G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
22 September  2017 
(17-5039) Page: 1/45 
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 (201 7) 
SWITZERLAND  
The following communication, dated 19 September  2017, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Switzerland . 
 
_______________  
 
 
In general terms, Switzerland's import licensing regime, notified in document  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/ 12, 
remains valid for 2017. The amendments for  2017 are shown in bold typeface . 
 
 
 
                                                
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  Table of contents  
1  AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT S ................................ ................................ ..........................  3 
1.1  Equines (A), breeding and production stock and bovine semen  (B) ................................ ..... 6 
1.2  Animals for slaughter and meat (A), prepared meat products (B) and eggs (C)  ....................  7 
1.3  Milk, dairy products and casein  ................................ ................................ ......................  9 
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)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  10 
1.5  Feed grain and oilsee ds ................................ ................................ ...............................  12 
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)  ................................ ................................ .........................  13 
1.7  Sugar (A), edible oils and fats (B) ................................ ................................ .................  15 
1.8  Grapes for pressing and grape juice  ................................ ................................ ..............  16 
1.9  Wine ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  17 
2  SANITARY AND PHYTOSA NITARY MEASURES  ................................ .............................  18 
2.1  Import, transit and export of animals and animal products  ................................ ..............  18 
2.2  Plants and plant products  ................................ ................................ ............................  20 
2.3  Protection of forest plants  ................................ ................................ ............................  22 
3  CONVENTION ON INTERN ATIONAL TRADE IN END ANGERED SPECIES OF W ILD 
FLORA AND FAUNA (CIT ES) ................................ ................................ ...........................  24 
3.1  Animals  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  24 
3.2  Plants and plant products  ................................ ................................ ............................  26 
4  FOREST REPRODUCTIVE MATERIAL  ................................ ................................ ............  27 
5  TRANSPLANTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  28 
6  BLOOD, BLOOD PRODUCT S AND IMMUNOLOGICAL PRODUCTS  ................................ .. 29 
7  NARCOTIC DRUGS, PSYC HOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AND PRECURSORS USED 
AND MARKETED FOR LEG AL PURPOSES  ................................ ................................ ..........  31 
8  ETHANOL  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  33 
9  GOODS OF VITAL AGRICULTURAL AND IND USTRIAL IMPORTANCE S UBJECT 
TO COMPULSORY STOCKP ILING  ................................ ................................ .....................  34 
10  WAR MATERIAL, WEAPON S ................................ ................................ ......................  36 
10.1  War material  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  36 
10.2  Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, 
Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (CW C) ..............  37 
10.3  Weapons, their accessories and ammunition  ................................ ................................  39 
11  EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS AND PYROTECHNIC DEVI CES FOR CIVILIAN USE  ...............  42 
12  NUCLEAR FUEL, DEBRIS  AND WASTE  ................................ ................................ ....... 43 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  1  AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT S2 
The s anitary 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 system  
1. The licensing systems for agricultural products are essentially governed by the Federal Law 
on Agriculture of 29  April 1998, which enter ed into force on 1  January  1999 (RS 910.1), and the 
Ordinance on imports of agricultural products of 2 6 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 Administration (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 indefin ite 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, th e agricultural prod ucts 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, se e 
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 shares and the control of  their utilization ; they restrict the quantity 
of imports . 
 
5. Legal bases : The Federal Law on Agriculture (RS 910.1, Article 24) , and the Ordinance on 
imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01, Article 1) . For specific p rocedures, 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 Systematic Compendium of F ederal 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/13  
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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 2016 is described in 
Switzerland's  notification to the Committee on Agriculture ( G/AG/N/CHE/13/ Add.1 8). All 
information concerning TQ utilization (quantities, application procedures for licences, 
exceptions, exemptions, etc.) is set forth in the specific ordin ances published in the RO 
and RS (see Chapters I(i) to I(iv), I(vi) and I(viii) to I(ix)) . The customs tariff3 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 Federal Council  Report on Tariff Measures, in the 
context of the report on external economic policy, provides the names of importers for the 
preceding year including data on quantities allocated and the quantities actually imported 
by individual importing companies . This annex to the Report can be viewed online at 
http://www.import.ofag.admin.ch , following the link  Publication de l'attribution 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 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 allo cated . 
 
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 ar e 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 required 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 Offic e for Agriculture (OFAG) . 
 
                                                
3 http://www.tares.ch . G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  8. There are no reasons to refuse a licence application other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria . The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal 
the decision to the Federal Admini strative 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 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 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 imported by individual importing companies 
(see point 6.III above ). 
 
(b) Autom atic licensing (PGI ): As a rule, any natural or legal person domiciled in Switzerland 
or Liechtenstein  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 (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 licence and the documents usually re quired 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 ; general import permit (permis général 
d'importation, P GI): import fees specific to certain batches of agricultural products imported via 
a PGI are listed in Annex 6 to the Ordinance of 2 6 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 licensing : 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 a uctioning . 
 
                                                
4 Applicable only for the import of vegetables, fruit and horticultural plants, a s well as wine and grape 
juice.  
5 Depending on the product and the method of allocation of tariff quota shares (according to need, etc.).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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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 fore ign 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 system  
1. See horizontal replies . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Breeding and production  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 PGI holders are authorized to import within the TQ . For tariff item numbers 
within the T Qs, see Switzerland's  notification to the Committee on Agriculture 
(G/AG/N/CHE/13/ Add.1 8). 
 
3.-4. See horizontal replies . 
 
5. See horizontal replies . The specific legal basis for (A) is the Ordinance of 2 6 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) . 
TQ shares  for (A) – equines – are allocated in order of receipt of the customs 
declarations. The TQ is released in two stages and for a limited period of time 
(1st stage: 3,000  animals from 1  January to 31 December; 2nd stage: 822 animals 
from 1  October to 31 December). For  (B) – bovine semen – the TQ has not been 
administered since 2014 (see reply 2 above). The TQs for breeding and production 
animals are 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 th e next calendar year (1  January to 
31 December) ; the remaining 30 % of the TQ is put up for auction each April  - the licences 
are valid until the end of the sa me 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 publication . For the other systems, there is no 
time-limit for application, which may take place throughout the year of opening of the TQ . 
For the bovine semen TQ there is only an automatic licence with no time -limit.  
 
V. See horizontal replies . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  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 . As the TQ for bovine semen is not administered, these imports are not 
limited.  
 
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 . 
 
(b) See horizontal replies . 
 
Documentational and other requirements f or 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 production 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.1 8)). 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), prepared meat products (B) and eggs  (C) 
Outline of system  
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) G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  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 l egal 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 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 distributi on 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 repl ies. 
 
7.(a) One week . Emergency procedure by telephone  or email  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 . G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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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. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19. See horizontal replies . 
 
1.3  Milk, dairy products and casein  
Outline of system  
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 subchap ter 0406 are no longer subject to licensing . 
 
3.-4. See horizontal replies . 
 
