WORLD TRADE G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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ORGANIZATION 16May1997
(97-2061)
Original: French Committee onImport Licensing
AGREEMENT ONIMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES
Notification Under Articles 7.3(Replies toQuestionnaire),
1.4(a), 5.1-5.4 and8.2(b) oftheAgreement
SWITZERLAND
Thefollowing notification, dated 14April 1997, hasbeenreceived fromthePermanent Mission
ofSwitzerland.
_______________
Wehavethehonour tosubmit, inAnnex hereto, thenotification ofSwitzerland inrespect of
import licensing. Thisnotification wasdrawn uppursuant toArticles 1.4(a), 5.1-5.4, 7.3and8.2(b)
oftheAgreement onImport Licensing Procedures. Itcovers theperiod from 1July1995 to
31December 1996, andatthesame timedescribes thestatus oftheimport licensing regimes asof
1January 1997.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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REPLIES TOTHE QUESTIONNAIRE ONIMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES
Table ofContents
Page
I. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS .............................. 3
- HORIZONTAL REPLIES ............................. 3
(i) Horses (A),livestock andbreeding animals, bovine semen (B)....... 7
(ii) Animals forslaughter, meat, prepared meatproducts andeggs ...... 8
(iii) Milk, dairy produce (A)andacidcasein (B).................. 11
(iv) Fresh fruitandvegetables (A),fruitforcider andfruitproducts (B),
cutflowers (C),frozen vegetables (D),potatoes (including potato
seedlings) andpotato products (E),fruitseedlings (F)............ 12
(v) Feed grain ....................................... 16
(vi) Grain forhuman consumption: durum wheat (A),common
wheat (B),coarse grain forhuman consumption, suchasbarley,
oatsandmaize (C).................................. 17
(vii) Sugar (A),edible oilsandfats(B)........................ 19
(viii) Grapes forpressing andgrape juice ....................... 20
(ix) Redwine ........................................ 21
(x) White wine ...................................... 22
II. SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES ................. 24
(i) Import, transit andexport ofanimals andanimal products ......... 24
(ii) Plants andplant products .............................. 26
(iii) Forest reproductive material ............................ 28
(iv) Forest plants ..................................... 29
(v) Blood, blood products andimmunobiological products forhuman use.. 30
(vi) Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances andprecursors usedand
marketed forlegalpurposes ............................ 32
III. GOODS OFVITAL AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE
SUBJECT TOCOMPULSORY HOLDING OFSTOCKS .............. 34
IV. INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS ................................. 36
(i) Implements ofwar ................................. 36
(ii) Ammunition forcivilian use............................ 37
(iii) Nuclear fuel,debris andwaste ........................... 39
ANNEX (laws, ordinances, forms etc.)1
1Available forconsultation intheWTO Secretariat (Market Access Division) (inFrench only).G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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Preliminary observation
Thereplies tothequestionnaire aswellastheforms andother relevant documents provided
inAnnex reflect thestatus ofthelicensing systems inforce asat1January 1997. Thelegal texts,
ontheother hand, provide anoverall picture ofthesituation atthetimeofentry intoforce ofthe
WTO Agreements forSwitzerland, i.e.on1July1995, anddescribe thechanges thathavetaken place
since then.
Questionnaire
I. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
Sanitary andphytosanitary aspects oftheproducts dealtwithinChapter Iaredescribed ingreater
detail inChapter II(i)andII(ii). Thelicensing system withrespect tothecompulsory holding ofreserve
stocks offoodstuffs andindustrial products isdescribed inChapter III.
Under thetariffication introduced withtheimplementation oftheResults oftheUruguay Round,
Switzerland nolonger applies quantitative restrictions. Theseries ofquestions under point 6wasused
toreflect asaccurately aspossible thenon-automatic licensing systems applied withrespect tothe
agricultural tariff quotas resulting from theUruguay Round.
- HORIZONTAL REPLIES
Wheretherearenoremarksconcerningtheoutlinesofthelicensingsystemsbygroupofproducts
below, thefollowing provisions apply:
Outline ofsystems
1. Thelicensing systems foragricultural products areessentially governed bytheFederal Law
onAgriculture of3October 1953(Systematic Compendium -RS910.1), theFederal LawonAlcohol
of21June1932(RS680)andtheGeneral Ordinance onAgriculture of21December 1953(RS916.01).
They provide forthestatistical control ofimports, thecollection ofportions ofthecustoms duties that
arenotcollected bytheFederal Customs Administration (i.e.thatarelevied bybodies outside the
customs system) andfortheindividual allocation oftariff quota (TQ) shares andthecontrol oftheir
utilization. Tothisend,thetwofollowing instruments areapplied:
(A) Automatic licensing (general import licence -PGI): Allimports ofthegroups ofproducts
listed under headings I(i)toI(x)aresubject tothePGIsystem. This licence, granted
automatically, isusedforstatistical purposes andserves incertain cases tocollect portions
ofthecustoms dutythatarenotlevied bytheFederal Customs Administration. Thelicensing
system forthepurpose ofcollecting portions ofthecustoms dutytocover theexpenses of
compulsory stocks isdescribed inChapter III.Persons liable tocustoms controls mustshow
theirPGInumber ontheircustoms declaration.
(B) Non-automatic licensing governed byconditions setforthinthePGI,fortheallocation oftariff
quota (TQ)shares: Thislicence ispartofanadministrative procedure whereby importers who
meettherelevant legalrequirements areauthorized tocarry outimports within theTQ. If
import attheTQrateisauthorized provided thattheimporter purchases afixed proportion
ofdomestic products, animporter meeting thisrequirement mayimport attheTQrateeven
iftheTQhasbeenexhausted. Quota shares maynotbetransferred. They areusually allocatedG/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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foralimited period. Theimporter isnotrequired toproduce thisauthorization attheborder,
asthecompetent authority carries outanexpostcontrol.
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Inprinciple, theagricultural product described under headings I(i)toI(x)aresubject toan
automatic import licence (PGI). Imports within theTQs-assuming thataTQexists andisapplied -
require anon-automatic licence (fortariff itemnumbers within theTQs, seeSwiss notification tothe
Committee onAgriculture G/AG/N/CHE/8 andRev.1).
3. Theregulations apply toimports ofallgoods, whatever theirorigin.
4. Automatic licences provide forthestatistical control ofimports and,incertain cases, the
collection ofportions ofcustoms duties thatarenotlevied bytheFederal Customs Administration (other
thanthose intended tocover theexpenses ofcompulsory stocks). Non-automatic licences provide for
theindividual allocation ofTQshares andthecontrol oftheirutilization.
5. Legal bases: Federal LawonAgriculture (RS910.1, Articles 23and23(b), Federal Lawon
Alcohol (RS680,Article 24ter)andGeneral Ordinance onAgriculture (RS916.01, Article 26).For
specific procedures, seeChapters I(i)toI(x).Asarule,thegovernment hasthecompetence toabolish
oramend ordinances concerning import systems without legislative approval. Insome cases, itmust
submit theprovisions toParliament forexpostapproval. Thechanges arepublished intheOfficial
Compendium ofFederal Law(RO) andtheSystematic Compendium ofFederal Law(RS).
Procedures
6. Non-automatic licence. Doesnotapply toTQswhich, forindependent reasons, arenotcurrently
applied.
I. Theadministration ofTQsforthecalendar years 1995 (second halfonly), 1996 and
1997isdescribed intheSwiss notifications totheCommittee onAgriculture G/AG/N/CHE/1, 3and8
(and8/Rev.1)respectively.AllinformationconcerningTQutilization(quantities,applicationprocedures
forlicences, exceptions, exemptions etc.)issetforth inthespecific ordinances published intheRO
andRS(seeChapters I(i)toI(iv), I(vi)andI(viii) toI(x)). Thecustoms tariffs indicate, inthespecific
remarks under eachtariff itemnumber, whether ornotalicence isrequired. Ifso,thename ofthe
office through which theimporter mayobtain further details isalsoprovided.
II. TQsaredetermined foroneyear. TQshares (non-automatic licence) maybeallocated
forshorter periods. Thevalidity ofthenon-automatic licence isgenerally limited (seedescription by
group ofproducts below).
III. Producers ofagricultural products andtheirmarketing entities arenotusually entitled
totariff quotas, unless theTQaredistributed asneeded orbyauction. Theunused remainder ofthe
allocations isnotadded toquotas forasucceeding period. InFebruary/March ofeachyear, theannex
totheReport onTariff Measures provides thenames ofimporters forthepreceding year. Thelist
ofnames ispublished inOfficial Journal (Feuille Fédérale). ThisReport maybeordered from the
Central Federal Office ofPublications andPrinted Materials (Office central fédéral desimprimés et
dumatériel).
IV. There isnodeadline forthesubmission ofapplications from thetimeofopening of
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V. Asarule,applicantsreceivearesponsewithinonetothreedaysaccordingtotheproduct.
VI. When animport licence isgranted, thedateofopening oftheperiod ofimportation
maybethesameasthedatefortheutilization ofthelicence. Inother cases, thegoods maybeimported
assoonastheindividual quota hasbeenallocated.
VII. Asarule,applications areexamined byasingle organ.
VIII. Forthedistribution ofTQsbyproduct group, seebelow (Chapters I(i)toI(iv), I(vi)
andI(viii) toI(x)). Inprinciple, eachTQallocation method enables newimporters toparticipate in
themarket. Sometimes, areserve supply issetaside specifically tothateffect.
IX. Thesame rules apply toallimports within theTQs, regardless oftheregulations of
theexporting country.
X. Export licences from theexporting countries arenotrequired.
XI. No.
7. Automatic licence.
(a) Inviewofthetimerequired toobtain alicence, theapplication mustbesubmitted three
tofivedaysinadvance oftheimportation itself. Forcertain products, itmaybegranted uponrequest
bytelephone. Fortheimport ofcertain goods, however, theapproval oftheCantonal Veterinary Office
(seeChapter II(i))orofthePlant Protection Service (seeChapter II(ii)) isrequired, andthetime-period
istherefore longer.
(b) Generally, yes.
(c) No.
(d) Inmostcases, applications areconsidered byasingle organ. However, applications
concerning goods thataresubject toveterinary control (seeChapter II(i))ortophytosanitary control
(seeChapter II(ii)) must beexamined byasecond organ. Theimporter generally approaches only
oneorgan.
