WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
17 March 2010 
 (10-1441) 
Committee on Import Licensing Original:   French 
  
 
AGREEMENT ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES 
 
Notification under Article 7.3 of the Agreement
 
 
SWITZERLAND 
 
  The following communication, dated 3 February 20 10, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Switzerland.  
_______________ 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page 
 
I. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.............................................................................................3  
(i) Horses (A), livestock and breeding animals, bovine semen (B)..................................................7  
(ii) Animals for slaughter, meat, prepared meat products and eggs ................................................8  
(iii) Milk, dairy products........................................................................................................... .......10  
(iv) Fresh fruit and vegetables:  (A), fruit for cider and fruit products:  (B), cut flowers:  
(C), frozen vegetables:  (D), potatoes (i ncluding seed potatoes) and potato products:  
(E), fruit seedlings:  (F) ..................................................................................................... .......12  
(v) Feed grain..................................................................................................................... ............15  
(vi) Grain for human consumption:  Durum whea t:  (A), common wheat:  (B), coarse 
grain for human consumption, such as  barley, oats and maize:  (C) .......................................16  
(vii) Sugar:  (A), edible oils and fats:  (B)........................................................................................ 18 
(viii) Grapes for pressing and grape juice ........................................................................................19  
(ix) Wine ........................................................................................................................... ...............20  
II. SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES.........................................................22  
(i) Import, transit and export of animals and animal products .....................................................22  
(ii) Plants and plant products ...................................................................................................... ...24 
(iii) Forest reproductive material ................................................................................................... .26 
(iv) Protection of forest plants.................................................................................................... .....27  
(v) Transplants .................................................................................................................... ...........29  
(vi) Blood, blood products an d immunological produc ts for human use ........................................31  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
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  (vii)
 Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors used and marketed for legal 
purposes....................................................................................................................... .............32  
(viii) Ethanol........................................................................................................................ ..............35  
III. GOODS OF VITAL AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE 
SUBJECT TO COMPULSORY STOCKPILING...............................................................36  
IV. INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS ..................................................................................................38  
(i) War material ................................................................................................................... ..........38  
(ii) Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, 
Production, Stockpiling, and Use of Ch emical Weapons and on their Destruction 
(CWC) .......................................................................................................................... .............39  
(iii) Weapons, their accessories and ammunition............................................................................41  
(iv) Explosive materials and pyrotechnic devices for civilian use ..................................................46  
(v) Nuclear fuel, debris and waste................................................................................................. .47 
 
  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
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  I. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS1 
 Sanitary and phytosanitary aspects of the produc ts dealt with in Chapter I are described in 
greater detail in Chapter II(i) and II(ii).  The licen sing system with respect to the compulsory holding 
of reserve stocks of foodstuffs and industr ial products is described in Chapter III. 
 
 Under the tariffication introduced with the implementation of the Results of the 
Uruguay Round, Switzerland no longer applies quantita tive restrictions.  The series of questions under 
point 6 was used to reflect as a ccurately as possible the non-automatic licensing systems applied with 
respect to the agricultural tariff quotas resulting from the Uruguay Round.  HORIZONTAL REPLIES 
 
 Where there are no remarks concerning the ou tlines of the licensing systems by group of 
products below in this section, the following provisions apply: 
 
Outline of systems
 
 1. The licensing systems for agricultural products  are essentially governed by the new Federal 
Law on Agriculture of 29 April 1998, which ente red into force on 1 January 1999 (Systematic 
Compendium RS 910.1
2), the Federal Law on Alcohol of 21  June 1932 (RS 680) and the General 
Ordinance on imports of agricultural products of 7 December 1998 (RS 916.01).  They provide the 
legal basis for the statistical control of imports, th e collection of portions of the customs duties that 
are not collected by the Federal Customs Administra tion (i.e. that are levied by bodies outside the 
customs system) and for the individual allocation of  tariff quota (TQ) shares and the control of their 
utilization.  To this end, the two following instruments are applied:  
(a) Automatic licensing (general import licence - PGI
):  All imports of the groups of products 
listed under headings I(i) to I(ix) are subject to the PGI system.  This licence, granted 
automatically and for an indefinite duration, is u sed for statistical purposes.  It is also used to 
ensure collection of those portions of the cust oms 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 III.  Persons liable to 
customs controls must show 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.  If import at the TQ rate is authorized provided that the importer purchases a fixed 
proportion of domestic products, an importer me eting this requirement may import at the TQ 
rate even if the TQ has been exhausted.  Q uota shares may be transferred among holders of 
such non-automatic licences.  They are usually a llocated for a limited period.  The importer is 
not required to produce this authorization at th e border, as the competent authority carries out 
an ex post  control. 
                                                      
1 General information for agricultural products available under http://www.blw.admin.ch/e/index.htm  
2 Available under http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/rs.html  (in French, German and Italian only). G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 4  
 
  Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. In principle, the agricultural products described  under headings I(i) to I(ix) are subject to an 
automatic import licence (PGI).  Imports within the TQs - assuming that a TQ exists and is applied - 
require a non-automatic licence (for tariff item numbers within the TQs,  see Swiss notification to the 
Committee on Agriculture G/AG/N/CHE/13/Add.3). 
 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, particularly in 
relation to compulsory stocks.  Non-automatic licences provide for the individual allocation of 
TQ shares and the control of their utilization.  5. Legal bases:  Federal Law on Agriculture (RS 910.1, Article 24, Federal Law on Alcohol 
(RS 680, Article 24 ter) and General Ordinance on imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01, 
Article 1).  For specific procedures, see Chapters I(i) to I(ix).  Ordinances may be amended by the Government.  In some cases, the Government mu st submit the measures taken to Parliament for 
ex post  approval.  The changes are published in the O fficial Compendium of Federal Law (RO) and 
the Systematic Compendium of Federal Law (RS).  
Procedures
 
 6. Non-automatic licence:  This does not apply to  TQs which, for other reasons, are not currently 
applied.  
I. The administration of TQs for the calendar year 2009 is described in the Swiss notification to 
the Committee on Agriculture G/AG/N/CHE/13/ Add.11.  All information concerning 
TQ utilization (quantities, appli cation procedures for licences, exceptions, exemptions etc.) is 
set forth in the specific ordinances published in th e RO and RS (see Chapters I(i) to I(iv), I(vi) 
and I(viii) to I(ix)).  The customs tariffs indi cate, in the specific remarks under each tariff 
item number, whether or not a licence is require d.  If so, the name of the authority through 
which the importer may obtain furt her details is also provided. 
 II. TQs are determined for one year.  TQ shar es (non-automatic licence) may be allocated for 
shorter periods.  The validity of the non-auto matic licence is generally limited (see 
description by group of products below). 
 
III. The unused remainder of the allocations is not added to quotas for a succeeding period.  In 
January of each year, the annex to the Report to Parliament on Tariff Measures, in the context of the report on external economic policy, pr ovides the names of importers for the preceding 
year including data on quantities allocated and the quantities effectively imported by individual importing companies.  The list of names is published in the Official Journal 
(Feuille Fédérale ).  This Report may be consulted on the homepage of the following website:  
www.blw.admin.ch\thèmes\importations
 and exportations\informati ons de fond\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 with in one to three days according to the product. 
  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
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  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 th e licence.  In other cases, the goods may be 
imported as soon as the individual quota has been allocated. 
 VII. As a rule, applications are examined by a single administrative organ. 
 
VIII. For the distribution of TQs by product group, see below (Chapters I(i) to I(iv), I(vi) and I(viii) 
to I(ix)).  In principle, each TQ allocation me thod enables new importers to participate in the 
market.  For a number of products, a reserve supply is set aside specifically to that effect.  Such reserves are added to the total quantity of the tariff quota. 
 
IX. The same rules apply to all imports within the TQs, regardless of the regulations of the 
exporting country. 
 X. Export licences from the exporting countries are not required. 
 
XI. No.  7. (a) Automatic licence:  In view of the time re quired to obtain a licence, the application must be 
submitted three to five days in advance of th e importation itself.  For certain products, it may 
be granted upon request by telephone.  Fo r the import of certain goods, however, the 
approval of the Cantonal Veterinary Office (see Chapter II(i)) or of the Plant Protection 
Service (see Chapter II(ii)) is required, and the time-period is therefore longer. 
 (b) Generally, yes.  
(c) No. 
 (d) In most cases, applications are considered by a single authority.  However, applications 
concerning goods that are subject to veterinary  control (see Chapter II(i)) or to phytosanitary 
control (see Chapter II(ii)) must be examined by  a second authority.  The importer generally 
approaches only one authority. 
 
8. There are no reasons to refuse an applicati on for a licence other than failure to meet the 
specific criteria.  The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to 
appeal the decision to the Federal Administrativ e Court and, at second instance, to the Federal 
Supreme Court. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. (a) Non-automatic licensing
:  TQ shares are only allocated to individuals, businesses and 
organizations, irrespective of nationality or orig in, that:  (a) are established on Swiss customs 
territory;  (b) import goods in the sector concerned for business purposes3;  (c) provide 
guarantees that, where necessary, they can meet the requirements and undertake the 
commitments related to utilization of TQ shares.   Producers of agricultural products and their 
marketing entities are also eligible for TQ if th ey meet the commitments for the allocation of 
TQ (e.g. purchase of like products directly  from other producers in Switzerland).  In 
February/March 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 importi ng companies (see point 6.III above). 
                                                      
3 Applicable only for the import of vegetables, fruit and horticultural plants, as well as wine and grape 
juice. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
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(b) Automatic licensing (PGI
):  As a rule, any natural or le gal person domiciled in Switzerland is 
eligible, irrespective of nationality or origin, to receive a licence.  In some cases, the applicant 
must engage regularly, and for business purposes, in  trade in the product in question.  There is 
no published list of authorized importers (except those who import within the TQs - see point 
6.III above). 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence  
 10. Only the usual information is required.  Sa mples of the various application forms are 
available on the website homepage mentioned in footnote 2. 
11. In addition to the number of the automatic li cence and the documents usually required by the 
customs services, certain certificates, such as certif icates of origin or sanitary or phytosanitary 
certificates (see Chapter II), are required according to the product. 
12. Automatic licensing:  No fees;  PGI:  Import fees specific to certain batches of agricultural 
products imported via a PGI are listed in annex 7 of the Ordinance of 7 December 1998 concerning 
imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01). 
 - Electronic customs clearance CHF 3-5 by imported batch (batch of goods cleared 
through customs).
4  These amounts correspond to the actual cost of the administrative 
services involved. 
 13. As a rule, no. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. (a) Automatic licensing:  The validity is not  limited as long as the conditions on which the 
licence was granted are met;  (b) Non-automatic lic ensing:  The validity of the licence varies 
from two weeks to one year according to the pr oduct.  The licence is generally renewable, 
sometime several times. 
 15. No.  16.(a-b) Automatic licensing and non-automatic licen sing:  The licences are not transferable between 
eligible persons.  TQ shares are howev er transferable to eligible persons. 
 17. (a) In a certain number of cases, the issue of  non-automatic licences is subject to the purchase of 
like products from Switzerland or to auctioning. 
 
