G/LIC/N/3/CHE/11
2 November 2015
(15-5805)  Page: 1/16
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: French
 
  REPLIES TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE ON 
IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 7.3 OF THE AGREEMENT 
ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES (2015) 
SWITZERLAND  
The following communication, dated 20 October 2015, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Switzerland. 
 
_______________ 
 
 
In general terms, Switzerland's import licensing regime, notified in documents G/LIC/N/3/CHE/8, 
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/9 and G/LIC/N/3/CHE/10, remains valid for the year 2015. Minor amendments and 
clarifications have been made to Chapter 1. 
 
1  AGRICULTURAL  PRODUCTS .......................................................................................... 2  
1.1  Equines (A), breeding and produc tion stock and bovi ne semen (B) .................................... 5  
1.2  Animals for slaughter and meat (A), prepared meat products (B) and eggs (C) .................... 6  
1.3  Milk, dairy products and casein ..................................................................................... 8  
1.4  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) ................................................................................................................. ... 9 
1.5  Feed grain and oilseeds .............................................................................................. 11 
1.6  Grain for human consumption: durum wheat (A), common wheat (bread grain) (B), 
coarse grain for human consumption, such as barley, oats and maize (C) and other 
products subject to  licensing (D) ........................................................................................ 12 
1.7  Sugar (A), edible  oils and fats (B) ................................................................................ 14 
1.8  Grapes for pressi ng and grap e juice ............................................................................. 15 
1.9  Wine ........................................................................................................................ 16 
 
 
                                               
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/11 
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  1  AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS2 
Sanitary and phytosanitary aspects of the products dealt with in this Chapter are described in 
greater detail in Chapters II(i) and II(ii). The licensing system with respect to the compulsory holding of reserve stocks of foodstuffs and industrial products is described in Chapter IX. 
 
Horizontal replies  
Where there are no remarks concerning the outlines  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, the collection of those portions of customs duty that are not levied by the Federal Customs Administ ration (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 - PGI): 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, free of charge and for an indefinite duration, is used for statistical purposes. It is also used to ensure collection of those portions of customs duty that are not 
levied by the Federal Customs Administration in the case of compulsory holding of stocks. 
The licensing system to cover the expenses of compulsory stocks is described in Chapter IX. Persons liable to customs controls must state their PGI number on their 
customs declaration. 
(b) Non-automatic licensing governed by conditions set forth in the PGI, for the allocation of 
tariff quota (TQ) shares: This licence is part of an administrative procedure whereby 
importers who meet the relevant legal requirements are authorized to carry out imports 
within the TQ. Quota shares may be transferred among holders of non-automatic licences. 
They are usually allocated for a limited period. The importer is not required to present 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.17). 
 
3. The regulations apply to imports of all goods, whatever their origin.  
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 Administration, particularly in relation to compulsory stocks (see Chapter IX). Non-automatic licences provide for 
the individual allocation of TQ sh ares 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 specific 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). 
 
                                               
2 General information in respect of agricultural products is available at: 
http://www.import.ofag.admin.ch  (in French, German and Italian only). G/LIC/N/3/CHE/11 
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  Procedures 
 6. Non-automatic licensing: This does not apply to TQs which, for other reasons, are not currently 
applied. 
 
I. The administration of TQs for the calendar year 2014 is described in 
Switzerland's notification to the Committee on Agriculture (G/AG/N/CHE/13/Add.16). All 
information concerning TQ utilization (quantities, application 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 tariff
3 indicates, 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 further details is also 
provided. 
 
II. TQs are determined for one year. TQ shares (non-automatic licence) may be allocated for 
shorter periods. The validity of the non-automatic 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 Report to Parliament on Tariff Measures, in the context of the report on external economic po licy, provides the names of importers for the 
preceding year including data on quantities allo cated and the quantities actually imported by 
individual importing companies. This annex to the Report can be viewed on the following website: http://www.blw.admin.ch/themen/ 01423/01498/index.html?lang=fr  (Publication de 
l'attribution des contingents tarifaires ). 
 IV. There is no deadline for the submission of a pplications from the time of opening of the 
quota. 
 V. As a rule, applicants receive a response within 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 body. The importer must obtain a 
licence from the Federal Office for Agriculture (OFAG) (for health aspects see Chapter II(i) 
and (ii)). 
 VIII. For the distribution of TQs by product group, see below (Chapter I(i) to I(iv), I(vi) and I(viii) 
to I(ix)). In principle, each TQ allocation method enables new importers to participate in the 
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 licensing: In view of the time requ ired 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 authority, the Federal Office for Agriculture (OFAG). 
 
