WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
11 September 2012 
 (12-4841) 
Committee on Import Licensing Original: French 
  
 
AGREEMENT ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES 
 
Notification under Article 7.3 of the Agreement 
 
SWITZERLAND 
 
  The following communication, dated 5 September 2012, is being circulated at the request of 
the delegation of Switzerland.  
_______________ 
 
  In general terms, Switzerland's impor t licensing regime, notified in document 
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/7, remains valid for the year 2012.  Minor amendments, often related to the revision 
of the Harmonized System, have been made to the following chapters:  I. (i), (iv), (vi)-(ix);  
II. (ii), (iii). G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
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  TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
Page 
 
I. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS ............................................................................................. 3  
(i) Horses (A), livestock and breeding animals, bovine semen (B) .................................................. 6  
(ii) Animals for slaughter and meat (A), prepa red meat products (B) and eggs (C) ........................ 8  
(iii) Milk, dairy products .......................................................................................................... .......... 9  
(iv) Fresh fruit and vegetables (A), fruit for ci der and fruit products (B), cut flowers (C), 
frozen vegetables (D), potatoes (including seed potatoes) and potato products (E), 
fruit seedlings (F) ........................................................................................................... ........... 11  
(v) Feed grain .................................................................................................................... ............. 13  
(vi) Grain for human consumption:  Durum wh eat (A), common wheat (B), coarse grain 
for human consumption, such as barley, oats and maize (C) ................................................... 15  
(vii) Sugar (A), edible oils and fats (B) ........................................................................................... . 16 
(viii)  Grapes for pressing and grape juice ........................................................................................ 18  
(ix) Wine .......................................................................................................................... ................ 19  
II. SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES ......................................................... 20  
(i) Import, transit and export of ani mals and anima l products ..................................................... 20  
(ii) Plants and plant products ..................................................................................................... .... 22  
(iii) Protection of forest plants ................................................................................................... ...... 24  
III. CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES 
OF WILD FLORA AND FAUNA (CITES) .......................................................................... 26  
(i) Animals ....................................................................................................................... .............. 26  
(ii) Plants and plant products ..................................................................................................... .... 28  
IV. FOREST REPRODUCTIVE MATERIAL .......................................................................... 29  
V. TRANSPLANTS ................................................................................................................... .. 31 
VI. BLOOD, BLOOD PRODUCTS AND I MMUNOLOGICAL PRODUCTS ...................... 32  
VII. NARCOTIC DRUGS, PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AND PRECURSORS 
USED AND MARKETED FOR LEGAL PURPOSES ....................................................... 34  
VIII.  ETHANOL ....................................................................................................................... ....... 36  
IX. GOODS OF VITAL AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE 
SUBJECT TO COMPULSORY STOCKPILING ............................................................... 38  
X. WAR MATERIAL, WEAPONS ............................................................................................ 40  
(i) War material .................................................................................................................. ........... 40  
(ii) Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, 
Production, Stockpiling, and U se of Chemical Weapons and 
on their Destruction (CWC) .................................................................................................... .. 41 
(iii) Weapons, their accessories and ammunition ............................................................................ 43  
XI. EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS AND PYROTECHNIC DEVICES FOR CIVILIAN 
USE ........................................................................................................................... ................ 47  
XII. NUCLEAR FUEL, DEBRIS AND WASTE ......................................................................... 49  
  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
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  I. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS1 
 Sanitary and phytosanitary aspects of the products  dealt with in this ch apter are described in 
greater detail in Chapters II(i) and II(ii).  The licensi ng system with respect to the compulsory holding 
of reserve stocks of foodstuffs and industr ial products is described in Chapter IX. 
 Horizontal replies 
 
 Where there are no remarks concerning the ou tlines of the licensing systems by group of 
products below in Chapter I, the following provisions apply:  
Outline of systems 
 
1. The licensing systems for agricultural products  are essentially governed by the Federal Law 
on Agriculture of 29 April 1998, which entered into force on 1 January 1999 (RS 910.1), and the 
Ordinance on imports of agricultural products of  26 October 2011 (RS 916.01).  They provide the 
legal basis for the statistical control of imports, th e collection of portions of the customs duties that 
are not collected by the Federal Customs Administra tion (i.e. that are levied by bodies outside the 
customs system) and for the individual allocation of  tariff quota (TQ) shares and the control of their 
utilization.  To this end, the two following instruments are applied:  
(a) Automatic licensing (general import licence - PG I):  In principle, all imports of the 
groups of products listed under headings I(i) to  I(ix) are subject to the PGI system.  
This licence, granted automatically and fo r an indefinite duration, is used for 
statistical purposes.  It is also used to ensure collection of those portions of the 
customs duty that are not levied by the Fe deral Customs Administration in the case of 
compulsory holding of stocks.  The licensing system to cover the expenses of 
compulsory stocks is described in Chapte r IX.  Persons liable to customs controls 
must show their PGI number on their customs declaration. 
(b) Non-automatic licensing governed by cond itions set forth in the PGI, for the 
allocation of tariff quota (TQ) shares:  Th is licence is part of an administrative 
procedure whereby importers who meet the relevant legal requirements are 
authorized to carry out imports within the TQ .  If import at the TQ rate is authorized 
provided that the importer purchases a fixe d proportion of domestic products, an 
importer meeting this requirement may import at  the TQ rate even if the TQ has been 
exhausted.  Quota shares may be transf erred among holders of such non-automatic 
licences.  They are usually allocated for a limited period.  The importer is not required to produce this authorization at the border;  controls are performed 
electronically when the customs declaration is processed. 
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 
2. In principle, the agricultural products described  under headings I(i) to I(ix) are subject to an 
automatic import licence (PGI).  Imports within the TQs - assuming that a TQ exists and is applied - 
require a non-automatic licence (for tariff item numbers within the TQs,  see Swiss notification to the 
Committee on Agriculture G/AG/N/CHE/13/Add.13). 
 3. The regulations apply to imports of all goods, whatever their origin.  
                                                      
1 General information for agricultural products is  available at:  http://www.import.ofag.admin.ch 
(in French, German and Italian only). G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
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  4. Automatic licences provide for the statistical control of imports and, in certain cases, the 
collection of portions of customs duties that are not levied by the Federal Customs, particularly in 
relation to compulsory stocks (see Chapter IX).  Non-automatic licences provide for the individual 
allocation of TQ shares and the control of their utilization;  they restrict the quantity of imports.  
5. Legal bases:  Federal Law on Agriculture (RS 910.1, Article 24) and Ordinance on imports of 
agricultural products (RS 916.01, Article 1).  For sp ecific procedures, see Chapters I(i) to I(ix).  
Ordinances may be amended by the Government.  In some cases, the Government must submit the measures taken to Parliament for ex post  approval.  The changes are published in the Official 
Compendium of Federal Law (RO) and the Sy stematic Compendium of Federal Law (RS). 
 
Procedures 
 6. Non-automatic licence:  This does not apply to  TQs which, for other reasons, are not currently 
applied. 
 
I. The administration of TQs for the calendar year  2011 is described in the Swiss notification to 
the Committee on Agriculture G/AG/N/CHE/13/ Add.13.  All information concerning 
TQ utilization (quantities, appli cation procedures for licences, exceptions, exemptions etc.) is 
set forth in the specific ordinances published in the RO and RS (see Chapters I(i) to I(iv), I(vi) and I(viii) to I(ix)).  The customs tariffs
2 indicate, in the specific remarks under each tariff 
item number, whether or not a licence is required.   If so, the name of the authority through 
which the importer may obtain furt her details is also provided. 
 II. TQs are determined for one year.  TQ shar es (non-automatic licence) may be allocated for 
shorter periods.  The validity of the non-automa tic licence is generally limited (see description 
by group of products below). 
 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 Re port to Parliament on Tariff Measures, in the 
context of the report on external economic polic y, provides the names of importers for the 
preceding year including data on quantities a llocated and the quantities effectively imported 
by individual importing companies.  This annex to the Report can be viewed on the 
following website:  http://www.blw.admin.ch/th emen/00007/00059/01040/index.html?lang=fr 
(Publication de l'attributio n des contingents tarifaires ). 
 IV. There is no deadline for the submission of applications from the time of opening of the quota. 
 
V. As a rule, applicants receive a response with in one to three days according to the product. 
 VI. When an import licence is granted, the date  of opening of the period of importation may be 
the same as the date for the utilization of the licence.  In other cases, the goods may be 
imported as soon as the individual quota has been allocated. 
 
VII. Applications are examined by a single administrative organ.  The importer must obtain 
a licence from the Federal Office for Agri culture (OFAG) (for health aspects see 
Chapters II(i) and (ii)). 
 
VIII. For the distribution of TQs by product group, see below (Chapters I(i) to I(iv), I(vi) and I(viii) 
to I(ix)).  In principle, each TQ allocation me thod enables new importers to participate in the 
                                                      
2 http://www.tares.ch.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
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  market.  For a number of products, a reserve supply is set aside specifically to that effect.  
Such reserves are added to the total quantity of the tariff quota. 
 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.(a) Automatic licence:  In view of the time re quired to obtain a licence, the application must be 
submitted three to five days in advance of the importation itself. 
 (b) Generally, yes.  
(c) No. 
 (d) Applications are considered by a single aut hority, the Federal Office for Agriculture (OFAG). 
 8. There are no reasons to refuse an applicati on 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 Administrativ e Court and, at second instance, to the Federal 
Supreme Court.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 
9.(a) Non-automatic licensing:  TQ shares are only allocated to individuals, businesses and 
organizations, irrespective of nationality or orig in, that:  (a) are established on Swiss customs 
territory;  (b) import goods in the sector concerned for business purposes3;  (c) provide 
guarantees that, where necessary, they can meet the requirements and undertake the 
commitments related to utilization of TQ shares.   Producers of agricultural products and their 
marketing entities are also eligible for TQ if th ey meet the commitments for the allocation of 
TQ (e.g. purchase of like products directly from other producers in Switzerland).  In January 
of each year, the annex to the Report on Ta riff Measures provides the names of all the 
importers for the preceding year including da ta on quantities allocated and the quantities 
imported by individual importing companies (see point 6.III above). 
 
(b) Automatic licensing (PGI):  As a rule, any na tural or legal person dom iciled in Switzerland is 
eligible, irrespective of nationality or origin, to receive a licence.  In some cases, the applicant 
must engage regularly, and for business purposes, in  trade in the product in question.  There is 
no published list of authorized importers (e xcept those who import within the TQs - see 
point 6.III above). 
 