5. See horizontal replies . The specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 2 6 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 quo ta 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 a t 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 ; G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  - 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 or  email  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. 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 (vari ous 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 cider and fruit products (B), cut flowers (C), 
frozen vegetables (D), potatoes (including seed potatoes) and potato products (E), fruit 
seedlings  (F) 
Outline of system  
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 peri od ranging from six 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 2202.9 9 and ex  2206.00) are subject to : (a) automatic 
licensing and (b) non -automatic licensing as regards imports within the TQs ; G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  (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  automatic licensing from 1  May to 25  October ; 
(D) Frozen vegetables (0710.21, ex 0710.22, ex 07 10.30, 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) ; 
(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 b asis 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 2 6 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 . As from 
1 January  2017, the TQ is no longer allocated and only automatic licensing is 
maintained.  
(D)  and (E) See horizontal replies . Non-automatic licences are issued for a maximum of 
12 month s. 
 
III. See horizontal replies . 
 
IV. 
(A)  With respect to non -automatic licences granted according to previous imports by the 
applicant, the  Federal Office for Agriculture  (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  primarily 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 . 
(C) As from 1 January 2017, the TQ is no longer allocated and only automatic licensing 
is maintained.  
(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 
domestic  products  in the case of fresh potatoes , 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 publication . 
 
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 . G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 12 - 
  (C)  As from 1 January 2017, the TQ is no longer allocated and only automatic licensing 
is maintained. Imports are no longer limited . 
(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 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  or email  
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 : 
(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 from three months to one year according to the 
system of allocation in force . 
(C)  As from 1 January 2017, the TQ is no longer allocated and only automatic 
licensing is maintained . 
(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 . 
 
1.5  Feed grain and oilseeds  
Outline of system  
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 2 6 October  2011 on imports of 
agricultural products (RS 916.01) . The import of products governed by market regulatio ns 
concerning feed grain and oilseeds for feed is subject to automatic licensing . G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 13 - 
   
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 2 6 October  2011 on 
imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01) and the Ordinance of 10 May 2017  on 
compulsory stockpiling of foods and fodder  (RS 531.215.11) . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable . 
 
7.(a) See horizontal replies . No time -limit. Emergency procedure by telephone  or email  
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 system  
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 . G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 14 - 
   
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 (alloca tion in the 
order in which the customs declarations are received) . Products falling under (D) are subject to 
automatic licensing alone . 
 
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 2 6 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 cale ndar 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 course of a calendar quarter an average of at 
least 96 % of the fine semolina should be used for the manufacture of pasta products . 
(C) with regard to coarse grains imported at the quota rate, at least 15% of edible 
oats and barley and at least 45% of edible maize (calculated as a calendar year 
average), must be u sed for human consumption.  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 . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 15 - 
  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. 
 
(b) Participation in the cost 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 re plies. 
 
1.7  Sugar (A), edible oils and fats  (B) 
Outline of system  
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, 1701.99.9 9, 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,  1501.10.9 1, 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, 1 507.90.19, 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, 1514.99.9 9, 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, 1 516.10.99, 
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) and (B)  The specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 10 June 2017 on compulsory 
stockpiling of foods and fodder (RS 531.215.11 ). G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 16 - 
   
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 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 r eplies . 
 
1.8  Grapes for pressing and grape juice  
Outline of system  
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, 2202.9 9.11, 
2202.9 919, 2202.9 9.41 and 2202.9 9.49) 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 2 6 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 . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 17 - 
  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 . 
 
17.(a) Not applicable . 
 
(b) No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19. See horizontal replies . 
 
1.9  Wine  
Outline of system  
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, 2204.2 2.29, 2204.2 2.39, 2204.29.28 and 2204.29.38 ) 
and quota -free imports ( 2204.2 2.41 and 2204.2 2.42, 2204.29.43 and 2204.29.44 ), and to 
non-automatic licensing as regards in -TQ imports (tariff  headings : 2204.21.21, 2204.21.31, 
2204.21.41, 2204.2 2.21, 2204.2 2.22, 2204.2 2.31 and 2204.2 2.32, 2204.29.23, 
2204.29.24, 2204.29.33 and 2204.29.34 ). 
 
3.-4. See horizontal replies . 
 
5. See horizontal repl ies. The specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 2 6 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 . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 18 - 
  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 . 
 
2  SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES  
2.1  Import, transit and export of animals and animal products  
Outline of system  
1. The purpose of sanitary measures is to prevent the introduction of epizootics and goods that 
present a health risk . As a rule, these measures also apply to re -importation and transit . The 
Federal Office for Food Security and Veterinary Affairs  (OSAV) is responsible for issuing the 
authorizations laid down by veterinary law6 for the importa tion of animals and goods . For the 
importation of animals and animal products covered by the Convention on International Trade in 
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), see also Chapter III(i) below . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. List of products  falling under the Ordinance on the import, transit and export of animals and 
animal products (OITE) : 
 
In the case of products from the EU, Norway or Iceland, an authorization is required for : 
 
- The impor tation or re -importation of animals 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 par ticular 
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 countries, an authorization is required for : 
 
-  Non-commercial samples and laboratory samples that do not fulfil the conditions laid down 
in Article  12 of the  Ordinance on import, transit and export trade in animals and animal 
products with third countries  (OITE -PT); 
-  dogs, cats and ferrets from count ries where urban rabies cannot be ruled out (countries not 
included in Annex  3 to the Ordinance on the import, transit and export of pets ( OITE-AC)) 
and imported directly by air into Switzerland . 
 
3. See point 2 above . 
 
4. No restrictions . For purpose, see  point 1 above . 
 
                                                
6 Available at: https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/fr/home/import -und-export/rechts -und-
vollzugsgrundlagen/gesetzgebung.html  (in French, German and Italian only).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 19 - 
  5. Veterinary l egislation7 governing  the importation of animals and goods (Article  7 of the 
Ordinance of 18 November  2015 on import, transit and export trade in animals and animal 
products with the EU m ember States , Iceland and  Norway  [OITE -UE; RS 916.443.11 ], the 
Ordinance of 18 November  2015 on import, transit and export trade in animals and animal 
products with third countries [OITE -PT; RS 916.443.10 ], and Article 14 of the Ordinance of 
28 November  2014 on the import, transit and export of pets [OITE -AC; RS 916.443.14 ]). These 
authorizations are police authorizations issued in accordance with the Law on Epizootics of 
1 July 1966 (LFE ; RS 916.40 ). It is not possible either to make the regime more flexible or to 
modify the legal bases . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions ). 
 
7.(a) It is recommended that applications should be submitted at least three weeks in advance of 
importation . 
 
(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 generally regulated so that the applicant needs to 
approach only two services (OSAV  and OFAG).  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse a licence application other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria . The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal 
the decision to the Federal Administrative 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 requirements for application for licence  
10. Please refer to the following websites : 
 
-  For laboratory samples and non -commercial samples : 
https://www2.blv.admin.ch/fr/import_filt er/pdf?country_group%5B%5D=countrygroup_dritt
staaten&category%5B%5D=cat_tp&supergroup%5B%5D=Og -
tierische_nebenprodukte&group%5B%5D=Og -mustersendungen_laborproben ; 
-  for dogs, cats and ferrets : https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/en/home/tiere/reisen -
mit-heimtieren/hunde -katzen -und-frettchen.html . 
 