                                               
3 http://www.tares.ch . G/LIC/N/3/CHE/11 
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  8. There are no reasons to refuse an application fo r a licence other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme Court. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.(a) Non-automatic licensing: TQ shares are only allocated to individuals, businesses and 
organizations, irrespective of nationality or origin, that: (a) are established on 
Swiss customs territory; (b) import goods in the sector concerned for business purposes4; 
(c) provide guarantees that, where necessa ry, 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 shares if they meet the 
commitments for the allocation of TQs (e.g. purchase of like products directly from other 
producers in Switzerland). In January of each year, the annex to the Report on Tariff 
Measures provides the names of all the importers for the preceding year including data on quantities allocated and the quantities import ed by individual importing companies (see 
point 6.III above). 
 (b) Automatic licensing (PGI): As a rule, any natural or legal person domiciled 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 author ized importers (except those who import within 
the TQs - see point 6.III above). 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Only the usual information is required. Samples of the various application forms are available 
on the following website: http://www.import.ofag.admin.ch . 
 
11. In addition to the number of the automatic li cence and the documents usually required by the 
customs services, certain certificates, such as certificates of origin or sanitary or phytosanitary 
certificates (see Chapter II), are required according to the product.  
12. Automatic licensing: As a general rule, no fees; PGI: Import fees specific to certain batches of 
agricultural products imported via a PGI are listed in Annex 6 to the Ordinance of 26 October 2011 on imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01). For customs clearance by imported batch (batch 
of goods cleared through customs)
5: 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 generally renewable, sometime several times. 
 15. No. 
 
16. Automatic licensing and non-automatic licens ing: The licences are not transferable between 
eligible persons. TQ shares are, however, transferable to eligible persons. 
 
17.(a)  In a certain number of cases, the issue of non-automatic licences is subject to auctioning. 
 
                                               
4 Applicable only for the import of vegetables, fru it and horticultural plants, as well as wine and 
grape juice. 
5 Depending on the product and the method of allocati on of tariff quota shares (according to need, etc.). G/LIC/N/3/CHE/11 
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  (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 imports is automatically provided by the banks. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange.  
Specific replies 
 
1.1  Equines (A), breeding and production stock and bovine semen (B) 
Outline of systems 
 1. See horizontal replies. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  2. Equines (tariff headings: 0101.21, 0101.29, 0101.30 and 0101.90) are no longer subject to 
licensing and may be imported freely until the TQ is used up. Other breeding and production 
animals are subject to automatic licensing, and to non-automatic licensing for imports within the TQs. Since 2014, bovine semen has been subject to automatic licensing alone. All licence holders 
are authorized to import within the TQ. For tariff item numbers within the TQs, see 
Switzerland's notification to the Committee on Agriculture (G/AG/N/CHE/13/Add.16).  
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 31 October 2012 
concerning livestock breeding (RS 916.310). 
 Procedures 
 
6.I. See horizontal replies. In the case of (B) dates and details of breeding cattle auctions 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). Exception for bovine animals: 70% 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% of the TQ is put up for auction each 
April - the licences are valid until the end of the same year (31 December). 
 III. See horizontal replies. 
 
IV. In the case of bovine semen, the deadline for applications in the case of auctions is 
generally set at 30 working days following publ ication. For the other systems, there is no 
time-limit for application, which may take place throughout the year of opening of the TQ. 
 
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. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/11 
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IX.-XI. See horizontal replies.  7.(a)-(d) See horizontal replies. 
 