Documentational and other require ments 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.  
                                                      
3 Applicable only for the import of vegetables, fr uit and horticultural plants, as well as wine and 
grape juice. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
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  11. In addition to the number of the automatic licence and the documents usually required by the 
customs services, certain certificates, such as certif icates of origin or sanitary or phytosanitary 
certificates (see Chapter II), are required according to the product.  12. Automatic licensing:  No fees;  PGI:  Import fees specific to certain batches of agricultural 
products imported via a PGI are listed in Annex 7 of the Ordinance of 26 October 2011 concerning 
imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01).  For customs clearance by imported batch (batch of 
goods cleared through customs)
4:  CHF 3-5.  These amounts correspond to the actual cost of the 
administrative services involved.  
13. As a rule, no. 
 Conditions of licensing 
 14. Automatic licensing:  The validity is not  limited as long as the conditions on which the 
licence was granted are met; 
  Non-automatic licensing:  The validity of the licence varies from two weeks to one year 
according to the product.  The licence is ge nerally renewable, sometime several times. 
 15. No. 
 
16. Automatic licensing and non-automatic licensing:   The licences are not transferable between 
eligible persons.  TQ shares are howev er transferable to eligible persons. 
 17.(a) In a certain number of cases, the issue of  non-automatic licences is subject to auctioning. 
 
(b) In a certain number of cases, the issuing of automatic licences 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. The foreign exchange required to pay for impor ts is automatically provided by the banks.  
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange.  SPECIFIC REPLIES 
 
(i) Horses (A), livestock and breeding animals, bovine semen (B) 
Outline of systems 
 
1. See horizontal replies. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 2. Horses (tariff headings:  0101.21, 0101.29 , 0101.30, 0101.90) are no longer subject to 
licensing and may be imported freely until the TQ is used up.  Livestock and other breeding animals 
as well as bovine semen are subject to automatic li censing, and to non-automatic licensing for imports 
                                                      
4 Depending on the product and the method of allocation of tariff quota shares (according to need, etc.).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
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  within the TQs.  For tariff item numbers within the TQs, see Swiss notification to the Committee on 
Agriculture G/AG/N/CHE/13/Add.13.  3.-4. See horizontal replies.  
5. See horizontal replies.  The specific legal basis for (A) is the Ordinance of 26 October 2011 
on imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01), and for (B) the Ordinance of 14 November 2007 
concerning animal breeding (RS 916.310).  Procedures 
 6.I. See horizontal replies.  In the case of (B) auction dates and data for cattle are published in the 
specialized press and the Swiss Official Trade Gazette (FOSC). 
 II. For (A) and (B), the TQs are determined for one year (1 January-31 December).  Validity of 
non-automatic licences:  for (B) the TQ is distributed in chronological order of submission of 
applications.  The non-automatic licences are valid  as soon as they have been issued until the 
end of the calendar year (31 December).  Excep tion for bovine animals:  70 per cent of the TQ 
is put up for auction each September - the licences are valid for the next calendar year (1 January-31 December);  the remaining 30 pe r cent of the TQ is put up for auction each 
April - the licences are valid until the end of the same year (31 December). 
 
III.-V. See horizontal replies.  VI. See point II above.  
VII. See horizontal replies. 
 VIII. For (A) the allocation of TQ shares takes place as needed;  for (B) distribution of the TQ in 
chronological order of submission of applications ;  auctioning of the TQ in the case of bovine 
animals. 
 
IX.-XI.  See horizontal replies. 
 7.(a-d) See horizontal replies.  8. See horizontal replies. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 9.(a) See horizontal replies.  Semen:  cattle breeding and insemination organizations recognized 
under Swiss law, breeders and groups of breed ers domiciled on Swiss customs territory and 
participating in a Swiss breeding programme. 
 
(b) See horizontal replies.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10.-13. See horizontal replies. 
 Conditions of licensing 
 14. Automatic licensing:  see horizontal repli es;  non-automatic licensing:  see point 6.II. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
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  15.-16. See horizontal replies. 
 17.(a) No.  (b) No. 
 
Other procedural requirements 
 18.-19. See horizontal replies.  (ii) Animals for slaughter and meat (A), prepared meat products (B) and eggs (C) 
Outline of systems 
 
1. See horizontal replies.  For (C) eggs and egg products, licen ces are no longer required;  
general authorization until the TQ is used up. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 2. Tariff headings for (A):  0201-0207, 0209;  for (B):  0210, 1601-1602;  for (C):  0407-0408, 
3502.  All products of (A) and (B) are subject to automatic licensing, and to non-automatic licensing 
as regards imports within the TQ.  Products under (C) are no longer subject to licensing. 
 
3. See horizontal replies.  4. See horizontal replies.  
5. See horizontal replies.  For (A) animals for slaughter, meat of bovine, equine, ovine, caprine 
and porcine animals as well as poultry , and (B) prepared meat products , the specific legal basis is the 
Ordinance of 26 November 2003 concerning the sla ughter cattle and meat market (Ordinance on 
Cattle for Slaughter, RS 916.341).  For (C) eggs and egg products , the specific legal basis is the 
Ordinance of 26 November 2003 concerning the egg market (Ordinance on Eggs, RS 916.371). 
 
Procedures 
 
6.I. See horizontal replies.  Auction dates and de tails are published in the specialized press and the 
Swiss Official Trade Gazette (FOSC). 
 
II. See horizontal replies.  For (A) and (B):  the maximum duration of non-automatic licences is 
one year. 
 III.-V. See horizontal replies.  VI. One day. 
 
VII. See horizontal replies.  Products under (C) are no longer subject to licensing. 
 VIII. (A) TQ distribution according to purchases within the country (10 per cent for bovine and ovine 
meat);  auctioning (90 per cent bovine and ovine meat, 100 per cent for other products). 
 (B) TQ distribution by auction.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
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  (C) The allocation of TQ shares takes place as need ed.  The TQ is allocated in chronological order 
of actual imports, upon customs clearance, as l ong as the TQ is not exhausted.  In other 
words, the TQ is allocated in the order in wh ich the customs declarations are received.  The 
volume of imports under the TQ is recorded by th e customs authorities.  On the basis of this 
data, the OFAG determines when the TQ is exhaus ted and provides information to that effect.  
There is no maximum amount per importer. 
 IX.-XI. See horizontal replies.  7.(a) One week.  Emergency proce dure by telephone or fax possible. 
 
(b-d) See horizontal replies.  8. See horizontal replies.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 
9. See horizontal replies.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10.-13. See horizontal replies. 
 Conditions of licensing 
 14. Automatic licensing:  see horizontal replies;  non-automatic licensing:  for (A) and (B):  
maximum duration one year. 
 15.-16. See horizontal replies.  17.(a) For (A):  purchase of like products from Switzerland and participation in the auction.  For (B):  
applicants have to take  part in the auction. 
 
(b) No.  Other procedural requirements 
 
18.-19. See horizontal replies. 
 
(iii) Milk, dairy products 
Outline of systems 
 
1. See horizontal replies. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 2. Tariff headings:  subchapters 0401-0405.  These products are subject to automatic licensing, 
and to non-automatic licensing as regards imports of certain dairy products (whole milk powder, 
butter, natural yoghurt, dairy spreads with a basis of milk fat) within the TQs.  Tariff headings of 
subchapter 0406 are no longer subject to licensing.  3.-4. See horizontal replies. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
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  5. See horizontal replies.  The specific lega l basis is the Ordinance of 26 October 2011 on 
imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01).  Procedures 
 
6.I. See horizontal replies. 
 II. See horizontal replies.  Quotas and non-automatic licences are established for one calendar 
year. 
 
III.-V. See horizontal replies. 
 VI. At least three to five days.  VII. See horizontal replies. 
 
VIII. The distribution of partial TQs takes place as follows:   - Partial tariff quota No. 7.2, milk powde r and partial tariff quota No. 7.4, butter:  
by auction; 
 
 - partial tariff quota No. 7.3, miscellane ous dairy produce:  as needed through the 
authority; 
  - partial tariff quota No. 7.5, Fontal cheese:  as needed through customs (no licence 
required). 
 
IX.-XI.  See horizontal replies.  7.(a) One week.  Emergency procedur e by telephone, e-mail or fax possible. 
 (b-d) See horizontal replies. 
 
8. See horizontal replies.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 
9. See horizontal replies. 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10.-13. See horizontal replies.  
Conditions of licensing 
 
14. See horizontal replies.  Non-automatic licences, valid for one year, are not extendable.  15.-16. See horizontal replies. 
 
17.(a) Applicants for partial tariff quotas Nos. 7.2 and 7.4 have to take part in the auction. 
 (b) No.   G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
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  Other procedural requirements 
 
18.-19. See horizontal replies.  
(iv) Fresh fruit and vegetables (A), fruit for cider and fruit products (B), cut flowers (C), frozen 
vegetables (D), potatoes (including seed potatoes) and potato products (E), fruit seedlings (F) 
Outline of systems 
 
1. See horizontal replies.  
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 
2. The following products:  (A) Fresh vegetables (ex 0702.00, ex 0703.10, ex 0703.90, 0704.10, 0704.20, ex 0704.90, 
0705.11, 0705.19, 0705.21, ex 0705.29, 0706.10, ex 0706.90, ex 0707.00, 0708.10, ex 
0708.20, ex 0708.90, ex 0709.20, 0709.30, 0709.40, 0709.60, ex 0709.70, 0709.91, ex 0709.99) and fresh fruit (ex 0808.10, ex 0808.30, ex 0808.40, ex 0809.10, ex 0809.21, ex 0809.40, ex 0810.10, ex 0810.20, ex 0810.30) are subject to:  (a) automatic licensing and (b) non-automatic licensing as regards imports with in the TQs over a period ranging from six to 
50 weeks according to the product; 
 
(B) Fruit for cider (ex 0808.10, ex 0808.30) and seed fruit pr oducts (2009.71, ex 2009.79, 
ex 2009.89, ex 2009.90, ex 2202.90, ex 2206.00) are subject to:  (a) automatic licensing and (b) non-automatic licensing as regards imports within the TQs; 
 
(C) Cut flowers (ex 0603.11, ex 0603.12, ex 0603.13, ex 0603.14, ex 0603.15, ex 0603.19) are 
subject to:  (a) automatic licensing and (b) non- automatic licensing as regards imports within 
the TQ during the period from 1 May to 25 October; 
 (D) Frozen vegetables (0710.21, ex 0710.22, ex 0710.30, ex 0710.80, ex 0710.90) are subject to:  
(a) automatic licensing and (b) non-automatic lic ensing as regards imports within the TQs; 
 
(E) Potatoes including seed potatoes are subject to :  (a) automatic licensing and (b) non-automatic 
licensing as regards imports within the TQs (tariff headings:  0701.1010, 2004.1092, 2004.1093, 0701.9010, 2004.9028, 0710.1010, 2004.9051, 0710.9021, 2005.2021, 0712.9021, 2005.2022, 1105.1011, 2005.2092, 1105.2011, 2005.2093, 2001.9031, 2005.9921, 2004.1012, 
2004.1013, 2005.9951); 
 (F) Seedlings of seed fruit and stone fruit are subject to:  (a) automatic licensing. 
 3.-4. See horizontal replies.  
5. See horizontal replies.  For (A), (B), (C), (D) and (F), the specific legal basis is the Ordinance 
of 7 December 1998 on the import of vegetables, fre sh fruit and horticultural plants (RS 916.121.10).  
For (E), the specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 26 October 2011 on imports of agricultural 
products (RS 916.01).  
Procedures 
 
6.I. See horizontal replies.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
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  II.(A) See horizontal replies.  In principle, non- automatic licences are granted for the period 
indicated in point 2 above. 
 (B) See horizontal replies.  Non-automatic licences for fruit for cider are issued for a maximum 
period of twelve months. 
 