(b) In a certain number of cases, the issuing of au tomatic licences is subject to the payment of the 
portions of the customs duty that are not collected by the Federal Customs Administration. 
 Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No. 
 
19. The foreign exchange required to pay for impor ts is automatically provided by the banks.  
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange.  
                                                     
 
4 Depending on the product and the method of allocation of tariff quota shares (according to need, etc.).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 7 
 
 
  SPECIFIC REPLIES 
 
(i) Horses (A), livestock and breeding animals, bovine semen (B) 
Outline of systems  
 
1. See horizontal replies.  The specific legal basis for (A) is the General Ordinance of 
7 December 1998 on imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01), and for (B) the Ordinance of 7 December 1998 concerning animal breeding (RS 9 16.310).  The automatic and the non-automatic 
licensing system are administered by th e Federal Office for Agriculture (OFAG). 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. Horses (tariff heading:  0101.90) are no l onger subject to licensing and may be imported 
freely until the TQ is used up.  Livestock and br eeding animals as well as bovine  semen are subject to 
automatic licensing, and to non-automatic licensing for imports within the TQs. 
 
3. See horizontal replies.  4. Automatic licensing provides for the statistical control of imports;  it does not restrict the quantity or value of imports.  Non-automatic licensing provides for the individual allocation of 
TQ shares and the control of their utilization;  it does restrict the quantity. 
 
5. See horizontal replies and point 1 above.  Procedures
 
 
6.I. See horizontal replies.  In the case of (B) auction dates for cattle are published in the 
specialized press and the Swiss Official Trade Gazette (FOSC). 
 II. For (A) and (B), the TQs are determined for one year (1 January-31 December).  Validity of 
non-automatic licences:  for (B) th e TQ is distributed in chronological order of submission of 
applications.  The non-automatic licences are valid  as soon as they have been issued until the 
end of the calendar year (31 December).  Ex ception for bovine animals:  70 per cent of the 
TQ is put up for auction each September - the licences are valid for the next calendar year (1 January-31 December);  the remaining 30 per cent of the TQ is put up for auction each April - the licences are valid until the end of the same year (31 December). 
 
III-V. See horizontal replies. 
 VI. See point II above.  VII. In order to import animals and semen, th e importer must obtain one licence from the OFAG 
and one licence from the OVF (two distinct fo rms - for health aspec ts see Chapter II(i)). 
 
VIII. For (A) the allocation of TQ shares takes pl ace as needed;  for (B) distribution of the TQ in 
chronological order of submission of applications;  auctioning of the TQ in the case of bovine animals. 
 
IX-XI. See horizontal replies. 
 7. (a-c) See horizontal replies.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
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  (d) See point 6.VII above. 
 8. See horizontal replies.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. (a) See horizontal replies.  Semen:  cattle breeding and insemination organizations recognized 
under Swiss law, breeders and groups of breed ers domiciled on Swiss customs territory and 
participating in a Swiss breeding programme. 
 
(b) See horizontal replies. 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10.-13. See horizontal replies. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. Automatic licensing:  see horizontal repli es;  non-automatic licensing:  see point 6.II. 
 15.-16. See horizontal replies. 
 
17. (a) No.  (b) No.  
Other procedural requirements
 
 18.-19. See horizontal replies.  
(ii) Animals for slaughter, meat, prepared meat products and eggs 
Outline of systems
 
 
1. See horizontal replies.   For (A), animals for slaughter, meat of bovine , equine, ovine, caprine and porcine animals as 
well as poultry , the specific legal bases are the Ordinance of 7 December 1998 concerning the 
slaughter cattle and meat market (Ordinance on Cattle for Slaughter, OBB;  RS 916.341).  The 
licensing system is administered by the OFAG.   For (B) prepared meat products
, the specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 7 December 1998 
concerning the slaughter cattle and meat market  (Ordinance on Cattle for Slaughter, OBB;  
RS 916.341).  The licensing system is administered by the OFAG. 
 
 For (C) eggs and egg products , the specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 7 December 1998 
concerning the egg market (Ordinance on Eggs, OO;  RS 916.371).  Licences are no longer required;  
general authorization until the TQ is used up.   G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 9 
 
 
  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 2. Tariff headings for (A):  0201-0207, 0209;  for (B):  0210, 1601-1602;  for (C):  0407-0408, 3502.  All products of (A) and (B) are subject to automatic licensing, and to non-automatic licensing 
as regards imports within the TQ.  Products  under (C) are no longer subject to licensing. 
 
3. See horizontal replies.  4. See horizontal replies.  
5. See horizontal replies. 
 Procedures
 
 6.I. See horizontal replies.  Auction dates are published in the specialized press and the Swiss 
Official Trade Gazette (FOSC). 
 II. See horizontal replies.  For (A) and (B):  the maximum duration of non-automatic licences is 
one year. 
 III-V. See horizontal replies. 
 
VI. One day.  VII. For (A) and (B):  the OFAG is responsible for issuing licences.  For (C) the tariff quota is 
allocated in chronological order of actual imports, upon customs clearance, as long as the TQ 
is not exhausted.  For health aspects see Chapter II. 
 VIII. See horizontal replies.  (A) TQ distribution according to purchases within  the country (10 per cent for bovine and ovine 
meat);  auctioning (90 per cent bovine and ovine meat, 100 per cent for other products). 
 
(B) TQ distribution by auction.  (C) The allocation of TQ shares ta kes 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 wh ich the customs declarations are received.  The 
volume of imports under the TQ is recorded by the customs authorities.  On the basis of this 
data, the OFAG determines when the TQ is exhaus ted and provides information to that effect.  
There is no maximum amount per importer. 
 IX-XI. See horizontal replies. 
 
7. (a) One week.  Emergency pro cedure by telephone or fax possible. 
 (b-c) See horizontal replies.  
(d) See point 6.VII above. 
 8. See horizontal replies.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
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  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. See horizontal replies.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 
10.-12. See horizontal replies.  13. See horizontal replies.  
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. Automatic licensing:  see horizontal repli es;  non-automatic licensing:  see point 6.II. 
 15.-16. See horizontal replies. 
 
17. (a) For (A):  purchase of like products from Switz erland and participation in the auction.  For 
(B):  applicants have to take part in the auction. 
 (b) No.  
Other procedural requirements
 
 18.-19. See horizontal replies.  
(iii) Milk, dairy products 
Outline of systems
 
 1. See horizontal replies.   The specific legal basis is the General Ordinance of 7 December 1998 on imports of 
agricultural products (RS 916.01).  The licensing system is administered by the OFAG. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. Tariff headings:  0401.10 - 0406.90 (excep t for 0401.1010, 0401, 2010, 0403.1010).  These 
products are subject to automatic licensing, and to non-automatic licensing as regards imports of 
certain dairy products (whole milk powder, butter, natu ral yoghurt, dairy spreads with a basis of milk 
fat) within the TQs.  3. See horizontal replies.  4. Automatic licensing provides for the statis tical control of imports for all products.  
Non-automatic licensing provides for the individual a llocation of TQ shares and the control of their 
utilization.  5. See horizontal replies.  
Procedures
 
 6.I. See horizontal replies.   G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 11 
 
 
  II. See horizontal replies.  Quotas and non-automatic licences are established for one calendar 
year. 
 III.-V. See horizontal replies.  
VI. At least three to five days. 
 VII. The OFAG is the only organ to approach.  VIII. See horizontal replies.  The distribution of partial TQs takes place as follows: 
 
 - Partial tariff quota No. 7.2, milk powder a nd partial tariff quota No. 7.4, butter:  by 
auction; 
  - partial tariff quota No. 7.3, miscellane ous dairy produce:  as needed through the 
authority;  partial tariff quota No. 7.5, Fontal cheese:  as needed through customs; 
  - partial tariff quota No. 7.6, selected dairy products (spreads with a basis of milk fat):  
in chronological order of submission of applications. 
 IX-X. See horizontal replies. 
 
7. (a) One week.  Emergency pro cedure by telephone or fax possible. 
 (b-c) See horizontal replies.  
(d) See point 6.VII above. 
 8. See horizontal replies.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. See horizontal replies. 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10.-13. See horizontal replies. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. See horizontal replies.  Non-automatic licences, valid for one year, are not extendable.  15.-16. See horizontal replies. 
 