8. See horizontal replies.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 9. (a)-(b) See horizontal replies.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence 
 10. For breeding animals, the importer is required to provide a copy of the pedigree certificate. In 
the case of non-pure-bred breeding or producti on animals, a written statement justifying the 
animal's use is required.  
11.-13. See horizontal replies. 
 Conditions of licensing  
14. Automatic licensing: see horizontal replies; non-automatic licensing: see point 6.II. 
 15. No, except in the case of TQs for pigs, sheep and goats (for tariff item numbers within the 
TQs, see Switzerland's notification to the Committee on Agriculture (G/AG/N/CHE/13/Add.16)). In 
the case of these TQs, when demand is greater than supply importers that import less than 90% 
of the share allocated to them during the TQ period will be allocated no more than the amount 
they actually imported for the next TQ period. 
 16. See horizontal replies.  
17.(a)  No. 
 (b)  No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19. See horizontal replies. 
 1.2  Animals for slaughter and meat (A), prep ared meat products (B) and eggs (C) 
Outline of systems 
 
1. See horizontal replies. For (C) eggs and egg products, licences are no longer required; general 
authorization until the TQ is used up. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Tariff headings for (A): ex 0101-0104, ex 0201-0207, ex 0209, ex 0210 and ex 1602; for (B): 
ex 0210 and ex 1601-1602; for (C): ex 0407-0408 and ex 3502. All products of (A) and (B) are 
subject to automatic licensing, and to non-automatic licensing for in-quota imports. 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 and meat of bovine, equine, ovine, caprine 
and porcine animals and poultry , and (B) prepared meat products , the specific legal basis is the 
Ordinance of 26 November 2003 concerning the slaughter 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). G/LIC/N/3/CHE/11 
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Procedures  6.I. See horizontal replies. Auction dates and details 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. See horizontal replies.  
IV. For (A) and (B), the deadline for applications involving auctions is generally set at 
30 working days following publication in the case of tariff lines with a one-year TQ period, and six days for the others. 
 
V. See horizontal replies.  
VI. One day. 
 VII. See horizontal replies. Products under (C) are no longer subject to licensing. 
 
VIII. 
(A) TQ distribution in accordance with a contribution to local production (50% for bovine and 
ovine meat, 40% for caprine and equine meat); auctioning (50% for bovine and ovine meat, 
60% for caprine and equine meat, 100% for other products). 
 (B) TQ distribution by auction. 
 
(C) The allocation of TQ shares takes place as needed. The TQ is allocated in chronological order 
of actual imports, upon customs clearance, as  long as the TQ is not exhausted. In other 
words, the TQ is allocated in the order in which the customs declarations are received. The 
volume of imports under the TQ is recorded by the customs authorities, whose website 
continuously provides information on the current TQ fill rate. There is no maximum amount per importer. 
 
IX.-XI. See horizontal replies . 
 
7.(a) One week. Emergency procedure by  telephone, email 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 requirements 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 animals from Switzerland,  animals slaughtered in Switzerland or 
participation in the auction; For (B): applicants have to take part in the auction. 
 
(b) No. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/11 
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Other procedural requirements  18.-19. See horizontal replies. 
 
1.3   Milk, dairy products and casein 
Outline of systems 
 
1. See horizontal replies.  Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 
2. Tariff headings: subchapters 0401-0405 and ex 3501. These products are subject to automatic 
licensing, and to non-automatic licensing as regards imports of certain dairy products (0401.10.10, 
0401.20.10, 0402.21.11, 0402.29.11, 0403.10.91, 0403.90.41, 0403.90.51, 0403.90.91, 
0404.90.81, 0405.10.11, 0405.10.91, 0405.20.11, 0405.20.19 and 0405.90.10) within the TQs. Tariff headings of subchapter 0406 are no longer subject to licensing. 
 
3.-4. See horizontal replies.  5. See horizontal replies. 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.  
 
II. See horizontal replies. Quotas and non-automatic licences are established for one calendar 
year, with the exception of partial tariff quota No. 7.2 for milk powder, which is divided into two bands (the first allows importation throughout the entire quota period; the second, only during the second six months of the quota period). 
 
III. See horizontal replies. 
 
IV. For partial tariff quotas No. 7.2 (milk powder) and No. 7.4 (butter), the deadline for 
applications in the case of auctions is generally set at 14 working days following publication. 
 