(C) The size of the TQ is determined for the period from 1 May to 25 October.  Non-automatic 
licences are issued for that period. 
 (D) and (E) See horizontal replies.  With the excepti on of potatoes, the non-automatic licences are 
issued for eleven months maximum. 
 III. See horizontal replies.  IV. 
(A) and (C) With respect to non-automatic licences gr anted according to previous imports by the 
applicant, the licensing office sends the new licen ce to the importers at the beginning of each 
year.  As regards other licensing systems, there is no time-limit for the submission of applications.  They can be s ubmitted throughout the year of opening of the TQ.  Licences are 
issued primarily according to th e applicants' previous imports. 
 
(B) The deadline for applications in the case of au ctions is generally set at 30 working days 
following publication. 
 (D) The licensing office sends the new licences to th e importers at the beginning of each year. 
 
(E) With respect to non-automatic licences gr anted according to previous purchases of 
Swiss products, the licensing office sends the new licence to the importers at the beginning of 
each year.  For potato products, the deadline fo r applications in the case of auctions is 
generally set at 30 working days following publication.  For the other systems, there is no time-limit for application, which may take pl ace throughout the year of opening of the TQ. 
 
V. See horizontal replies.  For (B) and (E) the time period for the examination of applications in 
connection with auctions is about five working days after the call for bids has been closed. 
 VI.-VII.  See horizontal replies.  
VIII. (A) For the vast majority of products, licences ar e issued according to previous imports by the 
applicant.  For certain products, allocations ar e made in response to the market shares or 
pro rata  to applications. 
 (B) Licences are issued by auction.  New importers  may obtain a licence at each new allocation. 
 
(C) Licences are issued according to three criteria:   previous imports by the applicant, purchase of 
local goods by the applicant and auction.  New importers may obtain a licence at each new allocation. 
 (D) Licences are issued on the basis of a combination of two criteria:  previous imports by the 
applicant, and purchase of local goods by the applicant. 
 (E) Licences for fresh potatoes are issued in accord ance with a contribution to local production.  
Licences for potato products are allocated by auction. 
  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
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  IX.-XI. See horizontal replies. 
 7.(a) See horizontal replies.  No time-limit.  Emergency procedure by telephone or fax possible. 
 (b-d) See horizontal replies. 
 
8. See horizontal replies.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 
9. See horizontal replies. 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10.-13. See horizontal replies. 
 
Conditions of licensing 
 14. - Automatic licensing:  See horizontal replies.   - Non automatic licensing: 
 
(A) The validity of the licence ranges from one month to 50 weeks according to 
the system of allocation in force (see point 2 above), and is not extendable. 
 
(B) The validity of the licence ranges between three months and one year 
according to the system of allocation in force. 
 
(C) The validity of the licence extends from 1 May to 25 October. 
 
(D) The licence is valid for one year. 
 
(E) The validity of the licence ranges from two months to one year according to 
the system of allocation in force. 
 15.-16. See horizontal replies.  
17.(a) Subject in certain cases to the purchase of like products from Switzerland. 
 (b) No.  Other procedural requirements 
 
18.-19. See horizontal replies. 
 
(v) Feed grain 
Outline of systems 
 
1. See horizontal replies.  The licensing system  is administered by the Federal Office for 
Agriculture (OFAG) and Réservesuisse ;  (see also under Chapter IX). 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 14  
 
  Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 
2. Tariff headings are listed in the annex to the Ordinance of 26 October 2011 on imports of 
agricultural products (RS 916.01).  The import of  products governed by market regulations 
concerning feed grain and oilseeds for feed ing is subject to automatic licensing. 
 
3. See horizontal replies.  4. Automatic licensing provides for the statistical  control of imports and maintenance of the 
system of reserve stocks (see Chapter IX). 
 
5. See horizontal replies.  The specific legal bases are the Ordinance of 26 October 2011 on 
imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01) and the Ordinance of 25 April 2001 on compulsory 
stockpiling of cereals, special cereals and of energy-rich  and protein-rich foods for use in animal feed 
(Ordinance on compulsory cereal stocks;  RS 531.215.17). 
 
Procedures 
 6. Not applicable.  7.(a) See horizontal replies.  No time-limit.  Emergency procedure by telephone, e-mail or fax 
possible. 
 (b-c) See horizontal replies.  (d) Automatic licences for goods subject to gu arantee fund contributions are checked by 
Réservesuisse .  Automatic licences for other types of fodder are granted by the OFAG. 
 8. See horizontal replies.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 
9.(a) Not applicable. 
 (b) See horizontal replies.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10.-13. See horizontal replies.  Conditions of licensing 
 14. See horizontal replies. 
 
15. No.  16. See horizontal replies.  
17.(a) See horizontal replies. 
 (b) Participation in the cost of establishing com pulsory reserve stocks and, where applicable, 
conclusion of a contract providing for the est ablishment of a compulsory reserve stock 
(see Chapter IX).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 15 
 
 
  Other procedural requirements 
 
18.-19. See horizontal replies.  
(vi) Grain for human consumption:  Durum wheat (A), common wheat (B), coarse grain for 
human consumption, such as barley, oats and maize (C) 
Outline of systems 
 
1. See horizontal replies.  The licensing system is administered by Réservesuisse  (see 
Chapter IX) for goods subject to contributions to the guarantee fund or to the supplementary reserve 
stocks.  The OFAG grants licences for other products. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 2. Importation is subject to automatic licen sing as regards imports within the TQ, except 
common wheat (B) which is subject to an applied TQ.  TQs for durum wheat (A) and coarse grain for 
human consumption, such as barley, oats and maize (C) are not currently administered, 
i.e. importation at the TQ rate is not  limited.  As regards common wheat (B), the TQ is allocated in 
stages according to need.  Tariff headings: 
 
 (A) 1001.1921; 
  (B) 1001.9921, 1008.2921, 1002.9021, 1008.6031, 1007.9021, 1008.4021, 1008.1021; 
 
 (C) 1003.9041, 1005.9021, 1004.9021, 1008.5021, 1008.9023, 1008.5021, 1008.9023. 
 3.-4. See horizontal replies.  5. See horizontal replies.  The specific lega l basis is the Ordinance of 26 October 2011 on 
imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01). 
 
Procedures 
 6.I.-II. See horizontal replies.  
III. See horizontal replies.  For (A), on average the durum wheat imported at quota rates should in 
the course of a calendar quarter, serve to manuf acture at least 64 per cent of milled products.  
These latter should be used as cooking meal for human consumption or as fine semolina for 
the manufacture of pasta products.  In the cour se of a calendar quarter an average of at 
least 96 per cent of the fine semolina should be  used for the manufacture of pasta products.  
For (C), the right to import is restricted to millers who have the necessary manufacturing 
facilities (special mill). 
  The controlling body is the Directorate-General of Customs.  IV. Before the planned date of importation. 
 
V. See horizontal replies.  VI. There is no minimum time-limit. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 16  
 
  VII. Applications are considered by Réservesuisse  for goods subject to contribution to the 
guarantee fund and by the OFAG for other products. 
 VIII. For (B), licences are issued as needed. 
 
IX.-XI. See horizontal replies. 
 7.(a) See horizontal replies.  Emergency pro cedure by telephone, e-mail or fax possible. 
 (b-c) See horizontal replies. 
 
(d) See 6.VII above.  8. See horizontal replies.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 
9. See horizontal replies.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10.-13. See horizontal replies. 
 Conditions of licensing 
 14.-16. See horizontal replies. 
 
17.(a) No.  (b) Participation in the cost of establishing the compulsory reserve stock and, where appropriate, 
conclusion of a contract providing for the estab lishment of a compulsory reserve stock (see 
Chapter IX). 
 
Other procedural requirements 
 18.-19. See horizontal replies.  (vii) Sugar (A), edible oils and fats (B) 
Outline of systems 
 
1. See horizontal replies.  The licensing system is administered by Réservesuisse , acting on 
instructions from the OFAG and the Federal O ffice for National Economic Supply (see Chapter IX). 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 
2. The import of products governed by the mark et regulations concerning sugar and edible oils 
and fats is subject to  automatic licensing. 
 
(A) Tariff headings:  1701.1200, 1701.1300, 1701.1400, 1701.9999, 1702.9019, 1702.9022, 
1702.9032, and 1702.9033. 
  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 17 
 
 
  (B) Tariff headings (Edible oils and fats in chapter 16):  1104.3011, 1104.3012, 1104.3021, 
1104.3039, 1501.1091, 1501.1099, 1501.2091, 1501.2099, 1501.9091, 1501.9099, 1502.1091, 1502.1099, 1503.0091, 1503.0099, 1504.1098, 1504.1099, 1504.2091, 1504.2099, 1504.3091, 1504.3099, 1506.0091, 1506.0099, 1516.1091, 1516.1099, 1507.1090, 1507.9018, 1507.9019, 1507.9098, 1507.9099, 1508.1090, 1508.9018, 1508.9019, 1508.9098, 1508.9099, 1509.1091, 
1509.1099, 1509.9091, 1509.9099, 1510.0091, 1510.0099, 1511.1090, 1511.9018, 1511.9019, 
1511.9098, 1511.9099, 1512.1190, 1512.1918, 1512.1919, 1512.1998, 1512.1999, 1512.2190, 1512.2991, 1512.2999, 1513.1190, 1513.1918, 1513.1919, 1513.1998, 1513.1999, 1513.2190, 1513.2918, 1513.2919, 1513.2998, 1513.2999, 1514.1190, 1514.9190, 1514.1991, 1514.9991, 1514.1999, 1514.9999, 1515.1190, 1515.1991, 1515.1999, 1515.2190, 1515.2991, 1515.2999, 
1515.3091, 1515.3099, 1515.5019, 1515.5091, 1515.5099, 1515.9013, 1515.9018, 1515.9019, 
1515.9028, 1515.9029, 1515.9038, 1515.9039, 1515.9098, 1515.9099, 1516.1091, 1516.1099, 1516.2092, 1516.2093, 1516.2097, 1516.2098, 1517.1063, 1517.1068, 1517.1073, 1517.1078, 1517.1083, 1517.1088, 1517.1093, 1517.1098, 1517.9020, 1517.9063, 1517.9068, 1517.9071, 1517.9079, 1517.9081, 1517.9089, 1517.9091, 1517.9099. 
 
3.-4. See horizontal replies.  5. See horizontal replies.  (A) The specific legal basis is the Ordinance of  7 December 1998 on compulsory stockpiling of 
sugar (RS 531.215.11). 
 (B) The specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 26 October 2011 on imports of agricultural 
products (RS 916.01). 
 