11. Import licence (or, if possible, accreditation as a professional importer ), supplementary data 
sheet, as appropriate . 
 
12. A fee of  CHF 40 has been charged since 1 January  2015 for issuing an authorization  for 
dogs, cats and ferrets , and for issuing an authorization  for laboratory samples and non -commercial 
samples  if the batch is not subject to  veterinary  border control.  
 
13. As a rule, no . 
 
                                                
7 Available at: https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/fr/home/import -und-export/rechts -und-
vollzugsgrundlagen/gesetzgebung.html  (in French, German and Italian only) . G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 20 - 
  Conditions of licensing  
14. In the case of dogs, cats and ferrets : until the end 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 individual authorization or annual 
authorization . Import permits for protected  species are valid for three months ; professional 
importer  accreditations are valid for two years . 
 
15. No. 
 
16. The licences are not transferable between eligible persons . 
 
17.(a) Not applicable . 
 
(b) No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Sometimes . Subject to cantonal authorizations required by veterinary law and the laws on 
foodstuffs . 
 
19. The foreign exchange required to pay for imports can be provided by any commercial bank 
in Switzerland and there are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force . 
 
2.2  Plants and plant products  
Outline of system  
1. The purpose of phytosanitary measures is to prevent the introduction and propagati on of 
pests and diseases which are particularly dangerous within the meaning of the Ordinance on plant 
protection ("quarantine organisms") . The importation of plants and plant products, where not 
prohibited because of the phytosanitary risk they present (r isk 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 ent ered in an official register managed 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 appli cable to the importation of plants, plant products and other 
items include , on the one hand,  the prohibition of imports  and, on the other, the phytosanitary 
certification regime  in accordance with the procedures set out  in the International Plant Protection 
Convention (IPPC). Dispensation may be granted in the case of goods the import of which is 
prohibited or which cannot  meet the mandatory phytosanitary requirements for obtaining a 
phytosanitary certificate . Dispensation is granted solely in the case of goods that are imported for 
research, selection, multiplication or diagnostic purposes, provided that the conditions for their 
intended use make it possible to rule out the propagation of particularly dangerous pests and 
diseases . 
 
The products in question are essentially those 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 ro ots and tubers ); 
- 10 (cereals ); 
- 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits ; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit ; industrial or 
medicinal plants ; straw and fodder ). 
 
3. The phytosanitary certification regime applies to all plants for planting, irrespective of  origin , 
with the exception of those  from the European Union (EU) . Plants other than those for planting , 
plant products and products  originating in countries oth er than t he EU m ember States, as  set out 
in Part B of Annex 5 to the Ordinance on plant protect ion (for reference see point 5), are also G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 21 - 
  subject to the phytosanitary certification regime . The import prohibition concerns the goods set 
out in Parts A and B of Annex 3 to the Ordinance on plant protection , originating in countries 
where the phytosanitary 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.  potatoes), prohibition 
extends to all countries other than member countries of the European a nd 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 oth er items are frequently revised according to the phytosanitary situation in  
Switzerland (information  on the current situation is available online at  http://www.servicephyto.ch , 
following the link  Protection phytos anitaire dans le domaine de l 'agriculture et de l 'horticulture 
productrice ). 
 
5. Legal bases : The Law on Agricult ure of 29  April 1998 (RS 910.1) , and the Ordinance of the 
Federal Council  of 27  October  2010 on plant protection (RS 916.20) . The Ordinance on plant 
protection establishes which items are subject to the different regimes . The OFAG may issue an 
ordinance  adopting  measures in the event of the appearance  of a new pest or disease  that could 
prove  particularly dangerous , or if the  phytosanitary situation in a country  worsens as a result of  a 
particularly dangerous pest or disease  and the importation of certain goods originating in that 
country  would incur an increased phytosanitary risk for Switzerland  pending clarification of the 
potential damage by th is pest or disease . The Federal Council  has the authority under the law to 
decide on the items that are subject to the regimes described in point  2. The OFAG also has the 
statutory authority to adopt urgent and temporary measures . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no restrictions ). 
 
7.(a) Imports of goods under the phytosanitary certification regime must be notified  to the 
Federal Phytosanitary Service at the OFAG at least one working day  in advance  of their 
arrival in Switzerland . Applications 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 gua rantee 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 u nder point  2 is not granted if the 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 . 
 
(b)  All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence provided they 
are domiciled in Switzerland . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. 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 phytosanitary certificate  and, where appropriate, the licence (authorization for goods for 
which dispensation has been granted) . The phytosanitary certificate must not have  been issued 
more than fourteen  days before the date on which  the goods left the country of dispatch . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 22 - 
  12. A fee of CHF 50 is charged for issuing a licence (official import authorization letter ). 
 
13. No. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity  of an import licence issued as a result of dispensation is limited 
according to the type of goods being imported . Extensions are granted 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 phytosanitary certification regime or for which dispensation 
(licence) has been granted are controlled by the Federal  Phytosanitary Service upon import . The 
Phytosanitary Service is the  OFAG's federal  control body in the field of plant protection . Upon 
import control , 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 imports can be provided by any commercial bank 
in Switzerland and there are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force . 
 
2.3  Protection of forest plants  
Outline of system  
1. The phytosanitary provisions governing the import of forest plants help to avert the 
accidental introduction of pes ts and diseases which could threaten Swiss forestry . The OFEV's 
Forestry Division is responsible for issuing the authorizations required by the regulations governing 
the phytosanitary protection of forest plants . The purpose of these measures remains above  all to 
ensure the use of healthy forest plants . 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Phytosanitary measures applicable to the importation of forest plants , forest plant produ cts 
and other items include, on the one hand,  the prohibition of imports  and, on the other, the 
phytosanitary certification regime  in accordance with the procedures set out in the International 
Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) . Dispensation may be granted in the case of goods the import 
of which is prohibited or which cannot  meet the mandatory phytosanitary requirements for 
obtaining a phytosanitary certificate . Dispensation is granted solely in the case of goods that are 
imported for research, selection, multiplication or diagnostic purposes, provided that the conditions 
for their intended use make it possible to rule out the propagation of particularly dangerous pests 
and diseases.  
 
The products in question are essentially those listed under the following customs tariff chapters : 
 
- 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 phytosanitary certification regime applies to all plants for planting  belonging to the  
genera set out in Annex 11 to the Ordinance on plant protection , irrespective of their  origin , with 
the exception of those  from the European Union (EU) . Plants other than those for planting  and 
plant products originating in countries other than the EU m ember States , as set out in Part B of G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 23 - 
  Annex 5  to the Ordinance on plant protection  (for reference see point 5), are also subject to the 
phytosanitary certification regime . The import prohibition concern s the goods set out in Parts A 
and B of Annex  3 to the Ordinance on plant protection  (for reference see point 5) and specific 
goods originating in  countries where the phytosanitary situation is such that the goods present a 
clear risk of introducing pests and diseases of particular danger to Swi tzerland . For certain goods 
(e.g. plants of specific  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 (quaranti ne organisms) affecting forest 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.servicephyto.ch , 
following the link  Protection phytosanitaire dans le domaine des végétaux forestiers et des produits 
à base de bois  – OFEV Protection des forêts > Emballage en bois NIMP 15 ).  
 