V. See horizontal replies. 
 VI. At least three to five days. 
 
VII. See horizontal replies. 
 VIII. The distribution of partial tariff quotas takes place as follows: 
- Partial tariff quota No. 7.2, milk powder, and partial tariff quota No. 7.4, butter: by 
auction; 
- partial tariff quota No. 7.3, various dairy products: 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 procedure by  telephone, email or fax possible. 
 
(b)-(d)  See horizontal replies. 
 8. See horizontal replies. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  9. See horizontal replies. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/11 
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Documentational and other requirements 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. No, except in the case of partial TQ No. 7.3 (various dairy products). In the case of this partial TQ, when demand is greater than supply importers that import less than 90% of the share 
allocated to them during the TQ period will be allocated no more than the amount they actually 
imported for the next TQ period.  
16. See horizontal replies.  
 17.(a) Applicants for partial TQs Nos. 7.2 and 7.4 have to take part in the auction. 
 
(b) No.  Other procedural requirements 
 
18.-19. See horizontal replies.  
1.4  Fresh fruit and vegetables (A), fruit for cide r 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, ex 0709.70, 0709.91 and 
ex 0709.99) and fresh fruit (ex 0808.10, ex 0808.30, ex 0808.40, ex 0809.10, ex 0809.21, ex 0809.29, ex 0809.40, ex 0810.10, ex 0810.20 and ex 0810.30) are subject 
to: (a) automatic licensing and (b) non-automatic licensing as regards imports within the 
TQs over a period ranging from 6 to 50 weeks according to the product; 
 (B) Fruit for cider (ex 0808.10 and ex 0808.30) and seed fruit products (2009.71, ex 2009.79, 
ex 2009.89, ex 2009.90, ex 2202.90 and 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 and 
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 and ex 0710.90) are 
subject to: (a) automatic licensing and (b) non-automatic licensing as regards imports within the TQs; 
 
(E) Potatoes including seed potatoes and potato products are subject to: (a) automatic 
licensing and (b) non-automatic licensing as regards imports within the TQs (tariff 
headings: 0701.10.10, 0701.90.10, 0710.10.10, 0710.90.21, 0712.90.21, 1105.10.11, 
1105.20.11, 2001.90.31, 2004.10.12, 2004.10.13, 2004.10.92, 2004.10.93, 2004.90.28, 2004.90.51, 2005.20.21, 2005.20.22, 2005.20.92, 2005.20.93, 2005.99.21 and 2005.99.51); G/LIC/N/3/CHE/11 
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(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 and export of vegetables, 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.  
 
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 and seed fruit products are 
issued for a maximum period of 12 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. Non-automatic lic ences are issued for 12 months maximum. 
 
III. See horizontal replies.  
IV. (A) and (C) With respect to non-automatic licences granted according to previous imports by 
the applicant, the Federal Office for Agricu lture (OFAG) sends the new licence 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 submitted throughout the year of 
opening of the TQ. Licences are issued primar ily on the basis of the applicants' previous 
imports. 
(B)  The deadline for applications in the case of auctions is generally set at 30 working days 
following publication. 
(D)  The OFAG sends the new licences to the importers before the beginning of the TQ period. 
(E)  With respect to non-automatic licences granted according to previous purchases of 
Swiss products, the OFAG sends the new licence  to the importers before the beginning of 
the TQ period. For potato products, the deadline for applications in the case of auctions is generally set at 30 working days following publ ication. For the other systems, there is no 
time-limit for application, which may take place 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 are issued according to previous imports by the 
applicant. For certain products, allocations are 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 combin ation of two criteria: previous imports by the 
applicant, and purchase of local goods by the applicant. 
(E)
  Licences for fresh potatoes are issued in accordance with a contribution to local production. 
Licences for potato products are allocated by auction. 
 
IX.-XI. See horizontal replies. 
 7.(a) See horizontal replies. No time-limit. Emergency procedure by telephone, email or fax 
possible. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/11 
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  (b)-(d)  See horizontal replies. 
 8. See horizontal replies.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 9. See horizontal replies. 
 
Documentational and other requirements 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 purcha se of like products from Switzerland. 
 (b) No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19. See horizontal replies. 
 1.5  Feed grain and oilseeds 
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). 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Tariff headings are listed in Annex 1 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 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 energy-rich and prot ein-rich foods for use in animal feed (Ordinance 
on compulsory cereal stocks, RS 531.215.17). 
 
