obtaining a phytosanitary certificate. Dispensation is granted solely in the case of 
goods that are imported for research, selection, multi plication or diagnostic purposes, provided that 
the conditions for their intended use make it possible to rule out the propagation of particularly 
hazardous harmful organisms.  
 
The products in question are essentially those listed under the following custo ms tariff numbers or 
chapters:  
 
- 0601/0602/0603/0604 (Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and 
ornamental foliage);  
- ex 0701/0702/0703/0709/0712 (Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers);  
- ex 0804/0805/0806/0807/080 8/0809/0810 (Edible fruit);  
- ex 1001/1002/1005/1006/1008 (Cereals);  
- ex 1205/1206/1207/1209/1211/1212 (Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, 
seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder);  
- ex 14 (Bark and bark produ cts); 
- ex 25/31/38 (Soil and other substrates for cultivation);  
- ex 44 (Wood and wood products);  
- ex 9406 (Prefabricated buildings).  
 
3. The PC regime applies to all plants for planting, irrespective of origin, with the exception of those 
from the Europ ean Union (EU). Plants other than those for planting, plant products and products 
originating in countries other than the EU member States, as set out in Annex 6 to the Ordinance of 
the DEFR and DETEC concerning the Ordinance on plant health (for reference  see point 5), are also 
subject to the PC regime. The import prohibition concerns goods originating in countries where the 
phytosanitary situation is such that the goods present a clear risk of introducing harmful organisms 
that are particularly hazardous for Switzerland and Liechtenstein. They are listed in Annex 5 to the 
above -mentioned Ordinance. For certain goods (e.g.  potatoes or plants of specific conifer species), 
the prohibition extends to all countries other than member countries of the European an d 
Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO).  
 
4. The purpose of the measures is to prevent the introduction of particularly hazardous harmful 
organisms affecting plants. The regimes governing plants, plant products and other items are 
frequently revised according to developments in the phytosanitary situation both in Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein and in certain countries in the rest of the world.  
 
5. Legal bases:  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 19 - 
 
  - For forest plants and plant products: Law on Forests ( RS 921.0 - Loi fédérale du 4  octobre 
1991 sur les forêts (Loi sur les forêts, LFo) (admin.ch) ). For other plants and plant products: 
Law on Agricultur e (RS 910.1 - Loi fédérale du 29 avril 1998 sur l'agriculture (Loi sur 
l'agriculture, LAgr) (admin.ch) ). 
- The Ordinance on plant health ( RS 916.20 - Ordonnance du 31 octobre 2018 sur la protection 
des végétaux contre les organismes nuisibles particulièrement dangereux (Ordonnance sur la 
santé des végétaux, OSaVé) (admin.ch) ) and the Ordinance of the DEFR and DETEC 
concerning the Ordinance on plant health ( RS 916.201 - Ordonnance du DEFR et du DETEC 
du 14 novembre 2019 relative à l'ordonnance sur la  santé des végétaux (OSaVé -DEFR -DETEC) 
(admin.ch) ) establish which items are subject to the different regimes.  
 
The Federal Office for the Environment (OFEV), Forest Division (for forest plants and plant products), 
and t he Federal Office for Agriculture (OFAG) may issue an ordinance adopting measures in the 
event of the appearance of a new harmful organism that could prove particularly hazardous, or if 
the phytosanitary situation in a country worsens as a result of a part icularly hazardous harmful 
organism and the import of certain goods originating in that country would entail an increased 
phytosanitary risk for Switzerland and Liechtenstein pending clarification of the potential damage by 
this organism.  The Federal Depar tment of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (DEFR) and the 
Federal Office for the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) has the 
authority under the law to decide on the items that are subject to the regimes described in point 2 
above. 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no restrictions).  
 
7.(a) Shipments of goods subject to the PC regime must be notified to the SPF for the planning of 
phytosanitary checks no later than the day before their arrival in Switzerland. The notification 
must b e made online with the EU 's Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) ( www.sante -
des-vegetaux.ch > Commerce de matériel végétal  > Pays non membres de l'UE  > 
Importation ), to which Switzerland and Liechtenstein are affiliated.  
 
(b) As explained in point 3.2.1 above, no licences, as such, are issued by a Swiss authority. The 
sole document required, where applicable, is the phytosanitary certificate issued by the 
national plant protection organization of the exporting country. The organization establishes 
the conditions for granting such certificates.  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Reviews of the conformity of phytosanitary  certificates and the phytosanitary status of 
imported goods are carried out solely by the SPF.  
 
8. Only non -conformity is grounds for refusal.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to import suc h goods, provided that they are 
domiciled in Switzerland and, with the exception of private individuals, are registered with the SPF. 
Registration must be requested using a form available for download at www.sante -des-vegetaux.ch 
> Commerce de matériel vég étal > Pays non membres de l'UE  > Importation  > Informations 
complémentaires  > Formulaires . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Besides the usual information regarding business name, postal address, telephone number and 
email, the form referred to in point 9(b) above asks for additional information on the type of goods 
the importing establishment wishes to import.  
 
11. A phytosanitary certificate (see points 1 and 2 above), which must not have been issued more 
than 14  days before the date on which the goods left the country of dispatch.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 20 - 
 
  12. Yes. The charge is a fixed sum of CHF  50 per shipment. If the shipment comprises multiple 
batches of goods subject to checks, CHF  10 is charged for each additional batc h. The charge is 
intended to cover the cost of carrying out the phytosanitary checks.  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. In general, an import is notified via TRACES only when the importer is certain the import will 
take place. However, if a notified sh ipment does not arrive within the notified time -frame, the 
importer may give notice of any changes relating to the timing of the import.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. No.  
 
17.(a)  No. 
 
(b) No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No. 
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreig n exchange  in force . 
 
4  CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA 
AND FLORA (CITES) AND VERIFICATION OF THE LAWFUL ORIGIN OF IMPORTED MARINE 
FISHERY PRODUCTS  
4.1  Animals  
Outline of system  
1. The Federal Office for Food Security and Veterinary Affairs (OSAV) is responsible for issuing import 
licences for the species covered by the CITES Convention, which aims to ensure that no species is 
threatened with extinction as a result of unsustainable international trade.  
 
Purpose s and coverage of licensing  
2. The list of products coming under the conservation of species appears in the Ordinance of the 
Federal Department of the Interior (DFI) on control of the circulation of protected species of fauna 
and flora (Ordinance on CITES controls) of 4  September  2013 (RS  453.1, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20121349/index.html ). 
 
3. The regulations apply to imports of all goods, irrespective of where they come from.  
 
4. CITES aims to ensure that no species is threatened with extinction as a result of unsustainable 
international trade.  
 
5. Legislation on the protection of species with resp ect to the importation of animals and goods 
(Article 7 of the Federal Law on circulation of protected species of fauna and flora (LCITES; RS  453, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/ fr/classified -compilation/20092733/index.html ), of 16  March  2012), 
requiring authorization pursuant to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of 
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES; RS  0.453) of 3  March  1973, and the Federal Law on Fisheries (LFSP; 
RS 923.0) of 21  June 1991. It is not possible either to make the regime more flexible or to modify 
the legal bases.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 21 - 
 
   
7.(a) It is recommended that applic ations should be submitted at least one week in advance of 
importation. Only authorizations concerning the species listed in Appendix  I of CITES require 
a slightly longer time frame owing to the procedure stipulated by the international treaty 
(consultatio n of scientific authorities). However, many applications are processed on the day 
on which they are submitted.  
 
(b) Sometimes. In some cases, an approval, opinion or authorization is required from other 
services (cantonal veterinary services, Federal Offic e for Agriculture [OFAG], Federal Office 
for the Environment [OFEV], Technical Commission for the Conservation of Species).  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) See point 7(b) above. The procedure is generally regulated so that the applicant needs to 
approach only two services ( OSAV and OFAG).  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an application for a licence other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal 
the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence provided they are 
established on the Swiss customs  territory.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Please refer to the website https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/en/home/i mport -und-
export/import/importe -aus-drittstaaten.html , following the link " Formulaire ". 
 
11. Import licence (or, if possible, accreditation as a professional importer), CITES documents, 
supplementary data sheet, as appro priate. All other import requirements are listed in the working 
tariff ( www.tares.ch ). 
 
12. No fee is charged for issuing the authorization itself. However, the border control is subject to a 
fee of CHF  88, which includes the cost of establishing the authorization.  
 
13. As a rule, no.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Import permits for protected species are valid for three months; professional importer 
accreditations are valid for two years.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. The licences are not transferable between eligible persons.  
 
17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Sometimes. Subject to cantonal authorizations required under veterinary laws and the laws on 
foodstuffs.  
 