Procedures 
 
6. Not applicable.  7.(a-c) See horizontal replies.  
(d) Only Réservesuisse  has the authority to issue licences. 
 8. See horizontal replies.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 9. See horizontal replies.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10.-13. See horizontal replies. 
 
Conditions of licensing 
 14.-16. See horizontal replies.  
17.(a) Not applicable. 
 (b) Participation in the costs of establishing the compulsory reserve stock and, where appropriate, 
conclusion of a contract providing for the estab lishment of a compulsory reserve stock (see 
Chapter IX). G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 18  
 
  Other procedural requirements 
 
18.-19. See horizontal replies.  
(viii) Grapes for pressing and grape juice 
Outline of systems 
 
1. See horizontal replies.  Since the TQ is not  administered, there are no non-automatic licences 
for these products.  
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 
2. Grapes for pressing (tariff headings:  0806. 1021 and 1029) and grape juice (2009.6111, 6119, 
6122, 6129, 6910, 6990;  2202.9018, 9019, 9041, 9049)  and fruit juices containing grape juice 
(2009.9030, 9069, 9099) are subject to automatic licensing only. 
 
3.-4. See horizontal replies.  5. See horizontal replies.  The specific lega l basis is the Ordinance of 26 October 2011 on 
imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01) and the Ordinance on v iticulture and the importation of 
wine (RS 916.140). 
 
Procedures 
 6. Not applicable.  
7.-8. See horizontal replies. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 9. See horizontal replies.  In order to be eligib le to market the products in question, the importer 
has to be listed in the commercial register and must make himself known to the control authority 
30 days before the beginning of his commercial activities. 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10.-13. See horizontal replies. 
 
Conditions of licensing 
 14.-16. See horizontal replies.  17.(a) Not applicable. 
 
(b) No.  Other procedural requirements 
 
18.-19. See horizontal replies.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 19 
 
 
  (ix) Wine 
Outline of systems 
 
1. See horizontal replies.  
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 
2. Wine is subject to automatic licensing as regards over-TQ imports (tariff headings:  
2204.2129, 2204.2139, 22 04.2149, 2204.2929 and 2 204.2939) and quota-free imports (2204.2941 and 
2204.2942), and to non-automatic licensing as rega rds in-TQ imports (tariff headings:  2204.2121, 
2204.2131, 2204.2141, 2204.2921, 2204.2922, 2204.2931 and 2204.2932). 
 3.-4. See horizontal replies.  5. See horizontal replies.  The specific lega l basis is the Ordinance of 26 October 2011 on 
imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01) and the Ordinance on v iticulture and the importation of 
wine (RS 916.140).  Procedures 
 6.I.-VI. See horizontal replies. 
 
VII. OFAG has the authority to decide whether or not imports are to be counted against the TQ 
(see TQ distribution method under the next point). 
 VIII. The allocation of TQ shares takes place as need ed.  Licences are issued in chronological order 
of actual imports, upon customs clearance,  as long as the TQ is not exhausted. 
 IX.-XI. See horizontal replies.  7.(a-c) See horizontal replies.  
(d) See horizontal replies and point 9 below. 
 8. See horizontal replies.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 9. See horizontal replies.  In order to be eligib le to market the products in question, the importer 
has to be listed in the commercial register and ha s to make himself known to the control authority 
30 days before the beginning of his commercial activities.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10.-13. See horizontal replies.  Conditions of licensing 
 
14.-16. See horizontal replies. 
 17.(a) No.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 20  
 
  (b) No. 
 Other procedural requirements 
 18.-19. See horizontal replies. 
 
II. SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES 
(i) Import, transit and export of animals and animal products 
Outline of systems 
 
1. The purpose of sanitary measure s is to prevent the introduction of epizootics and goods that 
present a health risk.  As a rule, these measures also apply to re-impor tation and transit.  The Federal 
Veterinary Office (OVF) is responsible for issuing the authorizations laid down by veterinary law5 for 
the importation of animals and goods.  For the impor tation of animals and an imal products covered by 
the Convention on International Trade in Endangere d Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), see 
also Chapter III(i) below. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 2. List of OITE products:  
 In the case of products from the EU or Norway, an authorization is required for: 
  - The importation or re-importation of anim als or animal products which do not fulfil 
the conditions laid down 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 or animal products which are not regulated by the Agricultural 
Agreement. 
  In the case of products from other countri es, an authorization is required for: 
 
 - Non-commercial samples and laboratory sampl es that do not fulfil the conditions laid 
down in Article 10 of the OITPA; 
  - dogs, cats and ferrets from countries where urban rabies cannot be ruled out 
(countries not included in Annex 1 to the OIAC) and imported directly by air into 
Switzerland. 
 3. See point 2 above. 
4. No restrictions.  For purpose, see point 1 above. 
                                                      
5 Available at:  http://www.bvet.admin.ch/dokumen tation/01013/01017/index.html?lang=fr (in French, 
German and Italian only).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 21 
 
 
  5. Veterinary law6 for the importation of animals and goods  (Article 14 of the Ordinance of 
18 April 2007 on the import, transit and export of animals and animal products [OITE;  RS 916.443.10 ];  Ordinance of 27 August 2008 on the import and transit of animal products by air 
from third countries [OITPA;  RS 916.443.13 ] and Article 16 of the Ordinance of 18 April 2007 on 
the import of pets [OIAC;  RS 916.443.14 ]).  These authorizations are police authorizations issued in 
accordance with the Law on Epizooti cs 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. 
 
(b) Sometimes.  In some cases, an approval, opinion or authorization is required from other 
services (cantonal veterinary services, Federal Office for Agriculture [OFAG]). 
 (c) No.  (d) See point 7(b) above.  The procedure is gene rally regulated so that the applicant needs to 
approach only two services (OVF and OFAG). 
 8. There are no reasons to refuse an applicati on 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 Administrativ e Court and, at second instance, to the Federal 
Supreme Court. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 9.(a) Not applicable.  
(b) 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 require ments for application for licence 
 
10. Please refer to the following websites: 
  - For laboratory samples and non-commercial samples:
 http://www.bvet.admin.ch/ein_ausf uhr/01873/02317/index. html?lang=fr; 
  - for dogs, cats and ferrets:   
 http://www.bvet.admin.ch/themen/01614/01884/index.html?lang=fr. 
 11. Import licence (or, if possible, accreditation as professional importer), supplementary data sheet, as appropriate.  
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. 
                                                      
6 Available at:  http://www.bvet.admin.ch/dokumen tation/01013/01017/index.html?lang=fr (in French, 
German and Italian only). G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 22  
 
  13. As a rule, no. 
 Conditions of licensing 
 14. In the case of dogs, cats and ferrets:  until the e nd of the period of validity of the vaccination, 
that is, for three years maximum.  In the case of  non-commercial samples:  according to type of 
sample (epizootics policy risk), issue of an indivi dual authorization or annual authorization.  Import 
permits concerning protection of species are valid for three months;  professional importer approvals 
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 authorizati ons required by veterinary law and the laws on 
foodstuffs. 
 19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
 (ii) Plants and plant products 
Outline of systems 
 
1. The purpose of phytosanitary measures is to prevent the introduction and propagation of pests and diseases which are particularly dangerous within the meaning of the Ordinance on plant protection ("quarantine organisms").  The impor tation of plants and plant products, where not 
prohibited because of the phytosanitary risk they present (risk of introducing particularly dangerous 
pests and diseases), is subject to the phytosanitary  certification regime within the meaning of the 
International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).   Importers of goods requiring a phytosanitary 
certificate are entered in an official register mana ged by the OFAG, which also has authority to grant 
dispensation in respect of goods prohibited for import. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 2. Phytosanitary measures applying to the impor tation of plants, plant products and other items 
are limited to:  Prohibition of imports, and the ph ytosanitary certification (CP) regime.  Dispensation 
may be granted in the case of goods the import of  which is prohibited until the propagation of 
particularly dangerous pests and diseases can be rule d out.  Dispensation is granted solely in the case 
of goods that are imported for research, selection, multiplication or diagnostic purposes.   The products in question are essentially tho se listed under the following customs tariff 
chapters: 
 
 - 6 (Live trees and other plants;  bulbs, roots and the like;  cut flowers and 
ornamental foliage); 
 - 7 (edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers);  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 23 
 
 
   - 10 (cereals); 
 - 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits;  miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; 
industrial or medicinal plants;  straw and fodder). 
 3. The CP regime applies to all plant material for planting, of any origin, with the exception of 
material originating in the European Union (E U).  The import prohibition (see Annex 3, Parts A 
and B, of the Ordinance on plant protection;  fo r reference see point 5) concerns specific goods 
originating in countries where the ph ytosanitary situation is such that the goods present a clear risk of 
introducing pests and diseases of pa rticular danger to Switzerland.  For certain goods (e.g. potatoes), 
prohibition extends to all countries other than memb er countries of the European and Mediterranean 
Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). 
 4. The purpose of the measures is to prevent the introduction of particularly dangerous pests and diseases (quarantine organisms) affecting plants.  The regimes governing plants, plant products and 
other items are frequently revised a ccording to the phytosanitary situation 
in Switzerland (information on the curre nt situation available on website 
www.blw.admin.ch/themen/00012/01153/index.html?lang=fr).  5. Legal bases:  Law on Agriculture of 29 Ap ril 1998 (RS 910.1), Ordinance of 27 October 2010 
on plant protection (RS 916.20).  The items subjec t to the different regime s are set forth in the 
Ordinance on plant protection.  The OFAG may take measures in cases where new quarantine 
organisms appear, but it must submit such measure s as soon as possible to the Federal Council for 
approval.  The Government has the authority under th e 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) Imports of goods under the CP regime must  be announced to the Federal Phytosanitary 
Service at the OFAG 24 hours in advance.  A pplications for dispensation must be submitted 
one month prior to the date foreseen for the import of said goods. 
 
(b) Applications for import licences submitted after the deadline mentioned in 7(a) are processed 
as quickly as possible, but without any guarantee that the applicants will receive the licences 
by the requested date. 
 
(c) No. 
 (d) All applications for import licences for the items  mentioned in point 2 are dealt with by the 
Federal Phytosanitary Service at the OFAG. 
 8. Dispensation as defined under point 2 is not granted if phytosanitary risks are too high.  The 
applicant has a right of appeal.  Rejections are notified in writing. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence 
 9.(a) Not applicable. 
 
(b) All persons, firms or institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence provided they are 
domiciled in Switzerland. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 24  
 
  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10. Applications for an import licence must mention the place of origin of the goods, the type of 
goods, the quantity, the producer and the consignee.  There is no specific form.  
11. The CP and, where appropriate, the licence (authorization for goods for which dispensation 
has been granted).  The CP must not  have been issued more than four teen days before the date when 
the goods left the country of dispatch.  12. A fee of CHF 50 is charged for issuing a licence (import permit). 
 
13. No.  Conditions of licensing 
 
14. The period of validity of an import licence i ssued as a result of dispensation is limited 
according to the type of goods being imported.  Extensions are grante d upon written request. 
 15. No.  16. The licences are not transferable. 
 