8. There arenoreasons torefuse anapplication foralicence otherthanfailure tomeettheordinary
criteria. Thereasons foranyrefusal arecommunicated totheapplicant, whohasaright toappeal
thedecision totheadministrative authority ortotheAppeals Commission and,atsecond instance,
totheFederal Court.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. (a) Non-automatic licensing: TQshares areonlyallocated toindividuals, businesses and
organizations, irrespective ofnationality ororigin, that:(a)Areestablished onSwiss customs territory;
(b)import goods inthesector concerned forbusiness purposes; (c)provide guarantees that,where
necessary, theycanmeet therequirements andundertake thecommitments related toutilization of
TQshares. Producers ofagricultural products andtheirmarketing entities arenotusually entitled to
tariff quotas iftheyareprotected bycommitments undertaken fortheallocation ofTQ(e.g.purchase
oflikeproducts fromSwitzerland). InFebruary/March ofeachyear, theannex totheReport onTariff
Measures provides thename oftheimporters forthepreceding year(seepoint 6.III).G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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(b) Automatic licensing (PGI): Asarule, anynatural orlegal person domiciled in
Switzerland iseligible, irrespective ofnationality ororigin, toreceive alicence. Insome cases, the
applicant mustengage regularly, andforbusiness purposes, intradeintheproduct inquestion. There
isnopublished listofauthorized importers (except those whoimport within theTQs-seepoint 6.III).
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10. Onlytheusual information isrequired. Samples ofthevarious application forms areavailable
attheWTO Secretariat.
11. Inaddition tothenumber oftheautomatic licence andthedocuments usually required bythe
customsservices,certaincertificates,suchascertificatesoforiginorsanitaryorphytosanitarycertificates
(seeChapter II),arerequired according totheproduct.
12. Automatic licensing: Nofees; PGI: SwF8perconsignment ofgoods released fromcustoms;
imports following theallocation ofanindividual TQshare: SwF30perallocation andSwF8per
consignment released from customs; imports following aspecific allocation, upon special request,
ofaTQshare: SwF80perallocation andSwF8perconsignment released from customs. These
amounts correspond tothecostoftheadministrative services involved.
13. Asarule,no.However, inorder tofacilitate payment procedures, importers mayopenacurrent
account withtheorgan responsible forimplementing licensing measures.
Conditions oflicensing
14. (A)Automatic licensing: Thevalidity isnotlimited aslongastheconditions onwhich the
licence wasgranted aremet; (B)Non-automatic licensing: Thevalidity ofthelicence varies from
twoweeks tooneyearaccording totheproduct. Thelicence isgenerally renewable, sometime several
times.
15. No.
16. Automatic licensing (A)andnon-automatic licensing (B):Thelicences arenottransferable.
17. (a) Inacertainnumberofcases,theissueofnon-automaticlicencesissubjecttothepurchase
oflikeproducts from Switzerland orparticipation inauctioning.
(b) Inacertain number ofcases, theissueofautomatic licences issubject tothepayment
oftheportions ofthecustoms dutythatarenotcollected bytheFederal Customs Administration (e.g.
forthepurpose ofcovering theexpenses ofcompulsory stocks -seeChapter III).
Other procedural requirements
18. No.
19. Theforeign exchange required topayforimports isautomatically provided bythebanking
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(i) Horses (A),livestock andbreeding animals, bovine semen (B)
Outline ofsystems
1. Seehorizontal replies. Thespecific legal basis for(A)istheOrdinance of17May1995
regulating theimport andexport ofhorses (Ordinance onHorses, OIEC; RS916.322.1), andfor
(B)Ordinance of17May1995 concerning theimport oflivestock andbreeding animals, andbovine
semen (RS916.302.1). Thelicensing system isadministered bytheFederal Office ofAgriculture
(OFAG).
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Horses,livestockandbreedinganimalsaswellasbovinesemenaresubjecttoautomaticlicensing,
andtonon-automatic licensing forimports within theTQs.
3. Seehorizontal replies.
4. Automatic licensing provides forthestatistical control ofimports. Non-automatic licensing
provides fortheindividual allocation ofTQshares andthecontrol oftheirutilization.
5. Seehorizontal replies andpoint 1.
Procedures
6. I. Seehorizontal replies.
II. Seehorizontal replies. Themaximum duration ofanon-automatic licence isthree
months, extendable onrequest.
III-V. Seehorizontal replies.
VI. (A) Imports areadmitted, inprinciple, asfrom thebeginning oftheperiod of
importation.
(B)Thegoods maybeimported assoonasthelicence hasbeenissued.
VII. (A)Acombined form forthetwoorgans responsible forissuing licences (Federal
Office ofAgriculture (OFAG) andtheFederal Veterinary Office (OVF); forhealth aspects see
Chapter II(i))isusedfortheimportation ofhorses. Theimporter approaches theOFAG.
(B)Inorder toimport animals andsemen, theimporter mustobtain onelicence from
theOFAG andonelicence from theOVF (twodistinct forms -forhealth aspects seeChapter II(i)).
VIII. Seehorizontal replies.
(A) Distribution according tothepurchase ofSwiss horses. Active sportsmen andbreeders
alsoreceive quota shares according totheallocation criteria oftheorganization towhich theybelong.
Ponies whose height atwithers doesnotexceed 1.35m.areallocated asneeded.
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IX-XI. Seehorizontal replies.
7. (a) (A) Oneweek. Emergency procedure bytelephone orfaxpossible.
(B) Notime-limit. ThePGImayberequested atthebeginning oftheyear, and
remains validuntiltheendofDecember. Aquota isallocated assoonastheOFAG hasreceived the
necessary documents.
(b-c) Seehorizontal replies.
(d) Seepoint 6.VII.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. (a) Seehorizontalreplies.Semen:cattlebreedingandinseminationorganizationsrecognized
under Swiss law,breeders andgroups ofbreeders domiciled onSwiss customs territory andparticipating
inaSwiss breeding programme.
(b) Seehorizontal replies.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10-13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14. Automatic licensing: seehorizontal replies; non-automatic licensing: seepoint 6.II.
15-16. Seehorizontal replies.
17. (a) Purchase oflikeproducts from Switzerland (partially valid forhorses).
(b) No.
Other procedural requirements
18-19. Seehorizontal replies.
(ii) Animals forslaughter, meat, prepared meatproducts andeggs
Outline ofsystems
1. Seehorizontal replies.
(A) Animals forslaughter, meatofbovine, equine, ovine, caprine andporcine animals
Thespecific legalbases aretheOrdinance of22March 1989 concerning theslaughter cattle
market andmeatsupplies (Ordinance onCattle forSlaughter, OBB; RS916.341) andOrdinance onG/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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theimport andplacing ofsheep andgoats forslaughter andoftheirmeat(RS916.342). Thelicensing
system isadministered bytheOFAG.
(B) Poultry
Thespecific legalbasisistheOrdinance of25October 1995ontheimport ofPoultry (Ordinance
onpoultry, OV;RS916.335). Thelicensing system isadministered bytheImport andExport Division
(DIE) oftheFederal Office ofForeign Economic Affairs.
(C) Prepared meatproducts
Thespecific legal basis istheOrdinance of22March 1989 concerning theslaughter cattle
market andmeatsupplies (Ordinance onCattle forSlaughter, OBB; RS916.341). Thelicensing system
isadministered bytheOFAG.
(D) Eggs andeggproducts
Thespecific legal basis istheOrdinance of24January 1996 concerning theeggmarket
(Ordinance onEggs, OO; RS916.371). Thelicensing system isadministered bytheDIE.
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Alloftheproducts from (A)to(D)aresubject toautomatic licensing, andtonon-automatic
licensing asregards imports within theTQ.
3. Seehorizontal replies.
4. Automatic licensing provides forthestatistical control ofimports forallproducts andthe
collection ofportions ofthecustoms dutythatarenotlevied bytheFederal Customs Administration
for(A),(B)and(C).Non-automatic licensing provides fortheindividual allocation ofTQshares and
thecontrol oftheirutilization.
5. Seehorizontal replies andpoint 1.
Procedures
6. I. Seehorizontal replies. Auction dates arepublished inthespecialized press andthe
Swiss Official Trade Gazette (FOSC).
II. Seehorizontal replies. (A)and(C):themaximum duration ofnon-automatic licences
isthree months, extendable onrequest. (B)and(D): purchase oflikeproducts.
III-V. Seehorizontal replies.
VI. Inprinciple, imports areallowed asofthebeginning oftheimportation period.
VII. (A) Acombinedformforthetwoorgansresponsibleforissuinglicences(theOFAG
andtheOVF; forhealth aspects seeChapter II)isusedfortheimportation ofhorses. Theimporter
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(B)and(C)Inorder toimport poultry andprepared meatproducts, theimporter must
obtain onelicence fromtheDIEandonelicence fromtheOVF(twodistinct forms -forhealth aspects
seeChapter II).
(D) TheDIEissues import licences foreggs.
VIII. Seehorizontal replies.
(A) Meat ofhorses, bovine animals andswine: distribution according toslaughter, to
purchases within thecountry andtoeffective imports, aswellasbyauction. Meatofovine andcaprine
animals: Swiss products aredistributed subsequently among importers inproportion totheirimports.
(B)and(D) Distribution according topurchases within thecountry.
(C) Distribution according toeffective imports andbyauction.
IX-XI. Seehorizontal replies.
7. (a) Oneweek. Emergency procedure bytelephone orfaxpossible.
(b-c) Seehorizontal replies.
(d) Seepoint 6.VII.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Seehorizontal replies.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10-12. Seehorizontal replies.
13. Seehorizontal replies. Exception: withrespect totheimport ofmeatofsheep andgoats, a
bankguarantee isrequired toensure thepurchase oftheSwiss product fromafinancial point ofview.
Conditions oflicensing
14. Automatic licensing: seehorizontal replies; non-automatic licensing: seepoint 6.II.
15-16. Seehorizontal replies.
17. (a) Purchase oflikeproducts from Switzerland (partial).
(b) (A),(C): Signature ofareserve fundcontract andpayment offeestosupport that
fund; (B),(D): No.
Other procedural requirements
18-19. Seehorizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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(iii) Milk, dairy produce (A),acidcasein (B)
Outline ofsystems
1. Seehorizontal replies.
(A) Milk anddairy produce
Thespecific legalbasisistheOrdinance of17May1995ontheimportation ofmilkanddairy
produce aswellasedible oilsandfats(OILHG; RS916.355.1). Thelicensing system isadministered
bytheDIE.