19. There are no restrict ions on foreign exchange in force.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 22 - 
 
  4.2  Plants and plant products  
Outline of system  
1. The Federal Office for Food Security and Veterinary Affairs (OSAV) is responsible for issuing the 
authorizations for plants and plant products listed in the Appendices of the Convention on 
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora of 3  March  1973 (CITES). CITES 
aims to ensure that no species is threatened with extinction as a result of unsustainable international 
trade.  
 
Purposes and co verage of licensing  
2. All plants and plant products listed in Appendix I of CITES are subject to licensing. The plants and 
plant products listed in Appendices II and III are subject to licensing only if they have been taken 
from the wild. Artificially pro pagated material is excluded therefrom.  
 
The list of products coming under the conservation of species appears in the Ordinance of the Federal 
Department of the Interior (DFI) on control of the circulation of protected species of fauna and flora 
(Ordinance  on CITES controls) of 4  September  2013 (RS  453.1, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20121349/index.html ). 
 
3. The regu lations apply to imports of all goods, irrespective of where they come from.  
 
4. No restrictions.  
 
5. Legal bases: the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and 
Flora of 3  March  1973 (CITES) (RS 0.453), the Ordinance on the conservation of species 
(OCE;  RS 453, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20092733/index.html ), and the 
Ordinance  on CITES controls (RS  453.1,  https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/20121349/index.html ). 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no quanti tative restrictions).  
 
7.(a) The application must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of importation. Each 
application for plants and plant products listed in Appendix I of CITES and taken from the wild 
has to be reviewed by the scientific commission (scientific authority within the meaning of 
CITES, Article IX).  
 
(b) No. 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) The importer must contact only the Federal Office for Food Security and Veterinary Affairs 
(OSAV), but each application for plants and plant products listed i n Appendix I of CITES and 
taken from the wild has to be reviewed by the scientific commission. See point (a) above.  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse a licence application other than failure to meet the specific criteria 
set out in Articles III -V of CITES. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, 
who has a right to appeal the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, 
to the Federal Supreme Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. All pe rsons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence provided they are 
domiciled in Switzerland.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. A copy of the CITES export document or of the re -export certificat e must be submitted. In 
addition, for plants and plant products listed in Appendix I of CITES and taken from the wild, it is G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 23 - 
 
  necessary to specify the reason for import and provide a description of the establishment and 
facilities where the plants will be h eld. 
 
11. The phytosanitary certificate and, where appropriate, the licence (authorization for goods for 
which dispensation has been granted). All other import requirements are noted in the working tariff.  
 
12.-13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The peri od of validity is six months. A request for extension can be made by sending the original 
licence, which will then be superseded.  
 
15.-17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Specimens are subject to control upon import pursuant to OCE requirements.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 
4.3  Imported marine fishery products  
Outline of system  
1. The purpose of the regulations on the monitoring of imported marine fishery products is to ensure 
that only fishery products of lawful origin ( that is without products derived from illegal, unreported 
and unregulated (IUU) fishing) are imported into Switzerland. The consignments of marine fishery 
products concerned undergo inspection and must be registered with the Federal Office for Food 
Securit y and Veterinary Affairs (OSAV, https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/fr/home.html ) for verification 
of documents.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Marine fishery products, which must be declared in advance to the Federal Food Safety and 
Veterinary Office (OSAV) and require an authorization number, are listed in Annex 1 to the Ordinance 
on the control of the legality of imported marine fishery products (see 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20153280/index.html#app1ahref0 ). 
 
3. Consignments from all countries of origin, except those listed on Annex 2 to the Ordinance, are 
subject  to verification (see https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr /classified -
compilation/20153280/index.html#app2ahref0 ). 
 
4. No restrictions.  
 
5. Legal basis: Ordinance of 20  April 2016 on verification of the lawful origin of imported fishery 
products (RS 453.2, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20153280/index.html ), on 
the basis of Articles 7(2)(a), 9(1), 12(5), 13(3), 20(4), 21 and 26(5) of the Fed eral Law of 
16 March  2012 on the movement of protected species of marine plants and animals 
(BGCITES,  https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20092733/index.htm l). 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  
 
7.(a) The person responsible (declarant/importer) must notify consignments of marine fishery 
products with OSAV at least three business days prior to the ir planned importation. For 
consignments imported by air, the time  limit is one business day.  
 
(b) This sometimes occurs. For example, if a new consignment is imported on short notice.  
 
(c) No. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 24 - 
 
   
(d) IUU verification is carried out only by OSAV and the rele ase number for customs clearance is 
assigned only by OSAV.  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse a licence application other than failure to meet the specific criteria 
set out in Articles 4 and 8 of the Ordinance on verification of the lawful origin of import ed marine 
fishery products. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to 
appeal the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal 
Supreme Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any firm wishing to import marine fishery products into Switzerland may apply to OSAV for an 
IUU release number.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Since 1 March 2022, consignments of notifiable marine fishery products must be registered via 
the IUU portal of the INPEC IT application and submitted for inspection.  
 
The IUU portal of the INPEC  IT application allows the digitized registration and processing of IUU 
controls on marine fishery consignments.  
 
Access to the IUU portal: https://www.inpec.admin.ch/app/iuu/ . 
 
For consignments subject to the prior notification procedure, the following information is entered 
into the system by the person responsible (declarant/importer):  
 
(a) information on the destination establishment;  
(b) the name and address of the im porter and the person declaring the consignment to Customs 
for clearance:  
(c) consignment information, specifically quantities in kilograms, the species of fish and the 
fishing zones by means of the catch certificate, and the catch certificate numbers;  
(d)  flag State which issued the catch certificates.  
 
The person responsible (declarant/importer) must submit the following documents to OSAV in a 
timely manner:  
 
-  catch certificate;  
-  invoice;  
-  transport documents;  
-  processing declaration, if applicab le; 
-  health certificate or CHED -P TRACES.  
 
11. For importation, the applicant must have the documents indicated in point 10 and a release 
number from OSAV.  
 
12. Yes, the importer is charged CHF  60 per consignment for the inspection. Consignment: Fishery 
products sent to an importer at the same time or under a single way -bill. 
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The release is valid for the importation of a specific consignment; extensions or the use of the 
same release number for another consignment are  not permitted.  
 
15.-17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 25 - 
 
   
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 
5  FOREST REPRODUCTIVE MATERIAL  
Outline of system  
1. The Forestry Division of the Federal Office for the Environment (OFEV ) is responsible for issuing 
the authorizations required by the regulations governing the import and export of forest reproductive 
material. The purpose of these measures remains above all to ensure the use of healthy and 
appropriate forest reproductive ma terial at the place of reforestation.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The regulations cover certain varieties of trees that are important for Swiss forestry (11  varieties 
of conifers and 31 varieties of broad -leaved trees). See also Annex 1 to the O rdinance on forest 
reproductive material (RS 921.552.1). This concerns the following Swiss customs tariff numbers (HS 
2017): 0602.90 and 1209.99.  
 
3. The regulations apply to imports of all goods, irrespective of where they come from.  
 
4. No. The purpose o f the Ordinance is to ensure the supply of appropriate forest reproductive 
material, i.e. suited to the geographical and climatic conditions of Switzerland.  
 
5. The Federal Law on Forests of 4  October  1991 (LFo; RS  921.0, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/19910255/index.html ), the Ordinance on 
forests of 30  November  1992 (OFo; RS  921.01, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/19920310/index.html ), and the Ordinance of 29  November  1994 on forest reproductive 
material (RS  921.552.1, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/19940363/index.html ). The tree varieties subject to the Ordinance are listed in Annex 
I thereto.  The legislation does not authorize the administration to decide which products will be 
subject to the licensing system. The Government is authorized to revise the Ordinance.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  
 
7.(a) 14 days.  
 
(b) Only where justified.  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Applications for import licences are examined by OFEV 's Forestry Division 
(https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu/fr/home/themes/forets.html ), which also issues the 
licence.  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an application for a licence other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to app eal 
the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence provided they are 
domiciled in Switzerland.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The application for an import licence must mention the variety of tree, the origin, the quantity, 
the supplier and the buyer. The importer must include in the application a certificate of origin for 
the tree varieties. There is no specific form.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 26 - 
 
   
11. Import licence and certificate of origin.  
 
12. Under the Ordinance on OFEV fees (RS 814.014), a fee of CHF  50 may be applied to all import 
licence applications (to cover administrative costs).  
 
13. As a rule, no.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The authorization to import is valid for six months, extendable for another six months on request.  
 