17. (a) Applicants for partial tariff quotas Nos. 7. 2 and 7.4 have to take part in the auction. 
 (b) No.  
Other procedural requirements
 
 18.-19. See horizontal replies.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
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  (iv) Fresh fruit and vegetables:  (A), fruit for ci der and fruit products:  (B), cut flowers:  
(C), frozen vegetables:  (D), potatoes (inc luding seed potatoes) and potato products:  
(E), fruit seedlings:  (F) 
Outline of systems
 
 
1. See horizontal replies. 
  For (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F), th e specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 
7 December 1998 on the import of vegetables, fresh fruit and horticultural plants (RS 916.121.10).  
The licensing system is administered by the OFAG. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. The following products:  
(A) Fresh vegetables (0702.00, ex 0703.10, ex 0703.90, 0704.10, 0704.20, ex 0704.90, 0705.11, 
0705.19, 0705.21, ex 0705.29, 0706.10, ex 0706.90, ex 0707.00, 0708.10, ex 0708.20, ex 0708.90, ex 0709.20, 0709.30, 0709.40, 0709.60, ex 0709.70, ex 0709.90) and fresh fruit (ex 0808.10, ex 0808.20, ex 0809.10, ex 0809.20, ex 0809.40, ex 0810.10, ex 0810.20, ex 0810.90) are subject to:  (a) automatic  licensing and (b) non-automatic licensing as 
regards imports within the TQs over a period ranging from 6 to 50 weeks according to the 
product; 
 (B) Fruit for cider (ex0808.10, ex0808.20) and seed fruit pro ducts (ex 1302.2 0, 2009.70, 
ex 2009.80, ex 2009.90, ex 2202.90, ex 2206.00) are subject to:  (a) automatic licensing and (b) non-automatic licensing as regards imports within the TQs; 
 
(C) Cut flowers (ex 0603.11, ex 0603.12, ex 0603.13, ex 16003.14, ex 0603.19) are subject to:  
(a) automatic licensing and (b) non-automatic licensing as regards imports within the TQ 
during the period from 1 May to 25 October; 
 (D) Frozen vegetables (0710.21, ex 0710.22, ex 0710.30, ex 0710.80, ex 0710.90) are subject 
to:  (a) automatic licensing and (b) non-auto matic licensing as regards imports within the 
TQs; 
 (E) Potatoes including seed potatoes are s ubject to:  (a) automatic licensing and 
(b) non-automatic licensing as regards imports w ithin the TQs (Tariff headings:  0701.1010, 
2004.1092, 2004.1093, 0701.9010, 2004.9028, 0710.1010, 2004.9051, 0710.9021, 
2005.2021, 0712.9021, 2005.2022, 1105.1011, 2005.2092, 1105.2011, 2005.2093, 2001.9031, 2005.9921, 2004.1012, 2004.1013, 2005.9951); 
 (F) Seedlings of seed fruit and stone fruit (ex 0602.20) are subject to:  (a) automatic licensing.  
3. See horizontal replies. 
 4. Automatic licensing provides for the statis tical control of imports for all products.  
Non-automatic licensing provides for the individual allocation of TQ shares and the control of their utilization. 
 
5. See horizontal replies and point 1.   G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
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  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. 
 (B) See horizontal replies.  Non-automatic li cences for seed fruit products are issued for a 
maximum period of six months. 
 
(C) The size of the TQ is determined for the period from 1 May to 25 October.  Non-automatic 
licences are issued for that period. 
 (D) and (E)  See horizontal replies.  With the exception of potatoes, the non-automatic licences are 
issued for one year. 
 
III. See horizontal replies.  IV. See horizontal replies.  (A) and (C)  With respect to non-automatic licence s granted according to previous imports by the 
applicant, the licensing office sends the new li cence 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 according to th e applicants' previous imports. 
 
(B) The deadline for applications in the case of auctions is generally set at 30 working days 
following publication. 
 (D) The licensing office sends the new licences to the importers at the beginning of each year. 
 (E) With respect to non-automatic licences gran ted according to previous purchases of Swiss 
products, the licensing office sends the new licence to the importers at the beginning of each 
year.  For potato products, the deadline for applica tions 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. 
 
V. See horizontal replies.  For (B) and (E) the tim e-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.  New importers are given a minimum volume.  For certain products, allocations are 
made in response to the market shares or pro rata  to applications. 
 (B) Licences are mainly issued by auction.  Th e system of a contribution to Swiss production 
(concentrates of seed fruit juice) is also app lied.  New importers may obtain a licence at each 
new allocation. 
 (C) Licences are generally issued according to three criteria:  previous imports by the applicant, 
purchase of local goods by the applicant and auction.  New importers may obtain a licence at each new allocation. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 14  
 
   
(D) Licences are issued on the basis of a combinati on 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 cont ribution 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 fax possible. 
 
(b-c) See horizontal replies.  (d) See horizontal replies.  
8. See horizontal replies. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. See horizontal replies.  
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10.-13. See horizontal replies.  Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. - Automatic licensing:  See horizontal replies.   - Non-automatic licensing:  See point 6.II above.  (A) The validity of the licence ranges from one month to 50 weeks according to the system of 
allocation in force (see point 2), and is not extendable. 
 (B) The validity of the licence ranges from three to six months according to the system of 
allocation in force. 
 
(C) The validity of the licence extends from 1 May to 25 October. 
 (D) The licence is valid for one year.  (E) The validity of the licence ranges from two mont hs 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.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 15 
 
 
   
(v) Feed grain 
Outline of systems  
 1. See horizontal replies.  The specific legal bases are the General Ordinance of 
7 December 1998 on imports of agricultural products  (RS 916.01) and the Ordinance of 25 April 2001 
on compulsory stockpiling of cereals, special cereals and of energy-rich and protein-rich foods for use 
in animal feed (Ordinance on compulsory cereal stocks;  RS 531.215.17).  The licensing system is 
administered by the OFAG and Réservesuisse;  see also under Chapter III.  
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. Tariff headings are listed in the annex of  the General Ordinance of 7 December 1998 on 
imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01).  The import of products governed by market regulations 
concerning feed grain and oilseeds for feed ing is subject to automatic licensing. 
 
3. See horizontal replies.  4. Automatic licensing provides for the statistical  control of imports and maintenance of the 
system of reserve stocks (see Chapter III).  
5. See horizontal replies and point 1 above. 
 Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable. 
 
7. (a) See horizontal replies.  No time-limit.  Emergency procedure by telephone or fax possible. 
 (b-c) See horizontal replies.  (d) Automatic licences for goods subject to guarantee fund contributions are checked by 
Réservesuisse.  Automatic licences for other types of fodder are granted by the OFAG. 
 8. See horizontal replies.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. (a) Not applicable.  (b) See horizontal replies.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 
10.-11. See horizontal replies.  12. Automatic licence:  no fees.  Other charges:  see horizontal replies.  
13. See horizontal replies. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 16  
 
  Conditions of licensing
 
 14. See horizontal replies.  15. No. 
 
16. See horizontal replies.  17. (a) No.  
(b) Participation in the cost of establishing com pulsory reserve stocks and, where applicable, 
conclusion of a contract providing for the estab lishment of a compulsory reserve stock (see 
Chapter III). 
 Other procedural requirements
 
 
18.-19. See horizontal replies.  
(vi) Grain for human consumption:  Durum wheat:  (A), common wheat:  (B), coarse grain for 
human consumption, such as barley, oats and maize:  (C) 
Outline of systems
 
 
1. See horizontal replies.  The specific legal basis is the General Ordinance of 7 December 1998 on imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01).  The licensing system is administered by Réservesuisse (see Chapter III) for goods subject to contributions to the guarantee fund or to the 
supplementary reserve stocks.  The OFAG grants licences for other products. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. Importation is subject to automatic licen sing as regards imports within the TQ, except 
common wheat (B) which is subject to an applied TQ .  TQs for durum wheat (A) and coarse grain for 
human consumption, such as barley, oats a nd maize (C) are not currently administered, 
i.e. importation at the TQ rate is not limited.  As regards common wheat (B), the TQ is allocated 
according to need.   Tariff headings:  
(A): 1001.1032 
 (B): 1001.9032, 1008.2021, 1002.0032, 1008.9022, 1007.0021, 1008.9051, 1008.1021  (C): 1003.0061, 1005.9021, 1004.0031  
3. See horizontal replies. 
 4. Automatic licensing provides for the statistical control of imports and the maintenance of the 
reserve stocks system (see Chapter III).  
5. See horizontal replies and point 1 above. 
  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 17 
 
 
  Procedures  
 6. Valid for durum wheat (A) and coarse grain (C).  I. See horizontal replies. 
 
II. See horizontal replies.  III. See horizontal replies.  For (A):  on averag e, the durum wheat imported at quota rates should 
in the course of a calendar quarter, serve to manufacture at least 64 per cent of milled 
products.  These latter should be used as cooki ng 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 per cent of the fine semolina should be used for the manufacture of pasta products.  For (C):  the right to import is r estricted to millers w ho have the necessary 
manufacturing facilities (special mill). 
 
 The controlling body is the Directorate-General of Customs.  IV. Before the planned date of importation.  V. The prior notice must be submitted the day preceding importation. 
 
VI. There is no minimum time-limit.  VII. Applications are considered by Réserv esuisse for goods subject to contribution to the 
guarantee fund and by the OFAG for other products. 
 
VIII. See horizontal replies.  IX.-XI. See horizontal replies.  7. (a) See horizontal replies.  The automatic licence must be obtained before importation.  
Emergency procedure by telephone or fax possible. 
 (b-c) See horizontal replies.  (d) See 6.VII above. 
 
8. See horizontal replies.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. See horizontal replies. 
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10.-11. See horizontal replies.  
12. Automatic licence:  without fees.  Other expenses:  see horizontal replies. 
 13. See horizontal replies.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 18  
 
  Conditions of licensing
 
 14. Automatic licensing is for an unlimited duration.  15. No. 
 
16. See horizontal replies.  17. (a) No.  
(b) Participation in the cost of establishing the compulsory reserve stock and, where appropriate, 
conclusion of a contract providing for the estab lishment of a compulsory reserve stock (see 
Chapter III). 
 Other procedural requirements
 
 
18.-19. See horizontal replies.  
(vii) Sugar:  (A), edible oils and fats:  (B) 
Outline of systems
 
 
1. See horizontal replies.  The licensing system  is administered by Réservesuisse, acting on 
instructions from the OFAG (and the Federal O ffice for National Economic Supply - see Chapter III). 
 (A) The specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 7 December 1998 (RS 531.215.11) on compulsory 
stockpiling of sugar. 
 
(B) The specific legal basis is the General Ordinance of 7 December 1998 on imports of 
agricultural products (RS 916.01). 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. The import of products governed by the mark et regulations concerning sugar and edible oils 
and fats is subject to automatic licensing.  (A) Tariff headings:  1701.1100, 1701.1200, 1701.9999, 1702.9019, 1702.9022, 1702.9032, and 
1702.9033). 
 