5. Legal bases : The Federal Law on Forests of 4  October  1991 (LFo ; RS 921.0) , and the 
Ordinance of  27 October  2010 on plant protection (RS 916.20) . The items subject to the various  
regimes are set forth in the Ordinance on plant protection  (Annex  3 and Annex  5, Part  B). The 
Federal Council has the authority under the law to decide on the items that are subject to the 
regimes described in point 2 above . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (no restrictions ). 
 
7.(a) Imports of goods under the phytosanitary certification regime  must be notified  to the 
Federal Phytosanitary Service 24 hours in advance . Applications 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 men tioned 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 may be 
addressed to the Federal Phytosanitary Service , which forward them to  the OFEV . 
 
8. Dispensation as defined under point 2 is not granted if the phytosanitary risks are too high . 
The applicant has a right of appeal . Rejections are notified in writing . 
 
Eligibility of im porters 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 domiciled in Switzerland . 
 
Documentational and other requirements 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/index.html?lang=fr , following the link 
autorisa tion obligatoire ). 
 
11. The phytosanitary certificate  and, where appropriate, the licence (authorization for goods for 
which dispensation has been granted) . The phytosanitary certificate  must not have been issued 
more than fourteen days before the date on which  the goods left the country of dispatch . 
 
12. A fee of CHF 50 is charged for issuing a licence (official import authorization letter ). 
 
13. No. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 24 - 
   
Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity of an import licence issued as a result of dispensation  is limited 
according to the type of goods being imported . Extensions are granted 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 phytosanita ry certification regime or for which dispensation 
(licence) has been granted are controlled by the Federal  Phytosanitary Service upon import . The 
Federal  Phytosanitary Service is the  control body of both the OFAG  and the OFEV  in the field of 
plant protection . Upon import control , 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 imports can be provided  by any commercial bank 
in Switzerland and there are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force . 
 
3  CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FLORA 
AND FAUNA (CITES)  
3.1  Animals  
Outline of system  
1. The Federal Office for Food Security an d Veterinary Affairs  (OSAV) is responsible 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 cov erage of licensing  
2. List of products coming under the conservation of species : see Article 7 of the Federal Law 
on circulation of protected species of fauna and flora (LCITES ; RS 4538), the Ordinance on 
circulation of protected species of fauna and flora  (OCITES ; RS 453.0) of 4 September  2013, and 
the Ordinance of the Federal Department of the Interior (DFI) on control of the circulation of 
protected species of fauna and flor a (Ordinance on CITES controls)  of 4 September  2013 
(RS 453.1).  
 
3. No restrictio ns. 
 
4. No restrictions . For purpose, see point  1 above . 
 
5. Legislation on the protection of species with respect to the importation of animals and goods 
(Article 7 of the Federal Law on circulation of protected species of fauna and flora (LCITES ; 
RS 453) of 16 March  2012), requiring authorization pursuant to the Convention on International 
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES ; RS 0.453) of 3 March  1973, and the 
Federal Law on Fisheries (LFSP ; RS 923.0) of 2 1 June 1991. It is not poss ible either to make the 
regime more flexible or to modify the legal bases . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable  (no quantitative restrictions ). 
                                                
8 Available at  http://www.admin.ch/bundesrecht/00566/index.html?lang=fr  (in French, German and 
Italian only).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 25 - 
   
7.(a) It is recommended that applications should be submitted at least one week in a dvance of 
importation . Only authorizations concerning the species listed in A ppendix  I of CITES require 
a slightly longer time -frame  owing to the procedure stipulated by the international treaty 
(consultat ion 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, Federa l Office for Agriculture [OFAG] , Federal Office 
of the Environment [OFEV], Technical  Commission for the Conservation of Species ). 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) See point 7(b) above . The procedure is generally regulated so that the applicant needs to 
approach only two services (OSAV and OFAG).  
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse a licence application other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria . The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal 
the decision to the Federal Administrative 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 . 
 
Documentatio nal and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Please refer to the website  https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/en/home/import -und-
export/import/importe -aus-drittstaaten.html , following the link  Formulaire . 
 
11. Import licence (or, if possible, accreditation as a professional importer), CITES documents, 
supplementary data sheet, as appro priate . 
 
12. No fee is charged for issuing the authorization itself . However, the border control is subject 
to a fee of CHF  88, which includes the cost of establishing the authorization . 
 
13. As a rule, no . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Import permits for protected species are valid for three months ; professional importer 
accreditation s are valid for two years . 
 
15. No. 
 
16. The licences are not transferable between eligible persons . 
 
17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Sometimes . Subject to cantonal  authorizations required by veterinary law and the laws on 
foodstuffs . 
 
19. The foreign exchange required to pay for imports can be provided by any commercial bank 
in Switzerland and there are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 26 - 
  3.2  Plants and plant  products  
Outline of system  
1. The Federal Office for Food Security and Veterinary Affairs (OSAV) is responsible for issuing 
the authorizations f or plants and plant products listed in Appendix  I of the Convention on 
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna an d Flora of 3  March  1973 (CITES) . 
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. Plants and plant products listed in Appen dix 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 . Artificially propagated material is excluded therefrom . 
 
3. No restric tions. 
 
4. No restrictions . For purpose, see point 1 above . 
 
5. Legal bases : The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna 
and Flora of 3  March  1973 (CITES) (RS. 0.453), the Ordinance on the conservation of species 
(OCE;  RS 453), and the Ordinance on CITES controls (RS 453.1).  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable  (no quantitative restrictions ). 
 
7.(a) The application must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of importation . Each 
application has to be reviewed by the scientific commission (scientific authority within the 
meaning of CITES, Article  IX). 
 
(b) No. 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) The importer needs to contact the Federal Office for Food Security and Veterinary Affairs  
(OSAV), but each application has to be reviewed by the scientific commission . 
See point (a) above . 
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse a licence application other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria set ou t in Article  III of CITES . The reasons for any refusal ar e communicated to the 
applicant, who has a right to appeal the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at 
second instance, to the Federal Supreme Court . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eli gible to apply for an import licence provided that 
they are domiciled in Switzerland . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. A copy of the CITES export document or of the re -export 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 phytosanitary certificate  and, where appropriate, the licence (authorization for goods for 
which dispensation has been granted).  
 
12.-13. No. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 27 - 
  Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity is six months . A request for extension can be made by sending the 
original licence, which will then be superseded . 
 
15.-17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Specimens are subject to control upon import pursuant to OCE requirements . 
 
19. Not applicable . 
 
4  FOREST REPRODUCTIVE MATERIAL  
Outline of system  
1. The Forestry Division of the Federal Office of the Environment (OFEV) is responsible for 
issuing the authorizations required by the regulations governing the import and export of forest 
reproductive material . The purpose of these measures remains above all to ensure the use of 
healthy and appropriate forest reproductive material at the place of reforestation . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The regulations cover certain varieties of trees that are important for Swiss forestry 
(11 varieties of conifers and 31  varieties of broad -leaved  trees) . See also Annex  1 to the 
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 Ordina nce is to ensure the supply of appropriate forest reproductive 
material, i.e.  suited to the geographical and climatic conditions of Switzerland . 
 