15.-17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 
6  TRANSPLANTS  
Outline of system  
1. The Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP, https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/fr/home.html ) is the 
body responsible for authorizing the import of unmanipulated organs, tissues and cells of human 
origin (other than transplant products) intended for transplantation into humans.  The 
Transplantation Law seeks to guarantee the safe handling of transpla nt products, in particular with 
a view to protecting donors and recipients.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. An authorization is required for the import of allogeneic organs, tissue and cells of human origin 
intended for transplantation into humans. This concerns the following Swiss customs tariff number 
(HS 2017): 3001.9000.  
 
3. All countries.  
 
4. There is no restriction on the quantity and value of the products imported.  
 
5. The Federal Law of 8  October  2004 on the transplantation of organs, tissues  and cells 
(Transplantation Law; RS  810.21, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/20010918/index.html )), which entered int o force on 1  July 2007. The import procedures 
are described, inter alia , in the Ordinance of 16  March  2007 on the transplantation of human organs, 
tissues and cells (Transplantation  Ordinance; RS  810.211, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/20051806/index.html ). The legislation does not authorize the administration to decide 
which products will be subject to licensing.  The G overnment is authorized to revise the Ordinance.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  
 
7.(a) Import is not allowed without authorization. The authorization procedure takes about 
four months. In exceptional cases a shorter procedure  can be envisaged.  
 
(b) No. 
 
(c) Not applicable.  
 
(d) The OFSP is the sole organ responsible for examining applications.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 27 - 
 
  8. Only if the applicant does not meet the criteria is an authorization refused. The reasons will then 
be stated in the pre-authorization inspection report. The decision may be appealed to the Federal 
Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import authorization provided that 
they are domiciled in Switzerland. Lists of the authorizations issued are published online at: 
https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/fr/home/gesetze -und-bewilligungen/gesuche -
bewilligungen/gesuche -bewilligungen -bereich -transplantation.html . 
  
Documentational and other requirements fo r application for licence  
10. Different documents and certificates may be requested, depending on the type of transplant 
(according to application and corresponding checklist, available on the transplantation declaration 
and authorization web page of the O FSP, 
https://www.donneestransplantation.admin.ch https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/fr/home/gesetze -
und-bewilligungen/gesuche -bewilligungen/gesuche -bewilligungen -bereich -transplantation.html ). A 
pre-authorization inspection is mandatory.  
 
11. Once the authorization is issued, none (for importation).  
 
12. CHF  500 to 2,000 per authorization (in addition to inspection).  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity of the authorization is a maximum of five years with the possibili ty of 
renewal.  
 
15.-17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 
7  BLOOD, BLOOD PRODUCTS AND IMMUNOLOGICAL PRODUCTS  
Outline of system  
1. An import licence is required for the importation of blood, blood products and immunological 
products. Swissmedic, the Swiss Institute for Therapeutic Products, is the sole organ authorized to 
examine licence applications. The aim is to protect human an d animal health by guaranteeing that 
high quality, safe and effective therapeutic products are placed on the market.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. A licence is required each time blood, blood products or immunological products are imported. 
There are exceptions to the requirement, including where batches have already been officially 
released by an oversight authority that is a member of the Official Control Authority Batch Release 
(OCABR) network. For the products subject to this procedure and the exceptions to the licence 
requirement, see the relevant laws and ordinances. The products covered are:  
 
(a) blood and blood products; and  
(b) immunological products, such as vaccines, toxins and serums.  
 
This concerns the following Swiss customs tariff num bers (HS 2017): 3002.12, 3002.13, 3002.14, 
3002.15, 3002.20, 3002.90.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 28 - 
 
   
3. The regulations apply to imports of all goods, whatever their origin.  
 
4. There is no restriction on the quantity and value of the products imported.  
 
5. The Federal Law on Medicinal  Products and Medical Devices, dated 15  December  2000 
(RS 812.21, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20002716/index.html ). The 
procedure for imports is described, inter alia , in the Ordinance of 17  October  2001 on 
authorizations  regarding medicinal products (RS  812.212.1, 
https://www.admin .ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20180857/index.html ). Laws and amendments 
thereto must be adopted by Parliament. They contain all important provisions. Ordinances contain 
implementing provisions and must be based on a higher legal authority, a law. In this case, 
ordinances do not go through Parliament. A licence is required by law for every import of blood and 
blood products. In the case of immunological products, this requirement is contained in an ordinance.  
 
Procedur es 
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  
 
7.(a) In view of the time required to obtain a licence, the application must be submitted a few days 
in advance of the importation itself.  In normal situations the application is granted and 
returned within 24 hours of being filed. Exceptionally and in urgent situations, it may be 
granted upon request by fax.  
 
(b) Exceptionally (see above).  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Swissmedic is the sole organ authoriz ed to examine licence applications.  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse a licence application other than failure to meet the specific criteria. 
The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal the decision 
to the admi nistrative authority or to the Federal Administrative Court and, at  second instance, to 
the Federal Supreme Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Institutions wishing to import products subject to licensing must obtain the necessary lice nce from 
Swissmedic in accordance with the relevant laws. The licence is granted if the institution meets 
certain specific operational and organizational conditions (e.g.  import, wholesale trade and export 
authorization, authorization to take blood for tra nsfusions or for the production of medicinal 
products). Swissmedic regularly controls compliance with these conditions. The procedure for 
obtaining licences is regulated by the relevant ordinance. The list of authorized concerns is regularly 
published (see  https://www.swissmedic.ch/swissmedic/fr/home/medicaments -a-usage -
humain/bewilligungen_zertifikate/betriebsbewilligungen/titulaire -de-l-autorisation -d-
exploitation.html ). Moreover, registered products may only be imported  by the institutions in whose 
name they are registered.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Different documents and certificates may be requested, depending on the type of 
transplant (according to the application and cor responding checklist, available on the 
transplantation application and declaration system of the OFSP, arTx (admin.ch) ). A pre -
authorization inspection is mandator y. 
 
11. In addition to the documents usually required by the customs services, only the application form 
is required. More specific information may be requested in certain cases.  
 
12. CHF  100 per licence (see the Ordinance of 2  December  2011 on the fees of  the Swiss Institute 
for Therapeutic Products (RS 812.214.5)).  
 
13. No.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 29 - 
 
   
Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity of the licence is one month, generally without the possibility of extension.  
 
15.-17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Certain products, such as immunological products or stable blood products, must be registered 
beforehand by Swissmedic. Moreover, imported batches of registered products are controlled by the 
Official Medicines Control Laboratory (OMCL) of Swissmedic b efore being placed on the market, 
unless they have already been officially released by an oversight authority that is a member of the 
Official Control Authority Batch Release (OCABR) network.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 
8  NARCOTIC DRUGS, PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AND PRECURSORS USED AND 
MARKETED FOR LEGAL PURPOSES  
Outline of system  
1. The purpose of the authorization system for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is to 
ensure that imports are carried out for the sole pur pose of satisfying legitimate medical and industrial 
needs. Article 5 of the Federal Law on Narcotics of 3  October  1951 (LStup; RS  812.121) stipulates 
that a special authorization is required from Swissmedic, the Swiss Institute for Therapeutic Products 
(https://www.swissmedic.ch/swissmedic/fr/home.html ), for all imports of narcotic drugs, 
psychotropic substances and precursors. Depending on the substance invo lved, Swissmedic may 
issue single authorizations valid once for import, or general authorizations valid for imports carried 
out over a specific period of time up to the end of each calendar year. Swissmedic, through its 
Narcotics Division, is responsible f or granting import/export authorizations. More detailed 
information may be obtained from this body (email address: narcotics@swissmedic.ch ). 
 
Purposes and coverage of authoriz ation regime  
2. All substances that are subject to the authorization system appear in the DFI Ordinance on the 
schedules of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursors and chemical additives of 
30 May 2011 (Ordinance on the narcotic drugs schedules , OTStup -DFI, RS  812.121.11). These 
goods are classified under the following Swiss customs tariff numbers (HS 2017):  
 
0602.10  
0602.90  
0604.20  
0604.90  
1207.99  
1211.30  
1211.40  
1211.90  
1301.90  
1302.11  
1302.19  
2308.00  
2905.51  
2907.19  
2914.31  
2914.50  
2916.34  
2918.19  2921.30  
2921.41  
2921.42  
2921.43  
2921.44  
2921.45  
2921.46  
2921.49  
2921.51  
2921.59  
2922.11  
2922.12  
2922.14  
2922.19  
2922.21  
2922.29  
2922.31  
2922.39  2922.41  
2922.42  
2922.43  
2922.44  
2922.49  
2922.50  
2924.11  
2924.19  
2924.21  
2924.23  
2924.24  
2924.29  
2925.12  
2925.19  
2926.30  
2926.40  
2926.90  
2930.90  2932.19  
2932.20  
2932.91  
2932.92  
2932.93  
2932.94  
2932.95  
2932.99  
2933.19  
2933.21  
2933.29  
2933.32  
2933.33  
2933.39  
2933.41  
2933.49  
2933.52  
2933.53  2933.54  
2933.55  
2933.59  
2933.69  
2933.72  
2933.79  
2933.91  
2933.99  
2934.10  
2934.20  
2934.30  
2934.91  
2934.99  
2935.90  
2939.11  
2939.19  
2939.41  
2939.42  2939.43  
2939.44  
2939.49  
2939.51  
2939.59  
2939.61  
2939.62  
2939.63  
2939.69  
2939.71  
2939.79  
2939.80  
3003.49  
3003.90  
3004.49  
3004.50  
3004.90  
3301.29  
 
3. The regulations apply to imports of all goods, whatever their origin.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 30 - 
 
  4. Yes. The purpose of the authorization system is to ensure that imports (or exports) are carried 
out for the sole purpose of satisfying legitimate medical and industrial needs.  
 