17.(a-b) No.  Other procedural requirements 
 
18. Goods which are subject to the CP regime or for which dispensation (licence) has been 
granted are controlled by the Phytosanitary Serv ice upon import.  The Phytosanitary Service is 
the OFAG's control body in the field of plant prot ection.  Upon the control of imports, the following 
fees are charged:   - basic fee per consignment:  CHF 50; 
 - fee per batch making up the consignment:  CHF 10 per batch. 
 19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
 (iii) Protection of forest plants 
Outline of systems 
 
1. The phytosanitary provisions governing the import of forest plants help to avert the accidental 
introduction of pests and diseases which could threaten Swiss forestry.  The OFEV's Forestry Division is responsible for issuing the authori zations required by the regulations governing the 
phytosanitary protection of forest plants.  The pur pose of these measures remains above all to ensure 
the use of healthy forest plants.  Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 
2. Regulations for the protection of forest plants  in connection with the transboundary traffic of 
goods (see Annex 3, Parts A and B of the Ordinance on plant protection, which contains the list of 
forest plants whose import is prohibited).  The products in question are essentially those listed under 
the following customs tariff chapters:  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 25 
 
 
   - 6 (Live trees and other plants;  bulbs , roots and the like;  cut flowers and 
ornamental foliage); 
 - 14 (bark and bark products);  - 25/31/38 (soil and other substrates for cultivation);  - 44 (wood and wood products). 
 
3. The CP regime applies to all plant material for planting, of any origin, with the exception of 
material originating in the European Union (E U).  The import prohibition (see Annex 3, Parts A 
and B, of the Ordinance on plant protection;  for reference see point 5) concerns specific goods 
originating in countries where the ph ytosanitary situation is such that the goods present a clear risk of 
introducing pests and diseases of particular danger to  Switzerland.  For certain goods (e.g. plants of 
certain conifer species), prohibition extends to all countries other than European countries. 
 4. The purpose of the measures is to prevent the introduction of particularly dangerous pests and diseases (quarantine organisms) affecting plants.  The regimes governing plants, plant products and 
other items are frequently revised according to the phytosanitary situation in Switzerland (information 
on the current situation is available online at http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/c916_20.html). 
 5. The Federal Law on Forests of 4 Oc tober 1991 (LFo;  RS 921.0), Ordinance 
of 27 October 2010 on plant protection (RS 916.20).  Th e items subject to the different regimes are set 
forth in the Ordinance on plant protection.  The OFEV may take measures in cases where new 
quarantine organisms appear, but it must submit su ch measures as soon as possible to the Federal 
Council for approval.  The Government has the author ity under the law to decide on the items that are 
subject to the regimes de scribed in point 2 above. 
 Procedures 
 6. Not applicable (no restrictions).  7. (a) Imports of goods under the CP regime must  be announced to the Federal Phytosanitary 
Service 24 hours in advance.  Applications fo r dispensation must be submitted one month 
prior to the date foreseen for the import of said goods. 
 
(b) Applications for import licences submitted after the deadline mentioned in 7(a) are processed 
as quickly as possible, but without any guarantee that the applicants will receive the licences 
by the requested date. 
 
(c) No. 
 (d) All applications for import licences for the items  mentioned in point 2 are dealt with by the 
Federal Phytosanitary Service at the OFEV. 
 8. Dispensation as defined under point 2 is not granted if phytosanitary risks are too high.  The 
applicant has a right of appeal.  Rejections are notified in writing. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 9. (a) Not applicable. 
 
9. (b) All persons, firms or institutions are eligib le to apply for an import licence provided that they 
are domiciled in Switzerland. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 26  
 
  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10. Applications for an import licence must mention the place of origin of the goods, the type of 
goods, the quantity, the producer and the consignee (sample form:  
http://www.blw.admin.ch/themen/00012/01153/01155/i ndex.html?lang=fr > autorisation obligatoire). 
 
11. The CP and, where appropriate, the licence (authorization for goods for which dispensation has been granted).  The CP must not have been issu ed more than fourteen days before the date when 
the goods left the country of dispatch.  
12. A fee of CHF 50 is charged for issuing a licence (import permit). 
 13. No.  Conditions of licensing 
 14. The period of validity of an import licence i ssued as a result of dispensation is limited 
according to the type of goods being imported.  Extensions are grante d upon written request. 
 15. No.  
16. The licences are not transferable. 
 17.(a-b) No.  Other procedural requirements 
 18. Goods which are subject to the CP regime or for which dispensation (licence) has been 
granted are controlled by the Phytosanitary Serv ice upon import.  The Phytosanitary Service is 
the OFAG's control body in the field of plant prot ection.  Upon the control of imports, the following 
fees are charged:  
 - basic fee per consignment:  CHF 50; 
 - fee per batch making up the consignment:  CHF 10 per batch.  19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
 
III. CONVENTION ON INTERNA TIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF 
WILD FLORA AND FAUNA (CITES) 
(i) Animals 
Outline of systems 
 
1. The Federal Veterinary Office (OVF) is res ponsible for issuing import licences for the species 
covered by the CITES Convention.  CITES aims to ensure that no species is threatened with 
extinction as a result of non-sustainable international trade.  Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 2. List of products coming under the conservation of species:  see OCE, Article 8 (RS 453), and 
the Ordinance of 16 May 2007 on CITES controls (RS 453.1 ).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 27 
 
 
  3. No restrictions. 
 4. No restrictions.  For purpose, see point 1 above.  5. The laws on the protection of species with  respect to the import of animals and goods 
(Article 5 of the Ordinance of 18 April 2007 on th e conservation of species [OCE;  RS 453]), and 
required under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 
of 3 March 1973 (CITES;  RS 0.453), the Federa l Law of 16 December 2005 on the protection of 
animals (LPA;  RS 455), the Federal Law of 21 June 1991 on fisheries (LFSP;  RS 923.0) and the Law of 20 June 1986 on hunting (LChP;  RS 922.0).  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 shoul d be submitted at least one week in advance of 
importation.  Only authorizations concerning the species listed in Annex I of the CITES 
require a slightly longer time-limit owing to th e procedure stipulated by the international 
treaty (consultation 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 Office for Agriculture [OFAG]), Federal Office of the Environment [OFEV], Technical  Commission for the Conservation of Species 
Commission). 
 
(c) No.  (d) See point 7(b) above.  The procedure is gene rally regulated so that the applicant needs to 
approach only two services (OVF and OFAG). 
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an applicati on 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 Administrativ e Court and, at second instance, to the Federal 
Supreme Court.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 
9. (a) Not applicable.  (b) 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 require ments for application for licence 
 
10. Please refer to the website under "Formulaire" (http://www.bvet.admin.ch/themen/hande l_wild/00976/index.html?lang=fr). 
 
11. Import licence (or, if possible, accredit ation as professional importer), CITES documents, 
supplementary data sheet, as appropriate.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 28  
 
  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. In the case of dogs, cats and ferrets:  until the e nd of the period of validity of the vaccination, 
that is, for three years maximum.  In the case of  non-commercial samples:  according to type of 
sample (epizootics policy risk), issue of an indivi dual authorization or annual authorization.  Import 
permits concerning protection of species are valid for three months;  professional importer approvals 
for two years.  15. No.  
16.  The licences are not transferable between eligible persons.. 
 17. No.  Other procedural requirements 
 
18. Sometimes.  Subject to cantonal authorizati ons required by veterinary law and the laws on 
foodstuffs.  19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
 
(ii) Plants and plant products 
Outline of systems 
 
1. For plants and plant products listed in Appe ndix I of the Convention on International Trade in 
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora of 3 March 1973 (CITES), th e Federal Veterinary 
Office (OVF) is responsible for issuing the authori zations.  CITES aims to ensure that no species is 
threatened with extinctio n as a result of non-sustainable international trade. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 
2. Plants and plant products in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in 
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora of 3 March 1973 (CITES) are subject to licensing only if they have been taken from the wild.  Artificia lly propagated material is excluded therefrom. 
 3. No restrictions.  
4.  No restrictions.  For purpose, see point 1 above. 
 5. Legal bases:  Convention on International Trade in Endange red Species of Wild Fauna and 
Flora of 3 March 1973 (CITES) (RS. 0.453) , Ordinance on the conservation of species 
(OCE;  RS 453), and Ordinance on CITES controls (RS 453.1). 
 
Procedures 
 6.  Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 29 
 
 
  7.(a) The application must be submitted at least  two weeks in advance of importation.  Each 
application has to be reviewed by the scientif ic commission (scientific authority within the 
meaning of CITES, Article IX). 
 (b) No. 
 
(c) No.  (d) The importer needs to contact the Federal Ve terinary Office (OVF) only, but each application 
has to be reviewed by the scientific  commission.  See point (a) above. 
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an applicati on for a licence other than failure to meet the 
specific criteria set out in Article III of the CITES.  The reasons for any refusal are communicated to 
the applicant, who has a right to appeal the deci sion 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 or instituti ons are eligible to apply for an import licence provided that they 
are domiciled in Switzerland.  
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10. A copy of the CITES export document or of the re-export certificate must be submitted.  In addition, it is necessary to  specify the reason for import and provide a description of the 
establishment and facilities where the plants will be held. 
 
11. The CP and, where appropriate, the licence (authorization for goods for which dispensation has been granted).  12.-13. No.  
Conditions of licensing 
 
14. The period of validity is six months.  The re quest 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 upo n import pursuant to OCE requirements. 
 
19. Not applicable. 
 
IV. FOREST REPRODUCTIVE MATERIAL 
Outline of systems 
 
1. The Forestry Division in the Federal Office of the Environment (OFEV) is responsible for 
issuing the authorizations required by the regula tions governing the import and export of forest 
reproductive material.  The purpose of these measures re mains above all to ensure the use of healthy 
and appropriate forest reproductive mate rial at the place of reforestation. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 30  
 
  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 va rieties of leaf-bearing trees).  See also Annex 1 to the Ordinance on 
forest reproductive material (RS 921.552.1). 
 
3. Countries in which the tree varieties in question grow naturally and permanently (Europe, North America and Japan).  4. No. The purpose of the Ordinance is to ensure the supply of appropriate forest reproductive 
material, i.e. suited to the geographical and climatic conditions of Switzerland. 
 5. Federal Law on Forests of 4 October 1991 (LFo;  RS 921.0);  Ordinance on forests of 
30 November 1992 (OFo;  RS 921.01);  Ordina nce of 29 November 1994 on forest reproductive 
material (RS 921.552.1).  The tree varieties subject to the Ordinance are listed in Annex I thereto. 
 
Procedures 
 6. Note applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  7.(a) Fourteen days. 
 
(b) Only where justified.  (c) No.  
(d) Applications for import licences are examined by the OFEV's Forestry Division, which also 
issues the licence. 
 8. There are no reasons to refuse an applicati on for a licence other than failure to meet the 
specific criteria set out in Article III of the CITES.  The reasons for any refusal are communicated to 
the applicant, who has a right to appeal the deci sion to the Federal Administrative Court and, at 
second instance, to the Federal Supreme Court. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence 
 9. All persons, firms or institutions  are eligible to apply for an import licence provided they are 
domiciled in Switzerland. 
 Documentational and other require ments 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 varieties of trees.  There is no specific form. 
 11. Import licence and certificate of origin.  12. A fee is charged for all import licence a pplications (to cover administrative expenses). 
 