Procedures  6. Not applicable . G/LIC/N/3/CHE/11 
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7.(a) See horizontal replies. No time-limit. Emergency procedure by telephone, email or fax 
possible. 
 
(b)-(c) See horizontal replies. 
 (d) Automatic licences for goods subject to guarantee 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 requirements 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 compulsory reserve stocks and, where applicable, 
conclusion of a contract providing for the establishment of a compulsory reserve stock (see Chapter IX). 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19. See horizontal replies. 
 1.6  Grain for human consumption: durum wheat (A), common wheat (bread grain) (B), 
coarse grain for human consumption, such as barley, oats and maize (C) and other 
products subject to licensing (D) 
Outline of systems 
 
1. See horizontal replies. The licensing system is administered by Réservesuisse  (see Chapter IX) 
for goods subject to contributions to the guarante e fund or to the supplementary reserve stocks. 
The OFAG grants licences for other products. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  2. In-quota imports are subject to automatic licensing, except for bread grain (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 bread grain, the TQ is allocated in stages according to need (allocation in the 
order in which the customs declarations are received). Products falling under (D) are subject to 
automatic licensing alone.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/11 
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  Tariff headings: 
 (A) 1001.19.21; 
(B) 1001.99.21, 1002.90.21, 1007.90.21, 1008.10.21, 1008.29.21, 1008.50.21, 1008.40.21, 
1008.60.31 and 1008.90.23; 
(C) 1003.90.41, 1004.90.21 and 1005.90.21; 
(D) 1107.10.12, 1107.20.12, ex 1205.10.39, ex 1205.10.69, ex 1205.90.39 and ex 1205.90.69. 
 
3.-4. See horizontal replies.  5. See horizontal replies. The specific legal 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  manufacture at least 64% of milled products. 
The 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% of the fine semolina should be used for the manufacture of pasta products. For (C), the right to import is restricted to millers with 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. 
 
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 (allocation in the order in which the customs 
declarations are received). 
 
IX.-XI. See horizontal replies.  7.(a) See horizontal replies. Emergency procedure by telephone, email 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 requirements 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/11 
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  (b) Participation in the cost of establishing the compulsory reserve stock and, where 
appropriate, conclusion of a contract prov iding for the establishment of a compulsory 
reserve stock (see Chapter IX). 
 
Other procedural requirements 
 18.-19. See horizontal replies. 
 
1.7  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 Office for National Economic Supply (see Chapter IX).  
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 2. The import of products governed by the market  regulations concerning sugar and oils and fats 
for human consumption is subject to automatic licensing. 
 (A)  Tariff headings: 1701.12.00, 1701.13.00, 1701.14.00, 1701.99.99, 1702.90.19, 
1702.90.22, 1702.90.32 and 1702.90.33. 
 
(B)  Tariff headings (oils and fats for human consumption in Chapter 15 and germ of cereals for 
the manufacture of fats or oils in Chapter 11): 
1104.30.11, 1104.30.12, 1104.30.21, 1104.30.39, 1501.10.91, 1501.10.99, 1501.20.91, 
1501.20.99, 1501.90.91, 1501.90.99, 1502.10.91, 1502.10.99, 1502.90.91, 1502.90.99, 1503.00.91, 1503.00.99, 1504.10.98, 1504.10.99, 1504.20.91, 1504.20.99, 1504.30.91, 
1504.30.99, 1506.00.91, 1506.00.99, 1507.10.90, 1507.90.18, 1507.90.19, 1507.90.98, 
1507.90.99, 1508.10.90, 1508.90.18, 1508.90.19, 1508.90.98, 1508.90.99, 1509.10.91, 1509.10.99, 1509.90.91, 1509.90.99, 1510.00.91, 1510.00.99, 1511.10.90, 1511.90.18, 1511.90.19, 1511.90.98, 1511.90.99, 1512.11.90, 1512.19.18, 1512.19.19, 1512.19.98, 
1512.19.99, 1512.21.90, 1512.29.91, 1512.29.99, 1513.11.90, 1513.19.18, 1513.19.19, 
1513.19.98, 1513.19.99, 1513.21.90, 1513.29.18, 1513.29.19, 1513.29.98, 1513.29.99, 1514.11.90, 1514.19.91, 1514.19.99, 1514.91.90, 1514.99.91, 1514.99.99, 1515.11.90, 
1515.19.91, 1515.19.99, 1515.21.90, 1515.29.91, 1515.29.99, 1515.30.91, 1515.30.99, 
1515.50.19, 1515.50.91, 1515.50.99, 1515.90.13, 1515.90.18, 1515.90.19, 1515.90.28, 1515.90.29, 1515.90.38, 1515.90.39, 1515.90.98, 1515.90.99, 1516.10.91, 1516.10.99, 
1516.20.93, 1516.20.98, 1517.10.63, 1517.10.68, 1517.10.73, 1517.10.78, 1517.10.83, 
1517.10.88, 1517.10.93, 1517.10.98, 1517.90.63, 1517.90.68, 1517.90.71, 1517.90.79, 1517.90.81, 1517.90.89, 1517.90.91 and 1517.90.99. 
 