5. Articl e 5 of the Federal Law on Narcotics of 3  October  1951 (LStup; RS  812.121, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/19981989/index.html ) stipulates that a special 
authorization is required from Swissmedic, the Swiss Institute for Therapeutic Products, for all 
imports (or exports) of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors. Article  7 and 
Chapter  3 of the Ordinance o n the control of narcotic drugs of 25  May 2011 (OCStup; RS  812.121.1, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20101221/index.html ) lay down the 
procedures for the granting of import (and export) authorizations.  
 
The authorization system is maintained under federal laws. The Government does not have the 
authority to repeal them. The Government may, however, change certain detail s of the regime, i.e. 
the above -mentioned Ordinances. There is no delegation of authority to the administration. There 
is, however, a limited delegation of authority to the Federal Department of the Interior (DFI), 
because Ordinance  812.121.11 of 30  May 2011 ( https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/20101220/index.html ), which includes lists of all controlled substances that are  subject 
to the permit system, is under the authority of the DFI.  
 
Procedures  
6.I. The quantities that can be imported (and exported) are limited through a system of estimates 
coordinated by the UN and its International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). Each  country 
must report its annual needs in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to the INCB. If 
need be, requests for adaptations of the estimates may be submitted to the INCB, which 
approves them if they are legitimate. The INCB publishes the estimate s for all of the countries, 
and updates them on a monthly basis.  
 
II. The estimates are sent once a year (for psychotropic substances once every three years) to 
the INCB. Import (and export) authorizations are issued only if the estimates have not been 
exceeded. Where they have been exceeded, a request for an additional estimate must be 
forwarded to the INCB.  
 
III. Import or export authorizations are granted only to holders of a cantonal or a Swissmedic 
authorization to handle controlled substances or a spe cial OFSP authorization.  
 
IV. There is no time limit for the submission of applications provided the import or export 
quantities do not exceed the estimates.  
 
V. The time required for granting an import (or export) authorization is 10 working days on 
avera ge, assuming that all of the documentation and other requirements have been met. 
Where there is no estimate or the estimate is insufficient (a few cases each year), the time 
limits are extended to as much as one month.  
 
VI. Import authorizations are valid from the date of issue.  
 
VII. As a rule, only Swissmedic considers authorization applications. If need be, Swissmedic 
cooperates with the cantons or the foreign competent authorities concerned, and the INCB.  
 
VIII.  Applications are considered in the order in which they are received by the Swissmedic service. 
If an authorization application is not complete or contains errors, Swissmedic informs the 
applicant by means of a form indicating the deficiencies in the applic ation.  
 
IX. An import authorization is required for every import of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances 
and precursors. Import/export authorizations are only issued upon request.  
 
X. The importing country is informed of any export authorization granted by receiving a copy of 
the authorization.  
 
XI. No. 
 
7. Not applicable.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 31 - 
 
   
8. Any irregularities, no proven legitimate end use and so on. In the event of a refusal to issue an 
authorization, the reasons for refusal are given to the appli cant, who has the right to appeal within 
30 days to the Federal Department of the Interior.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for authorization  
9. All persons, firms and institutions may apply for an authorization provided they are holders of a 
cantonal, DFI or Swissmedic authorization to handle controlled substances or a special 
OFSP  authorization. Swissmedic publishes the lists of persons, firms and institutions authorized by 
the cantons in accordance with the OCStup criteria.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for authorization  
10. The importer sends an application for an import authorization, either written or via the NDS WEB 
system, listing the products to be imported and the corresponding quantities. A specific form is 
available o n the relevant website.  
 
11. A copy of the authorization issued by Swissmedic must be presented to Customs.  
 
12. CHF  100 for a single authorization; CHF  200 for a general authorization (the total quantity to be 
imported/exported must be indicated in the ap plication for authorization).  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of authorization  
14. Single import authorizations are valid for four months. General import authorizations are valid 
for 12  months and expire on 31  December of each calendar year.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. Import authorizations are not transferable.  
 
17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 
9  COMPULSORY STOCKPILING  
9.1  Agricultural goods subject to compulsory stockpiling  
Outline of system  
1. In ac cordance with Article 7 of the Federal Law on National Economic Supply (LAP; RS  531), the 
Government (Federal Council) may subject goods of vital importance to compulsory stockpiling. 
To that end, it may place the products concerned under the automatic imp ort licensing regime. The 
granting of a licence is conditional upon the conclusion of a stockpiling contract or the provision of 
a financial benefit identical to that arising under a compulsory stockpiling contract.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The following agricultural goods are subject to compulsory stockpiling: sugar, rice, edible oils and 
fats, coffee, various kinds of cereal, and energy -rich and protein -rich foods for use in animal feed 
(Réservesuisse Genossenschaft4). These goods appear in  Annexes 1 to 5 of the Ordinance on 
 
4 Additional information in French, German and Italian available at: http://www.reservesuisse.ch . G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 32 - 
 
  compulsory stockpiling of foods and fodder and are classified under the following Swiss customs 
tariff numbers (HS 2017):  
 
0505.90  
0508.00  
0511.91  
0511.99  
0708.90  
0709.99  
0712.90  
0713.10  
0713.20  
0713.31  
0713.32  
0713.33  
0713.34  
0713.35  
0713.39  
0713.40  
0713.50  
0713.60  
0713.90  
0714.10  
0714.20  
0714.30  
0714.40  
0714.50  
0714.90  
0802.21  
0802.22  
0802.31  
0802.32  
0813.40  
0813.50  
0901.11  
0901.12  
0901.21  0901.22  
0901.90  
1001.19  
1001.99  
1002.90  
1003.90  
1004.90  
1005.90  
1006.10  
1006.20  
1006.30  
1006.40  
1007.90  
1008.10  
1008.29  
1008.30  
1008.40  
1008.50  
1008.60  
1008.90  
1101.00  
1102.20  
1102.90  
1103.11  
1103.13  
1103.19  
1103.20  
1104.12  
1104.19  
1104.22  
1104.23  
1104.29  
1104.30  
1105.10  1105.20  
1106.10  
1106.20  
1106.30  
1107.10  
1107.20  
1108.11  
1108.12  
1108.13  
1108.14  
1108.19  
1108.20  
1201.90  
1202.41  
1202.42  
1203.00  
1204.00  
1205.10  
1205.90  
1206.00  
1207.10  
1207.29  
1207.30  
1207.40  
1207.50  
1207.60  
1207.70  
1207.91  
1207.99  
1208.10  
1208.90  
1209.10  
1209.29  
1209.99  1212.29  
1212.91  
1212.92  
1212.93  
1212.94  
1212.99  
1213.00  
1214.10  
1214.90  
1404.90  
1501.10  
1501.20  
1501.90  
1502.10  
1502.90  
1503.00  
1504.10  
1504.20  
1504.30  
1505.00  
1506.00  
1507.10  
1507.90  
1508.10  
1508.90  
1509.10  
1509.90  
1510.00  
1511.10  
1511.90  
1512.11  
1512.19  
1512.21  
1512.29  1513.11  
1513.19  
1513.21  
1513.29  
1514.11  
1514.19  
1514.91  
1514.99  
1515.11  
1515.19  
1515.21  
1515.29  
1515.30  
1515.50  
1515.90  
1516.10  
1516.20  
1517.10  
1517.90  
1518.00  
1701.12  
1701.13  
1701.14  
1701.99  
1702.30  
1702.40  
1702.60  
1702.90  
1703.90  
1802.00  
1905.90  
2101.11  
2101.12  
2102.10  2102.20  
2103.30  
2301.10  
2301.20  
2302.10  
2302.30  
2302.40  
2302.50  
2303.10  
2303.20  
2303.30  
2304.00  
2305.00  
2306.10  
2306.20  
2306.30  
2306.41  
2306.49  
2306.50  
2306.60  
2306.90  
2308.00  
2309.90  
3505.10  
3505.20  
3809.10  
3823.11  
3823.12  
3823.19  
 