(B) Acidcasein
Thespecific legalbasis istheOrdinance of8June1995 concerning theimport anddomestic
purchase ofacidcasein (RS916.355.3). Thelicensing system isadministered bytheDIE.
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Theproductsaresubjecttoautomaticlicensing,andtonon-automaticlicensingasregardsimports
ofcertain dairy products (whole milkpowder, butter, Fontal cheese, natural yoghurt, dairy spreads
withabasis ofmilkfat)within theTQs.
3. Seehorizontal replies.
4. Automaticlicensingprovidesforthestatisticalcontrolofimportsforallproducts.Non-automatic
licensing provides fortheindividual allocation ofTQshares andthecontrol oftheirutilization.
5. Seehorizontal replies andpoint 1.
Procedures
6. I. Seehorizontal replies.
II. Seehorizontalreplies.Quotasandnon-automaticlicencesareestablishedforonecalendar
year. Exception: non-automatic licences forwhole milkpowder arevalid for18months from the
dateofperformance oftheaction infavour ofSwiss production (current account; purchase withscale).
III-V. Seehorizontal replies.
VI. Atleastthree tofivedays.
VII. TheDIEistheonlyorgan toapproach.
VIII. (A) Seehorizontal replies. Thedistribution ofpartial TQstakes place asfollows:
- Whole milkpowder: according topurchases within thecountry;
- butter: thecooperative society which isthekeytotheregulation ofthebutter
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- Fontal cheese: according toprevious imports (total quantity limited to
2,624 tons);
- selected dairy products (natural yoghurt, spreads withabasis ofmilkfat):
asneeded (amount limited to10tonsperyearandperimporter; maximum
total quantity: 200tonsperyear).
(B) Distribution according topurchases within thecountry.
IX-X. Seehorizontal replies.
7. (a) Oneweek. Emergency procedure bytelephone orfaxpossible.
(b-c) Seehorizontal replies.
(d) Seepoint 6.VII.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Seehorizontal replies.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10-13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14. Seehorizontal replies. Non-automatic licences, valid foroneyear, arenotextendable.
15-16. Seehorizontal replies.
17. (a) Purchase oflikeproducts from Switzerland (only partially for(A)).
(b) No.
Other procedural requirements
18-19. Seehorizontal replies.
(iv) Fresh fruitandvegetables (A),fruitforcider andfruitproducts (B),cutflowers (C),
frozen vegetables (D),potatoes (including potato seedlings) andpotato products (E),
fruitseedlings (F)
Outline ofsystems
1. Seehorizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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(A),(C)and(D): Thespecific legal basis istheOrdinance of17May1995 ontheimport
ofvegetables, fresh fruitandcutflowers (RS916.121.10). Thelicensing system isadministered by
theDIE.
(B) Thespecific legalbasis istheOrdinance of17May1995 concerning theimport of
fruitforciderandfruitproducts (RS916.132.12). Thelicensing system isadministered bytheOFAG
(asof1February 1997).
(E) Thespecific legal basis istheOrdinance of17May1995 concerning theimport of
potato seedlings, tablepotatoes andpotato products forhuman consumption (RS916.113.211). The
licensing system isadministered bytheOFAG (asof1February 1997).
(F) Thespecific legalbasisistheOrdinance of17May1995ontheprofessional cultivation,
tradeandimport offruitseedlings (RS916.131.2). Thelicensing system isadministered bytheOFAG
(asof1February 1997).
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Thefollowing products:
(A) Fresh vegetables (0702; 0703.1011/1079, 9010/9090; 0704.1010/9089;
0705.1111/2979; 0706.1010/ex9090; 0707; 0708.1010/2099, 9080/9090;
0709.1010/4099, 6011/6012, 7010/9080) andfresh fruit(ex0808; 0809.1011/2019,
4012/4014, 4092/4094; 0810.1010/2029, 3010/3020) aresubject to:(a)automatic
licensing and(b)non-automatic licensing asregards imports within theTQsovera
period ranging from 6to50weeks according totheproduct;
(B) Fruitforcider, seedfruitproducts, (D)frozen vegetables, (E)potatoes, including potato
seedlingsandpreparationswithabasisofpotatoesaresubjectto:(a)automaticlicensing
and(b)non-automatic licensing asregards imports within theTQs;
(C) Cutflowers aresubject to:(a)automatic licensing and(b)non-automatic licensing as
regards imports within theTQduring theperiod from 1Mayto25October;
(F) Seedlings ofseedfruitandstone fruitaresubject to(a)automatic licensing.
3. Seehorizontal replies.
4. Automaticlicensingprovidesforthestatisticalcontrolofimportsforallproducts.Non-automatic
licensing provides fortheindividual allocation ofTQshares andthecontrol oftheirutilization.
5. Seehorizontal replies andpoint 1.
Procedures
6. I. Seehorizontal replies.
II. (A) Seehorizontal replies. Inprinciple, non-automatic licences aregranted for
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(B) Seehorizontalreplies.Non-automaticlicencesforseedfruitproductsareissued
foramaximum period offivemonths.
(C) ThesizeoftheTQisdetermined fortheperiod from 1Mayto25October.
Non-automatic licences areissued forthatperiod.
(D)and(E):Seehorizontal replies. Non-automatic licences areissued foroneyear.
III. Seehorizontal replies.
IV. Seehorizontal replies.
(A)and(C): With respect tonon-automatic licences granted according toprevious imports
bytheapplicant, thelicensing office sends thenewlicence totheimporters atthebeginning ofeach
year. Asregards other licensing systems, there isnotime-limit forthesubmission ofapplications.
They canbesubmitted throughout theyearofopening oftheTQ. Licences areissued primarily
according totheapplicants 'previous imports.
(B) Fortheissue ofnon-automatic licences according toneed, there isnotime-limit for
thesubmission ofapplications. They maybesubmitted throughout theyearofopening oftheTQ.
Thedeadline forapplications inthecaseofauctions isgenerally setat15working daysfollowing
publication.
(D) Thelicensing office sends thenewlicences totheimporters atthebeginning ofeach
year.
(E) Withrespecttonon-automaticlicencesgrantedaccordingtopreviouspurchasesofSwiss
products, thelicensing office sends thenewlicence totheimporters atthebeginning ofeachyear.
Fortheother systems, thereisnotime-limit forapplication, which maytakeplace throughout theyear
ofopening oftheTQ.
V. Seehorizontal replies. (B):Thetime-period fortheexamination ofapplications in
connection withauctions isabout fiveworking daysafterthecallforbidshasbeenclosed.
VI-VII. Seehorizontal replies.
VIII. (A) Forthevastmajority ofproducts, licences areissued according toprevious
importsbytheapplicant.Newimportersaregivenaminimumvolume.Forcertainproducts,allocations
aremade proratatoapplications orinresponse toacontribution todomestic production.
(B) Licences aremainly issued byauction. They mayalsobeissued according
toneed(pectin) oronthebasisofacontribution toSwiss production (concentrates ofseedfruitjuice).
Newimporters mayobtain alicence ateachnewallocation.
(C) Licencesaregenerallyissuedaccordingtoacombinationoftwocriteria:previous
imports bytheapplicant andpurchase oflocalgoods bytheapplicant. Newimporters receive alicence
based onthevolume ofimports forthewinter semester.
(D) Licences areissued onthebasis ofacombination oftwocriteria: previous
imports outside theTQbytheapplicant, andpurchase oflocalgoods bytheapplicant.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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(E) Licences aregenerally issued inaccordance with acontribution tolocal
production.
IX-XI. Seehorizontal replies.
7. (a) Seehorizontal replies. Notime-limit. Emergency procedure bytelephone orfax
possible.
(b-c) Seehorizontal replies.
(d) Seepoint 6.VII.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Seehorizontal replies.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10-13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14. - Automatic licensing: Seehorizontal replies.
- Non-automatic licensing: Seepoint 6.II.
(A) Thevalidity ofthelicence ranges fromonemonth to50weeks according tothesystem
ofallocation inforce (seepoint 2),andisnotextendable.
(B) Thevalidity ofthelicence ranges fromonemonth tooneyearaccording tothesystem
ofallocation inforce. Licences valid foronemonth maybeextended toamaximum offivemonths
simply upon request.
(C) Thevalidity ofthelicence extends from 1Mayto25October.
(D) Thelicence isvalid foroneyear.
(E) Thevalidity ofthelicence ranges fromonemonth tooneyearaccording tothesystem
ofallocation inforce. Licences valid forlessthanoneyearmaybeextended.
15-16. Seehorizontal replies.
17. (a) Subject incertain cases tothepurchase oflikeproducts from Switzerland.
(b) No.
Other procedural requirements
18-19. Seehorizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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(v) Feed grain
Outline ofsystems
1. Seehorizontal replies. Thespecific legalbases aretheOrdinance of17May1995onimports
offeeding stuffs, straw, litter, oilcakes fromexpelling orextraction, andgoods forwhich theprocessing
waste serves asfodder foranimals (RS916.112.216) andtheOrdinance of17May1995onthecreation
ofcompulsory reserves offodder products, oats,barley andmaize formilling (RS531.215.17). The
licensing system isadministered bytheOFAG andtheFiduciary Office ofSwiss Holders ofCompulsory
Cereal Stocks (OSSOC -seeChapter III).
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Theimport ofproducts governed bymarket regulations concerning feedgrain andoilseeds
forfeeding issubject toautomatic licensing. Forstatistical reasons, non-electronic customs clearance
(customs model 90)requires prior notice totheOFAG. Such prior notice isvalid forthree months
plusthemonth ofnotice.
3. Seehorizontal replies.
4. Automatic licensing provides forthestatistical control ofimports andmaintenance ofthesystem
ofreserve stocks (seeChapter III).
5. Seehorizontal replies andpoint 1.
Procedures
6. Notapplicable.
7. (a) Seehorizontal replies. Notime-limit. Emergency procedure bytelephone orfax
possible.
(b-c) Seehorizontal replies.
(d) Automatic licences forgoods subject toguarantee fundcontributions arechecked by
theOSSOC. Automatic licences forother types offodder aresupervised bytheOFAG.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. (a) Notapplicable.
(b) Seehorizontal replies.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10-11. Seehorizontal replies. Forstatistical reasons, non-electronic customs clearance (customs
model 90)requires prior notice totheOFAG.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
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Page17
12. Automatic licence against payment ofasingle feeofSwF100. Other charges: seehorizontal
replies.
13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14. Automatic licensing isforanunlimited period. Prior notices ofimportation arevalid for
three months plusthemonth inwhich theyaresubmitted. They canonlybeextended incases of
force majeure .