13. As a rule, no.   G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 31 
 
 
  Conditions of licensing 
 
14. The import licence is valid for six months, extendable for another six months on request. 
 15.-17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements 
 18. No.  
19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
 
V. TRANSPLANTS 
Outline of systems 
 
1. The Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP)  is the body responsible for authorizing the 
import of human organs, tissues and cells to be transplanted to hum ans.  The Transplantation Law 
aims to guarantee safety in the handling of transpla nts, in particular with a view to protecting donors 
and recipients.  
Purpose and coverage of licensing 
 
2. An authorization is required for the import of  organs, tissue and cells of human origin to be 
transplanted to humans.  
3. All countries. 
 4. The import authorization is granted when the products are in conformity with the relevant laws.  The licence applies to the products and count ries listed therein.  Otherwise, there is no 
restriction on the quantity and value of the products.  
5. Federal Law of 8 October 2004 on the tran splantation of organs , tissues and cells 
(Transplantation Law;  RS 810.21) which entered in to force on 1 July 2007.  The procedures for 
import are described, inter alia , in the Ordinance of 16 March 2007 on the transplantation of human 
organs, tissues and cells (Transpl antation Ordinance;  RS 810.211). 
 
Procedures 
 
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  7.(a) Import is not allowed without authorizati on.  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 res ponsible for examining applications. 
 8. Only if the applicant does not meet the criteri a is an authorization refused.  The reasons will 
then be stated in the pre-authorization inspec tion report.  There is a possibility to appeal. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 32  
 
  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 
9. All persons, firms or instituti ons are eligible to apply for an import authorization provided 
that they are domiciled in Switzerland.  
Documentational and other requireme nts for application for licensing 
 
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 OFSP, www.donneestra nsplantation.admin.ch).  A pre-authorization 
inspection is mandatory. 
 11. Once the authorization is issued, none (for importation).  12. CHF 500 to CHF 2,000 per authorization. 
 
13. No.  Conditions of licensing 
 14. The period of validity of the authorization is a maximum of five years with the possibility of 
extension. 
 15.-17. No.  Other procedural requirements 
 18. No.  19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
 VI. BLOOD, BLOOD PRODUCTS AND IMMUNOLOGICAL PRODUCTS 
Outline of systems 
 
1. For the importation of blood, blood produc ts and immunological products, an import licence 
is required.  Swissmedic, the Swis s Institute for Therapeutic Products, is the sole organ authorized to 
examine licence applications.  The aim is to prot ect human and animal health by guaranteeing that 
high-quality, safe and effective therapeutic products are placed on the market.  Purpose and coverage of licensing 
 2. A licence is required each time blood, blood  products or immunological products are 
imported.  For the products subject to this pro cedure, 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. 
 3. The regulations apply to imports of all goods, whatever their origin (except Liechtenstein). 
  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 33 
 
 
  4. The import licence is granted when the products  are in conformity with the relevant laws.  
The aim is to protect human and animal health by  guaranteeing that high-quality, safe and effective 
therapeutic products are placed on the market.  5. Federal Law on Medicina l Products and Medical Devices, dated 15 December 2000 
(RS 812.21).  The procedure for imports is described, inter alia , in the Ordinance of 17 October 2001 
on authorizations regarding medici nal products (RS 812.212.1).  Laws  and amendments thereto must 
be adopted by Parliament.  They contain all impor tant provisions.  Ordinances contain implementing 
provisions and must be based on a higher legal author ity, a law.  In this case, ordinances do not go 
through Parliament.  Laws, ordinances and ame ndments thereto are published in the Official 
Compendium of Federal Law (RO) and the Systemat ic Compendium of Federal Law (RS).  A licence 
is required by law for every import of blood a nd blood products.  In the case of immunological 
products, this requirement is contained in an ordinance.  Procedures 
 6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  7.(a) In view of the time required to obtain a li cence, the application must be submitted a few days 
in advance of the importation itself.  In norma l situations the application is granted and 
returned within 24 hours of it being filed.  Exceptionally and in urgent situations, it may be 
granted upon request by fax. 
 (b) Exceptionally.  (c) No. 
 
(d) Swissmedic is the sole organ aut horized to examine licence applications. 
 8. There are no reasons to refuse an applicati on 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 administrative 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 subj ect to licence must obtain the necessary licence 
from Swissmedic in accordance with the relevant laws.  The licence is granted if the institution meets 
certain specific operational and organizational conditions (e.g. im port, wholesale trade and export 
authorization, authorization to take blood for tr ansfusions or for the production of medicinal 
products).  Swissmedic regularly controls comp liance with these conditions.  The procedure for 
obtaining licences is regulated by the relevant ordinan ce.  The list of authorized concerns is regularly 
published.  Moreover, registered products may only be imported by the institutions in whose name 
they are registered. 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10. Only the usual information is  required.  Samples of the application form are available on 
website http://www.swissmedic.ch/org/00064/00 067/00333/01038/index.html?lang=fr.  Other 
certificates may be requested for a more detaile d examination of the quality of the products. 
 11. In addition to the documents usually require d by the customs services, only the application 
form is required.  In certain cases more specific information is requested. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 34  
 
  12. CHF 100 per licence (see Ordinance dated 22 June  2006 on the fees of the Swiss Institute for 
Therapeutic Products (RS 812.214.5)).  13. No. 
Conditions of licensing 
 
14. The period of validity of the licence is one m onth, generally without possibility of extension. 
 15.-17. No.  
Other procedural requirements 
 
18. Certain products, such as immunological pr oducts or stable blood products, must be 
registered beforehand by Swissmedic.  Moreover,  imported batches of registered products are 
controlled by the Official Medicines Control La boratory (OMCL) of Swissmedic before being 
introduced into the market. 
 19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
 
VII. NARCOTIC DRUGS, PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AND PRECURSORS USED 
AND MARKETED FOR LEGAL PURPOSES 
Outline of systems 
 
1. The purpose of the authorization system for na rcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is to 
ensure that imports are carried out  for the sole purpose of satisfying legitimate medical and industrial 
needs.  Article 5 of the Federal Law on Narcoti cs of 3 October 1951 (LStup;  RS 812.121) stipulates 
that a special authorization is required from Swissm edic, the Swiss Institute for Therapeutic Products, 
for all imports of narcotic drugs, psychotropic subs tances and precursors.  According to the substance 
involved, 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 the Narcotics Division, is  the organ responsible for granting import/export 
authorizations.  More detailed information may be obtained from that organ (e-mail address:  
autorisation.narco@swissmedic.ch.).  Purposes and coverage of authorization regime 
 
2. All substances that are subject to the author ization system appear in the DFI Ordinance on the 
schedules of narcotic drugs, psychotropic subs tances, precursors and chemical additives 
of 30 May 2011 (Ordinance on the narcotic drugs schedules, OTStup-DFI, RS 812.121.11).  3. All countries.  
4. Yes.  The purpose of the authorization system is  to ensure that imports (or exports) are carried 
out for the sole purpose of satisfying legi timate medical and industrial needs. 
 5. Article 5 of the Federal Law on Narcotics of 3 October 1951 (LStup;  RS 812.121) stipulates 
that a special authorization is required from Swissm edic, the Swiss Institute for Therapeutic Products, 
for all imports (or exports) of narcotic drugs, psyc hotropic substances and precursors.  Article 7 and 
Chapter 3 of the Ordinance on the control of narc otic drugs of 25 May 2011 (OCStup, RS 812.121.1) 
lay down the procedures for the granting of import (and export) authorizations.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 35 
 
 
   The authorization system is maintained under federal laws.  The Government would not have 
the authority to repeal them.  It can, however, change certain details of the system, i.e. the 
above-mentioned Ordinances.  There is no delegation of authority to the administration.  There is, 
however, a limited delegation of authority to th e DFI, because Ordinance 812.121.11 of 30 May 2011, 
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 expor ted) are limited through a system of estimates 
coordinated by the UN and its International Na rcotics 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 est imates may be submitted to the INCB, which 
approves them if they are legitimate.  Th e INCB publishes the estimates for all of the 
countries, and updates them on a monthly basis. 
 
II. The estimates are sent once a year (for psychot ropic 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 b een 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 
licence to manufacture or to market narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or precursor 
chemicals, or a special 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 ten working days on 
average, 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 author ization applications.  If need be, Swissmedic 
cooperates with the cantons or the foreign co mpetent 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 free of error, Swissmedic informs 
the applicant by means of a form indicat ing the deficiencies in the application. 
 IX. For every import of narcotic drugs, psychot ropic substances or precursors, an import 
authorization is required.  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/8 
Page 36  
 
  8. Any irregularities, no proven legitimate end-use and so on.  In case of a refusal to issue an 
authorization, the reasons for refusal are given to the applicant, who has the right to appeal 
within 30 days to the Federal Department of Home Affairs. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for authorization 
 9. All persons, firms and instituti ons may apply for an authorization provided they are holders of 
a cantonal authorization or a DFI or Swissmedic licence to manufacture or market narcotic drugs, 
psychotropic substances or precursor chemicals, or a special OFSP authorization.  Swissmedic 
publishes lists of persons, firms and institutions au thorized by the cantons in accordance with the 
OCStup criteria. 
 Documentational and other requirement s for application for authorization 
 
10. The importer sends a written application for an import authorization, lis ting the products to be 
imported and the corresponding quantities.  There is a specific form to be found on the relevant 
website.7 
 11. A copy of the authorization issued by Swissmedic must be presented to Customs.  12. CHF 50 for a single authorization for goods with a value of up to CHF 100;  CHF 100 for 
a single authorization for goods with a valu e exceeding CHF 100;  CHF 200 for a general 
authorization (the total quantity to be imported/ex ported must be indicated in the application for 
authorization).  13. No. 
 
Conditions of authorization 
 14. Single import authorizations are valid for th ree months.  The validity of a general import 
licence is 12 months, limited to 31 December of each calendar year.  
15. No. 
 16. Import authorizations are not transferable.  17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements 
 18. No.  19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
 
VIII.  ETHANOL 
Outline of systems 
 
1. The private sector is allowed to import etha nol and spirits containing not more than 80 per 
cent by volume without restriction and without any permit;  but only the Swiss Confederation is 
                                                      
7 http://www.swissmedic.ch/org/00064/00067/00334/00853/index.html?lang=fr.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 37 
 
 
  entitled through the Swiss Alcohol Board to import ethanol whose alcohol content exceeds 80 per cent 
by volume (excluding ethanol used for fuel purpo ses).  However, imports by the private sector are 
possible subject to prior authorization by the Swiss Alcohol Board. 
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 
2. The products covered are in tariff headings  2207.10 and 2207.20).  See point 1 above. 
 3. These regulations apply to all impor ts of ethanol, whatever its origin. 
 4. For control reasons, only the Swiss Confeder ation is entitled to import ethanol and spirits 
containing more than 80 per cent by volume. 
 5. The alcohol legislation is based on Article 105 of the Federal Constitution, which gives the 
Confederation the sole right to legislate in this fi eld.  The specific legal basis for the procedure of 
import licences is the Federal Law on Alcohol of 21 June 1932 (RS 680). 
 