(B) Tariff headings (Edible oils and fats in  chapter 15):  1104.3011, 1104.3012, 1104.3021, 
1104.3039, 1501.0018, 1501.0019, 1501.0028, 1501.0029, 1502.0091, 1502.0099, 1503.0091, 1503.0099, 1504.1098, 1504.1099, 1504.2091, 1504.2099, 1504.3091, 1504.3099, 1506.0091, 1506.0099, 1516.1091, 1516.1099, 1507.1090, 1507.9018, 1507.9019, 1507.9098, 1507.9099, 1508.1090, 1508.9018, 1508.9019, 1508.9098, 1508.9099, 1509.1091, 1509.1099, 1509.9091, 
1509.9099, 1510.0091, 1510.0099, 1511.1090, 1511.9018, 1511.9019, 1511.9098, 1511.9099, 
1512.1190, 1512.1918, 1512.1919, 1512.1998, 1512.1999, 1512.2190, 1512.2991, 1512.2999, 1513.1190, 1513.1918, 1513.1919, 1513.1998, 1513.1999, 1513.2190, 1513.2918, 1513.2919, 1513.2998, 1513.2999, 1514.1190, 1514.9190, 1514.1991, 1514.9991, 1514.1999, 1514.9999, 1515.1190, 1515.1991, 1515.1999, 1515.2190, 1515.2991, 1515.2999, 1515.3091, 1515.3099, 
1515.5019, 1515.5091, 1515.5099, 1515.9013, 1515.9018, 1515.9019, 1515.9028, 1515.9029, 
1515.9038, 1515.9039, 1515.9098, 1515.9099, 1516.2092, 1516.2093, 1516.2098, 1517.1063, 1517.1068, 1517.1073, 1517.1078, 1517.1083, 1517.1088, 1517.1093, 1517.1098, 1517.9020, 1517.9063, 1517.9068, 1517.9071, 1517.9079, 1517.9081, 1517.9089, 1517.9091, 1517.9099  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 19 
 
 
   
3. See horizontal replies.  4. Automatic licensing provides for the statistical control of imports and the maintenance of the 
system of reserve stocks (see Chapter III). 
 
5. See horizontal replies and point 1 above.  Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7. (a-c) See horizontal replies.  (d) Only Réservesuisse has the authority to issue licences. 
 
8. See horizontal replies.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. See horizontal replies. 
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10.-13. See horizontal replies.  
Conditions of licensing
 
 14.-16. See horizontal replies.  17. (a) Not applicable.  
(b) Participation in the costs of establishing the compulsory reserve stock and, where appropriate, 
conclusion of a contract providing for the estab lishment of a compulsory reserve stock (see 
Chapter III). 
 Other procedural requirements
 
 
18.-19. See horizontal replies.  
(viii) Grapes for pressing and grape juice 
Outline of systems
 
 
1. See horizontal replies.  The specific legal b asis is the General Ordinance of 7 December 1998 
on imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01) an d the Ordinance on viticulture and the importation 
of wine (RS916.140).  The automatic licensing system is administered by the OFAG.  Since the TQ is 
not administered, there are no non-automatic licences for these products.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 20  
 
  Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. Grapes for pressing (tariff heading:  0806.102 1) and grape juice ( 2009.6111, 6122 , 6910;  
2202.9018, 9041) are subject to automatic licensing only.  
3.-4. See horizontal replies. 
 5. See horizontal replies and point 1.  Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable.  7.-8. See horizontal replies.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. See horizontal replies.  In order to be eligib le to market the products in question, the importer 
has to be listed in the commercial register and has to report the beginning of his commercial activities 
to the authority.  
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10.-13. See horizontal replies.  Conditions of licensing
 
 
14.-16. See horizontal replies.  17. (a) Not applicable.  (b) No. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 18.-19. See horizontal replies.  (ix) Wine 
Outline of systems
 
 1. See horizontal replies.  Specific legal bases:  See chapter I(viii), point 1.  The licensing system is administered by the OFAG.  
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. Wine (tariff headings:  2204.2121, 2204.2131, 2204.2141, 2204.2921, 2204.2922, 2204.2931, 2204.2932) is subject to automatic licensing and non-automatic licensing as regards imports within 
the TQ. 
 
3. See horizontal replies.   G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 21 
 
 
  4. Automatic licensing provides for statistical control of imports.  Non-automatic licensing 
provides for the individual allocation of TQ shares and the control of their utilization.  5. See horizontal replies and point 1 above.  
Procedures
 
 6.I. See horizontal replies.  II. See horizontal replies. 
 
III. See horizontal replies.  IV.-VI. See horizontal replies.  
VII. OFAG has the authority to decide whether or not imports are to be counted against the TQ, 
including retroactively (see TQ distribution method under the next point). 
 VIII. See horizontal replies.  The allocation of  TQ shares takes place as needed.  Licences are 
issued in chronological order of actual imports , upon customs clearance, as long as the TQ is 
not exhausted. 
 
IX.-XI. See horizontal replies.  7. (a-c) See horizontal replies.  
(d) See point 6.VII above. 
 8. See horizontal replies.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. See horizontal replies and Chapter I(viii), point 9. 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10.-13. See horizontal replies. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 14.-16. See horizontal replies.  17. (a) No. 
 
(b) No.  Other procedural requirements
 
 
18.-19. See horizontal replies. 
  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 22  
 
  II. SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES 
(i) Import, transit and export of animals and animal products 
Outline of systems
 
 1. The Federal Veterinary Office (OVF) is responsible for issuing: 
(a) The authorizations laid down by veterinary law
5 for the importation of animals and goods 
(Article 14 of the Ordinance of 18 April 2007 on the import, transit and export of animals and 
animal products [OITE;  RS 916.443.10 ];  Ordinance of 27 August 2008 on the import and 
transit of animal products by air from third countries [OITPA;  RS 916.443.13 ] and Article 16 
of the Ordinance of 18 April 2007 on the import of pets [OIAC;  RS 916.443.14 ]).  These 
authorizations are police authorizations issued  in accordance with the Law on Epizootics of 1 
July 1966 (LFE;  RS 916.40 ). 
(b) The authorizations laid down in the laws on the protection of species with respect to the 
import of animals and goods (Ar ticle 5 of the Ordinance of 18 April 2007 on the conservation 
of species [OCE;  RS 453]), and required unde r the Convention on International Trade in 
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flor a of 3 March 1973 (CITES;  RS 0.453), the 
Federal Law of 16 December 2005 on the protectio n of animals (LPA;  RS 455), the Federal 
Law of 21 June 1991 on fisheries (LFSP;  RS 923.0) and the Law of 20 June 1986 on hunting (LChP;  RS 922.0). 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. (a) List of OITE products:   In the case of products from the EU or Norway, an authorization is required for:  
 - The importation or re-importation of anim als or animal products which do not fulfil 
the conditions laid down in Annex 11 to the Agreement of 21 June 1999 on trade in agricultural products (hereinafter the "Agr icultural Agreement";  RS 0.916.026.81), 
including in particular the re-importation of cloven-hoofed animals after a short stay 
in a member State of the European Union to  participate in an exhibition or similar 
event; 
 
 - the importation of animal by-products of  categories 1 and 2 under Articles 4 and 5 of 
the Ordinance on the elimination of animal by-products (OESPA;  RS 916.441.22); 
  - imports of animals or animal products which are not regulated by the Agricultural 
Agreement. 
  In the case of products from other countri es, an authorization is required for: 
  - Non-commercial samples and laboratory samples that do not fulfil the conditions laid 
down in Article 10 of the OITPA; 
 
                                                     
 
5 Available at:  http://www.bvet.admin.ch/ dokumentation /01013/01016/index.html?lang=fr  (in French, 
German and Italian only).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 23 
 
 
   - dogs, cats and ferrets from countries where urban rabies cannot be ruled out 
(countries not included in Annex 1 to the OIAC) and imported directly by air into Switzerland. 
 (b) List of products coming under the conservation of species:  see OCE, Article 8 and the 
Ordinance of 16 May 2007 on CITES controls (RS 453.1). 
 3. (a) See point 1 above.  (b) No restrictions. 
 
4. No restrictions.  For purpose, see point 1 above.  5. See point 1 above.  It is not possible either to make the regime more flexible or to modify the legal bases. 
 
Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  7. (a) It is recommended that applications shoul d be submitted at least th ree weeks in advance of 
importation in the case of permits covered by point 1(a) and one week in advance of 
importation in the case of permits covered by po int 1(b).  Only authorizations concerning the 
species listed in Annex I of the CITES require a slightly longer time-limit owing to the procedure stipulated by the international tr eaty (consultation of scientific authorities).  
However, many applications are processed  on the day on which they are submitted. 
 
(b) Sometimes.  In some cases, an approval, opinion or authorization is required from other 
services (cantonal veterinary services, Federal Office for Agriculture [OFAG], Federal Office of the Environment [OFEV], Technical Co mmission for the Conservation of Species). 
 (c) No. 
 
(d) See point 7(b) above.  The procedure is gene rally regulated so that the applicant needs to 
approach only two services (OVF and OFAG). 
 8. See horizontal replies. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. All persons, firms and instituti ons are eligible to apply for an import licence provided they are 
established on the Swiss customs territory.  
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. Please refer to the following websites:   - For laboratory samples and non-commercia l samples:  www.bvet.admin.ch >Thèmes 
>Importation >Produits divers >Echantill ons non-commerciaux / pour laboratoires de 
pays tiers; 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 24  
 
   - for dogs, cats and ferrets:  www.bvet.admin.ch >Thèmes >Voyager avec des animaux 
de compagnie, des aliments ou des souven irs >Voyager en Suisse avec des animaux 
de compagnie; 
  - for specimens covered by protection of species:  www.cites.ch. 
 
11. Import licence (or, if possible, accredit ation as professional importer), CITES documents, 
supplementary data sheet, as appropriate.  12. No fee is charged for issuing the authorization itself.  However, the border control is subject 
to a fee of CHF 88, which includes the cost of establishing the authorization. 
 13. See horizontal replies.  Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. In the case of dogs, cats and ferrets:  until the e nd of the period of validity of the vaccination, 
that is, for three years maximum.  In the case of  non-commercial samples:  according to type of 
sample (epizootics policy risk), issue of an indivi dual authorization or annual authorization.  Import 
permits concerning protection of species are valid for three months;  professional importer approvals 
for two years. 
 