3. The regulations apply to imports of all goods, irrespective of where they come from.  
 
4. No restrictions. The purpose of automatic licensing is to ensure compulsory stockpiling.  
 
5. Legal bases: The Federal Law on National Economic Supply (RS  531, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20141710/index.html ), as well as the 
Ordinance on compulsory stockpiling of foods and fodder (RS  531.215.11, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20170050/index.html ). 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  
 
7.(a)-(b) Applications for a general import licence must be submitted a few days before importation. 
In urgent cases, the licence may be granted immediately by fax . 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Applications are handled by a single service: Réservesuisse Genossenschaft  grants general 
import licences under the authority of the Swiss Confederation.  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an application for a licence other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 33 - 
 
  the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. In principle, all persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Only the usual information is required. Samples of the various applicatio n forms are available 
on the Réservesuisse Genossenschaft  website 
(http://www.reservesuisse.ch/index.php?id=8&L=1&type=2012 ). 
 
11. The number of the automa tic licence. All other import requirements are listed in the working 
tariff ( www.tares.ch ). 
 
12. No fees.  
 
13. As a rule, no.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The validity is not limited as long as the conditions on which the licence was granted are met.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. The licences are not transferable between eligible persons.  
 
17.(b) The issuing of the licence is subject to the payment of the portions of the customs duty that 
are not collected by the Federal Customs Administration.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 
9.2  Liquid fuels subject to compulsory stockpiling  
Outline of system  
1. In accordance with Article 7 of the Federal Law on National Economic Supply (LAP; RS  531), the 
Government (Federal Council) may subject goods of vital importance to compulsory stockpiling. 
To that end, it may place the products concerned under the automatic import licensing regime. Th e 
granting of a licence is conditional upon the conclusion of a stockpiling contract or the provision of 
a financial benefit identical to that arising under a compulsory stockpiling contract.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The liquid fuels subject to compulsory stockpiling appear in Annexes 1 to 5 of the Ordinance on 
compulsory stockpiling of foods and fodder and are classified under the following Swiss customs 
tariff numbers (HS  2017):  
 
2207.10  
2207.20  
2707.10  
2707.20  
2707.30  
2707.40  
2707.50  
2707.91  2707.99  
2709.00  
2710.12  
2710.19  
2710.20  
2901.10  
2901.24  
2901.29  2902.11  
2902.19  
2902.20  
2902.30  
2902.41  
2902.42  
2902.43  
2902.44  2902.60  
2902.70  
2902.90  
2905.11  
2905.12  
2905.14  
2905.16  
2905.19  2905.22  
2905.29  
2909.19  
2909.20  
2909.30  
2909.43  
2909.44  
2909.49  2909.50  
2909.60  
3807.00  
3811.90  
3814.00  
3817.00  
3824.99  
3826.00  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 34 - 
 
   
3. The regulations apply to imports of all goods, irrespective of where they come from.  
 
4. No restrictions. The purpose of automatic licensing is to ensure compulsory stockpiling.  
 
5. Legal bases: The Federal Law on National Economic Supply (RS  531, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20141710/index.html ) and the Ordinance on 
compulsory stockpiling of liquid fuels (RS  531.215.41, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/20170059/inde x.html ). 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  
 
7. (a) -(b) Applications for a general import licence must be submitted a few days before importation. 
In urgent cases, the licence may be granted imm ediately by fax.  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Applications are reviewed by a single service: the Swiss Central Office for the Importation of 
Liquid Fuels, CARBURA, under the authority of the Swiss Confederation.  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an application for a lic ence other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal 
the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. In principle, all persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Only the usual information is required.  Samples of the various application forms are available 
on the website of the Swiss Central Office for the Importation of Liquid Fuels 
(http://www.carbura.ch/fr/permis -generaux -dimpor tation -pgi/). 
 
11. Automatic licensing. All other import requirements are listed in the working tariff 
(www.tares.ch ). 
 
12. No fees.  
 
13. As a rule, no.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The validity is not limited as long as the conditions on which the licence was granted are met.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. The licences are not transferable between eligible persons.  
 
17.(b) The issuing of the licence is subject to the payment of the portions of the customs duty that 
are not collected by the Federal Customs Administration.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 35 - 
 
  10  WAR MATERIAL, WEAPONS  
10.1  War material  
Outline of system  
1. The purpose of the regime is to institute controls on the origin, nature and destination of the war 
material in question. The Bilateral Economic Relations Division, Arms Control and Arms Control Policy 
Section, of the State Se cretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO, https://www.seco.admin.ch ) is 
responsible for examining applications for authorization.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The war materia l the import of which is subject to authorization is listed in Annex 1 to the 
Ordinance on war material (RS 514.511). These goods are classified under the following Swiss 
customs tariff numbers (HS 2017)5: 
 
2914.79  
2926.90  
2934.99  
3601.00  
3602.00  
3603.00  
3604.90  
3606.90  
3824.85  
3824.86  
3824.87  
3824.88  
3824.91  
3824.99  
8408.10  
8409.99  
8411.11  8411.12  
8411.91  
8412.10  
8412.90  
8501.34  
8501.53  
8503.00  
8517.70  
8526.10  
8526.91  
8526.92  
8529.10  
8529.90  
8536.50  
8536.90  
8537.10  
8538.10  8538.90  
8543.70  
8543.90  
8605.00  
8607.99  
8705.90  
8706.00  
8707.90  
8708.29  
8708.30  
8708.40  
8708.50  
8708.70  
8708.80  
8708.91  
8708.92  
8708.93  8708.94  
8708.95  
8708.99  
8710.00  
8716.31  
8716.39  
8716.40  
8716.90  
8802.11  
8802.12  
8802.20  
8802.30  
8802.40  
8802.60  
8803.10  
8803.20  
8803.30  8803.90  
8805.10  
8906.10  
9013.10  
9013.20  
9013.80  
9013.90  
9031.80  
9031.90  
9301.10  
9301.20  
9301.90  
9305.91  
9305.99  
9306.30  
9306.90  
 
 
3. All countries.  
 
4. There are no restrictions on quantity or value. The purpose of the regime is to institute controls 
on the origin, nature and destination of the war material in question.  
 
5. The regime of authorizations for the import of war material is laid down in 
Article  107, paragraph  2, of the Federal Constitution (RS  101, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/19995395/index.html ). Thus, the Government 
does not have the authority to abolish it. The products subject t o this regime are listed in Annex  1 
to the Ordinance on war material, which is a governmental text. Importation of war material is 
subject to the authorization regime laid down in the Federal Law on War Material of 
13 December  1996 (RS  514.51, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/19960753/index.html ) and the Ordinance on war material of 25 February 1998 
(RS 514.511, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/19980112/index.html ). The Law 
and the Ordinance do not apply to imports of war materia l for the Swiss Army; other exceptions are 
mentioned in Article  17(4) of the Law.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  
 
7.(a)-(b) There are no standards required by the Law or the Ordinance. However, it is recommended 
that applicat ions for authorization should be submitted at least seven days in advance of the 
 
5 Coverage is not defined in terms of customs  tariff numbers in the relevant legal texts. The list of 
customs tariff numbers is therefore not exhaustive.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 36 - 
 
  scheduled date of importation. In exceptional cases, applications may be processed in a 
shorter period.  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) A single body (the Bilateral Economic Relations Division,  Arms Control and Arms Control 
Policy  Section, of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, under the Federal Department of 
Economic Affairs, Education and Research [DEFR]) is responsible for examining applications 
for authorization.  
 
8. Authorizations a re not granted if they are contrary to international law or if they are not in the 
interests of Switzerland. Refusals have to be announced in a decision that contains the reasons for 
the denial. The right to appeal is guaranteed by the federal law on proce dures.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any person, firm or institution is eligible to apply for an import licence. Prior registration via the 
electronic authorization system on the website www.elic.a dmin.ch  is, however, required.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applications for import authorizations must contain the name and address of the supplier and of 
the importer/applican t, a precise description of the war material, the quantity and value, the tariff 
item number and the category (in accordance with the list in Annex 1 to the Ordinance), the 
exporting country and (if possible) the scheduled date of importation.  
 
11. No docu ment other than the import application is required.  
 
12. 0.8% of the value of the imported goods, but at least CHF  50 and at the most CHF  5,000 
per licence.  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The import authorization is valid for one year. It is possible to obtain one extension of six  months.  
 