5. The Federal Law on Forests of 4  October  1991 (LFo ; RS 921.0) , the Ordinance on forests of 
30 November  1992 (OFo; RS 921.01) , and the Ordinance 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. Not applicable  (no quantitative restrictions ). 
 
7.(a) 14 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 a licence application other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria set out in Article III of CITES . The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the 
applicant, who has a right to appeal the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at 
second instance, to the Federal Supreme Court . 
 
Eligibility of impor ters to apply for licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence provided they 
are domiciled in Switzerland . G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 28 - 
   
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The application for an import l icence must mention the variety of tree, the origin, the 
quantity, the supplier and the buyer . The importer must include in the application a certificate of 
origin for the tree varieties . There is no specific form . 
 
11. Import licence and certificate of origin . 
 
12. A fee is charged for all import licence applications (to cover administrative expenses ). 
 
13. As a rule, no . 
 
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 imports can be provided by any commercial bank 
in Switzerland and there are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force . 
 
5  TRANSPLANTS  
Outline of system  
1. The Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP) is the body responsible for authorizing the import 
of unmanipulated organs, tissues and cells of human origin (other than  transplant products ) 
intended for transplantation into humans . The Transplantation Law seeks to guarantee the safe  
handling of transplant products , in particular with a view to protecting donors and recipients . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. An authorization is required for the import of allogeneic organs, tissue and cells of human 
origin intended for transplantation into humans . 
 
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 countries list ed therein . Otherwise, there is no 
restriction on the quantity and value of the products . 
 
5. The Federal Law of 8 October  2004 on the transplantation of organs, tissues and cells 
(Transplantation Law ; RS 810.21) , which entered into force on 1  July 2007. The import procedures 
are described, inter alia , in the Ordinance of 1 6 March  2007 on the transplantation of human 
organs, tissues and cells (Transplantation Ordinance ; RS 810.211) . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable  (no quantitative restrictions ). 
 
7.(a) Import  is not allowed without authorization . The authorization procedure takes about 
four months . In exceptional cases a shorter procedure can be envisaged . 
 
(b) No. 
 
(c)  Not applicable . G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 29 - 
   
(d)  The OFSP  is the sole organ responsible for examining applications . 
 
8. Only if the applicant does not meet the criteria is an authorization refused . The reasons will 
then be stated in the pre -authorization inspection report . There is a possibility to appeal . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. All persons, fi rms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import authorization provided 
that they are domiciled in Switzerland . Lists of the authorizations issued are published 
online at : https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/fr/home/service/gesuche -bewilligungen/  
gesuche -bewilligungen -bereich -transplantation.html . 
  
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Different documents and certificates may be requested, depending on the type of transplant 
(according to application and corresponding checklist, available on the transplantation declaration 
and authorization web page of the OFSP,  http://www.donneestransplantation.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  (in addition to inspectio n). 
 
13. No. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity of the authorization is a maximum of five years with the possibility of 
renewal . 
 
15.-17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No. 
 
19. The foreign exchange required to pay for imports can be provided by any commercial bank 
in Switzerland and there are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force . 
 
6  BLOOD, BLOOD PRODUCTS AND IMMUNOLOGICAL PRODUCTS  
Outline of system  
1. An import licence is required f or the importation of blood, blood products and immunological 
products . Swissmedic, the Swiss Institute for Therapeutic Products, is the sole organ authorized to 
examine licence applications . The aim is to protect human and animal health by guaranteeing that 
high-quality, safe and effective therapeu tic products are placed on the market . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. A licence is required each time blood, blood products or immunological products are 
imported . For the products subject to this procedure, 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/13  
- 30 - 
  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. The Federal Law on Medicinal Products and Me dical 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 medicinal products (RS 812.212.1) . Laws and 
amendments thereto must be adopted by Parliament . They contain all important provisions . 
Ordinances contain implementing provisions and must be based on a higher legal authority, a law . 
In this case, ordinances do not go through Parliament . Laws, ordinances and amendments thereto 
are published  in the Official Compendium of Federal Law (RO) and the Systematic Compendium of 
Federal Law (RS) . A licence is required by law for every import of blood and blood products . In the 
case of immunological products, this requirement is contained in an ordinan ce. 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable  (no quantitative restrictions ). 
 
7.(a) In view of the time required to obtain a licence, the application must be submitted a few 
days in advance of the importation itself . In normal situations the application is granted an d 
returned within 24  hours of 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 authorized to examine licence applications . 
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse a licence application other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria . The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal 
the decision to the 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 subject to licen sing 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.  import, wholesale 
trade and export authorization, authorization to take blood for transfusions or for th e production of 
medicinal products) . Swissmedic regularly controls compliance with these conditions . The 
procedure for obtaining licences is regulated by the relevant ordinance . The list of authorized 
concerns is regularly published . Moreover, registered p roducts may only be imported by the 
institutions in whose name they are registered . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Only the usual information is required . Samples of the application form are available online 
at 
https://www.swissmedic.ch/bewilligungen/00155/00242/00243/00245/00246/00247/01902/index
.html?lang=fr , following the links  Formulaires   Importation à l'unité . Other certificates may be 
requested for a more detailed examination of the quality of the products . 
 
11. In addition to the documents usually required by the customs services, only the application 
form is required . More specific info rmation may be requested i n certain cases . 
 
12. CHF 100 per licence (see the Ordinance of 2 December  2011 on the fees of the Swiss 
Institute for Therapeutic Products (RS 812.214.5)).  
 
13. No. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 31 - 
  Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity of the licence is one month, generally without the possibility of 
extension . 
 
15.-17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Certain products, such as immunological products or stable blood products, must be 
registered beforehand by Swissmedic . Moreover, imported  batches of registered products are 
controlled by the Official Medicines Control Laboratory (OMCL) of Swissmedic before being placed 
on the market . 
 
19. The foreign exchange required to pay for imports can be provided by any commercial bank 
in Switzerland and there are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force . 
 
7  NARCOTIC DRUGS, PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AND PRECURSORS USED AND 
MARKETED FOR LEGAL PURPOSES  
Outline of system  
1. The purpose of the authorization system for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substa nces 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 Narcotics of 3  October  1951 (LStup ; RS 812.121) 
stipulates that a special authorization is required from Swissmedic, the Swiss Institute for 
Therapeutic Products, for all imports of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors . 
Depending on  the substance involved, Swissmedic may iss ue single authorizations valid once for 
import, or general authorizations valid for imports carried out over a specific period of time up to 
the end of each calendar year . Swissmedic, through its Narcotics Division, is responsible for 
granting import/expor t authorizations . More detailed information may be obtained from th is body 
(email  address: narcotics@swissmedic.ch ). 
 
Purposes and coverage of authorization regime  
2. All substances that are subject to the aut horization system appear in the DFI Ordinance on 
the schedules of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursors and chemical additives 
of 30 May 2011 (Ordinance on the narcotic drugs schedules, OTStup -DFI, RS 812.121.11).  
 