15.-16. See horizontal replies.  17. No.  
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. Sometimes.  Subject to cantonal authorizati ons required by veterinary law and the laws on 
foodstuffs.  19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
 
(ii) Plants and plant products 
Outline of systems
 
 
1. The OFAG is responsible for issuing the aut horizations required under phytosanitary law for 
the import of goods, which could present a risk of  transmitting particularly dangerous pests and 
diseases.  Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. Phytosanitary measures applying to the impor tation of plants, plant products and other items 
are covered by distinct regimes:  Prohibition of im ports, and phytosanitary certificate.  Dispensation 
may be granted in the case of goods the import of  which is prohibited until the propagation of 
particularly dangerous pests and diseases can be ru led out.  Dispensation may be granted in the case 
of goods that are imported for research, selection, multiplication or diagnostic purposes. 
  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 25 
 
 
   The products in question are essentially t hose listed under the following customs tariff 
chapters:   - 6 (Live trees and other plants;  bulbs,  roots and the like;  cut flowers and 
ornamental foliage); 
 - 7 (edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers); 
 - 10 (cereals);  - 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits;  miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit;  
industrial or medicinal plants;  straw and fodder); 
 - 31 (fertilizers). 
 
3. See item 2 above.  4. No. The purpose of the measures is to prevent the introduction of particularly dangerous pests 
and diseases (quarantine organisms) affecting plan ts.  The regimes governing plants, plant products 
and other items are frequently revised according to th e phytosanitary situation in Switzerland (actual 
situation to be found on website  mentioned in footnote 2). 
 5. Legal bases:  Law on Agriculture of 29 April 1998 (RS 910.1), Ordinance of 
28 February 2001 on Plant Protection (RS 916.20).  The items subject to the different regimes are set 
forth in the Ordinance on Plant Protection.  The OFAG may take measures in cases where new 
quarantine organisms appear, but it must promptly  submit such measures to the Federal Council for 
approval.  The Government has the authority under th e law to decide on the items that are subject to 
the regimes described in point 2 above.  Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable (no restrictions).  7. (a) Imports of goods under the phytosanitary cer tificate regime must be announced to the Federal 
Phytosanitary Service at the OFAG 24 hours in a dvance.  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 afte r the deadline mentioned in 7(a) are processed 
as quickly as possible, but without any guarant ee that the applicants will receive the licences 
by the requested date. 
 
(c) - 
 (d) All applications for import licences for the items  mentioned in point 2 are dealt with by the 
Federal Phytosanitary Service. 
 8. Dispensation as defined under point 2 will not be granted if phytosanitary risks are too high. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence
 
 9. All persons, firms or institutions  are eligible to apply for an import licence provided they are 
domiciled in Switzerland. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 26  
 
  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. See horizontal replies.  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 licence, and in certain cases, a phytosanitary certificate. 
 12. Varies depending on the time needed for the evaluation of the request.  13. No 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The period of validit y of an import licence is limited according to the type of goods imported.  
Extensions are granted upon written request. 
 
15.-16. See horizontal replies.  17. No.  Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. The goods subject to the regime described a bove are controlled by the Phytosanitary Service 
upon import.  The Phytosanitary Service is the OFAG's control body in the field of plant protection.  19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
 
(iii) Forest reproductive material 
Outline of systems
 
 1. The Federal Directorate of Forestry is respons ible 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 h ealthy 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 leaf-b earing trees).  See also Annex 1 to the Ordinance on 
Forest Reproductive Material (RS 921.552.1).  3. Countries in which the tree varieties in question grow naturally and permanently (Europe, 
North America and Japan). 
 4. No. The purpose of the Ordinance is to ensure the supply of appropriate forest reproductive material, i.e. suited to the geographical and climatic conditions of Switzerland. 
 
5. Federal Law on Forests of 4 October 1991 (LFo;  RS 921.0);  Ordinance on Forests of 
30 November 1992 (LOFo;  RS 921.01);  Ordina nce of 29 November 1994 on Forest Reproductive 
Material (RS 921.552.1).  The tree varieties subject to the Ordinance are listed in Annex I thereto.   G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 27 
 
 
  Procedures  
 6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  7. (a) Fourteen days. 
 
(b) Only where justified.  (c) See horizontal replies.  
(d) Applications for import licences are examined by the Federal Directorate of Forestry, which 
also issues the licence. 
 8. See horizontal replies.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. All persons, firms or institutions  are eligible to apply for an import licence provided they are 
domiciled in Switzerland.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 
10. See horizontal replies.  The application for an  import licence must mention the variety of tree, 
the origin, the quantity, the supplier and the buyer.   The importer must include in the application a 
certificate of origin for the varieties of trees.  There is no specific form.  
11. Import licence and certificate of origin. 
 12. A fee is charged for all import licence a pplications (to cover administrative expenses). 
 13. See horizontal replies.  
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
 
 18-19.  See horizontal replies. 
 
(iv) Protection of forest plants 
Outline of systems
 
 1. The Federal Directorate of Forestry is respons ible 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. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 28  
 
  Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. Regulations for the protection of forest plants  in connection with the transboundary traffic of 
goods (see Annex 3, Parts A and B of the Ordinance on the Phytosanitary Protection of Plants, which 
contains the list of forest products whose impor t is prohibited).  The products in question are 
essentially those listed under the following customs tariff chapters (subject to non-automatic 
licensing):  
- 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. All countries. 
 
4. No. The purpose of the conditions is to pr event the introduction of new pests that are 
dangerous for forestry;  they consist in phytosan itary measures that are in conformity with the 
FAO International Convention and the recommendations of the EPPO.  5. Federal Law on Forests of 4 October 1991 (LFo ;  RS 921.0), Ordinance of 28 February 2001 
on the Phytosanitary Protection of Plants (RS 916.20). 
 Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable (no restrictions). 
 
7. (a) Import and export licences are issued s ubject to prior submission of an application 
(time-limit:  7 to 14 days).  The import of goods subject to phytosanitary conditions must be announced 24 hours in advance of importation to  the Federal Plants Protection Service or a 
customs office. 
 
(b) Applications submitted with a very short time limit are processed as rapidly as possible. 
 (c) Limitations may be possible, depending on the phytosanitary risk.  (d) Applications are usually processed by an offi cial organization.  In the case of tree-seedlings, 
applications for import licences must be coordinated in respect of rules of origin.  In the field 
of plants or parts of plants, the agricultural and forestry sectors coordinate their activities, i.e. applications are examined by two officials. 
 8. None.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. All persons, firms or instituti ons are eligible to apply for an import licence provided that they 
are domiciled in Switzerland.  
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. See horizontal replies.  An application for an import licence must mention the type of good, the place of origin, the quantity, the producer, the importer, the forwarding agent and the border point. 
  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 29 
 
 
  11. The licence and/or phytosanitary certificate. 
 12. Administrative fee of CHF 5 - CHF 20.  If the required documents are not produced (see point 11), there is a CHF 20 - CHF 50 phytosanitary control charge.  
13. No. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The validity of the import licence depends  on the product imported and the time-span 
required for importation (import in batch es etc.), and is extendable on request. 
 15.-17. No.  Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. Products subjected to phytosanitary conditi ons undergo spot cont rols by the Federal 
Phytosanitary Service.  19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
 
(v) Transplants 
Outline of systems
 
 1. The Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP) is  the body responsible for the implementation of 
the Federal Law of 8 October 2004 on the transplanta tion of organs, tissues and cells (Transplantation 
Law;  RS 810.21) which entered into force on 1 July  2007.  For import and export, an authorization 
from the OFSP is required under Article 25 of the Tr ansplantation Law.  The procedures for obtaining 
such an authorization are described, inter alia , in the Ordinance of 16 March 2007 on the 
transplantation of human organs, tissues and ce lls (Transplantation Ordinance;  RS 810.211). 
 
 The Law aims to guarantee safety  in the handling of transplants, in particular with a view to 
protecting donors and recipients.  Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. An authorization is required for the import of  organs, tissue and cells of human origin to be 
transplanted to humans.  3. All countries.  4. The import authorization is gr anted (automatic licensing) when the products are in conformity 
with the relevant laws.  The licence applies to th e products and countries listed therein.  Otherwise, 
there is no restriction on the quantity and value of the products.  5. See point 1 above.  
Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 30  
 
  7. (a) Import is not allowed without authorization.   The authorization procedure takes about three 
months.  In exceptional cases a shorter procedure can be envisaged. 
 (b) No.  
(c) Not applicable. 
 (d) The OFSP is the sole organ res ponsible for examining applications. 
 8. Only if the applicant does not meet the criteri a is an authorization refused.  The reasons will 
then be stated in the pre-authorization inspec tion report.  There is a possibility to appeal. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. All persons, firms or instituti ons are eligible to apply for an import authorization provided 
that they are domiciled in Switzerland. 
 Documentational and other requireme nts for application for licensing
 
 10. Different documents and certificates may be requested, depending on the type of transplant 
(according to application and corresponding checklist, available on the transplantation declaration and 
authorization web page of the OFSP, www.donneestransplantation.admin.ch
).  A pre-authorization 
inspection is mandatory.  11. Once the authorization is issued, none (for importation).  
12. CHF 500 to 2,000 per authorization. 
 13. No.  Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. The period of validity of the authorization is a maximum of five years with the possibility of 
extension.  15. No.  
16. No. 
 17. No.  Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. No. 
 19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 31 
 
 
  (vi) Blood, blood products and immunol ogical products for human use 
Outline of systems  
 1. Swissmedic, the Swiss Institute for Therap eutic Products, is the body responsible for the 
implementation of the Federal Law on Medici nal Products and Medical Devices, dated 
15 December 2000 (RS 812.21).
6  For the importation of blood and blood products and for imports of 
immunological products for human use, an import licence is required.  The procedure for obtaining such a licence is described, inter alia , in the Ordinance of 17 October 2001 on authorizations 
regarding medicinal products (RS 812.212.1).  
Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 2. A licence is required each time blood, blood  products or immunological products are 
imported.  For the products subject to this pr ocedure, 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). 
 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. See point 1 above.  Laws a nd amendments thereto must be adopted by Parliament.  They 
contain all important provisions.  Ordinances cont ain 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 (R S).  A licence is required by law for every import 
of blood and blood products.  In the case of immunol ogical products, this requirement is contained in 
an ordinance.  Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions). 
 7. (a) In view of the time required to obtain a licence, the application must be submitted a few days 
in advance of the importation itself.  In norm al situations the application is granted and 
returned within 24 hours after arrival.  Ex ceptionally and in urgent situations, it may be 
granted upon request by fax. 
 
(b) Exceptionally.  (c) No.  
(d) Swissmedic is the sole organ aut horized to examine licence applications. 
 