15.-17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 
10.2  Chemical weapons  
Outline of system  
1. Imports of chemicals covered by Schedule 1 of the Convention on the Prohibition of the 
Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (CWC) 
are subject to an import licence. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO, 
https://www.seco.admin.ch ) is responsible for examining licence applications.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The chemicals that are subject to import licensing are listed on Schedules 1A and 1B of the Annex 
to the Ordinance on the control of chemical products used for civilian and military purposes (OCPCh, 
RS 946.202.21, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20121582 /index.html ) and 
reflect the commitments undertaken by Switzerland under the CWC. The corresponding Swiss 
customs tariff numbers are not available.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 37 - 
 
  3. The importation of chemicals listed on Schedules 1A and 1B (OCPCh) fr om States parties to the 
CWC is subject to import licensing. The importation of such chemicals from States not party to the 
CWC is prohibited.  
 
4. The purpose of the regime is to prevent the development, production, stockpiling and use of 
chemical weapons.  
 
5. The Federal Law on the control of goods used for civilian and military purposes and specific military 
goods (RS  946.202, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compil ation/19960740/index.html ) of 
13 December  1996, and the Ordinance on the control of chemical products used for civilian and 
military purposes (OCPCh;  RS 946.202.21, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/20121582/index.html ) of 21  August  2013. Switzerland  has signed the internationally 
binding CWC and is therefore obliged to comply with the p rovisions of this Convention. The products 
subject to this regime are listed in the Annex to the Ordinance of the Swiss Federal Department of 
Economic Affairs, Education and Research (DEFR) on the control of chemical products used for 
civilian and military  purposes (OCPCh).  
 
Procedures  
6. The total amount of chemicals imported into Switzerland annually must never exceed one tonne 
(see OCPCh, Article 12). Each importer has to notify the Government of the total amount of imported 
Schedule  1 chemicals. This ha s to be done at the latest 60  days following the end of a calendar year.  
 
7. (a) -(b) Applications for authorizations must be submitted at least 40 days in advance of the 
scheduled date of importation. In the relevant Ordinance there are no exceptions foreseen for 
a shorter period. Licences are granted on a case -by-case basis.  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs 
(SECO:  https://www.seco.admin.ch/seco/fr/home.html ), Division of export controls and 
sanctions, industrial products, is responsible for examining licence applications.  
 
8. Licences are only granted if the purpose of the importation is not contrary to the provisions of the 
CWC.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any person, firm or institution is eligible to apply for an import licence They must, however, firs t 
register with the electronic licensing system via the site https://www.elic.admin.ch/elic/ext/?login . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for l icence  
10. Applications for import authorizations must contain the name and address of the supplier and 
the importer and applicant, the chemical name and structural formula of the product and its 
Chemical  Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number, the quanti ty, the country of origin, the shipping 
country and the scheduled date of importation. The following documents must be presented: Official 
application form, invoice, a detailed description with regard to the end use of the chemicals, and an 
undertaking tha t the chemicals will be used exclusively for research, medical, pharmaceutical or 
protective purposes in accordance with the provisions of the CWC.  
 
11. Import licence.  
 
12. There is no licensing fee or administrative charge.  
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensi ng  
14. The import authorization is valid for two years. However, this time frame can be extended for a 
further two year period.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 38 - 
 
  15. No.  
 
16. No, the permit is not transferable.  
 
17. The importer has to notify the Government of the total amount of Schedule  1A and Schedule  1B 
chemicals imported during the previous year. This has to be done at the latest 60 days following the 
end of a calendar year.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 
10.3  Weapons, their accessories and ammunition  
Outline of system  
1. The main purpose of the entry regulations is to prevent illegal traffic in weapons, integral parts 
of weapons, etc. The competent authority for the issue of authorizations is the Central Office  for 
Arms, attached to the Federal Office of Police (Federal Department of Justice and Police6). 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. All objects that are considered under Swiss law as weapons, integral parts of weapons, specially 
designed parts of weap ons or accessories to weapons, ammunition and parts of ammunition in 
accordance with Articles 1 to  8 of the Weapons Ordinance are subject to this authorization regime 
(OArm, RS 514.541, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20081148/index.html ). 
These  objects are classified under the following Swiss customs tariff numbers (HS 2017)7: 
 
3601.00  
3603.00  
7326.90  
7419.99  
8211.10  8211.92  
8211.93  
9013.10  
9013.20  
9013.80  9301.20  
9301.90  
9302.00  
9303.10  
9303.20  9303.30  
9303.90  
9304.00  
9305.10  
9305.20  9305.91  
9306.21  
9306.29  
9306.30  
9307.00  9503.00  
9705.00  
9706.00  
 
3. These provisions apply irrespective of the country such goods come from.  
 
4. No restrictions on quantity or value. The main purpose of the entry regulations is to prevent illegal 
traffic in weapons, integral parts of weapons, etc.  
 
5. The Federal Law on Weapons, Accessories and Ammunition (Weapons Act, RS  514.5 4, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/19983208/index.html ) and the Ordinance on 
weapons, accessories and ammunition (Wea pons Ordinance, OArm, RS  514.541, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20081148/index.html ) stipulate which objects 
are subject to authorization, which annexes must be submitted with the application for authorization 
to enter weapons and which tasks the administration must undertake. The  Weapons Ordinance may 
be amended by the Executive, but only in the framework of the Weapons Act. Articles 25(3) and 
25(a)(3) of the Weapons Act state that the Executive may provide for derogations to the 
authorization regime in respect of certain objects and certain categories of person. To this end, the 
Executive introduced new rules under Article 40(3) of the OArm for hunters and sports shooters and 
under Article 42 of the OArm for different categories of person.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no quantit ative restrictions).  
 
6 Additional information is available at: 
http://www.fedpol.a dmin.ch/fedpol/fr/home/themen/sicherheit/waffen.html  (in French, German and Italian 
only).  
7 Coverage is not defined in terms of customs tariff numbers in the relevant legal texts. The list of 
customs tariff numbers is t herefore not exhaustive.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 39 - 
 
   
7.(a) Licence applications must be submitted before entry.  
 
(b) They may be granted immediately if the conditions so warrant.  
 
(c) The general authorization for weapons for professional purposes, whereby an unlimited 
number of weapons  may be introduced, is valid for a period of 12 months (Article 38(3) OArm). 
Licences for the entry for non -professional purposes of prohibited weapons subject to 
authorization or subject to declaration are valid for a period of six months, extendable by n o 
more than three months (Article  39(2) OArm).  
 
(d)  Pursuant to Article 24(3) and Article 25(2) of the Weapons Act, the Central Office for Arms 
issues authorizations for the entry for commercial purposes of integral parts of weapons, 
specially designed parts of weapons, ammunition and parts of ammunition.  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an application for a licence other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal 
the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. In principle, all persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import licenc e. 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applicants for a licence to import weapons, etc. for non -professional purposes are required to 
complete an official form and to file it, together with the following documents, with the Central  Office 
for Arms (Article 39 OArm):  
 
(a) a copy of the authorization issued by the competent cantonal authority if the object to be 
introduced into Swiss territory is subject to the authorization regime;  
(b) an extract from the Swiss register of  convictions issued not more than three months prior to 
the filing of the application;  
(c) a copy of a valid passport or identity card;  
(d) an official certificate from their State of domicile or their country of origin authorizing them to 
purchase a weapo n in the case of persons domiciled abroad or persons not in possession of a 
residence permit.  
 
Applicants for a licence to enter prohibited weapons under Article 5(1) of the LArm and Article 35(1) 
of the OArm for non -professional purposes are required to c omplete an official form and file it with 
the Central Office for Arms. The following documents must be attached:  
 
(a) a special cantonal authorization under Article 5(4) of the LArm ; 
(b) a copy of a valid passport or identity card.  
 
In order to obtain a li cence to enter prohibited weapons, etc. for professional purposes (Article  5(1) 
LArm and Article 34 OArm), the relevant form must be submitted to the Central Office for Arms 
(OCA), accompanied by the following documents:  
 
(a) a copy of the weapons trading licence;  
(b) a special cantonal authorization, in accordance with Article 5(4) of the LArm;  
(c) an attestation that the objects are necessary to cover the needs of the Army, the military 
authorities or the customs and police authorities or those of security firms, and that the 
persons making the order have a special authorization for those objects.  
 