15. No.
16. Seehorizontal replies.
17. (a) No.
(b) Participationinthecostofestablishingcompulsoryreservestocksand,whereapplicable,
conclusion ofacontract providing fortheestablishment ofacompulsory reserve stock (seeChapter III).
Other procedural requirements
18-19. Seehorizontal replies
(vi) Grain forhuman consumption: Durum wheat (A),common wheat (B),coarse grain
forhuman consumption, suchasbarley, oatsandmaize (C)
Outline ofsystems
1. Seehorizontal replies. Thespecific legal bases aretheLawonWheat of20March 1959
(RS916.111.0), theGeneral Ordinance of16June1986concerning theLawonWheat (RS916.111.01)
andtheOrdinance of10November 1959 concerning supplementary wheat reserve stocks
(RS918.111.121). Thelicensing system isadministered bytheOSSOC (seeChapter III)forgoods
subject tocontributions totheguarantee fundortothesupplementary reserve stocks. TheOFAG grants
licences forother products.
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Importationofproductsgovernedbymarketregulationsconcerninggrainforhumanconsumption
issubject toautomatic licensing asregards imports within theTQ. Only coarse grain forhuman
consumption, suchasbarley, oatsandmaize (C),issubject toanapplied TQ. TheTQsfordurum
wheat (A)andcommon wheat (B)arenotcurrently administered, i.e.importation attheTQrateis
notlimited. Asregards common wheat, millers arerequired topurchase localwheat for85percent
ofthetotalamount processed intheirmills.
3. Seehorizontal replies.
4. Automatic licensing provides forthestatistical control ofimports andthemaintenance ofthe
reserve stocks system (seeChapter III).
5. Seehorizontal replies andpoint 1.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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Procedures
6. Valid forcoarse grain only(C).
I. Seehorizontal replies.
II. Seehorizontal replies. Theprior notice isvalid forthree months plusthemonth in
which itissubmitted.
III. Seehorizontalreplies.Therighttoimportisrestrictedtomillerswhohavethenecessary
manufacturing facilities (special mill). Thecontrolling body istheDirectorate-General ofCustoms.
IV. Before theplanned dateofimportation.
V. Theprior notice must besubmitted thedaypreceding importation.
VI. There isnominimum time-limit.
VII. Applications areconsidered bytheOSSOC forgoods subject tocontribution tothe
guarantee fundortothesupplementary reserve stocks, andbytheOFAG forother products.
VIII. Seehorizontal replies. Thevolume distributed among themembers isdetermined for
oneyear. Distribution takes place asneeded.
IX-XI. Seehorizontal replies.
7. (a) Seehorizontal replies. Theautomatic licence must beobtained before importation.
Emergency procedure bytelephone orfaxpossible.
(b-c) Seehorizontal replies.
(d) See6.VII.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Seehorizontal replies.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10-11. Seehorizontal replies.
12. Automatic licence against payment ofasingle feeofSwF100.Other expenses: seehorizontal
replies.
13. Seehorizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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Conditions oflicensing
14. Automatic licensing isforanunlimited duration. Prior notices ofimportation isvalid for
three months plusthemonth inwhich theyaresubmitted. They maybeextended onlyincaseof
force majeure .
15. No.
16. Seehorizontal replies.
17. (a) (B):Purchase oflikeproducts from Switzerland. (A),(B):No.
(b) Participation inthecostofestablishing thecompulsory reserve stock and,where
appropriate, conclusion ofacontract providing fortheestablishment ofacompulsory reserve stock
(seeChapter III).
Other procedural requirements
18-19. Seehorizontal replies.
(vii) Sugar (A),edible oilsandfats(B)
Outline ofsystems
1. Seehorizontal replies. Thelicensing system isadministered bytheFiduciary Office ofSwiss
Foodstuff Importers (OFIDA), acting oninstructions from theOFAG (andtheFederal Office for
Economic Supply oftheCountry -seeChapter III).
(A) Thespecific legal bases aretheFederal Order of23June1989 onthelocal sugar
economy (Sugar Order -RS916.114.1) andtheOrdinance of25September 1989 onthelocalsugar
economy (Sugar Ordinance -RS916.114.11).
(B) Thespecific legalbasis istheOrdinance of17May1995 ontheimportation ofmilk
anddairy produce andofedible fatsandoils(OILHG, RS916.355.1).
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Theimport ofproducts governed bythemarket regulations concerning sugar andedible oils
andfatsaresubject toautomatic licensing.
3. Seehorizontal supplies.
4. Automatic licensing provides forthestatistical control ofimports andthemaintenance ofthe
system ofreserve stocks (seeChapter III).
5. Seehorizontal replies andpoint 1.
Procedures
6. Notapplicable.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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Page20
7. (a-c) Seehorizontal replies.
(d) Only theOFIDA hastheauthority toissue licences.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Seehorizontal replies.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10-13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14-16. Seehorizontal replies.
17. (a) Notapplicable.
(b) Participation inthecosts ofestablishing thecompulsory reserve stock and,where
appropriate, conclusion ofacontract providing fortheestablishment ofacompulsory reserve stock
(seeChapter III).
Other procedural requirements
18-19. Seehorizontal replies.
(viii) Grapes forpressing andgrape juice
Outline ofsystems
1. Seehorizontal replies. Thespecific legalbases aretheOrdinance of23December 1971 on
viticulture andthedisposal ofvineproducts (Wine Statute -RS916.140) andtheOrdinance ofthe
Federal Department ofthePublic Economy of30May1995 ontheimport ofnatural wines, grape
must, grape juiceandfresh grapes forpressing (RS916.145.114). Theautomatic licensing system
isadministered bytheDIE. Since forindependent reasons theTQisnotadministered, there areno
non-automatic licences forthese products.
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Grapes forpressing (0806.1021) andgrape juice(2009.6018, 6021, 6031; 2202.9018, 9041)
aresubject toautomatic licensing only.
3-4. Seehorizontal replies.
5. Seehorizontal replies andpoint 1.
Procedures
6. Notapplicable.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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Page21
7-8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Seehorizontal replies. Inorder tobeeligible tomarket theproducts inquestion, theimporter
mustholdapermit todealinwine. Thisdocument isissued bytheCantonal authorities topersons
orenterprises established inSwiss customs territory withagoodreputation andsufficient professional
knowledge (examination from atechnical institute), andpossessing thenecessary facilities.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10-13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14-16. Seehorizontal replies.
17. (a) Notapplicable.
(b) No.
Other procedural requirements
18-19. Seehorizontal replies.
(ix) Redwine
Outline ofsystems
1. Seehorizontal replies. Specific legalbases: Seechapter I(viii), point 1.Thelicensing system
isadministered bytheDIE.
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Redwines (2204.2131/2149, 2931/2939) aresubject toautomatic licensing andnon-automatic
licensing asregards imports within theTQ.
3. Seehorizontal replies.
4. Automaticlicensingprovidesforstatisticalcontrolofimports.Non-automaticlicensingprovides
fortheindividual allocation ofTQshares andthecontrol oftheutilization.
5. Seehorizontal replies andpoint 1.
Procedures
6. I. Seehorizontal replies. TheTQdistribution isalsopublished intheOfficial Swiss Trade
Journal (Feuille officielle suisse ducommerce -FOSC).
II. Seehorizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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Page22
III. Seehorizontal replies. Producers ofagricultural commodities andtheirorganizations
arenotexcluded from access toTQs.
IV-VI. Seehorizontal replies.
VII. OnlytheDIEhasthepower todecide whether ornotimports aretobecounted against
theTQ,including retroactively (seeTQdistribution method under thenextpoint).
VIII. Seehorizontal replies. Theallocation ofTQshares takes place asneeded. Licences
areissued inchronological order ofactual imports, upon customs clearance, aslongastheTQisnot
exhausted. Inother words, theTQisallocated intheorder inwhich thecustoms declarations are
received. Thevolume ofimports under theTQisrecorded bythecustoms authorities. Onthebasis
ofthisdata, theDIEdetermines when theTQisexhausted andprovides information tothateffect.
There isnomaximum amount perimporter.
IX-XI. Seehorizontal replies.
7. (a-c) Seehorizontal replies.
(d) Seepoint 6.VII.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Seehorizontal replies andChapter I(viii), point 9.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10-13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14-16. Seehorizontal replies.
17. (a) No.
(b) No.
Other procedural requirements
18-19. Seehorizontal replies.
(x) White wine
Outline ofsystems
1. Seehorizontal replies. Forspecific legal bases seeChapter I(viii), point 1.Thelicensing
system (allocation byauction) isadministered bytheDIE.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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Page23
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Whitewines(2204.2121/2129,2921/2929)aresubjecttoautomaticlicensing,andanon-automatic
licensing asregards imports within theTQ.
3. Seehorizontal replies.
4. Automatic licensing provides forthestatistical control ofimports. Non-automatic licensing
provides fortheindividual allocation ofTQshares andthecontrol oftheirutilization.
5. Seehorizontal replies andpoint 1.
Procedures
6. I. Seehorizontal replies. Theallocation ofTQshares isalsopublished inFebruary 1997
intheFOSC.
II. Seehorizontal replies. Licences arevalid foroneyear.
III. Seehorizontal replies. Producers ofagricultural commodities andtheirorganizations
arenotexcluded from access totheTQ.
IV-V. Thedeadline forregistration forthefirstyearofapplication fortheauction system
(1997), i.e.12December 1996, waspublished on20November 1996. Allocations werecommunicated
on20December 1996.
VI. Seepreceding points andhorizontal replies.
VII. Licence applications areconsidered bytheDIEonly.
VIII. Seehorizontal replies. TQshares areallocated byaction. Each year, theDIEsets
adeadline forregistration. Animporter maysubmit uptofivebidsatdifferent prices andfordifferent
quantities uptoamaximum of10,000 hl.perimporter. TheTQisdistributed according tothebids
inthedecreasing order ofprices untilexhaustion. Thequantities ofthelastbidstaken intoconsideration,
atthelowest price, arereduced according totheremaining amount oftheTQ.TQshares areawarded
attheprices offered. TheDIEcommunicates thequantities allocated totheimporters.
IX-XI. Seehorizontal replies.
7. (a-c) Seehorizontal replies.
(d) Seepoint 6.VII.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Seehorizontal replies andChapter I(viii), point 9.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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Page24
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10-13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14-16 Seehorizontal replies. Non-automatic licences arevalidforoneyearandarenotextendable.