                                                     
 
6 Available under http://www.swissmedic.ch  (in French, German, and Italian only). G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 32  
 
  8. There are no reasons to refuse an applicati on for a licence other than failure to meet the 
specific criteria.  The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to 
appeal the decision to the administrative authorit y or to the Federal Administrative Court and, at 
second instance, to the Federal Supreme Court.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. Institutions wishing to import products subj ect to licence must obtain the necessary licence 
from Swissmedic in accordance with the relevant laws.  The licence is granted if the institution meets 
certain specific operational and organizational condi tions (e.g. import, wholesale trade and export 
authorization, authorization to take blood for tr ansfusions or for the production of medicinal 
products).  Swissmedic regularly controls comp liance with these conditions.  The procedure for 
obtaining licences is regulated by the relevant ordinan ce.  The list of authorized concerns is regularly 
published.  Moreover, registered products may only be imported by the institutions in whose name 
they are registered. 
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. Only the usual information is  required.  Samples of the application form are available on the 
website mentioned in footnote 6.  Other certificates  may be requested for a more detailed examination 
of the quality of the products. 
 
11. In addition to the documents usually require d by the customs services, only the application 
form is required.  In certain cases more specific information is requested.  12. CHF 100 per licence (see Ordinance dated 9 N ovember 2001 on the fees of the Swiss Institute 
for Therapeutic Products (RS 812.214.5)). 
 13. No.  Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. The period of validity of the licence is one m onth, generally without possibility of extension. 
 15.-17.  No.  Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. Certain products, such as immunological pr oducts or stable blood products, must be 
registered beforehand by Swissmedic.  Moreover,  imported batches of registered products are 
controlled by the Official Medicines Control La boratory (OMCL) of Swissmedic before being 
introduced into the market.  
19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
 
(vii) Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors used and marketed for legal 
purposes 
Outline of systems
 
 1. Article 5 of the Federal Law on Narcotics of  3 October 1951 (LStup;  RS 812.121) stipulates 
that a special authorization is required from Swissm edic, the Swiss Institute for Therapeutic Products,  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 33 
 
 
  for all imports (or exports) of narcotic drugs, psyc hotropic substances and precursors.  Chapter 4 of 
the Federal Ordinance on Narcotic Drugs and Ps ychotropic Substances of 29 May 1996 (OStup;  
RS 812.121.1) and Section 3 of the Ordinance of  29 May 1996 on precursors and other chemical 
substances used in the manufacture of narcotic  drugs and psychotropic substances (OPrec;  
RS 812.121.3) lay down the procedures for the gr anting of import (and export) authorizations. 
 
 According to the substance involved, Swissmed ic may issue single authorizations valid once 
for import (or export), or general authorizations valid for imports (or exports) carried out over a 
specific period of time up to the end of each calendar year (only for narcotic drugs partially exempted 
from control under Article 3, paragraph (b) of OStup,  and precursors).  All substances that are subject 
to the authorization system appear in the Swissm edic Ordinance on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic 
Substances of 12 December 1996 (OStup-Swissmedic;   RS 812.121.2) and the Swissmedic Ordinance 
of 8 November 1996 on precursors and other chemical substances used in the manufacture of narcotic 
drugs and psychotropic substances (OPrec-Swissm edic;  RS 812.121.31).  Swissmedic, through the 
Narcotics Division, is the organ responsible for granting import/export authorizations.  More detailed 
information may be obtained fro m that organ (e-mail address authorzation.narco@swissmedia.ch ). 
 Purposes and coverage of authorization regime
 
 2. See point 1 above, paragraph 2.  
3. No restrictions. 
 4. The purpose of the authorization system is to ensure that imports (or exports) are carried out 
for the sole purpose of satisfying leg itimate medical and industrial needs. 
 
5. See point 1 above.  The authorization syst em is maintained under federal laws.  The 
Government would not have the authority to repeal them.  It can, however, change certain details of 
the system, i.e. the above-mentioned Ordinances.  There is no delegation of authority to the 
administration.  There is however a limited dele gation of authority to Swissmedic, because the 
Ordinances of Swissmedic (812.121.2 of 12 D ecember 1996 and 812.121.31 of  8 November 1996), 
which include lists of all contro lled substances that are subject to the permit system, are under the 
authority of Swissmedic. 
 Procedures
 
 6.I. The quantities that can be imported (and exporte d) are limited through a system of estimates 
co-ordinated by the UN and its International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).  Each country 
must report its annual needs in narcotic drugs  and psychotropic substances to the INCB.  
If need be, requests for adaptations of the est imates may be submitted to the INCB, which 
approves 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 psychot ropic substances once every three years) to the 
INCB.  Import (and export) authorizations are issued only if the estimates have not been exceeded.  Where they have 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 can tonal or a Swissmedic 
licence to manufacture or to market narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or precursor 
chemicals, or a special OFSP authorization. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 34  
 
  IV. There is no time limit for the submission of  applications provided the import or export 
quantities do not exceed the estimates. 
 V. The time required for granting an import (or export) authorization is 24 hours and the average 
time is ten working days, assuming that all of the documentation and othe r requirements have 
been met.  Where there is no estimate or the esti mate is insufficient (a few cases each year), 
the time limits are extended to as much as one month. 
 VI. Import authorizations are valid from the date of issue.  
VII. As a rule, only Swissmedic considers aut horization applications.  If need be, Swissmedic 
cooperates with the cantons or the foreign co mpetent authorities concerned, and the INCB. 
 VIII. Applications are considered in the orde r in which they are received by the Swissmedic 
service.  If an authorization application is not complete or free of error, Swissmedic informs 
the applicant by means of a form indicat ing the deficiencies in the application. 
 IX. For every import of narcotic drugs, psycho tropic substances or precursors, an import 
authorization is required.  Import/export authorizations are only issued upon request. 
 X. The importing country is informed of any expor t 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 case of a refusal to issue an 
authorization, the reasons for refusal are given to the applicant, who has the right to appeal within 
30 days to the Ministry of the Interior.  Eligibility of importers to apply for authorization
 
 
9. All persons, firms and instituti ons may apply for an authorization provided they are holders of 
a cantonal or a Swissmedic licence to manufacture or  market narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances 
or precursor chemicals, or a special OFSP authorizat ion.  Swissmedic publishe s lists of persons, firms 
and institutions authorized by the cantons in accordan ce with the criteria of the Ordinance on Narcotic 
Drugs. 
 Documentational and other requirement s for application for authorization
 
 10. The importer sends a written application for an import authorization, lis ting the products to be 
imported and the corresponding quantities.  There is a specific form to be found on the website (see 
footnote 6). 
 11. A copy of the authorization issued by Swissmedic must be presented to customs. 
 12. CHF 50 for a single authorization for goods with a value of up to CHF 100;  CHF 100 for a 
single authorization for goods with a value exceed ing CHF 100;  CHF 200 for a general authorization 
(the total quantity to be imported/exported must be  indicated in the application for authorization). 
 13. No.   G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 35 
 
 
  Conditions of authorization  
 14. Single import authorizations are valid for three months.  The validity of a general import licence is 12 months, limited to 31 December of each calendar year.  
15. No. 
 16. Import authorizations are not transferable.  17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No.  
19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
 
(viii) Ethanol 
Outline of the systems
 
 
1. The private sector is allowed to import etha nol and spirits containing not more than 80 per 
cent by volume without restriction and withou t any permit.  For control reasons, only the 
Swiss Confederation is entitled through the Swiss Alcohol Board7 to import ethanol whose alcohol 
content exceeds 80 per cent by volume.  However, im ports by the private sector are possible subject to 
prior authorization by the Swiss Alcohol Board. 
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
 2. See point 1 above.  (Tariff headings:  2207.10 and 2207.20)  3. These regulations apply to all impor ts of ethanol, whatever its origin. 
 
4. Not for ethanol and spirits containing less than 80 per cent by volume.  5. The alcohol legislation is based on Article 105 of the Federal Constitution, which gives the 
Confederation the sole right to legislate in this fi eld.  The specific legal basis for the procedure of 
import licences is the Federal Law on Alcohol of 21 June 1932 (RS 680). 
 Procedures
 
 6. Import licences are generally only granted for ethanol qualities, which are not put on the 
market by the Swiss Alcohol Board itself.  Howeve r, Alcosuisse, a profit centre of the Swiss Alcohol 
Board, which has responsibility for the importation, and the sale of ethanol, endeavours to provide its 
clients with special ethanol qualities on request.  7.-9. See horizontal replies.  
                                                     
 
7 More information and documentation available under http://wwwe-eav.admin.ch  (in French, German, 
Italian and English (partially)). G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 36  
 
  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10.-13. Relevant information ava ilable on the website (footnote 7). 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 
14.  The application has to be submitted to the Sw iss Alcohol Board.  The validity of the licence is 
generally limited to a single importation.  15. No. 
 
16. Import licences are not transferable.  17. No.  
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No.  19. The foreign exchange required to pay for im ports can be provided by any commercial bank in 
Switzerland and there are no restricti ons on foreign exchange in force. 
 
III. GOODS OF VITAL AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE 
SUBJECT TO COMPULSORY STOCKPILING 
Outline of systems
 
 
1. In accordance with Article 8 of the Fe deral Law on National Economic Supply (LAP;  
RS 5318), the Federal Council may subject certain goods of vital importance to compulsory 
stockpiling.  To that end, it may place the produc ts concerned under the import licensing regime.  The 
granting of a licence is conditional upon the conclusion of a reserve stock contract. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. To ensure compulsory stockpiling, the Federal Council has placed the following goods of vital importance under the import licensing regime (tar iff headings to be found in Article 1 of the 
respective ordinance, see point 5):  
 - Liquid fuels (Swiss Central Office for the Import of Fuels, CARBURA
9); 
  - sugar, rice, edible oils and fats, coffee, different kinds of cereal (Réservesuisse 
Nahrungsvorsorge Schweiz, Réservesuisse
10); 
  - different kinds of cereal (Réservesuisse  Nahrungsvorsorge Schweiz, Réservesuisse).  
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. 
                                                     
 
8 Available under http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/rs.html  (in French, German and Italian only). 
9 Additional information in French, German, Italian and English available under 
http://www.carbura.ch . 
10 Additional information in German, French, and Italian available under:  http://www.reservesuisse.ch .  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 37 
 
 
   
3. See horizontal replies.  4. No.  The purpose of automatic licensing is to en sure compulsory stockpiling.  The size of the 
compulsory reserve stocks of each importer is de termined on the basis of the imports carried out 
(equal treatment for all importers). 
 5. Legal bases:  Federal Law on National Economic Supply as well as the ordinances on 
compulsory reserve stocks specific to each pr oduct (RS 531, 531.215.11, 215.12, 215. 13, 215.14, 
215.17, 215.41).  Th e Government may place other products  of vital importance under the import 
licensing regime. 
 Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions). 
 