Procedures 
 6. Import licences are generally only granted for ethanol qualities that are not put on the market 
by the Swiss Alcohol Board itself.  However, Alcosu isse, a profit centre of the Swiss Alcohol Board, 
which has responsibility for the importation and sale of  ethanol, endeavours to provide its clients with 
special ethanol qualities on request. 
 7.(a) In view of the time required to obtain a li cence, the application must be submitted three to 
five days in advance of the importation itself. 
 
(b) Generally, yes. 
 (c) No.  (d) Applications are considered by a single authority, the Swiss Alcohol Board (RFA).  
8. There are no reasons to refuse an applicati on 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 administrative authority or to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme Court.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for authorization 
 
9. As a rule, any natural or legal person domic iled in Switzerland is eligible, irrespective of 
nationality or origin, to receive a licence.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10. The application has to be submitted to the Sw iss Alcohol Board.  The importer sends a written 
application for an import authorization, listing the products to be impor ted and the corresponding 
qualities (purity, denaturation, etc.) and quantities.  There is no specific form.  
11. A copy of the authorization issued by the Sw iss Alcohol Board must be presented to Customs. 
 12.-13. No. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 38  
 
  Conditions of licensing 
 
14. The validity of the licence is gene rally limited to a single importation. 
 15.-17.  No. 
 
Other procedural requirements 
 18. No.  
19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
 
IX. GOODS OF VITAL AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE 
SUBJECT TO COMPULSORY STOCKPILING 
Outline of systems 
 
1. In accordance with Article 8 of the Federal Law on National Economic Supply 
(LAP;  RS 531), the Federal Council may subject certain goods of vital importance to compulsory stockpiling.  To that end, it may place the produc ts concerned under the import licensing regime.  The 
granting of a licence is conditional upon the conclusion of a reserve stock contract. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 2. To ensure compulsory stockpiling, the Federal Council has placed the following goods of vital importance under the import licensing regime (tar iff headings to be found in Article 1 of the 
respective ordinances, see point 5): 
  - Liquid fuels (Swiss Central Office for the Import of Liquid Fuels, CARBURA
8); 
  - sugar, rice, edible oils and fats, coffee, different kinds of cereal ( Réservesuisse 
Nahrungsvorsorge Schweiz, Réservesuisse
9); 
 
 - the above bodies grant general import li cences under the authority of the Federal 
Office for National Economic Supply.  Th ey allow importers to import the listed 
goods from all countries without quantitative restrictions and for an unlimited period 
of time. 
 
3. The regulations apply to imports of all goods, whatever their origin.  4. No. The purpose of automatic licensing is to ensure compulsory stockpiling.  The size of the 
compulsory reserve stocks of each importer is de termined on the basis of the imports carried out 
(equal treatment for all importers). 
 
5. Legal bases:  Federal La w on National Economic Supply (RS 531) as well as the ordinances 
on compulsory reserve stocks specific to each product  (sugar:  RS 531.215.11, rice:  RS 531.215.12, 
edible oils and fats:  RS 531.215.13, coffee:  RS 531.215.14, cereal:  RS 531.215.17, liquid fuels:  RS 531.215.41).  The Government may pl ace other products of vital importance under the 
import licensing regime. 
                                                      
8 Additional information in French, German, Italian and English available at:  http://www.carbura.ch. 
9 Additional information in German, French, and It alian available at:  http ://www.reservesuisse.ch/.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 39 
 
 
  Procedures 
 
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  7.(a-b) Applications for a general import licence mu st be submitted a few days before importation.  
In urgent cases, the licence may be granted immediately by fax. 
 (c) No.  (d) Applications are reviewed by a single service (see point 2 above). 
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an applicati on 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 administrative authority or 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 or instituti ons are eligible to apply for an import licence. 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10. Only the usual information is required.  Samples of the various application forms are 
available on the websites of, respectively, the Sw iss Central Office for the Import of Liquid Fuels 
(http://www.carbura.ch/gebs.0.html?&L=1) and the Réservesuisse Nahrungsvorsorge Schweiz , 
(http://www.reservesuisse.ch/index.php?L=1). 
 
11. In addition to the number of the automatic licence and the documents usually required by the 
customs services, certain certificates, such as certif icates of origin or sanitary or phytosanitary 
certificates (see Chapter II), are required according to the product.  12. No fees. 
 
13. As a rule, no.  Conditions of licensing 
 
14. The validity is not limited as long as the conditio ns 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. The foreign exchange required to pay for impor ts is automatically provided by the banks.  
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 40  
 
  X. WAR MATERIAL, WEAPONS 
(i) War material 
Outline of systems 
 
1. The purpose of the regime is to establish cont rol on the origin, nature and destination of the 
war material in question.  The State Secretariat fo r Economic Affairs, Divisi on of export controls and 
sanctions, is responsible for examini ng applications for authorization. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 
2. The war material whose import is subject to  authorization is listed in Annex 1 of the 
Ordinance.  3. All countries.  
4. The purpose of the regime is to establish cont rol 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).  Thus, the Government does not have the authority 
to abolish it.  The products subject to this regi me are listed in Annex 1 to the Ordinance on war 
material, which is a governmental te xt.  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) and the 
Ordinance on war material of 25 February 1998 (RS 514.511).  The Law and the Ordinance do not 
apply to imports of war material 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 applications for authorization should be s ubmitted at least seven days in advance of the 
scheduled date of importation.  In exceptional cases, the processing of applications may be carried out in a shorter period. 
 (c) No. 
 
(d) One single organ (the State Secretariat for Ec onomic Affairs, Division of export controls and 
sanctions, of the Federal Depa rtment of Economic Affairs) is responsible for examining 
applications for authorization. 
 8. Authorizations are not granted if they are contra ry to international law or if they are not in the 
interests of Switzerland.  Refusals have to be announ ced in a decision that contains the reasons for the 
denial.  The right to appeal is guara nteed by the federal law on procedures. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 
9. Any person, firm or institution is e ligible to apply for an import licence. 
  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 41 
 
 
  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10. Applications for import authorizations must contain the name and address of the supplier and 
of the importer/applicant, a precise description of the war material, its weight and its value, its customs tariff number and its category (in accordance with the list in Annex 1 of the Ordinance), the 
country from where the import will take place and (if possible) the scheduled date of the import. 
 11. Import licence.  12. 0.8 per cent of the value of the impor ted goods, but at least CHF 50 and at the 
most CHF 5,000 per licence. 
 13. No.  Conditions of licensing 
 14. The authorization to import is valid for one y ear.  It is possible to obtain one extension of 
six months.  15.-17. No.  
Other procedural requirements 
 
18. No.  19. No. 
 
(ii) Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, 
Stockpiling, and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (CWC) 
Outline of systems 
 
1. Imports of chemicals controlled by Schedule 1 of the CWC are subject to an import licence to 
prevent the development, production,  stockpiling and use of chemical weapons.  The State Secretariat 
for Economic Affairs is responsible for examining licence applications. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 
2. The Schedule 1 chemicals that are concerned ar e listed in the Annex to the Ordinance of the 
Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affair s on dual-use chemicals (OCPCh) and reflect the 
commitments undertaken by Switzerland under the CWC.  3. From all countries on a case-by-case basis (non-automatic licensing).  
4. The purpose of the regime is to prevent the development, production, stockpiling and use of 
chemical weapons.  5. Federal Law on the control of goods used for civilian and military purposes and specific 
military goods (RS 946.202) of 13 December 1996 and Ordinance on the control of chemical products 
used for civilian and military purposes (OCPCh RS  946.202.21) of 17 Octobe r 2007.  Switzerland has 
signed the internationally binding CWC and is therefore obliged to comply with the provisions of this Convention.  The products which are subject to this regime are listed in the Annex to the Ordinance of G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 42  
 
  the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affair s on the control of chemical products used for 
civilian and military purposes (OCPCh).  Procedures 
 
6. The aggregate amount of such chemicals at  any time must not exceed one tonne.  Each 
importer has to notify the Government of the total amount of imported Schedule 1 chemicals.  This 
has to be done at the latest 60 days following the end of a calendar year.  7.(a-b) Applications for authorizations must be s ubmitted 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:  http:/www.seco.admin.ch), Division of 
export controls and sanctions, industrial prod ucts, 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. 
 
9. Any person, firm or institution is e ligible to apply for an import licence. 
 Documentational and other require ments for a licence application 
 
10. Applications for import authorizations must contain the name and address of the supplier, the 
importer and applicant, the chemical name and the st ructural formula of the product and the Chemical 
Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number, the quantity, the country of origin, the shipping country, and the scheduled date importation.  The following documents must be presented:  Official application form, invoice, and a detailed description with  regard to the end-use of the chemicals.  An 
undertaking that the chemicals will be used exclusively for resear ch, 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 licensing 
 14. The import authorization is valid for one year .  However, this time-frame can be extended for 
another six-month period. 
 15. No.  16. The licence is valid for one year, with the possibility of a six-month extension. 
 
17. The importer has to notify the Government  of the total amount of imported Schedule 1 
chemicals during the past year.  This has to be done at latest 60 days following the end of a calendar year.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 43 
 
 
  Other procedural requirements 
 
18.-19. No.  
(iii) Weapons, their accessories and ammunition 
Outline of systems 
 
1. The main purpose of entry regulations is to pr event illegal traffic in weapons, integral parts of 
weapons, etc.  The competent author ity for the issue of authorizations is the Central Office for Arms 
attached to the Federal Office of Police (F ederal Department of Justice and Police10). 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 2. All objects which are considered under Swi ss law as weapons, integral parts of weapons, 
specially designed parts of weapons or accessories  to weapons, ammunition and parts of ammunition 
in accordance with Articles 1 to 8 of th e Weapons Ordinance (see point 6 below). 
 3. These provisions apply irrespective of the country from which such goods are entered. 
 4. The main purpose of entry regulations is to pr event illegal traffic in weapons, integral parts of 
weapons, etc. 
 