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 legitimate medical and industrial needs . 
 
5. Article  5 of the Federal Law on Narcotics of 3  October  1951 (LStup ; RS 812.121) s tipulates 
that a special authorization is required from Swissmedic, the Swiss Institute for Therapeutic 
Products, for all imports (or exports) of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors . 
Article 7 and Chapter  3 of the Ordinance on the contro l of narcotic drugs of 2 5 May 2011 (OCStup ; 
RS 812.121.1) lay down the procedures for the granting of import (and export) authorizations . 
 
The authorization system is maintained under federal laws . The Government does not have the 
authority to repeal them . 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 the 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 . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 32 - 
  Procedures  
6.I. The quantities that can be imported (and exported) are limited through a system of 
estimates coordinated by t he UN and its International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) . Each 
country must report its annual needs in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to the 
INCB. If need be, requests for adaptations of the estimates may be submitted to the INCB, 
which appro ves them if they are legitimate . The 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 psychotropic substances once every three years) to 
the INCB . Import (and export) authorizations are issued only if the estimates have not been 
exceeded . Where they have been exceeded, a request for an additional estimate must be 
forwarded to the INCB . 
 
III. Import or export authorizations are granted only to holders of a cantonal or a Swissmedic 
authorization  to handle  controlled substances  or a 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 grantin g 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 exten ded to as much as one month . 
 
VI. Import authorizations are valid from the date of issue . 
 
VII. As a rule, only Swissmedic considers authorization applications . If need be, Swissmedic 
cooperates with the cantons or the foreign competent authorities concern ed, and the INCB . 
 
VIII. Applications are considered in the order in which they are received by the Swissmedic 
service . If an authorization application is not complete or contains errors , Swissmedic 
informs the applicant by means of a form indicating the d eficiencies in the application . 
 
IX. An import authorization is required f or every import of narcotic drugs, psycho tropic 
substances and precursors . Import/export authorizations are only issued upon request . 
 
X. The importing country is informed of any export authorization granted by receiving a copy of 
the authorization . 
 
XI. No. 
 
7. Not applicable . 
 
8. Any irregularities, no proven legitimate end -use and so on . In the event  of a refusal to issue 
an authorization, the reasons for refusal are given to th e 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 institutions may apply for an authorization provided they are holders 
of a cantonal , DFI or Swissmedic authorization to hand le controlled substances  or a special OFSP 
authorization . Swissmedic publishes the lists of persons, firms and institutions authorized by the 
cantons in accordance with the OCStup criteria . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for authorization  
10. The importer sends a n application for an import authorization, either  written or via the  
NDS-WEB system,  listing the products to be imported and the corresponding quantities . A specific 
form is a vailable on the relevant website .9 
                                                
9 https://www.swissmedic.ch/bewilligungen/00155/00242/00243/00411/index.html?lang=fr . G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 33 - 
   
11. A copy of the authorization issued by Swissmedic must be presented to Customs . 
 
12. CHF 100 for a single authorization ; CHF 200 for a general authorization (the total quantity to 
be imported/exported must be indicated in the application for authorization ). 
 
13. No. 
 
Conditions of authorization  
14. Single import authorizations are valid for four  months . General import authorizations are 
valid for 12  months  and expire on  31 December  of each calendar year . 
 
15. No. 
 
16. Import authorizations are not transferable . 
 
17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No. 
 
19. The foreign exchange required to pay for imports can be provided by any commercial bank 
in Switzerland and there are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force . 
 
8  ETHANOL  
Outline of system  
1. The private sector is allowed to import ethanol and spirits containing not more than 80 % by 
volume without restriction and without any permit ; but only the Swiss Confederation is entitled, 
through the Federal Customs Administration on behalf of the Swiss Alcohol Board  (RFA) , 
to import ethanol the alcohol content of which exceeds 80 % by volume (excluding ethanol used for 
fuel purposes) . However, imports by the private sector are possible subject to p rior authorization 
by the Federal Customs Administration . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The products covered fall under  tariff headings 2207.10 and 2207.20  (see point  1 above ). 
 
3. These regulations apply to all imports of ethanol, irrespective of  origin . 
 
4. For control reasons, only the Swiss Confederation is entitled to import ethanol and spirits 
containing more than 80 % 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 field . The specific legal basis for  the import licensing 
procedure  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 t he 
market by the Swiss Alcohol Board itself . However, Alcosuisse  SA, 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 licence, the application must be submitted three to 
five days in advance of the importation itself . 
 
(b) Generally, yes . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  (c) No. 
 
(d) Applications are considered by a single authority, the Federal Customs Administration 
on behalf of the Swiss Alcohol Board (RFA) . 
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse a licence application other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria . The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has  a right to appeal 
the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at  second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. As a rule, any natural or legal person domiciled in Switzerland is eligible, irrespective of 
nationality or origin, to receive a licence . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The application has to be submitted to the Federal Customs Administration . The importer 
sends a written application for an import authorization, listing the products to be imported and the 
corresponding qualities (purity, denaturation, etc.) and quantities . There is no specific form . 
 
11. A copy of the authorization issued by the Federal Customs Administration  must be 
presente d upon importation . 
 
12.-13. No. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The validity of the licence is generally limited to a single importation . 
 
15.-17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No. 
 
19. The foreign exchange required to pay for imports can be provided by any commercial bank 
in Switzerland and there are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force . 
 
9  GOODS OF VITAL AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE SUBJECT TO 
COMPULSORY STOCKPILING  
Outline of system  
1. In accordance with Article  7 of the Federal Law on National Economic Supply 
(LAP;  RS 531), the Federal Council may subject certain goods of vital importance to compulsory 
stockpiling . To that end, it may place the products 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, CARBURA10); 
- sugar, rice, edible oils and fats, coffee, various  kinds of cereal , and energy -rich and 
protein-rich foods for use in animal feed (Réservesuisse Nahrungsvorsorge Schweiz, 
Réservesuisse11); 
                                                
10 Additional information in French, German, Italian and English available at: http://www.carbura.ch . 
11 Additional information in French, German and Italian available at: http://www.reservesuisse.ch . G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  - the above bodies grant general import licences under the authority of the Federal Office for 
National Economic Supply . They 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 determined on the basis of the imports carried out 
(equal treatment for all importers ). 
 
5. Legal bases : The Federal Law on National Economic Supply (RS 531) , as well as the 
Ordinance on compul sory reserve stocks of foods and fodder (RS 531.215.11) and 
Ordinance on compulsory reserve stocks of liquid fuels  (RS 531.215.41) .  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable  (no quantitative restrictions ). 
 
7.(a)-(b) Applications for a general import licence must be submitted a few days before 
importation . In urgent cases, the licence may be granted immediately by fax . 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Applications are reviewed by a single service (see point  2 above ). 
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse a licence application other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria . The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal 
the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at  second instance, to the Federal Supreme 
Court . 
 