11. No further documents are required upon actual entry.  
 
12. The licensing fees are:  
 
- CHF 50 for entry for professional purposes under a single author ization (Annex I(k) OArm);  
- CHF 150 for entry for professional purposes under a general authorization (Annex I(n) OArm);  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 40 - 
 
  - CHF 50 for entry for non -professional purposes (Annex I(o) OArm);  
- CHF 20 to 150 for special authorization for entry into Swiss te rritory (Annex I(c)1 -8 OArm);  
- CHF 20 for extensions of authorizations (Annex I(l) and (p) OArm);  
- CHF 20 to 150 for entry into Swiss territory (Annex I(c)1 -8 OArm).  
 
13. Fees up to CHF  1,000 may be charged in advance or against reimbursement (Article 57 OArm). 
The law does not require a deposit.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. A single authorization for entering a single consignment of weapons for professional purposes is  
valid for six months. The competent authority may extend its validity for no more than three months 
(Article 36(3) OArm).  
 
General authorizations for the entry of weapons, etc. for professional purposes are valid 
for 12 months (Article 37(3) OArm). Upon e xpiration, a new licence may be applied for.  
 
Licences for the entry for non -professional purposes of prohibited weapons, etc. subject to 
authorization or subject to declaration are valid for six months, extendable by no more than 
three  months (Article 39( 2) OArm).  
 
Upon expiration, a new licence may be applied for.  
 
15. Holders of a licence are free to make use of the licence, or a portion of it, as they see fit. There 
is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence.  
 
16. Entry licences are made out to the holder and are not transferable.  
 
17. No further restrictions.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No further restrictions.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 
11  EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS AND PYROTECHNIC DEVICES FOR CIVILIAN USE  
Outline of system  
1. The import licensing procedure is needed to guarantee public safety in Switzerland in the area of 
explosive materials and pyrotechnic devices for civilian use. The competent authority for issuing 
authorizations is the Central Office for Explosive Materials, under the Federal Office of Police (fedpol) 
(https://www.fedpol.admin.ch/fedpol/fr/home/sicherheit/sprengstoff_pyrotechnik.html ). 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Articles 2 to 7 of the Ordinance on explosive substances of 27  November  2000 (RS  941.411, 
https://www.a dmin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20002454/index.html ) define the explosives 
and pyrotechnic devices that are subject to import authorization. These goods are classified under 
the following Swiss customs tariff numbers (HS 2017)8: 
 
2829.90  
2842.90  
2843.29  
2843.30  
2843.90  2850.00  
2852.10  
2904.20  
2908.99  
2920.90  2921.44  
2922.29  
2924.29  
2925.29  
2927.00  2929.90  
2933.69  
2933.99  
3601.00  
3602.00  3603.00  
3604.10  
3604.90  
3813.00  
3912.20  9306.30  
9503.00  
9505.90  
 
 
3. All countries.  
 
8 Coverage is not defined in terms of customs tariff numbers in the relevant legal texts. The list of 
customs tariff numbers is therefore not exhaustive.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 41 - 
 
   
4. No restrictions on quantity or value. The import licensing procedure is needed to guarantee public 
safety in Switzerland in the area in question.  
 
5. The Federal Law on Explosive Substances of 25  March  1977 (RS  941.41, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/19770064/index.html ) and the Ordinance on 
explosive substances of 27  November  2000 (RS  941.411, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/20002454/index.html ) govern the importation of explosives and pyrotechnic devices. 
The above statutory provisions govern the import licensing procedure. The Government cannot 
repeal these provisions. However, Article 24(3) of the Ordinance provides that th e Federal 
Department of Justice and Police may exempt certain pyrotechnic devices from the requirement of 
authorization, provided that these devices are an integral part of articles which themselves are 
subject to a recognized licensing procedure (e.g. pyr otechnic propellant charges as used in air bag 
units of cars).  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  
 
7.(a)  Licences for the importation of standard explosives and pyrotechnic devices are granted within 
a few days. The procedure f or the licensing of articles which are subject to prior approval 
procedures may take up to six months.  
 
(b) By way of exception, a licence may be granted by telephone and without delay.  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Applications for import licences are dealt with by a single administrative body: Central Office 
for Explosive Materials, under the Federal Office of Police (fedpol) 
(https://www.fedpol.admin.ch/fedpol/fr/home/sic herheit/sprengstoff_pyrotechnik.html ). 
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse a licence application other than failure to meet the specific criteria. 
The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a ri ght to appeal the decision 
to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any person, firm or institution is eligible to apply for a licence.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Only the usual information is required for the applications: applicant's name and address; type 
and quantity of the product to be imported and chemical composition; manufacturer 's or im porter 's 
name; warehouse of destination in Switzerland.  
 
11. Import licence.  
 
12. Depending on the time required to process the application, the licensing fees may range from 
CHF 50 to CHF  1,000. 
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Import authorization is valid for three months. It is possible to obtain two extensions of 
three  months each.  
 
15.-17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 42 - 
 
   
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 
12  NUCLEAR FUEL, DEBRIS AND WASTE  
Outline of system  
1. The purpose of the regime is to institute controls on the source, nature and destination of nuclear 
fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities within the framework of the Non -Proliferation Treaty 
and bilateral cooperation agreements. Applicat ions for authorization are examined by the 
Federal  Energy Office (which has the authority to grant the licence) and the Federal Nuclear Safety 
Inspectorate (responsible for the transport of class 7 dangerous goods).  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. An authorization is required for nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities. This 
concerns the following Swiss customs tariff numbers (HS 2017):  
 
2844.10  2844.20  2844.30  2844.50  8401.30  
 
3. No restrictions except as provided in the law.  
 
4. No r estrictions on quantity or value. The purpose of the regime is to institute controls on the 
source, nature and destination of nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities within the 
framework of the Non -Proliferation Treaty and bilateral cooperat ion agreements.  
 
5. The importation of nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities is subject to an 
authorization regime under the Law on Nuclear Energy of 21  March  2003 (LENu; RS  732.1, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20010233/index.html ) and the Ordinance of 
10 December  2004 on nuclear energy (OENu; RS  732.11, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/20042217/index.html ). 
 
The licensing regime is governed by federal laws, which the Gov ernment does not have the authority 
to repeal. The Government may, however, change certain details of the regime, i.e. the above -
mentioned Ordinances. There is no delegation of authority to the administration.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no quantitative  restrictions).  
 
7.(a) The application for import must be submitted two months in advance of the scheduled 
importation date. In exceptional cases, the time limit may be shortened.  
 
(b)-(c) No.  
 
(d)  Applications for authorization are examined by the Nuclear Law Section of the Federal Energy 
Office (which has the authority to grant the licence) and the Federal Nuclear Safety 
Inspectorate (IFSN; responsible for the transport of class 7 dangerous goods). No list of 
authorized importers is published.  
 
8. No other circumstances.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions meeting the requirements set forth in the relevant laws and 
ordinances are eligible to apply for an import licence.  
 
Documentational and other req uirements for application for licence  
10. The information to be provided in applications is specified in a model form.  
 
11. Import licence, container certificate and validation.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 43 - 
 
   
12. The fee is calculated in accordance with the time spent.  
 
13. No.  
 
Condit ions of licensing  
14. The import authorization is valid for a maximum of 12 months and may be extended for 
six months at most (at the authorization holder's request).  
 
15.-17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. An authorization for heavy vehicles (more  than 28 tonnes) could be required for road 
transport.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 
13  RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS  
Outline of system  
1. The purpose of the regime is to verify the source, nature and destination of the radioactive 
materials subject to authorization. The authorizations are issued by the Federal Office for Public 
Health (OFSP, https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/fr/home.html ). 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. An import authorization is necessary for radioactive materials subject to authorization under the 
Ordinance of 26 April 2017 on radiation protection (ORaP; RS 814.501, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20163016/index.html ). These goods  are 
classified under the following Swiss customs tariff numbers:  
 
2844.10  2844.20  2844.30  2844. 40 2844.50  
 
For small quantities, authorization holders in Switzerland often have a standing import authorization. 
For high -activity sources, a single authorization is required.  
 
3. The regulations apply to imports of all goods, irrespective of where they come from.  
 
4. No restrictions on quantity or value. The import authorization procedure is needed to guarantee 
public health and safety in Switzerland in the area in question.  
 
5. The importation of radioactive materials other than nuclear fuel, debris and  waste from nuclear 
facilities is subject to the authorization regime set forth in the Law on Radiation Protection 
of 22 March  1991 (LRaP; RS  814.50, https://www.admin.ch/ opc/fr/classified -
compilation/19910045/index.html ) and the Ordinance on radiation protection of 26  April 2017 
(ORaP; RS  814.501, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20163016/index.html ). 
 
The licensing regime is governed by federal laws, which the Gov ernment does not have the authority 
to repeal. The Government may, however, change certain details of the regime, i.e. the above -
mentioned Ordinances.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no restrictions).  
 