5. On 12 December 2008, two revisions of the Federal Law on Weapons, Accessories and 
Ammunition (Weapons Act, LArm;  RS 514.54) entere d into force.  The first revision arose from 
adjustments to Schengen, i.e. the implementation in Swiss law of Directive 91/477/EEC on control of 
the acquisition and possession of weapons of the C ouncil of the European Communities.  The second, 
known as a "national" revision, was carried out to re medy the existing gaps in the implementation of 
the 1997 Weapons Act.  Two revisions of the Ordinance on weapons, accessories and ammunition 
(Weapons Ordinance, OArm:  RS 514.541) entered in to force at the same time.  These statutes 
supplement the federal laws on war material a nd on the control of dual-use goods.  Small arms 
(shoulder weapons and handguns), airguns, CO
2 guns, imitation guns, alarm guns and soft air guns, if 
at first sight they resemble genuine firearms, a nd other weapons, such as knives, truncheons, as well 
as integral parts of weapons, accessories and ammun ition, are subject to these provisions.  Some 
goods are subject to both the law on war ma terial and the weapons legislation. 
  The entry licensing procedure is governed by th e legal provisions cited above, in particular 
Articles 24 to 25(a) of the LArm and Articles 34 to 42 of the OArm.  The Weapons Act and the 
Weapons Ordinance stipulate which objects are subj ect to authorization and which annexes must be 
submitted with the application for authorization to  enter weapons.  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 th e Executive may provide for derogations to the 
authorization regime in respect of certain objects a nd certain categories of persons.  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 persons. 
 Procedures 
 6.I Customs authorities supply statistical reports on entries (quantity, commodity value, country 
of consignment). 
                                                      
10 Further information available at:  http://www.f edpol.admin.ch/fedpol/fr/home/themen/sicherheit/ 
waffen.html (in French, Ge rman and Italian only). G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 44  
 
  II. The entry of weapons etc. for non-professiona l purposes is subject to authorization which, 
according to Article 39(2) of the OArm is va lid for six months and may be extended for 
a maximum of three months.  The entry authorization gives entitlement to enter a maximum of three weapons or three integral parts of wea pons at a time within th is period (Article 39(2) 
OArm).  The entry authorization for professiona l purposes is issued as a single authorization 
for the first year.  To obtain the single aut horization, the applicant must attach to the 
application a copy of his/her trading licence.  The authorization is valid for six months and may be extended by no more than three months  (Article 36(3) OArm).  If the holder of the 
single authorization has not been the subject of any challenge or objection regarding his/her activity for one year, he/she may request th at the authorization be made a general 
authorization.  A general authorization is va lid for 12 months and the holder may enter an 
unlimited number of weapons (apa rt from prohibited weapons). 
 III. Anyone wishing to enter weapons for non-pr ofessional purposes under Articles 4 and 5 of the 
LArm must possess an authorization for the intr oduction of such weapons into Swiss territory, 
except in the case of the persons referred to in Articles 40(3) and 42 of the OArm.  In 
addition, persons domiciled abroad and foreign nationals domiciled in Switzerland who do not 
have a residence permit must submit to the comp etent cantonal authority an official certificate 
from their State of domicile or their State of origin authorizing them to purchase a weapon or an integral part of a weapon.  The nationals of certain States referred to in Article 12 of the OArm must be in possession of a special authorization, since in principle the persons 
concerned are prohibited from purchasing weapons. 
  Authorizations issued for entry for non-pro fessional purposes are valid for six months only 
(with the possibility of a three month extension) and give entitlement to enter not more than three weapons etc. at a time within the pe riod specified (Article 39(2) OArm).  After 
expiration of the period specified, a new authori zation may be applied for.  Non-use of an 
authorization has no cumulative effect, that is, unused allocations may not be added to quotas 
for a succeeding period. 
  The names of authorized importe rs are made known on request only. 
 
 The entry authorization for professional purposes is issued as a single authorization for the 
first year.  To obtain the single authorization, the applicant must attach to the application 
a copy of his/her trading licence.  The author ization is valid for six months and may be 
extended by no more than three months (Artic le 36(3) OArm).  If the holder of the single 
authorization has not been the subject of a challenge or objection relating to his/her activity 
for one year, he/she may request that the aut horization be made a ge neral authorization.  
A general authorization is valid for 12 mont hs and gives entitlement to enter an unlimited 
number of weapons (apart from prohibited weapons). 
 IV. As a rule, at least three working days.  
V. The minimum length of time is three days and the maximum may vary according to the 
complexity of the file. 
 VI. After the granting of an authorization, the holder may enter weapons, etc. immediately.  
VII. The Central Office for Arms (Articles 5(5) a nd 25(2) LArm) is the sole agency authorized to 
issue entry authorizations. 
 VIII.-XI.  Not applicable.   G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 45 
 
 
  7.(a) Licence applications must be submitted before entry. 
 (b) They may be granted immediat ely 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 no 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. Articles 5(5) and 25 of the LArm and Artic les 35 and 39-42 of the OArm provide information 
on the conditions for granting an authorization for entry into Swiss territory for non-professional 
purposes.  Articles 5 and 24-24(c) of the LArm and Articles 34 and 36-38 of the OArm provide information on the conditions for granting an aut horization for entry into Swiss territory for 
professional purposes.  Article 30 of the LArm sets  forth the conditions under which a licence may be 
revoked.  The Law on Federal Administrative Pro cedures (PA;  RS 172.021) governs the appeals 
procedure in cases where a licence application has been refused or revoked.  Refusal of an 
authorization is notified by a decision. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 9.(a) Anyone seeking to introduce weapons for non-professional purposes under Articles 4 and 5 of 
the LArm must be in possession of an authoriza tion for entry into Swiss territory, except in 
the case of persons covered by Article 40(3) or  Article 42 of the OArm.  Moreover, persons 
domiciled abroad and foreign na tionals domiciled in Switzerland who do not hold a residence 
permit must submit to the competent cantonal authority an official certificate from their State of domicile or their country of origin authoriz ing them to purchase a weapon or an integral 
part of a weapon.  The nationals of certain States mentioned in Article 12 OArm must be in 
possession of a special authorization, since the persons concerned are in principle prohibited 
from purchasing weapons. 
 (b) Authorizations issued for the entry for non-professional purposes are valid for six months 
only (with the possibility of a three-month extension) and give entitlement to enter 
a maximum of three weapons, etc. at a time within the period specified (Article 39(2) OArm).  
After expiration of the period specified, a new au thorization may be app lied for.  Non-use of 
an authorization has no cumulative effect, that is, unused allocations may not be added to 
quotas for a succeeding period. 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10. Applicants for a licence to enter weapons , etc. for professional purposes are required to 
complete an official form and file it, together w ith a photocopy of the weapons trading licence, to the 
Central Office for Arms (Articles 36-38 OArm).  
 Applicants for a licence to enter weapons et c. for non-professional purposes are required to 
complete an official form and file it with the Cent ral Office for Arms.  The following documents must 
be attached (Article 39 OArm):  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 46  
 
  (a) A copy of the authorization issued by the co mpetent 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 convicti ons 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 domic ile or their country of origin authorizing them 
to purchase a weapon in the case of persons dom iciled abroad or persons not in possession of 
a residence permit. 
  Applicants for a licence to enter prohibite d weapons under Article 5(1) of the LArm and 
Article 35(1) of the OArm for non-professional purposes are required to complete 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 licence 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 authorization (Annex I(k) 
OArm). 
  - CHF 150 for entry for professional purposes under a general authorization 
(Annex I(n) OArm). 
  - CHF 50 for entry for non-professional purposes (Annex I(o) OArm), CHF 20 to 150 
for special authorization for entry into Swiss territory (Annex I(c)(1 8) OArm). 
  - CHF 20 for extensions of author izations (Annex I(l) and (p) OArm). 
 13. Fees up to CHF 1,000 May be charged in a dvance or against reimbursement (Article 57 
OArm).  The law does not require a deposit.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 47 
 
 
  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 we apons, etc. for professional purposes are valid 
for 12 months (Article 37(3) OArm).  Upon expiration, 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(3) 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 th e holder and are not transferable. 
 17. There are no further restrictions. 
 
Other procedural requirements 
 18. No further restrictions.  
19. There is freedom of exchange operations. 
 
XI. EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS AND PYROTECHNIC DEVICES FOR CIVILIAN USE 
Outline of systems 
 
1. The import licensing procedure is needed to gu arantee public safety in Switzerland in the area 
of explosive materials and pyrotechnic devices for civilian use. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 2. Articles 2-7 of the Ordinance define explosiv es and pyrotechnic devices, which are subject to 
import authorization. 
 3. All countries.  4. The import licensing procedure is needed to gu arantee public safety in Switzerland in the area 
in question. 
 
5. The Federal Law on Explosiv e Substances of 25 March 1977 (RS 941.41) and the Ordinance 
on explosive substances of 27 Nove mber 2000 (RS 941.411) 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 
the 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 pr ocedure (e.g. pyrotechnic propellant charges as 
used in air bag units of cars). G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 48  
 
  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 for the licen sing 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 dea lt with by a single administrative organ. 
 8. There are no reasons to refuse an applicati on for a licence other than failure to meet the 
specific criteria.  The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has no right to 
appeal the decision.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 9. Any person, firm or institution is eligible to apply for a licence. 
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
11 
 
10. Only the usual information is required for th e applications:  applicant's name and address;  
type and quantity of the product to be imported and chemical co mposition;  manufacturer's or 
importer's name;  warehouse of destination in Sw itzerland.  (Regarding explosives, information on 
impact and friction sensitivity is also required).  11. Import licence.  12. Depending on the time required to process th e 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.  19. The foreign exchange required to pay for impor ts is automatically provided by the banks.  
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange. 
 
                                                      
11 Further information available at:  http://www.f edpol.admin.ch/fedpol/fr/home.html (in French, 
German, and Italian only).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
 Page 49 
 
 
  XII. NUCLEAR FUEL, DEBRIS AND WASTE 
Outline of systems 
 
1. The purpose of the regime is to establish c ontrol on the origin, nature and destination of 
nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilitie s within the framework of the Non-Proliferation 
Treaty and bilateral cooperation agre ements.  Applications 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. See point 1 above.  3. No restrictions except as provided in the law.  
4. The purpose of the regime is to establish c ontrol on the origin, nature and destination of 
nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilitie s within the framework of the Non-Proliferation 
Treaty and bilateral c ooperation agreements. 
 5. The importation of nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities is subject to an 
authorization regime under the Law on Nuclear Ener gy of 21 March 2003 (LENu;  RS 732.1) and the 
Ordinance of 10 December 2004 on nuclear ener gy (OENu;  RS 732.11).  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 La w on Radiation Protection of 22 March 1991 
(LRaP;  RS 814.50) and the Ordinance on radiation protection of 22 June 1994 (ORaP;  RS 814.501). 
 
 The licensing regime is governed by federal laws, which the Governme nt 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 dele gation of authority to the administration. 
 Procedures 
 
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions). 
 7.(a) The application for import must be subm itted 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 examin ed by the Nuclear Law and Pipeline Transport 
Section of the Federal Energy Office (which h as the authority to grant the licence) and the 
Federal Nuclear Safety Inspector ate (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 instituti ons meeting the requirements set forth in the relevant laws and 
ordinances are eligible to apply for an import licence.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8 
Page 50  
 
  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
10. The information to be provided in a pplications is specified in a model form. 
 11. Import licence, container certificate and validation. 
 
12. The fee is calculated in accordance with the time spent.  13. No.  
Conditions of licensing 
 
14. The import authorization is valid for a ma ximum 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.  
__________