17. (a) Payment ofthelowest successful tender pricemusttakeplace before importation and,
atthelatest, 60daysfollowing theentry intoforce oftheaward.
(b) No.
Other procedural requirements
18-19. Seehorizontal replies.
II. SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
(i) Import, transit andexport ofanimals andanimal products
Outline ofsystems
1. TheFederal Veterinary Office (OVF) isresponsible forissuing:
(a) Theauthorizationslaiddownbyveterinarylawfortheimportationofanimalsandgoods,
(Ordinance 20April 1988 ontheimport, transit andexport ofanimals andanimal
products (OITE; RS916.443.11; Articles 25,36,49,51,54and57). These
authorizations arepolice authorizations issued inaccordance withtheLawonEpizootics
of1July1966(LFE: RS916.40), theLawonFoodstuffs of9October 1992(817.0),
theFederal LawonFishing of21June1991(RS923.0) andtheLawontheProtection
ofAnimals (RS455)of9March 1978.
(b) Theauthorizations laiddown inthelawsontheprotection ofspecies withrespect to
theimport ofanimals andgoods, (Ordinance of19August 1981 ontheconservation
ofspecies (OCE -RS453,Article 5)andrequired under theConvention onInternational
Trade onEndangered Species ofWild Fauna andFlora of3March 1973 (CITES;
SR0.453), theLawontheProtection ofAnimals of9March 1978(RS455)andthe
Lawof20June1986 onHunting (RS922.0).
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. (a) ListofOITE products: seeOITE, Article 1.
(b) Listofproducts coming under theconservation ofspecies: seeOCE, Article 5.
3. Seehorizontal replies.
4. Norestrictions. Forpurpose, seepoint 1.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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Page25
5. Seepoint 1.Aparticle modification oftheregime would bepossible, butwould require the
approval ofParliament oncertain points (Law onHunting).
Procedures
6. Notapplicable (noquantitative restrictions).
7. (a) Itisrecommended thatapplications should besubmitted atleastoneweek inadvance
ofimportation. Authorizations concerning thespecies listed inAnnex IoftheCITES
require aslightly longer time-limit owing totheprocedure stipulated bytheinternational
treaty(consultationofscientificauthorities).However,manyapplicationsareprocessed
thedayonwhich theyaresubmitted.
(b) Sometimes. Insome cases anapproval/opinion/authorization isrequired from other
services (Cantonary Veterinary Office, OFAG, Federal Office oftheEnvironment,
Forests andLandscape (OFEFP), Technical Commission fortheConservation of
Species).
(c) No.
(d) Seepoint 7(b). Theprocedure isregulated sothattheapplicant needapproach only
oneservice.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Allpersons, firms andinstitutions areeligible toapply foranimport licence provided they
domiciled inSwitzerland. Specimens ofthespecies appearing inAnnex 1oftheCITES mayonly
beimported forprofessional purposes, thereby automatically limiting thenumber ofapplicants. Holders
oflicences thatarevalid foroneortwoyears areincluded in"lists ofprofessional importers".
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10. Seehorizontal replies.
11. Import licence, veterinary certificate, CITES documents asappropriate.
12. Yes. SwF15.
13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14. Ingeneral, three months. Possible extensions oftwice twomonths (thelicence mustbesent
withabrief extension request). Forcertain categories ofanimals orgoods, socalled "general"
authorizations areissued. Theyarevalidforoneortwoyears foranindeterminate number ofshipments
andanundefined quantity.
15-16. Seehorizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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17. No.
Other procedural requirements
18. Sometimes. Subject tocantonal authorizations required byveterinary lawandthelawson
foodstuffs.
19. Seehorizontal replies.
(ii) Plants andplant products
Outline ofsystems
1. ThisOFAG isresponsible forissuing theauthorizations required under phytosanitary lawfor
theimport ofgoods which could present ariskoftransmitting pests anddiseases.
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Phytosanitary measures applying totheimportation ofplants, plant products andother items
formthreedistinctregimes:Prohibitionofimports,authorizationtoimportandphytosanitarycertificate.
Adistinctionisdrawnwithintheseregimesbetweengoodsfromanycountryandgoodsfromnon-member
countries oftheEuropean andMediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO).
Theproducts inquestion areessentially those listed under thefollowing customs tariffchapters:
- 6 (live trees andother plants; bulbs, roots andthelike; cutflowers and
ornamental foliage);
- 7 (edible vegetables andcertain roots andtubers);
- 8 (edible fruitandnuts; peelofcitrus fruitormelons);
- 10 (cereals);
- 12 (oilseeds andoleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds andfruit;
industrial ormedicinal plants; straw andfodder);
- 31 (fertilizers).
3. Seeitem2.
4. No.Thepurposeofthemeasuresistopreventtheintroductionofquarantineorganismsaffecting
plants. Theregimes governing plants, plantproducts andother items arefrequently revised according
tothephytosanitary situation intheterritory ofSwitzerland (e.g.theabolition, on1January 1996,
ofthesystem ofphytosanitary certificates forseedfruitandstone fruitfrom themember countries
oftheEPPO).
5. Legal bases: LawonAgriculture of3October 1951(RS910.1), Ordinance of5March 1962
onPlant Protection (RS916.20), Ordinance of28April 1982onthecampaign against SanJoséscale,
bacterial canker andvirosis offruittreesconstituting ageneral danger (RS916.22). Theitems subject
tothedifferent regimes aresetforth intheOrdinance onPlant Protection. TheOFAG maytake
measures incases where newquarantine organisms appear, butitmustpromptly submit suchmeasures
totheFederal Council forapproval. Thegovernment hastheauthority under thelawtodecide on
theitems thataresubject totheregimes described inpoint 2above.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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Procedures
6. Notapplicable (norestrictions).
7. (a) Foritems subject toimport licensing, applications must besubmitted twoweeks in
advance ofimportation totheFederal Phytosanitary Service attheOFAG. Imports ofgoods under
thephytosanitary certificate regime must beannounced tothesaidservice 24hours inadvance.
(b) Applications forimport licences submitted afterthedeadline mentioned in7(a)are
processed asquickly aspossible, butwithout anyguarantee thattheapplicants willreceive thelicences
bytherequested date.
(c) Seehorizontal replies.
(d) Allapplications forimport licences fortheitems mentioned inpoint 2aredealtwith
bytheFederal Phytosanitary Service.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply foralicence
9. Allpersons, firms orinstitutions areeligible toapply foranimport licence provided theyare
domiciled inSwitzerland.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10. Seehorizontal replies. Applications foranimport licence mustmention theplace oforigin
ofthegoods, thetypeofgoods, thequantity, theproducer andtheconsignee. There isnospecific
form.
11. Thelicence, andincertain cases, aphytosanitary certificate.
12. SwF5perlicence application.
13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14. Theperiod ofvalidity ofanimport licence islimited according tothetypeofgoods imported.
Extensions aregranted upon written request.
15-16. Seehorizontal replies.
17. No.
Other procedural requirements
18. Thegoods subject totheregime described above arecontrolled bythePhytosanitary Service
upon import. ThePhytosanitary Service istheOFAG 'scontrol body ifthefieldofplant protection.
19. Seehorizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
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Page28
(iii) Forest reproductive material
Outline ofsystems
1. TheFederal Directorate ofForestry isresponsible forissuing theauthorizations required by
theregulations governing theimport andexport offorest reproductive material. Thepurpose ofthese
measures remains above alltoensure theuseofhealthy andappropriate forest reproductive material
attheplace ofreforestation.
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Theregulations cover certain varieties oftreesthatareimportant forSwiss forestry (11varieties
ofconifers and31varieties ofleaf-bearing trees). SeealsoAnnex 1totheOrdinance onForest
Reproductive Material).
3. Countries inwhich thetreevarieties inquestion grownaturally andpermanently (Europe, North
America andJapan).
4. No.Thepurpose oftheOrdinance istoensure thesupply ofappropriate forest reproductive
material, i.e.suited tothegeographical andclimatic conditions ofSwitzerland.
5. Federal LawonForests of4October 1991 (LFo; RS921.0); Ordinance onForests of
30November 1992 (LOFo; RS921.01); Ordinance of29November 1994 onForest Reproductive
Material (SR921.552.1). Thetreevarieties subject totheOrdinance arelisted inAnnex Ithereto.
Procedures
6. Notapplicable (noquantitative restriction).
7. (a) 14days.
(b) Only where justified.
(c) Seehorizontal replies.
(d) Applications forimport licences areexamined bytheFederal Directorate ofForestry,
which alsoissues thelicence.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Allpersons, firms orinstitutions areeligible toapply foranimport licence provided theyare
domiciled inSwitzerland.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10. Seehorizontal replies. Theapplication foranimport licence mustmention thevariety oftree,
theorigin, thequantity, thesupplier andthebuyer. Theimporter must include intheapplication a
certificate oforigin forthevarieties oftrees. There isnospecific form.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page29
11. Import licence andcertificate oforigin.
12. Afeeischarged forallimport licence applications (tocover administrative expenses).
13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14. Theimports licence isvalid forsixmonths, extendable foranother sixmonths onrequest.
15-17. No.
Other procedural requirements
18-19. Seehorizontal replies.
(iv) Forest plants
Outline ofsystems
1. TheFederal Directorate ofForestry isresponsible forissuing theauthorizations required by
theregulations governing theprotection offorest plants. Thepurpose ofthesemeasures remains above
alltoensure theuseofhealthy forest plants.
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Regulations fortheprotection offorest plants inconnection withthetrans-boundary traffic
ofgoods (seeAnnex 3oftheOrdinance ontheProtection ofForest Plants, which contains thelist
offorest products whose import isprohibited).
3. Seepoint 2.
4. No.Thepurpose oftheconditions istoprevent theintroduction ofnewpeststhataredangerous
forforestry; theyconsist inphytosanitary measures thatareinconformity withtheFAOInternational
Convention andtherecommendations oftheEPPO.
5. Federal LawonForests of4October 1991(LFo; SR921.0), Ordinance of30November 1992
ontheprotection offorest plants inconnection withthetrans-boundary traffic ofgoods (SR921.541).
Procedures
6. Notapplicable (norestrictions).
7. (a) Import andexport licences areissued subject toprior submission ofanapplication
(time-limit: 7to14days). Theimport ofgoods subject tophytosanitary conditions mustbeannounced
24hours inadvance ofimportation totheFederal Plants Protection Service oracustoms office.