7. (a-b) Applications for a genera l 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. See horizontal replies.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. In principle, all persons, firms or instituti ons are eligible to apply for an import licence. 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10.-13. See horizontal replies and footnote 9. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 14.-17. See horizontal replies.  
Other procedural requirements
 
 18.-19. See horizontal replies.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 38  
 
  IV. INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 
(i) War material 
Outline of systems
 
 1. Importation of war material is subject to th e authorization regime laid down in the Federal 
Law on War Material of 13 December 1996 (RS 514.51
11) and the Ordinance on War Material of 
25 February 1998 (RS 514.511).  The Law and the Ordi nance do not apply to imports of war material 
for the Swiss Army;  other exceptions are mentioned in article 17(4) of the law. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. The war material whose import is subject to  authorization is listed in Annex 1 of the 
Ordinance.  3. All countries. 
 
4. The purpose of the regime is to establish cont rol on the origin, nature and destination of the 
war material in question.  5. The regime of authorizations for the import of war material is laid down in Article 107, 
paragraph 2 of the Federal Constitution (RS 101).  Th us, the Government does not have the authority 
to abolish it.  The products subject to this regi me are listed in Annex 1 to the Ordinance on War 
Material, which is a governmental text.  Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions). 
 7. (a-b) There are no standards required by the la w or the ordinance.  However, it is recommended 
that applications for authorization should be s ubmitted at least seven days in advance of the 
scheduled date of importation.  In exceptional cases, the processing of applications may be carried out in a shorter period. 
 
(c) No.  (d) One single organ (the State Secretariat for Ec onomic Affairs seco, Division export controls 
and sanctions, of the Fede ral Economic Department, http://www.seco-admin.ch
) is 
responsible for examining applications for authorization. 
 8. Authorizations are not granted if they interfere with international law or if they are not in the 
interests of Switzerland.  Refusals have to be announ ced in a decision that contains the reasons for the 
denial.  The right to appeal is guara nteed by the federal law on procedures. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. Any person, firm or institution is e ligible to apply for an import licence. 
 
                                                     
 
11 Available under http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/rs.html  (in French, German and Italian only).  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 39 
 
 
  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence  
 10. Applications for import authorizations must contain the name and address of the supplier and 
of the importer/applicant, a precise description of the war material, its weight and its value, its customs tariff number and its category (in accordance with the list in Annex 1 of the ordinance), the 
country from where the import will take place and (if possible) and the scheduled date of the import . 
 11. Import licence.  12. 0,8 per cent 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 authorization to import is valid for one y ear.  It is possible to obtain one extension of 
six months.  15.-17. No.  
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No.  19. No. 
 
(ii) Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, 
Stockpiling, and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (CWC) 
Outline of systems
 
 1. Imports of chemicals controlled by Schedule 1 of the CWC are subject to an import licence 
pursuant to the Swiss 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 
17 October 2007.  
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. The Schedule 1 chemicals that are concerned ar e listed in the Annex to the Ordinance of the 
Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affair s on dual-use chemicals (OCPCh) and reflect the 
commitments undertaken by Switzerland under the CWC.  
 The Schedule 1 chemicals that are concerned ar e listed in the Annex to the Ordinance of the 
Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs on the control of chemical products used for 
civilian and military purposes (OCPCh)  and reflect the commitments undertaken by Switzerland 
under the CWC.  
3. From all countries on a case-by-case basis (non-automatic licensing). 
 4. The purpose of the regime is to prevent the development, production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 40  
 
   
5. Switzerland has signed the internationally bi nding CWC and is therefore obliged to comply 
with the provisions of this Convention.  The products  which are subject to this regime are listed in the 
Annex to the Ordinance of the Swiss Fe deral Department of Economic Affairs on the control of 
chemical products used for civilian and military (OCPCh) . 
 
Procedures
 
 6. The aggregate amount of such chemicals at an y time must not exceed 1 tonne.  Each importer 
has to notify the Government of the total amount of  imported Schedule 1 chemicals.  This has to be 
done at the latest 60 days following the end of a calendar year. 
 7. (a-b) Applications for author izations 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, http://www.seco.admin.ch
), Division export 
controls and sanctions, industrial products, is responsible for examining licence applications. 
 
8. Licences are only granted if the purpose of the im portation is not against the provisions of the 
CWC.  9. Any person, firm or institution is e ligible to apply for an import licence. 
 
Documentational and other require ments for a licence application
 
 10. Applications for import authorizations must contain the name and address of the supplier, the 
importer and applicant, the chemical name and the st ructural formula of the product and the Chemical 
Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number, the quantity, the country of origin, the shipping country, and the scheduled date importation.  The following documents must be presented:  Official 
application form, invoice, and a detailed description w ith regard to the end-use of the chemicals.  
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 one year .  However, this time frame can be extended for 
another six-month period.  15.-17. The importer has to notify the Governme nt of the total amount of imported Schedule 1 
chemicals during the past year.  This has to be done  at latest 60 days following the end of a calendar 
year.   G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 41 
 
 
  Other procedural requirements  
 18. No.  19. No. 
 
(iii) Weapons, their accessories and ammunition 
Outline of systems
 
 1. On 12 December 2008, two revisions of the Federal Law on Weapons, Accessories and 
Ammunition (Weapons Act, LArm;  RS 514.54)
12 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 C ouncil of the European Communities.  The second, 
known as a "national" revision, was carried out to re medy the existing gaps in the implementation of 
the 1997 Weapons Act.  Two revisions of the Ordinance on Weapons, Accessories and Ammunition 
(Weapons Ordinance, OArm:  RS 514.541)13 entered into force at the same time. 
  These statutes supplement the federal laws on War material and on the control of dual-use 
goods.  Small arms (shoulder wea pons 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 goods are subject to both the la w on war material and the weapons legislation. 
  Entries of goods that fall within the purview of the above-mentioned federal laws are subject 
to licence, and this applies to all three categories of weapons (prohibited wea pons, weapons subject to 
authorization and weapons subject to declaration)  which are classified under Swiss law according to 
their level of dangerousness, regardless of whet her they are entered into Swiss territory for 
professional or non-professional purposes.  The competent authority for the issue of authorizations is the Central Office for Arms attached to the Federa l Office of Police (Federal Department of Justice 
and Police).
14 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. A distinction is made between the introducti on (importation) of weapons etc. into Swiss 
territory for professional and non-professional purposes.   Articles 24, 24(a), 24(b) and 24(c) of the 
LArm regulate entries for professional purposes.  Anyone entering a weapon for professional purposes must be in possession of an arms trading licence. 
 
 A distinction is also made between the entr y for professional purposes of prohibited weapons, 
in accordance with the above-mentioned Article take n together with Article 34 of the OArm, and the 
entry for professional purposes of weapons subject to au thorization or weapons subject to declaration, 
in accordance with the above-mentioned Article taken together with Articles 36-38 of the OArm. 
 
 Article 25 of the LArm governs entry fo r non-professional purposes in conjunction with 
Article 35 of the OArm.  Article 25 of the LArm also governs the entry of prohibited weapons into 
Switzerland.  
                                                     
 
12 http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/514_54/index.html 
13 http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/514_541/index.html 
14 More information available under http://www.fedpol.admin.ch/fedpol/fr/home/themen/  
sicherheit/waffen.html  (in French, German and Italian only). G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 42  
 
   Article 25 of the LArm, together with the four Articles 39-42 of the OArm govern the entry 
for non-professional purposes of weapons subject to au thorization and weapons subject to declaration.  
Article 39 of the OArm provides for authorization for the simultaneous entry into Swiss territory of a 
maximum of three weapons or three integral part s of weapons.  The authorization is valid for 
six months and may be extended by no more than three months. 
 
 Any objects considered under Swiss law as weap ons, integral parts of weapons, specially 
designed parts of weapons or accessories to weapons,  ammunition and parts of ammunition are also 
subject to entry authorization under Articles 4 and 5 of  the LArm together with Articles 1 to 8 of the 
OArm. 
 
3. The entry of weapons, integral parts of wea pons, etc. is governed by the Weapons Act and the 
Weapons Ordinance.  These provisions apply irrespective of the country from which such goods are entered.  
4. The main purpose of entry regulations is to pr event illegal traffic in weapons, integral parts of 
weapons, etc.  5. The entry licensing procedure is governed by the above-mentioned legal provisions, in 
particular Articles 24 to 25(a) of the LArm and Ar ticles 34 to 42 of the OArm.  The Weapons Act and 
the Weapons Ordinance stipulate which objects are su bject to authorization and which annexes must 
be submitted with the application for authorizati on to enter weapons.  The Weapons Ordinance may 
be amended by the Executive, but only in the frame work of the Weapons Act.  Articles 25(3) and 
25(a)(3) of the Weapons Act state that the Executive may provide for derogations to the authorization 
regime in respect of certain objects and certain cat egories of persons.  To this end, the Executive 
introduced new rules under Article 40(3) of the OArm for hunters and sports shooters and under 
Article 42 of the OArm for different categories of persons. 
 Procedures
 
 6.I Customs authorities supply statistical reports on entries (quantity, commodity value, country 
of consignment). 
 
II. The entry of weapons etc. for non-professiona l purposes is subject to authorization which, 
according to Article 39(2) of the OArm is 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 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 (Artic le 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 aut horization be made a ge neral authorization.  
A general authorization is valid for 12 mont hs and the holder may enter an unlimited number 
of weapons (apart from prohibited weapons). 
 
III. Anyone wishing to enter weapons for non-pr ofessional purposes under Articles 4 and 5 of the 
LArm must possess an authorization for the intr oduction of such weapons into Swiss territory, 
except in the case of the persons referred to in Articles 40(3) and 42 of the OArm.  In addition, persons domiciled abroad and fore ign nationals domiciled in Switzerland who do  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 43 
 
 
  not have a residence permit must submit to the competent cantonal authority an official 
certificate from their State of residence or their State of origin authorizing them to purchase a 
weapon or an integral part of a weapon.  Th e 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 prohi bited from purchasing weapons. 
 