Eligibility of importer s to apply for licence  
9. In principle, all persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Only the usual information is required . Samples of the various application forms are 
available on the websites of, respectively, the Swiss Central Office for the Import of Liquid Fuels 
(http://www.carbura.ch/fr/permis -generaux -dimportation -pgi) and the Réservesuisse 
Nahrungsvorsorge  Schweiz  (http://www.reservesuisse.ch/index.php?id=8&L=1&type=2012 ). 
 
11. In addition to the number of the automatic licence and the docume nts 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. No fees . 
 
13. As a rule, no . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The validity is not limited as long as the conditions on which the licence was granted are met . 
 
15. No. 
 
16. The licences are not transferable between eligible persons . 
 
17.(b) The issuing of the licence is subject to the payment of the portions of the customs duty that 
are not collected by the Federal Customs Administration . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  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 exchang e. 
 
10  WAR MATERIAL, WEAPONS  
10.1  War material  
Outline of system  
1. The purpose of the regime is to establish control over the origin, nature and destination of 
the war material in question . The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, Division of export controls 
and sanctions, is responsible for examining applications for authorization . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The war material the import of which is subject to authorization is listed in Annex  1 to the 
Ordinance . 
 
3. All countries . 
 
4. The purpose of  the regime is to establish control over 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 regime are listed in Annex  1 to the Ordinance 
on war material, which is a governmental text . Importation of war material is subject to the 
authorization regime laid d own 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 submitted at least seven days in 
advance of the scheduled date of importation . In exceptional cases, applications may be 
processed in a shorter period . 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) A single body (the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, Division of export controls and 
sanctions, of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research – DEFR) 
is responsible for examining applications for authorization . 
 
8. Authorizations are not granted if they are contrary to international law or if they are not in 
the interests of Switzerl and. Refusals have to be announced in a decision that contains the reasons 
for the denial . The right to appeal is guaranteed by the federal law on procedures . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any person, firm or institution is eligible to apply for an import licence . They must, however, 
first register with the electronic licensing system via the site  http://www.elic.admin.ch . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applications for import authorizations must contain the name and address of the supplier 
and of the importer/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 to the 
Ordinance), the exporting country and (if possible) the scheduled date of the import . 
 
11. Import licence . 
 
12. 0.8% of the value of the imported goods, but at least CHF  50 and at the most  CHF 5,000 per 
licence . 
 
13. No. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The import authorization is valid for one  year. It is possible to obtain one extension of 
six months . 
 
15.-17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No. 
 
19. No. 
 
10.2  Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, 
Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (CWC)  
Outline of system  
1. Imports of chemicals controlled by Schedule  1 of the CWC are subject to an impor t 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 ar e concerned are listed in the Annex to the Ordinance of the 
Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (DEFR) on dual -use 
chemicals (OCPCh) and reflect the commitments undertaken by Switzerland under the CWC . 
 
3. From all countrie s 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. The 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 the Ordinance on the control of chemical 
products used for civilian and military purposes (OCPCh ; RS 946.202.21) of 21 August  2013. 
Switzerland has signed the internationally binding CWC and is therefore obliged to comply with the 
provisions of this Convention . The products subject to this regime are listed in the Annex to the 
Ordinance of the Swiss  Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (DEFR) 
on the control of chemical p roducts used for civilian and military purposes (OCPCh).  
 
Procedures  
6. The aggregate amount of such chemicals must not exceed one tonne  at any time . 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 . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  7.(a)-(b) Applications for authorizations must be submitted at least 40  days in advance of the 
scheduled date of importation . In the relevant Ordinance there are no exceptions foreseen  
for a shorter period . Licences are granted on a case -by-case basis . 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO : 
https://www.seco.admin.ch/seco/en/home.html ), Division of expor t controls and sanctions, 
industrial products, is responsible for examining licence applications . 
 
8. Licences are only granted if the purpose of the importation is not contrary to the provisions 
of the CWC . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any person, firm or institution is eligible to apply for an import licence . They must, however, 
first register with the electronic licensing system via the site 
https://www.elic.admin.ch/elic/ext /?login . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applications for import authorizations must contain the n ame and address of the supplier 
and the importer and applicant, the chemical name and structural formula of the produc t and its 
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number, the quantity, the country of origin, the shipping 
country, and the scheduled date of importation . The followin g documents must be presented : 
official application form, invoice, a detailed descript ion with regard to the end -use of the 
chemicals , and an undertaking that the chemicals will be used exclusively for research, medical, 
pharmaceutical or protective purposes in accordance with the provisions of the CWC . 
 
11. Import licence . 
 
12. There is no  licensing fee or administrative charge . 
 
13. No. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The import authorization is valid for two years . However, this time -frame can be extended 
for a further two -year period . 
 
15. No. 
 
16. The licence is valid for two years, with t he possibility of a two -year extension . 
 
17. The importer has to notify the Government of the total amount of Schedule  1 chemicals 
imported during the past year . This has to be done at the latest 60  days following the end of a 
calendar year . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19. No. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  10.3  Weapons, their accessories and ammunition  
Outline of system  
1. The main purpose of the entry regulations is to prevent illegal traffic in weapons, integral 
parts of weapons, etc. T he competent authority for the issue of  authorizations is the Central Office 
for Arms , attached to the Federal Office of Police (Federal Department of Justice and Police12). 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. All objects which are considered under Swiss 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 the Weapons Ordinance (see point  6 below ). 
 
3. These provisions apply irrespective of the country of origin of  such goods . 
 
4. The main purpose of the entry regulations is to prevent 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) entered 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 Council of the European Communities . The 
second, know n as a "national" revision, was carried out to remedy 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 into force at the sam e time . 
These statutes supplement the federal laws on war material and 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, and other weapons, such as knives, 
truncheons, as well as integral parts of weapons, accessories and ammunition, are subject to these 
provisions . Some go ods are subject to both the law on war material and the weapons legislation . 
 
The entry licensing procedure is governed by the 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 a nd the 
Weapons Ordinance stipulate which objects are subject 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 t he Weapons Act . Articles  25(3) 
and 25(a)(3) of the Weapons Act state that the Executive may provide for derogations to the 
authorization regime in respect of certain objects and certain cate gories of person . To this end, the 
Executive introduced new rules under Article  40(3) of the OArm for hunters and sports shooters 
and under Article  42 of the OArm for different categories of person . 
 
Procedures  
6.I. Customs authorities supply statistical reports on entries (quantity, commodity value, country 
of consignme nt). 
 
II. The entry of weapons etc. for non -professional purposes is subject to authorization which, 
according to Article  39(2) of the OArm is valid 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 weapons at a time within this period 
(Article  39(2) OArm) . The entry authorization for professional purposes is issued as a single 
authorization for the first year . To obtain the single author ization, 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 that the authorization be made a general 
                                                
12 Additional information available at: 
http://www.fedpol.admin.ch/fedpol/fr/home/themen/sicherheit/waffen.html  (in French, German and Italian 
only).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  authorization . A general authorization is valid for 12 months and the holder may enter an 
unlimited number of we apons (apart from prohibited weapons ). 
 