3.-4. See horizontal replies. 
 5. See horizontal replies. 
 
(A) The specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 6 July 1983 on compulsory stockpiling of sugar 
(RS 531.215.11). 
 
(B) The specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 6 July 1983 on compulsory stockpiling of edible 
oils and fats, as well as their raw materials and semi-processed products (RS 531.215.13). 
 
Procedures 
 6. Not applicable. 
 
7.(a)-(c) See horizontal replies.  
(d) Only Réservesuisse  has the authority to issue licences. 
 8. See horizontal replies.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/11 
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  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 9. See horizontal replies.  
Documentational and other requirements 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 establishment of a compulsory reserve stock (see Chapter IX). 
 
Other procedural requirements  18.-19. See horizontal replies. 
 
1.8  Grapes for pressing and grape juice 
Outline of systems 
 
1. See horizontal replies. The TQ is not administered. These products are covered by the automatic licensing regime. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  2. Grapes for pressing (tariff headings: 0806.10.21 and 0806.10.29) and grape juice (2009.61.11, 
2009.61.19, 2009.61.22, 2009.61.29, 2009.69.10, 2009.69.90, 2202.90.18, 2202.9019, 
2202.90.41 and 2202.90.49) and fruit juices containing grape juice (2009.90.30, 2009.90.69 and 2009.90.99) are subject to automatic licensing alone. 
 
3.-4. See horizontal replies.  
5. See horizontal replies. The specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 26 October 2011 on imports 
of agricultural products (RS 916.01) and the Ordinance of 14 November 2007 on viticulture 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 eligible  to market the products in question, the importers 
have to be listed in the commercial register and must make themselves known to the control 
authority before they begin their commercial activities. 
 Documentational and other requirements for application for licence 
 
10.-13. See horizontal replies.  
Conditions of licensing 
 14.-16. See horizontal replies.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/11 
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  17.(a) Not applicable. 
 (b) No.  
Other procedural requirements 
 18.-19. See horizontal replies. 
 
1.9  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: 2204.21.29, 2204.21.39, 2204.21.49, 2204.29.29 and 2204.29.39) and quota-free imports (2204.29.41 and 
2204.29.42), and to non-automatic licensing as regards in-TQ imports (tariff headings: 
2204.21.21, 2204.21.31, 2204.21.41, 2204.29.21, 2204.29.22, 2204.29.31 and 2204.29.32).  3.-4. See horizontal replies. 
 
5. See horizontal replies. The specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 26 October 2011 on imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01) and the Ordinance of 14 November 2007 on viticulture and 
the importation of wine (RS 916.140). 
 Procedures 
 
6. I-VII. See horizontal replies.  
 
VIII. The allocation of TQ shares takes place as needed (allocation in the order in which the 
customs declarations are received). 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.-8. See horizontal replies. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. See horizontal replies. In order to be eligible to market the products in question, importers have 
to be listed in the commercial register and have to make themselves known to the control authority before they begin their commercial activities. 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence 
10.-13. See horizontal replies. Conditions of licensing 14.-16. See horizontal replies. 17.(a) No. (b) No. Other procedural requirements 18.-19. See horizontal replies. 
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