7.(a)  Applications for import authorization must be su bmitted to the OFSP at least three weeks prior 
to importation. In exceptional cases, the time limit may be shortened.  
 
(b)  No. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 44 - 
 
   
(c)  No. 
 
(d)  The OFSP  issues authorizations and provides oversight in the areas of medicine, research and 
industry. With respect to industry, the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (Suva) is 
consulted before an authorization is issued and provides the oversight.  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse a licence application other than failure to meet the specific criteria 
and requirements mentioned in the laws. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the 
applicant, who has a right to appeal the decision to the Federal Adm inistrative Court and, at second 
instance, to the Federal Supreme Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. In principle, all persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import authorization.  
 
Documentational and other requ irements for application for licence  
10. Information is requested about the destination of the radioactive materials and about the 
materials themselves. Additional information and the application forms are available on the 
OFSP  website: https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/fr/home/gesetze -und-bewilli gungen/gesuche -
bewilligungen/bewilligungen -aufsicht -im-strahlenschutz/bewilligungsverfahren -gesuchsformulare -
umgang -mit-ionisierender -strahlung.html . 
 
11. The OFSP import authorization must be submitted to Customs upon im portation. A customs 
declaration containing the following information is also requested:  
 
-  a precise description of the good  
-  the radionuclides  
-  the total activity per radionuclide (Bq)  
-  the authorization number of the consignee  
 
12. The charge for a single import authorization is CHF 350 under the Ordinance of 26  April 2017 
on fees charged in the area of radiation protection (OE -RaP; RS -814.56, 
https://ww w.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20163017/index.html ). 
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Single import authorizations are, in principle, valid for six months. For small quantities, a 
standing authorization, va lid for 10 years, may be issued. Authorizations may be extended upon 
request if the reasons for the request are provided.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. No.  
 
17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. For high -activity sources, a request for consent under the Guidance on t he Import and Export of 
Radioactive Sources (IAEA, Vienna 2012) must be submitted to the OFSP at least two weeks in 
advance. In addition, a notification indicating the exact date of importation must be submitted 
seven  days prior to importation. There are n o additional formalities for the other materials.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 45 - 
 
  14  REDUCTION OF RISKS RELATING TO THE USE OF CERTAIN PARTICULARLY 
DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES, PREPARATIONS AND ARTICLES (MERCURY)  
Outline of system  
1. In order to implement the Minamata Convention on Mercury, ratified by Switzerland on 
25 May 2017, which seeks to establish measures aimed at regulating the supply and demand of 
mercury at the international level, the legislation on chemical produ cts was amended so as to 
introduce a control system for imports of mercury, mercury compounds and mercury alloys. These 
products can only be imported after import authorization has been issued. Certain exceptions to this 
rule may, however, apply where the products concerned are imported for research and development 
purposes.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The import licensing system concerns mercury (CAS No.  7439-97-6), preparations with a mercury 
content of 95% or more by mass, mercury alloys and c ertain mercury compounds (customs tariff 
numbers 2805.4000, 2852.1010, 2852.1090 and 2852.9000).  
 
3. The system applies regardless of where the goods originate/come from.  
 
4. No restrictions on quantity or value. The purpose of the measure is to ensure compliance with the 
Minamata Convention.  
 
5. The import system is maintained under the provisions of Annex 1.7 to the Chemical Risk 
Reduction  Ordinance (ORRChim, RS  814.81, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/20021520/index.html ). The Government has the authority to modify the content of 
these provisions, in particular with regard to import restrictions, under the La w of 15  December  2000 
on chemical products (LChim, RS  813.1, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/19995887/index.html ) and  the Law of 7  October  1983 on environmental protection 
(LPE, RS  814.01, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/19830267/index.html ). 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no restrictions).  
 
7.(a)  In view of the time required by the competent authority to issue the licence (30 days from 
when all the required documentation is received), the application should be submitted at least 
one month in advance of the importation itself. In exceptional cases, a licence may be obtained 
in less time if all the required documentation (cf. 10) is present.  
 
(b)  No. 
 
(c)  No. 
 
(d)  Applications are considered by a single authority, the Federal Office for the Environment 
(OFEV, https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu/fr/home.html ). 
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an application for a licence other than failure  to meet the specific 
criteria. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal 
the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to ap ply for licence  
9. In principle, all persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applications for import authorizations must contain the name and address of the applicant, the 
name and address of the foreign exporter, the chemical name, tariff item number, intended use and 
anticipated amount of each substance and preparation to be imported, and confirmation by the G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 46 - 
 
  importer that the substance or prep aration to be imported is not intended for re -export. If the 
exporting country is not a party to the Minamata Convention, written confirmation that the mercury 
does not come from either primary mercury mining or the chlorine -alkali industry is required.  
 
11. The licence number must be transmitted to the customs authorities prior to importation and a 
copy of the import licence may be required upon actual importation.  
 
12. Administrative fees, governed by the Ordinance of 18  May 2005 on fees with respect to c hemical 
products (OEChim. RS  813.153.1), are charged according to the amount of time actually taken to 
process the application.  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Import licences are granted for a maximum of 12 months and cannot be extended (unless a 
new application is filed).  
 
15.-17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 
15  TRANSBOUNDARY MOVEMENTS OF WASTES (BASEL CONVENTION)  
Outline of system  
1. As a State party to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of 
Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal and as a member country of the Organization for Economic 
Co-Operation and Development (OECD), Switzerland implements the relevant provisions through 
the Ordinance o n the control of movements of wastes (OMoD, RS 814.610). This means that wastes 
may be imported only with the approval of the Federal Office for the Environment (OFEV, 
https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu /fr/home.html ) if the necessary conditions are met.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The import of waste requires the approval of the OFEV. The import of wastes for recovery is 
exempt from the approval requirement in the case of waste included in the OECD Council Decision 's 
green list and Annex IX of the Basel Convention. Also exempt from this requirement are imports of 
waste samples from OECD and EU countries (OMoD Article 22).  
 
3. Authorization is requ ired regardless of the origin of the wastes. The importation of wastes is 
authorized only from States that have ratified the Basel Convention or States with whom an 
agreement has been reached. Given the OECD Council Decision, the exemptions and procedures are 
slightly different if the wastes come from an OECD member country.  
 
4. The purpose of the controls is not to limit the quantity or value of the imports. Compliance with 
the Basel Convention, the OECD Council Decision and the OMoD, in particular the env ironmental 
compatibility of disposal, is critical.  
 
5. The Law on environmental protection (LPE, RS  814.01, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/19830267/ind ex.html ) grants the Federal  Council the authority to regulate cross -border 
transport of hazardous wastes and other wastes. The Law, together with the Ordinance on 
movements of wastes (OMoD, RS  814.610, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/20021080/index.html ), implements and clarifies the requirements under the Basel 
Convention on the Cont rol of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal 
(RS 0.814.05, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/19890050/index.html ) and 
OECD Council Decision C(2001)107/FINAL, a revision of Decision C(92)39/FINAL on the control of G/LIC/N/3/CHE/19  
 
- 47 - 
 
  transboundary movements of wastes destined for recovery operations. (RS  0.814.052, 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -compilation/20091964/index.html ). 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no restrictions).  
 
7.(a)  The processing period for applications for authorization is 30 days.  
 
(b) No. 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Generally, the application for importation of wastes is submitted to the authorities of the 
exporting country and sent by those authorities to the OFEV. In evaluating the application, 
the OFEV must take into  account the views of the competent cantonal authority.  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an application for a licence other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appe al 
the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. In principle, all persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. A notification form completed in accordance with the Basel Convention, the OECD Council 
Decision or Regulation (EC) No.  1013/2006 must be submitted together with a written con tract 
between the foreign exporter and the waste management firm in Switzerland.  
 
11. When they cross the border, the wastes must be declared as such to the customs authority. 
A signed form in accordance with the Basel Convention, the OECD Council Decision  or Regulation 
(EC) No.  1013/2006 and a copy of the OFEV 's approval must be provided.  
 
12. Administrative fees, governed by the Ordinance of 18  May 2005 on Federal Office for the 
Environment fees (OEmol -OFEV. RS  814.014), are charged according to the amoun t of time actually 
taken to process the application. The base fee for a notification is CHF  700. 
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The OFEV limits its approval to one year at the most. It may give approval for a maximum period 
of three years to waste d isposal firms to which it has given prior approval consistent with the 
OECD  Council Decision.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. No.  
 
17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. The consignee confirms to the exporter and the authorities involved that the disposal is carried 
out in a manner consistent with environmental requirements.  
 
19. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.  
 
__________