(b) Applications submitted withaveryshorttime-limit areprocessed asrapidly aspossible.
(c) Seehorizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page30
(d) Applications areusually processed byanofficial organization. Inthecaseof
tree-seedlings, applications forimport licences mustbecoordinated inrespect ofrules oforigin. In
thefieldofplants orparts ofplants, theagricultural andforestry sectors coordinate theiractivities,
i.e.applications areexamined bytwoofficers.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Allpersons, firms orinstitutions areeligible toapply foranimport licence provided thatthey
aredomiciled inSwitzerland.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10. Seehorizontal replies. Anapplication foranimport licence mustmention thetypeofgood,
theplace oforigin, thequantity, theproducer, theimporter, theforwarding agent andtheborder point.
11. Thelicence and/or phytosanitary certificate.
12. Administrative feeofSwF5-Sw F20.Iftherequired documents arenotproduced (see
point 11),there isaSwF20-Sw F50phytosanitary control charge.
13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14. Thevalidity oftheimport licence depends ontheproduct imported andthetime-span required
forimportation (import inbatches etc.), andisextendable onrequest.
15-17. No.
Other procedural requirements
18. ProductssubjectedtophytosanitaryconditionsundergospotcontrolsbytheFederalPhytosanitary
Service.
19. Seehorizontal replies.
(v) Blood, blood products andimmunobiological products forhuman use
Outline ofsystems
1. TheFederal Public Health Office (OFSP) isthebody responsible fortheimplementation of
theFederal Decree of22March 1996 onthecontrol ofblood, blood products andtransplants
(RS818.111; RO19962296) andforthecontrol oftradeinimmunobiological products inaccordance
withArticle 30oftheFederal Lawof18December 1970onthecampaign against diseases transmissible
byhuman beings (Law onEpidemics; RS818.101). Fortheimportation ofblood andblood products
andforimports ofimmunobiological products forhuman use,animport licence isrequired. The
procedures forobtaining suchalicence aredescribed, interalia,intheOrdinance of26June1996
onthecontrol ofblood, blood products andtransplants (Ordinance onBlood Control; RS818.111.3)
andtheOrdinance 23August 1989 concerning immunobiological products (RS812.111).G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page31
TheDecree aimstoguarantee safety inthehandling ofblood, blood products andtransplants,
inparticular withaviewtoprotecting donors andrecipients.
Purpose andcoverage oflicensing
2. Alicenceisrequiredeachtimeblood,bloodproductsorimmunobiologicalproductsareimported.
Fortheproducts subject tothisprocedure, seetherelevant Ordinances.
3. Seehorizontal replies.
4. Theimport licence granted when theproducts areinconformity withtherelevant laws.
5. Seehorizontal replies andpoint 1.
Procedures
6. Notapplicable (noquantitative restrictions).
7. (a) Seehorizontal replies.
(b) Exceptionally.
(c) Seehorizontal replies.
(d) TheOFSP isthesoleorgan responsible forexamining applications forauthorization.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Institutions wishing toimport products subject toauthorization must obtain thenecessary
authorization from theOFSP inaccordance withtherelevant laws. Theauthorization isgranted if
theinstitution meets certain specific operational andorganizational conditions. TheOFSP regularly
controls compliance withthese conditions. Theprocedure forobtaining authorization isregulated by
therelevant ordinance. Thelistofauthorized concerns isregularly published intheOFSP Bulletin.
Moreover, registered products mayonlybeimported bytheinstitutions inwhose name theyare
registered.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10. Seehorizontal replies. Other certificates mayberequested foramore detailed examination
ofthequality oftheproducts.
11. Seehorizontal replies.
12. SwF50perlicence.
13. No.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page32
Conditions oflicensing
14. Theperiod ofvalidity ofthelicence isonemonth, generally without possibility ofextension.
15-17. No
Other procedural requirements
18. Certain products, suchasimmunobiological products, mustberegistered beforehand bythe
OFSP ortheInter-cantonal Office fortheControl ofMedicaments. Moreover, imported batches of
registered products arecontrolled byoneoftheabove-mentioned organs before being introduced into
themarket.
19. Seehorizontal replies.
(vi) Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances andprecursors usedandmarketed forlegal
purposes
Outline ofsystems
1. Article 5oftheFederal LawonNarcotics of3October 1951 (LStup; RS812.121) stipulates
thataspecial permit isrequired from theOFSP forallimports (orexports) ofnarcotic drugs,
psychotropic substances andprecursors. Chapter IBoftheFederal Ordinance onNarcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances of29May1996 (OStup; RS812.121.1) andSection 3oftheOrdinance of
29May1996 onprecursors andother chemical substances usedinthemanufacture ofnarcotic drugs
andpsychotropic substances (OPrec; RS812.121.3) laydown theprocedures forthegranting ofimport
permits (andexport permits).
According tothesubstance involved, theOFSP mayissuesingle permits validonceforimport
(orexport), orgeneral authorizations validforimports (orexports) carried outoveraspecific period
oftimeuptoamaximum ofoneyear(only fornarcotic drugs partially exempted fromcontrol under
Article 3,paragraph (b)ofOStup, andprecursors). Allsubstances thataresubject tothepermit system
appear intheOFSP Ordinance onNarcotic Drugs andPsychotropic Substances of12December 1996
(OFSP-OStup; RS812.121.2) andOFSP Ordinance of8November 1996 onprecursors andother
chemicalsubstancesusedinthemanufactureofnarcoticdrugsandpsychotropicsubstances(OFSP-OPrec;
RS812.121.5). TheOFSP, through theControl andAuthorizations Section ofitsPharmaceutical
Division, istheorgan responsible forgranting import/export permits. More detailed information may
beobtained from thatorgan.
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Seepoint 1,paragraph 2.
3. Seehorizontal replies.
4. Thepurpose ofthelicensing system istoensure thatimports arecarried outforthesolepurpose
ofsatisfying legitimate medical andindustrial needs.
5. Seehorizontal replies andpoint 1.Thelicensing system ismaintained under Federal Law.
TheGovernment would nothavetheauthority toabolish them. Itcan,however, change certain detailsG/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page33
ofthesystem, i.e.theabove-mentioned Ordinances. There isnodelegation ofauthority tothe
administration.
Procedures
6. I. Thequantities thatcanbeimported (andexported) arelimited through asystem of
estimates coordinated bytheUNanditsInternational Narcotics Control Board (INCB). Eachcountry
mustreport itsannual needs innarcotic drugs andpsychotropic substances totheINCB. Ifneedbe,
requests foradaptations oftheestimates maybesubmitted totheINCB, which approves themifthey
arelegitimate. TheINCB publishes theestimates forallofthecountries, andupdates themonamonthly
basis.
II. Theestimates aresentonceayeartotheINCB. Import (andexport) permits areissued
onlyiftheestimates havenotbeenexceeded. Where theyhavebeenexceeded, arequest foranadditional
estimate must beforwarded totheINCB.
III. Licences aregranted onlytoholders ofacantonal authorization tomanufacture orto
market narcotic drugs. Acopy ofeachlicence granted issenttotheauthorities concerned foreach
transaction.
IV. There isnotime-limit forthesubmission ofapplications provided theamount ofthe
estimate permits thelicence tobeissued.
V. Theminimum length oftimerequired forgranting animport (orexport) licence is
24hours andtheaverage timeis48to72hours, assuming thatallofthedocumentational andother
requirements havebeenmet. Where there isnoestimate ortheestimate isinsufficient (afewcases
eachyear), thetime-limits areextended toasmuch asthree weeks.
VI. Seehorizontal replies.
VII. Asarule,onlytheOFSPconsiderslicenceapplications.Ifneedbe,theOFSPcooperates
withthecantons concerned.
VIII. Asarule,allapplications forlicences aresatisfied.
IX. Seehorizontal replies.
X. Theimporting country isinformed ofanyexport licence granted byreceiving acopy
ofthelicence.
XI. No.
7. Notapplicable.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Allpersons,firmsandinstitutionsmayapplyforalicenceprovidedtheyareholdersofacantonal
authorization tomanufacture ormarket narcotic drugs. TheOFSP publishes listsofpersons, firmsG/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page34
andinstitutions authorized bythecantons inaccordance withthecriteria oftheOrdinance onNarcotic
Drugs.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10. Theimportersendsawrittenapplicationforanimportlicence,listingtheproductstobeimported
andthecorresponding quantities. There isnospecific form.
11. Acopyoftheauthorization issued bytheOFSP must bepresented tocustoms.
12. SwF100forasingle licence, SwF200forageneral licence.
13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14. Single import licences arevalid sixmonths, extendable uponrequest byamaximum oftwice
three months. Thevalidity ofageneral import licence is12months, extendable, upon request, by
another 12months.
15-16. Seehorizontal replies.
17. No.
Other procedural requirements
18-19. Seehorizontal replies.
III. GOODS OFVITAL AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE SUBJECT TO
COMPULSORY HOLDING OFSTOCKS
Outline ofsystems
1. Inaccordance withArticle 8oftheLawontheSupply oftheCountry (LAP; RS531,531.02,
531.03),theFederalCouncilmaysubjectcertaingoodsofvitalimportanceforwhichdomesticproduction
isnon-existent orinsufficient tocompulsory holding ofstocks. Tothatend,itplaces theproducts
concerned under theimport licensing regime. Thegranting ofalicence isconditional upon the
conclusion ofareserve stock contract.
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Toensure thecompulsory holding ofstocks, theFederal Council hasplaced thefollowing goods
ofvitalimportance under theimport licensing regime:
- Fuels,includingliquidfuels(SwissCentralOfficefortheImportofFuels,CARBURA);
- sugar, rice,edible oilsandfats,coffee, teaandcocoa (Fiduciary Office ofSwiss
Foodstuff Importers, OFIDA);
- durumwheatandbreadgrainforhumanconsumption(FiduciaryOfficeofSwissHolders
ofCompulsory Cereal Stocks, OSSOC);G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page35
- feedgrain andcourse grain(barley, oatsandwheat) forhuman consumption (OSSOC);
- seedandvetches forsowing (OSSOC);
- antibiotics (Fiduciary Office ofSwiss Importers ofAntibiotics, OFISA);
- fertilizers (Fiduciary Office ofSwiss Owners ofCompulsory Stocks ofFertilizers,
OFSE);
- soap, laundry detergents (Fiduciary Office ofSwiss Manufacturers andImporters of
Soap andLaundry Detergents, OFIFS);
- lubrication oil(Swiss Association ofImporters ofLubrication Oil,VSS);
- coal, coke(Swiss Central CoalImport Office).