 Authorizations issued for entry for non-pr ofessional purposes are valid for six months only 
(with the possibility of a three-month extension)  and give entitlement to enter not more than 
three weapons etc. at a time within the pe riod specified (Article 39(2) OArm).  After 
expiration of the period specified, a new authori zation may be applied for.  Non-use of an 
authorization has no cumulative effect, that is, unused allocations may not be added to quotas 
for a succeeding period. 
  The names of authorized importe rs are made known on request only. 
 
 The entry authorization for professional purposes is issued as a single authorization for the 
first year.  To obtain the single authorization, the applicant must attach to the application a 
copy of his/her trading licence.  The authorization is valid for six months and may be extended by no more than three months (Artic le 36(3) OArm).  If the holder of the single 
authorization has not been the subject of a cha llenge or objection relating to his/her activity 
for one year, he/she may request that the aut horization be made a ge neral authorization.  
A general authorization is valid for 12 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) a nd 25(2) LArm) is the sole agency authorized to 
issue entry authorizations. 
 VIII. Not applicable.  IX. Not applicable. 
 
X. Not applicable.  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-prof essional purposes of prohibited weapons subject 
to authorization or subject to declaration are valid for a period of six months, extendable by no more than three months (Article 39(2) OArm). 
 G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 44  
 
   (d) Pursuant to Article 24(3) and Article 25( 2) of the Weapons Act, the Central Office for 
Arms issues authorizations for the entry for commercial purposes of integral parts of weapons, specially designed parts of wea pons, ammunition and parts of ammunition. 
 8. Articles 5(5) and 25 of the LArm and Artic les 35 and 39-42 of the OArm provide information 
on the conditions for granting an authorization for entry into Swiss territory for non-professional 
purposes.  Articles 5 and 24-24(c) of the LArm  and Articles 34 and 36-38 of the OArm provide 
information on the conditions for granting an aut horization for entry into Swiss territory for 
professional purposes.  Article 30 of the LArm sets forth the conditions under which a licence may be revoked.  The Law on Federal Administrative Pro cedures (PA;  RS 172.021) governs the appeals 
procedure in cases where a licence application has been refused or revoked.  Refusal of an 
authorization is notified by a decision.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. (a) Anyone seeking to introduce weapons fo r non-professional purposes under Articles 4 and 5 of 
the LArm must be in possession of an authoriza tion for entry into Swiss territory, except in 
the case of persons covered by Article 40(3) or  Article 42 of the OArm.  Moreover, persons 
domiciled abroad and foreign na tionals domiciled in Switzerland who do not hold a residence 
permit must submit to the competent cantonal authority an official certificate from their State of residence or their country of origin author izing them to purchase a weapon or an integral 
part of a weapon.  The nationals of certain States mentioned in Article 12 OArm must be in 
possession of a special authorization, since the persons concerned are in principle prohibited 
from purchasing weapons. 
 (b) Authorizations issued for the entry for non-professional purposes are valid for six months 
only (with the possibility of a three-month ex tension) and give entitlement to enter a 
maximum of three weapons etc. at a time within the period sp ecified (Article 39(2) OArm).  
After expiration of the period specified, a new au thorization 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 require ments for application for licence
 
 10. Applicants for a licence to enter weapons  etc. for professional purposes are required to 
complete an official form and file it, together w ith a photocopy of the weapons trading licence, to the 
Central Office for Arms (Articles 36-38 OArm). 
 
 Applicants for a licence to enter weapons et c. for non-professional purposes are required to 
complete an official form and file it with the Cent ral Office for Arms.  The following documents must 
be attached (Article 39 OArm):  (a) A copy of the authorization issued by the co mpetent cantonal authority if the object to be 
introduced into Swiss territory is subject to the authorization regime; 
 (b) an extract from the Swiss register of convicti ons issued not more than three months prior to 
the filing of the application; 
 
(c) a copy of a valid passport or identity card; 
 (d) an official certificate from their State of resi dence or their country of origin authorizing them 
to purchase a weapon in the case of persons reside nt abroad or persons not in possession of a 
residence permit.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 45 
 
 
   
 Applicants for a licence to enter prohi bited weapons under Artic le 5(1) LArm and 
Article 35(1) OArm for non-professional purposes are require d to complete an official form and file it 
with the Central Office for Arms.  The following documents must be attached:  
(a) A special cantonal authoriza tion under Article 5(4) LArm; 
 (b) a copy of a valid passport or identity card.   In order to obtain a licence to enter prohibited weapons etc. for professional purposes 
(Article 5(1) LArm and Article 34 OArm), the relevant form must be submitted to the Central Office 
for Arms (OCA), accompanied by the following documents:  (a) A copy of the weapons trading licence;  
(b) a special cantonal authorization, in accordance with Article 5(4) LArm; 
 (c) an attestation that the objects are necessary to cover the needs of the Army, the military 
authorities or the customs and police authorities or those of security firms, and that the 
persons making the order have a special authorization for those objects. 
 
11. No further documents are required upon actual entry. 
 12. The licensing fees are:   - CHF 50 for entry for professional purpo ses under a single authorization (Annex I(k) 
OArm). 
  - CHF 150 for entry for professional purposes under a general authorization 
(Annex I(n) OArm). 
  - CHF 50 for entry for non-professional purposes (Annex I(o) OArm), CHF 20 to 150 
for special authorization for entry into Swiss territory (Annex I(c)(1-8) OArm). 
  - CHF 20 for extensions of author izations (Annex I(l) and (p) OArm). 
 13. Fees up to CHF 1,000 may be charged in a dvance or against reim bursement (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 expi ration, a new licence may be applied for. 
 
 Licences for the entry for non-professional purposes of prohibited weapons etc. subject to 
authorization or subject to declaration are valid for six months, extendable by no more than three months (Article 39(3) OArm).   Upon expiration, a new licence may be applied for. G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 46  
 
   
15. Holders of a licence are free to make use of the licence, or a portion of it, as they see fit.  
There is no penalty for the non-utilization of a licence.  16. Entry licences are made out to th e holder and are not transferable. 
 
17. (a) There are no other restrictions.  (b) No further restrictions.  
Other Procedural Requirements
 
 18. No further restrictions  19. There is freedom of exchange operations. 
 
(iv) Explosive materials and pyrotechnic devices for civilian use 
Outline of systems
 
 1. The Federal Law on Explosive Substances of 25 March 1977 (RS 941.41) and the Ordinance 
on Explosive Substances of 27 November 2000, (RS 941.411) govern the importation of explosives 
and pyrotechnic devices. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. Articles 2-7 of the Ordinance define explosiv es and pyrotechnic devices, which are subject to 
import authorization. 
 3. All countries.  4. The import licensing procedure is needed to gu arantee public safety in Switzerland in the area 
in question. 
 
5. See under point 1 above.  The above statutory provisions govern the import licensing procedure.  The Government cannot repeal these provi sions.  However, article 24 (3) of the Ordinance 
provides that the Federal Department of Justice and Police may exempt certain pyrotechnic devices 
from the requirement of authorization, provided that  these devices are an integral part of articles 
which themselves are subject to a recognized licensing 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 licen sing of articles which are subject to prior 
approval procedures may take up to six months. 
 
(b) By way of exception, a licence may be granted by telephone and without delay. 
 (c) No.   G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 47 
 
 
  (d) Applications for importation are dealt with by a single administrative organ. 
 8. There are no reasons to refuse an applicati on for a licence other than failure to meet the 
specific criteria.  The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has no right to 
appeal the decision. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. Any person, firm or institution is  eligible to apply for a licence. 
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
15 
 10. Only the usual information is required for th e applications:  applicant's name and address;  
type and quantity of the product to be imported and chemical co mposition;  manufacturer's or 
importer's name;  warehouse of destination in Sw itzerland.  (Regarding explosives, information on 
impact and friction sensitivity is also required.) 
 11. Import licence.  12. Depending on the time required to process the application, the licensing fees may range from 
CHF 50 to 1,000. 
 
13. No.  Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. Import authorization is valid for three months .  It is possible to obtain two extensions of 
three months each.  15.-17. No.  Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. No.  19. The foreign exchange required to pay for impor ts is automatically provided by the banks.  
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange. 
 
(v) Nuclear fuel, debris and waste 
Outline of systems
 
 1. The import of nuclear fuel, debris and w aste from nuclear facilities is subject to an 
authorization regime under the Law on Nuclear Ener gy of 21 March 2003 (LENu;  RS 732.1) and the 
Ordinance of 10 December 2004 on nuclear energy (OENu;  RS 732.11). 
  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 Ordi nance on Radiation Protection of 22 June 1994 
(ORaP;  RS 814.501). 
                                                     
 
15 More information also available under:  http://internet.bap.admin.ch  (in French, German, and Italian 
only). G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
Page 48  
 
   
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. See point 1 above.  
3. No restrictions except as provided in the law. 
 4. The purpose of the regime is to establish c ontrol on the origin, nature and destination of 
nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilitie s within the framework of the Non-Proliferation 
Treaty and bilateral co-operation agreements. 
 
5. See horizontal replies and point 1 above.  Th e licensing regime is governed by federal laws, 
which the Government does not have the authority to  repeal.  The Government may, however, change 
the details of the regime, i.e. the above-mentioned Or dinances.  There is no delegation of authority to 
the administration. 
 
Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).  7. (a) The application for import must be subm itted two months in advance of the scheduled 
importation date.  In exceptional cases, the time limit may be shortened. 
 (b) No.  (c) No. 
 
(d) Applications for authorization are examined by the Law and Pipeline Transport Section of the 
Federal Energy Office (which has the authority to grant the licence) and the Federal Nuclear 
Safety Inspectorate (IFSN;  responsible for the transport of class 7 dangerous goods).  No list 
of authorized importers is published. 
 
8. No other circumstances. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. All persons, firms and instituti ons meeting the requirements set forth in the relevant laws and 
ordinances are eligible to apply for an import licence. 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. The information to be provided in a pplications is specified in a model form. 
 
11. Import licence, container certificate and validation. 
 12. The fee is calculated in accordance with the time spent.  13. No. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The import authorization is valid for a ma ximum of 12 months and may be extended for no 
more than six months.  G/LIC/N/3/CHE/5 
 Page 49 
 
 
   
15.-16. No.  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. 
 
__________