Includes import documentation and other requirements for both the U.S. exporter and foreign importer.
Last Published: 2/14/2019

 

The requirements that govern goods imported into Switzerland and their corresponding documents vary depending on the type of product in question. Separate agencies oversee the various approval processes. For information on the documentation needed to transport goods across the borders of Switzerland during customs clearance, please refer to the “Customs Regulations” section of this chapter. 

Switzerland’s application of the “Cassis de Dijon” principle stipulates that products lawfully placed on the market in the EU may also be placed on the market in Switzerland, barring certain exceptions which are published in a “negative list” to the Cassis de Dijon principle. Other goods fall under regulations for “Third Country” goods.

Many agricultural products require “general import permits” (GIP) which are issued by the Federal Office of Agriculture (FOAG) without charge. They are valid indefinitely and are non-transferrable. Goods such as meat, herbs, fruits, vegetables, potatoes, and dairy products are subject to quotas. Obtaining a GIP is a prerequisite for a producer to be included in the quota. Animals and animal products must be inspected by the Swiss Food Safety and Veterinary Office at the border. Some plants and plant products require a plant passport issued by FOAG or even an import permit which is granted by the Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) in the case of protected plants.

Imported food must comply with applicable Swiss food regulations which are enforced by the FSVO. Switzerland and the U.S. concluded an organic food equivalency arrangement in 2015, whereby certified-organic products in the U.S. may be imported to Switzerland and maintain their organic status. Foods produced through agricultural biotechnology are subject to strict authorization and marking requirements in Switzerland, especially if intended for consumption. No import authorization is needed for the importation of spirits, though alcohol duty, VAT, and customs duties still apply.

Protected species of animals and plants are either prohibited or only possible under limited conditions as Switzerland abides by the CITES convention. Imports of CITES-protected animals, plants, and derived products require CITES export permits issued by CITES enforcement authorities of the country of origin, as well as permits from FSVO. Inspections of such goods will be carried out upon importation. Commercial importers who trade in products derived from CITES-protected species (furs, skins, tissue etc.) may apply for an open import license to avoid applying for a new import permit for every shipment.

The following link leads to a Swiss government query tool which can be used to determine which requirements apply to a given agricultural product, as well as to check whether and to what extent trade is possible in CITES-protected animals and plants: https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/en/home/import-und-export/import.html.

Information pertaining to import regulations of an array of industrial products (such as transportation equipment, machinery, chemicals, and medical equipment), cosmetics, weapons, pyrotechnics, and precious metals through the State Secretariat for Economic Affaires’ (SECO) “Import Platform.”
 

Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.