Theabove bodies grant general import licences under theauthority oftheFederal Office for
Economic Supply oftheCountry. They allow importers toimport thelisted goods fromallcountries
without quantitative restrictions andforanunlimited period oftime.
3. Seehorizontal replies.
4. No.Thepurpose ofautomatic licensing ittoensure thecompulsory holding ofstocks. The
sizeofthecompulsory reserve stocks ofeachimporter isdetermined onthebasisoftheimports carried
out(equal treatment forallimporters).
5. Legal bases: LawontheSupply oftheCountry aswellastheordinances oncompulsory reserve
stocks specific toeachproduct (SR531.11, 211,215.11, 215.12, 215.13, 215.14, 215.15, 215.16,
215.17,215.21,215.25,215.31,215.41,215.45,215.48,215.51).TheGovernmentmayplaceproducts
ofvitalimportance under theimport licensing regime.
Procedures
6. Notapplicable (noquantitative restrictions).
7. (a-b) Applications forageneral import licence must besubmitted afewdays before
importation. Inurgent cases, thelicence maybegranted immediately byfax.
(c) No.
(d) Applications arereviewed byasingle service (seepoint 2).
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Inprinciple, allpersons, firms orinstitutions areeligible toapply foranimport licence provided
theyaredomiciled inSwitzerland.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page36
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10-13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14-17. Seehorizontal replies.
Other procedural requirements
18-19. Seehorizontal replies.
IV. INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS
(i) Implements ofwar
Outline ofsystems
1. Importation ofarms, ammunition andother implements ofwarissubject totheauthorization
regime laiddown intheFederal LawonImplements ofWarof30June1972 (RS514.51) andthe
Ordinance onImplements ofWarof10January 1973 (RS514.511). TheLawandtheOrdinance do
notapply toarms, ammunition andother implements ofwarintended fortheSwiss Army.
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Thearms, ammunition andother implements ofwarwhose import issubject toauthorization
arelisted inArticle 1,1(a),1(b)and2oftheOrdinance.
3. Seehorizontal replies.
4. Thepurpose oftheregime istoestablish control ontheorigin, nature anddestination ofthe
implements ofwarinquestion.
5. Theregime ofauthorizations fortheimport ofimplements ofwarislaiddown inArticle 41,
paragraph 3oftheFederal Constitution (RS101). Thus, theGovernment doesnothavetheauthority
toabolish it.Theproducts subjected tothisregime arelisted intheOrdinance onImplements ofWar,
which isagovernmental text. There isnodelegation ofauthority totheadministration.
Procedures
6. Notapplicable (noquantitative restrictions).
7. (a-b) Asarule,applications forauthorization mustbesubmitted seven daysinadvance of
thescheduled dateofimportation. Inexceptional cases, thattime-period maybeshortened.
(c) Seehorizontal replies.
(d) Onesingle organ (theGeneral Secretariat oftheFederal Military Department) is
responsible forexamining applications forauthorization.
8. Seehorizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page37
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Anyperson, firmorinstitution iseligible toapply foranimport licence.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10. Seehorizontal replies. Theapplication forauthorization toimport mustcontain thename and
address ofthesupplier, aprecise description oftheimplements ofwar,itsweight anditsvalue, its
customs tariff number, thecountry oforigin, thescheduled dateoftheimport andtheSwiss customs
office through which itisscheduled toenter. Itmaybenecessary toinclude acantonal permit for
thepurchase ofarms withtheapplication forauthorization.
11. Import licence.
12. SwF5perlicence.
13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14. Theauthorization toimport isvalid forsixmonths. Itispossible toobtain three extensions
ofsixmonths each.
15-17. No.
Other procedural requirements
18-19. Seehorizontal replies.
(ii) Ammunition forcivilian use
Outline ofsystems
1. Importation ofammunition forcivilian useisgoverned bytheFederal Constitution (RS101).
Thedetailed regulations aresetforthintheFederal LawonExplosive Substances of25March 1997
(Law onExplosives, RS941.411) andtheOrdinance onExplosives of26March 1980(RS941.411),
aswellasintheFederal LawonImplements ofWarof30June1972 (RS514.51) andtheOrdinance
onImplements ofWarof10January 1973 (RS514.511).
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Theprocedure generally applied totheimportation ofammunition forcivilian useappears in
theaide-mémoire published bytheFederal Gunpowder Administration on1January 1994, which also
contains anon-exhaustive listofthetypes ofammunition thatarenotauthorized inSwitzerland.
3. Seehorizontal replies.
4. Theimport licensing procedure isneeded toguarantee public safety inSwitzerland inthearea
inquestion.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page38
5. Theimport licensing procedure isbased onthelawsmentioned above andisnotopen to
interpretation.
Procedures
6. Importation forcommercial purposes ofammunition forcivilian useisnotrestricted. However,
there isamaximum limitonimportation forpersonal use.
7. (a) Inorder toavoid delays atcustoms, applicants arerecommended tosubmit their
applications atleastonetotwoweeks before thedateofimportation. Applications forimportation
submitted directly tocustoms atthelastmoment aretreated inthenormal manner, i.e.theyarenot
given priority.
(b) Inprinciple, no.
(c) Seehorizontal replies.
(d) Applications forimportation areprocessed byasingle organ.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. No,arms andammunition dealers must haveageneral authorization issued bytheFederal
Military Department.
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10. Seehorizontal replies.
11. Usual import documents.
12. SwF10perlicence.
13. Seehorizontal replies.
Conditions oflicensing
14. Import licences arevalid forthree months, extendable twice.
15-17. No.
Other procedural requirements
18. Inprinciple, no.Products imported intoSwitzerland forthefirsttimerequire anexamination
certificate issued byaninternationally recognized service. Ifitisnotpossible toproduce sucha
certificate oriftheinformation contained therein doesnotcorrespond totherequirements, theproducts
inquestion mustundergo anexamination inSwitzerland. Itcantakeuptosixmonths toobtain the
results anddetermine whether theproduct mayenter ornot.
19. Seehorizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page39
(iii) Nuclear fuel,debris andwaste
Outline ofsystems
1. Theimport ofnuclear fuel,debris andwaste fromnuclear facilities issubject toanauthorization
regime under theFederal LawonAtomic Energy of23December 1959(RS732.0) andtheOrdinance
of18January 1984 ondefinitions andauthorizations intheatomic energy field(RS732.11).
Importation ofradioactive materials other thannuclear fuel,debris andwaste from nuclear
facilities issubject totheauthorization regime setforth intheFederal LawonRadiation Protection
of22March 1991(RS814.50) andtheOrdinance onRadiation Protection of22June1994(RS814.501).
Purposes andcoverage oflicensing
2. Seepoint 1.
3. Seehorizontal replies.
4. Thepurpose oftheregime istoestablish control ontheorigin, nature anddestination ofnuclear
fuel,debris andwaste from nuclear facilities within theframework oftheNon-Proliferation Treaty
andbilateral cooperation agreements.
5. Seehorizontal replies andpoint 1.Thelicensing regime isgoverned byfederal lawswhich
theGovernment doesnothavetheauthority toabolish. TheGovernment may, however, change the
details oftheregime, i.e.theabove-mentioned Ordinances. There isnodelegation ofauthority to
theadministration.
Procedures
6. Notapplicable (noquantitative restrictions).
7. (a) Theapplication forimport mustbesubmitted twomonths inadvance ofthescheduled
importation date. Inexceptional cases, thetime-limit maybeshortened.
(b) No.
(c) Seehorizontal replies.
(d) Applications forauthorization areexamined bytheNuclear Technology andSafety
Section oftheFederal Energy Office (which hastheauthority tograntthelicence) andtheMain Division
fortheSafety ofNuclear Facilities (responsible forthetransport ofclass 7dangerous goods). No
listofauthorized importers ispublished.
8. Seehorizontal replies.
Eligibility ofimporters toapply forlicence
9. Allpersons, firms andinstitutions meeting therequirements setforthintherelevant lawsand
ordinances areeligible toapply foranimport licence, provided theyaredomiciled inSwitzerland.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page40
Documentational andother requirements forapplication forlicence
10. Seehorizontal replies. There isnospecific form.
11. Import licence, container certificate andvalidation.
12. Thelicensing feeisSwF300toSwF1,000.
13. No.
Conditions oflicensing
14. Theimport authorization isvalidforamaximum of12months. Inprinciple, itisnotrenewable.
15-16. Seehorizontal replies.
17. No.
Other procedural requirements
18. Anauthorization forheavy vehicles (more than28tonnes) could berequired forroadtransport,
aswellasalicence forthetransport ofdangerous goods.
19. Seehorizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page41
ListofDocuments1
I. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
• HORIZONTAL REPLIES 1
- Federal LawonAgriculture of3October 1953
(RS910.1; asat1January 1996)
- Federal LawonAlcohol of21June1932 (RS680;
asat1April 1992)
- Amendment of18March 1994 (RO1994 1634)
- General Ordinance onAgriculture of21December 1953
(RS916.01; asat1January 1993)
- Amendments of14December 1992 to17May1995 (4)
(i) Horses (A),livestock andbreeding animals, bovine semen (B) 2
- Ordinance of17May1995 regulating theimport andexport ofhorses
(Ordinance onHorses, OIEC; RS916.322.1)
- Ordinance of17May1995 concerning theimport oflivestock and
breeding animals, andsemen (RS916.302.1)
- Amendment of29November 1995
- Form "Application forageneral permit (PGI) fortheimportation of
bovine, porcine, ovine andcaprine livestock andbreeding animals"
- Form "Application foraquota share forbovine, porcine, ovine
andcaprine livestock" (green)
- Form "Application forageneral permit (PGI) fortheimportation of
horses included under customs tariff headings 0101 ex.0101.110/2099"
- Form "Application foranindividual quota (IQ)(horses included under
customs tariff headings 0101 ex.0101.110/2099 -yellow)
(ii) Animals forslaughter, meat, prepared meatproducts andeggs 3
- Ordinance of22March 1989 concerning theslaughter cattle market
andmeatsupply (Ordinance onSlaughter Cattle, OBB; RS916.341)
- Amendments from 3February 1993 to29November 1995 (3)
1Available forconsultation attheSecretariat (Market Access Division) (inFrench only).G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page42
- Ordinance ontheimport andsaleofsheep andgoats forslaughter
andoftheirmeat(RS916.342, asat1July1991)
- Amendment of29November 1995.
