Basic information
Outline of the system
The purpose of the sanitary measures is to prevent the introduction of epizootics and goods that present a health risk. As a rule, these measures also apply to re importation and transit. The Federal Office for Food Security and Veterinary Affairs (OSAV, https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/fr/home.html) is responsible for issuing the authorizations provided for under veterinary legislation for the importation of animals and goods.
Product coverage
In the case of products from the EU, Norway or Iceland, an authorization is required for:
the importation or re importation of animals or animal products which do not fulfil the conditions laid down in Annex 11 to the Agreement of 21 June 1999 on trade in agricultural products (hereinafter the "Agricultural Agreement"; RS 0.916.026.81), including in 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 countries, an authorization is required for:
non commercial samples and laboratory samples that do not fulfil the conditions laid down in Article 12 of the Ordinance on import, transit and export trade in animals and animal products with third countries (OITE PT). This applies to products classified under the following Swiss customs tariff numbers: 0511.99, 3001.20, 3001.90, 3002.10, 3002.90;
dogs, cats and ferrets from countries where urban rabies cannot be ruled out (countries not included in Annex 3 to the Ordinance of 28 November 2014 on the import, transit and export of pets (OITE AC)) and imported directly by air into Switzerland. This applies to animals classified under the customs tariff number 0106.1900.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
No restrictions. The purpose of the sanitary measures is to prevent the introduction of epizootics and goods that present a health risk.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).
The system applies to products originating from which country?
See point 2 above.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Veterinary legislation (Available at: https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/fr/home/import-und-export/rechts-und-vollzu... (in French, German and Italian only)) on the importation of animals and goods (Article 7 of the Ordinance of 18 November 2015 on the on import, transit and export trade in animals and animal products with the EU member States, Iceland and Norway [OITE UE; RS 916.443.11], the Ordinance of 18 November 2015 on import, transit and export trade in animals and animal products with third countries [OITE PT; RS 916.443.10], and Article 14 of the Ordinance of 28 November 2014 on the import, transit and export of pets [OITE AC; RS 916.443.14]). These are police authorizations issued in accordance with the Law on Epizootics of 1 July 1966 (LFE; RS 916.40).
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
It is not possible to make the regime more flexible or to modify the legal bases.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
It is not possible to make the regime more flexible or to modify the legal bases.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence provided they are established on the Swiss customs territory.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Please refer to the following websites:
for laboratory samples and non commercial samples: https://www2.blv.admin.ch/fr/import_filter/pdf?country_group%5B%5D=count... tierische_nebenprodukte&group%5B%5D=Og mustersendungen_laborproben;
for dogs, cats and ferrets: https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/en/home/tiere/reisen mit heimtieren/hunde katzen und frettchen.html.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
It is recommended that applications should be submitted at least three weeks in advance of importation.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
No.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Sometimes. In some cases, an approval, opinion or authorization is required from other services (cantonal veterinary services, Federal Office for Agriculture [OFAG]).
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
See point 7(b) above. The procedure is generally regulated so that the applicant needs to approach only two services (OSAV and OFAG).
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
See point 7(b) above. The procedure is generally regulated so that the applicant needs to approach only two services (OSAV and OFAG).
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
No.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
A fee of CHF 40 has been charged since 1 January 2015 for issuing an authorization for dogs, cats and ferrets, and for issuing an authorization for laboratory samples and non commercial samples if the batch is not subject to veterinary border control.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
CHF 40
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
As a rule, no.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
There are no reasons to refuse an application for a licence other than failure to meet the specific criteria.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme Court.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme Court.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme Court.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
No.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Import licence (or, if possible, accreditation as a professional importer), supplementary data sheet, as appropriate. All other import requirements are listed in the working tariff (https://www.tares.ch).
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
Sometimes. Subject to cantonal authorizations required by veterinary laws and laws on foodstuffs.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
For dogs, cats and ferrets: until the end of the period of validity of the vaccination, that is, for three years maximum. For non commercial samples: according to type of sample (epizootics policy risk), issue of an individual authorization or annual authorization. Import permits for protected species are valid for three months; professional importer accreditations are valid for two years.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
The licences are not transferable between eligible persons.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.