III. Anyone wishing to enter weapons for non -professional purposes under Articles  4 and  5 of 
the LArm must possess an authorization for the introduction 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 competent cantonal authority an official 
certificate from their State of domicile or their country  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 -professional 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 specified period (Article  39(2) OArm) . After 
expiration of the specified period, a new authorization 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 importers 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 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 a challenge or objection relating to his/her activity 
for one year, he/she may request that the authorization be made a general authorization . 
A general authorization is valid for 12 months 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) and  25(2) LArm) is the sole agency authorized to 
issue entry authorizations . 
 
VIII.-XI. Not applicable . 
 
7.(a) Licence applications must be submitted before entry . 
 
(b) They may be granted immediately if the conditions so warrant . 
 
(c) The general authorization for weapons for professional purposes, whereby an unlimited 
number of weapons may be introduced, is valid for a period of 12 months (Article  38(3) 
OArm) . Licences for the entry for non -professional purposes of prohibited weapons s ubject 
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 a uthorizations 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 Articles  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 authorization for entry into Swiss territory for 
professional purposes . Article 30 of the LArm sets forth the conditions under which a licence may G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  be revoked . The Law on Federal Administrative Procedures (PA ; RS 172.021) governs the appeals 
procedure in cases where a licence appl ication 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 authorization 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 nationals 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 authorizing them to purchase a weapon or an 
integral part of a weapon . The nationals of certain States mentioned in Artic le 12 of the 
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 specified period (Article  39(2) 
OArm) . After expiration of the specified period , a new authorization 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 . 
 
Documentational and other requirements 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 with a photocopy of the ir weapons trading licence, to 
the Central Office for Arms (Articles  36-38 OArm ). 
 
Applicants for a licence to enter weapons etc. for non -professio nal purposes are required to 
complete an official form and file it with the Central Office for Arms . The following documents must 
be attached (Article  39 OArm ): 
 
(a) a copy of the authorization issued by the competent cantonal authority if the object to be  
introduced into Swiss territory is subject to the authorization regime ; 
(b) an extract from the Swiss register of convictions issued not more than three months prior to 
the filing of the application ; 
(c) a copy of a valid passport or identity card ; 
(d) an official certificate from their State of domicile or their country of origin authorizing them 
to purchase a weapon in the case of persons domiciled abroad or persons not in possession 
of a residence permit . 
 
Applicants for a licence to enter prohibited we apons 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 auth orization 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 submitt ed 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 neces sary 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 . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  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 i nto Swiss territory (Annex  I(c)1-8 OArm ); 
- CHF 20 for extensions of authorizations (Annex  I(l) and  (p) OArm ). 
 
13. Fees up to CHF  1,000 m ay be charged in  advance or against reimbursement (Article  57 
OArm) . The law does not require a deposit . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. A single authorization for entering a single consignment of weapons for professional 
purposes is valid for six months . The competent authority may extend its validity for no more than 
three  months (Article  36(3) OArm ). 
 
General authorizations for the entry of weapons, etc. for professional purposes are valid 
for 12 months (Article 37(3) OArm) . Upon 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 expirati on, a new licence may be applied for . 
 
15. Holders of a licence are free to make use of the licence, or a portion of it, as they see fit . 
There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence . 
 
16. Entry licences are made out to the holder and are not t ransferable . 
 
17. No further restrictions . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No further restrictions . 
 
19. There is freedom of exchange operations . 
 
11  EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS AND PYROTECHNIC DEVICES FOR CIVILIAN USE  
Outline of system  
1. The import licensing procedure is needed to guarantee public safety in Switzerland in the 
area of explosive materials and pyrotechnic devices for civilian use . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Articles  2-7 of the Ordinance define explosives and pyrotechnic devices, which  are subject to 
import authorization . 
 
3. All countries . 
 
4. The import licensing procedure is needed to guarantee public safety in Switzerland in the 
area in question . 
 
5. The Federal Law on Explosive Substances of 25  March  1977 (RS 941.41) and the Ordina nce 
on explosive substances of 27  November  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 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  the requirement of authorization, provided that these devices are an integral part of articles which 
themselves are subject to a recognized licensing procedure (e.g.  pyrotechnic propellant charges as 
used in air bag units of cars ). 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable  (no quantitative restrictions ). 
 
7.(a) Licences for the importation of standard explosives and pyrotechnic devices are granted 
within a few days . The procedure for the licensing of articles which are subject to prior 
approval procedures may take up to six months . 
 
(b) By way of exception, a licence may be granted by telephone and without delay . 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Applications f or import licences are dealt with by a single administrative body . 
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse a licence application other than failure to meet the specific 
criteria . The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has 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 requirements for application for licence13 
10. Only the usual information is required for the applications : applicant's name and address ; 
type and quantity of the product to be imported and chemical composition ; manufacturer's or 
importer's name ; warehouse of destination in Switzerland.  
 
11. Import licence . 
 
12. Depending on the time required t o process the application, the licensing fees may range 
from CHF 50 to CHF  1,000 . 
 
13. No. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Import authorization is valid for three months . It is possible to obtain two extensions of 
three  months each . 
 
15.-17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No. 
 
19. The foreign exchange required to pay for imports is automatically provided by the banks . 
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange . 
 
12  NUCLEAR FUEL, DEBRIS AND WASTE  
Outline of system  
1. The purpose of the regime is t o establish control over the origin, nature and destination of 
nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities within the framework of the Non -Proliferation 
                                                
13 Further information available at: http://www.fedpol.admin.ch/fedpol/fr /home.html  (in French, 
German and Italian only).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
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  Treaty and bilateral cooperation agreements . 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 control over the origin, nature and destination of 
nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities within the framework of the Non -Proliferation 
Treaty and bilateral cooper ation agreements . 
 
5. The importation of nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities is subject to an 
authorization regime under the Law on Nuclear Energy of 21  March  2003 (LENu ; RS 732.1) and 
the Ordinance of 10  December  2004 on nuclear energy (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 Law on Radiation Protection of 22  March  1991 
(LRaP;  RS 814.50) and the Ord inance on radiation protection of 22  June 1994 (ORaP ; 
RS 814.501 ). 
 
The licensing regime is governed by federal laws, which the Government does not have the 
authority to repeal . The Government may, however, change certain details of the regime, i.e.  the 
above-mentioned Ordinances . There is no delegation of authority to the administration . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable  (no quantitative restrictions ). 
 
7.(a) The application for import must be submitted two months in advance of the scheduled 
importation date . In exceptional cases, the time -limit may be shortened . 
 
(b)-(c) No. 
 
(d) Applications for authorization are examined by the Nuclear Law Section of the Federal 
Energy Office (which has the authority to grant the licence) and the Federal Nuclear Safety 
Inspe ctorate (IFSN ; responsible for the transport of class  7 dangerous goods) . No list of 
authorized importers is published . 
 
8. No other circumstances . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions meeting the requiremen ts set forth in the relevant laws 
and ordinances are eligible to apply for an import licence . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The information to be provided in applications is specified in a model form . 
 
11. Import licence, container certificate and validation . 
 
12. The fee is calculated in accordance with the time spent . 
 
13. No. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The import authorization is valid for a maximum of 12 months and may be extended for 
six months at most (at t he authorization holder's request ). 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/13  
- 45 - 
  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 . 
 
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