- Ordinance of25October 1995 ontheimport ofpoultry
(Ordinance onPoultry, OV; RS916.335)
- Ordinance of24January 1996 concerning theeggmarket
(Ordinance onEggs, OO; RS916.371)
- Amendment of2December 1996
- Form "Application forageneral permit (PGI) fortheimportation
ofmeatandmeatproducts ofanimals included under customs
tariff headings 0101 to0104 (including cattle forslaughter)"
- Form "Application foranindividual quota (IQ)" (yellow)
- Form "Application forageneral permit (PGI) fordeadpoultry,
edible offaletc."
- Form "Application forageneral permit (PGI) forprepared
meatproducts"
- Form "Application forageneral permit (PGI) foreggsand
eggproducts"
(iii) Milk, dairy produce (A),acidcasein (B) 4
- Ordinance of17May1995 ontheimportation ofmilkanddairy
produce andofedible fatsandoils(OILHG; RS916.355.1)
- Amendment of17June1996
- Ordinance of8June1995 concerning theimport andpurchase
ofacidcasein (RS916.355.3)
- Form "Application forageneral import permit (PIG) forcheese"
- Form "General import permit (PIG) formilkanddairy produce"
- Form "Application forageneral permit (PGI) foracidcasein"
(iv) Fresh fruitandvegetables (A),fruitforcider andfruitproducts (B),
cutflowers, (C),frozen vegetables (D),potatoes (including potato
seedlings) andpotato products (E),fruitseedlings (F) 5
- Ordinance of17May1995 ontheimport ofvegetables,
fresh fruitandcutflowers (RS916.121.10)G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page43
- Amendment of29November 1995
- Ordinance of17May1995 concerning theimport offruit
forcider andfruitproducts (RS916.132.12)
- Amendment of18September 1995
- Ordinance of17May1995 concerning theimport ofpotato
seedlings, tablepotatoes andpotato products forhuman
consumption (RS916.113.211; asat1July1995)
- Ordinance of17May1995 onprofessional cultivation,
trade andimport offruitseedlings (RS916.131.2;
asat1July1995)
- Amendment of18September 1995
- Form "General import permit (PIG) forfresh fruitandvegetables"
- Form "Application forageneral import permit inaccordance with
Article 3oftheOrdinance of17May1995 concerning theimport
offruitforcider andfruitproducts" (green)
- Form "Application forageneral import permit (PIG) forcut
flowers"
- Form "General import permit (PIG) forfrozen vegetables"
- Form "General import permit forpotatoes andpotato products
forhuman consumption"
- Form "General import permit forseed-fruit andstone-fruit
seedlings"
- Form "Application forimport atreduced customs dutyof
fruitseedlings"
(v) Feed grain 6
- Ordinance of17May1995 onimports onfeeding stuffs, straw,
litter, oilcakes from expelling orextraction, andgoods forwhich
theprocessing waste serves asfodder foranimals (RS916.112.216)
- Amendments from 29November 1995 to2December 1996 (3)
- Ordinance of17May1995 onthecreation ofcompulsory reserve
stocks offodder products, oats,barley andmaize formilling
(RS531.215.17)
- Amendments from 11June1990 to25November 1996 (3)G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page44
- Form "Application forageneral import permit (PIG)"
- Form "General permit forimport (PGI)"
- Form "Prior notice"
(vi) Grain forhuman consumption: Durum wheat (A),common
wheat (B),course grain forhuman consumption, suchas
barley, oatsandmaize (C) 7
- LawonWheat of20March 1959 (RS916.111.0; asat
1January 1993)
- Amendments from 9October 1992 to24March 1995 (3)
- General Ordinance of16June1986 concerning theLaw
onWheat (RS916.111.01)
- Amendments from 21December 1988 to25November 1996 (12)
- Ordinance of10November 1959 concerning supplementary
wheat reserve stocks (RS918.111.121)
- Amendment of25November 1996
(vii) Sugar (A),edible oilsandfats(B) 8
- Federal Order of23June1989 onthelocalsugar economy
(Sugar Order; RS916.114.1)
- Amendments from 4October 1991 to16December 1994 (3)
- Ordinance of25September 1989 onthelocalsugar economy
(Sugar Ordinance; RS916.114.11)
- Amendments of17May1995 to2December 1996 (2)
- (RS916.355.1; seeI(iii))
- Form "Application forgeneral import permit (PIG)"
- Form "General import permit fortheimport ofsugar"
(viii) Grapes forpressing andgrape juice(and) 9
(ix) Redwine(and) 9
(x) White wine 9
- Ordinance of23December 1971 onviticulture andthedisposal
ofvineproducts (Wine Statute; RS916.140)G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page45
- Amendment of20November 1996
- Ordinance oftheFederal Department ofthePublic Economy of
30May1995 ontheimport ofnatural wines, grape must, grape
juiceandfresh grapes forpressing (RS916.145.114)
- Amendments from 11December 1995 to20November 1996 (2)
- Form "Application forageneral import licence (PIG) for
natural wines"
II. SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
(i) Import, transit andexport ofanimals andanimal products 10
- Ordinance of20April 1988 concerning theimport, transit and
export ofanimals andanimal products (OITE; RS916.443.11)
- LawonEpizootics of1July1966 (LFE; RS916.40)
- LawonFoodstuffs of9October 1992 (RS817.0)
- Federal LawonFishing of21June1991 (RS923.0)
- LawonProtection ofAnimals of9March 1978 (RS455)
- Ordinance ontheConservation ofSpecies of19August
(OCE; RS453)
- Convention onInternational Trade inEndangered Species of
Wild Fauna andFlora of3March 1973 (CITES; SR0.453)
- Errata
- LawonHunting of20June1986 (RS922.0)
- Amendments from 26June1996 to1November 1989 (2)
- Document "Conditions governing theimport ofone-day chicks
andeggsforhatching ofbreeding poultry"
- Document "Washington Convention ontheConservation ofSpecies:
authorization procedures fortheimport andexport ofanimals"
- Form "Import authorization" (animals andanimal products -yellow)
- Form "Import authorization forprotected animals andplants and
theirderivatives"
- Form "Authorization toexport andreimport animals orimport
them temporarily"G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page46
- Form "Import authorization forprepared meatproducts"
- Form "Import authorization formeatandmeatproducts onabasis
ofrabbit andgame meat"
- Form "Import authorization forpoultry meatandproducts ona
basis ofpoultry meat"
(ii) Plants andplant products 11
- (RS910.1; asat1January 1996; seehorizontal replies)
- Ordinance onPlant Protection of5March 1962 (RS916.20;
asat1January 1996)
- Ordinance of28April 1982 onthecampaign against SanJosé
scale, bacterial canker andvirosis offruittreesconstituting
ageneral danger (RS916.22; asat1January 1996)
- Amendment of4March 1996
- Form "Phytosanitary Certificate"
(iii) Forest reproductive material 12
- Federal LawonForests of4October 1991 (LFo; RS921.0)
- Ordinance onForests of30November 1992 (OFo; RS921.01)
- Ordinance onForest Reproductive Material of29November 1994
(RS921.552.1)
(iv) Forest plants 13
- (RS921.0; c.f.II(iii))
- Ordinance of30November 1992 ontheprotection offorest plants
inconnection withthetrans-boundary traffic ofgoods (RS921.541)
(v) Blood, blood products andimmunobiological products forhuman use 14
- Federal Decree of22March 1996 onthecontrol ofblood, blood
products andtransplants (RS818.111; RO1996 2296)
- Federal Lawof18December 1970 onthecampaign against diseases
transmissible through human beings (Law onEpidemics; RS818.101)
- Ordinance of26June1996 onthecontrol ofblood, blood products
andtransplants (Ordinance onBlood Control; Rs818.111.3)G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page47
- Ordinance of23August 1989 concerning immunobiological products
(RS812.111)
- Form "Import ofblood, blood products andimmunobiological products
forhuman use"
- Form "Declaration bytheimporter ofblood andblood products"
(vi) Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances andprecursors useandmarketed
forlegalpurposes 15
- Federal LawonNarcotics of3October 1951 (LStup; RS812.121)
- Federal Ordinance onNarcotic Drugs andPsychotropic Substances
of29May1996 (OStup; RS812.121.1)
- Ordinance of29May1996 onprecursors andother chemical substances
usedinthemanufacture ofnarcotic drugs andpsychotropic substances
(OPrec; RS812.121.3)
- OFSP Ordinance onNarcotic Drugs andPsychotropic Substances of
12December 1996 (OFSP-OStup; RS812.121.2)
- OFSP Ordinance of8November 1996 onprecursors andother chemical
substances usedinthemanufacture ofnarcotic drugs andpsychotropic
substances (OFSP-OPrec; RS812.121.5)
III. GOODS OFVITAL AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE
SUBJECT TOCOMPULSORY HOLDING OFSTOCKS 16
- LawontheSupply oftheCountry (LAP; RS531,531.02, 531.03;
asat1July1995)
- Ordinances onCompulsory Reserve Stocks Specific toEach Product
(SR531.11, 211,215.11, 215.12, 215.13, 215.14, 215.15, 215.16,
215.17, 215.21, 215.25, 215.31, 215.41, 215.45, 215.48, 215.51)
- Related amendments (5)
- Form "Application forgeneral import licence (PIG)"
IV. INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 17
(i) Implements ofwar
- Federal LawonImplements ofWarof30June1972 (RS514.51;
asat1October 1992)
- Ordinance onImplements ofWarof10January 1973 (RS514.511;
status asof1October 1992)G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1
Page48
- Amendment of25November 1992
- Form "Application forauthorization toimport"
(ii) Ammunition forcivilian use 18
- Federal LawonExplosive Substances of25March 1977
(Law onExplosives, RS941.411; asat1October 1992)
- Ordinance onExplosives of26March 1980 (RS941.411;
asat1October 1992)
- (RS514.51; seeIV(i))
- (RS514.511; seeIV(i))
- Form "Application forimport ofgoods subject totheState
gunpowder monopoly"
(iii) Nuclear fuel,debris andwaste 19
- Federal LawonAtomic Energy of23December 1959 (RS732.0;
asat1January 1996)
- Ordinance of18January 1984 ondefinitions andauthorizations in
theatomic energy field(RS732.11; asat1January 1994)
- Amendment of15November 1995
- Federal LawonRadiation Protection of22March 1991 (RS814.50)
- Ordinance onRadiation Protection of22June1994 (RS814.501)
- Document "Application forauthorization"