WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
26 September 2000
(00-3888)
Committee on Import Licensing Original:  English
AGREEMENT ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES
Notification Under Articles 7.3 (Replies to Questionnaire),
1.4(a), 5.1-5.4 and 8.2(b) of the Agreement
SWITZERLAND
The following notification, dated 21 September 2000, has been received from the Permanent
Mission of Switzerland.
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We have the honour to submit, in Annex hereto, the notification of Switzerland in respect of
import licensing. This notification was drawn up pursuant to Articles 1.4(a), 5.1-5.4, 7.3 and 8.2(b) of
the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures. It covers the period from 1 January 1999 to
31 December 2000, and at the same time describes the status of the import licensing regimes as of
1 January 2000.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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I. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.............................................................................................3
(I)H ORSES (A), LIVESTOCK AND BREEDING ANIMALS , BOVINE SEMEN (B)....................................7
(II)A NIMALS FOR SLAUGHTER , MEAT , PREPARED MEAT PRODUCTS AND EGGS ...............................8
(III)M ILK, DAIRY PRODUCE (A), ACID CASEIN (B)..........................................................................10
(IV)F RESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES (A), FRUIT FOR CIDER AND FRUIT PRODUCTS (B), CUT
FLOWERS (C), FROZEN VEGETABLES (D), POTATOES (INCLUDING SEED POTATOES )
AND POTATO PRODUCTS (E), FRUIT SEEDLINGS  (F) ..................................................................12
(V)F EED GRAIN ............................................................................................................................... 15
(VI)G RAIN FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION : DURUM WHEAT (A), COMMON WHEAT (B),
COARSE GRAIN FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION , SUCH AS BARLEY , OATS AND MAIZE (C).............16
(VII)S UGAR (A), EDIBLE OILS AND FATS (B) ....................................................................................18
(VIII)G RAPES FOR PRESSING AND GRAPE JUICE .................................................................................19
(IX)R ED WINE ............................................................................................................................... ...20
(X) WHITE WINE .................................................................................................................... ......21
II. SANITARY AND PHYTOS ANITARY ME ASURES.........................................................23
(I)I MPORT , TRANSIT AND EXPORT OF ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS ....................................23
(II)P LANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS .................................................................................................25
(III)F OREST REPRODUCTIVE MATERIAL ...........................................................................................27
(IV)F OREST PLANTS .........................................................................................................................28
(V)B LOOD , BLOOD PRODUCTS AND IMMUNOBIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN USE ................29
(VI)N ARCOTIC DRUGS , PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AND PRECURSORS USED AND
MARKETED FOR LEGAL PURPOSES .............................................................................................31
(VII)E THANOL ............................................................................................................................... ....33
III. GOODS OF VITAL AGRICULT URAL AND INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE
SUBJECT TO COMPULSORY HOLDING OF STOCKS................................................34
IV. INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS ..................................................................................................36
(I)W AR MATERIAL ........................................................................................................................36
(II) I MPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE PROHIBITION OF THE
DEVELOPMENT , PRODUCTION , STOCKPILING , AND USE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS AND
ON THEIR DESTRUCTION (CWC) ...............................................................................................37
(III)W EAPONS , THEIR ACCESSORIES AND  AMMUNITION .................................................................39
(IV)E XPLOSIVE MATERIALS AND PYROTECHNIC DEVICES FOR CIVILIAN USE .................................43
(V)N UCLEAR FUEL , DEBRIS AND WASTE ........................................................................................44G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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Preliminary observation
The replies to the questionnaire as well as the forms and other relevant documents provided in
Annex reflect the status of the licensi ng systems in force as on 1 January 2000.
Questionnaire
I. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
Sanitary and phytosanitary aspects of the products dealt with in Chapter I are described in
greater detail in Chapter II(i) and II(ii). The licensi ng 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 quantitat ive restrictions. The series of questions under
point 6 was used to reflect as accurately as possi ble 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 outlines of the licensing systems by group of
products below, 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 entered into force on 1 January 1999 (Systematic
Compendium - RS 910.11), 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, the coll ection of portions of the customs duties that are not
collected by the Federal Customs Administration (i.e . that are levied by bodies outside the customs
system) and for the individual allocation of tariff quot a (TQ) shares and the control of their utilisation.
To this end, the two following instruments are applied:
(A) Automatic licensing (general import licence - PG I): All imports of the groups of products listed
under headings I(i) to I(x) are subject to the PGI system. This licence, granted automatically, is
used for statistical purposes and serves in certain cases to ensure collection of those portions of
the customs duty that are not levied by th e Federal Customs Administration. The licensing
system to cover the expenses of compulsory stocks is described in Chapter III. Persons liable to
customs controls must show their PG I 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 authorised  to carry out imports within the TQ. If import
at the TQ rate is authorised provided that the importer purchases a fixed proportion of domestic
products, an importer meeting this requirement may import at the TQ rate even if the TQ has
been exhausted. Since 1 January 1999 quota shares  may be transferred among holders of such
non-automatic licences. They are usually allocated for a limited period. The importer is not
                                                     
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required to produce this authorisation at the borde r, as the competent authority carries out an ex
post control.
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. In principle, the agricultural products describe d under headings I(i) to I(x) 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 Sw iss notification to the
Committee on Agriculture  G/AG/N/CH E/13/Add1).
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. Non-automatic
licences provide for the individual allocation of TQ  shares and the control of their utilisation.
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( x). As a rule, the government has the competence to
abolish or amend ordinances concerning import syst ems without legislative approval. In some cases, it
must submit the provisions to Parliament for ex post  approval. The changes are published in the Official
Compendium of Federal Law (RO) and the Sy stematic Compendium of Federal Law (RS).
Procedures
6. Non-automatic licence. Does not apply to TQs which, for independent reasons, are not currently
applied.
I. The administration of TQs for the calendar year  1999 is described in the Swiss notifications to
the Committee on Agriculture  G/AG/N/CHE/ 13/Add.1. All information concerning TQ
utilisation (quantities, application procedures fo r licences, exceptions, exemptions etc.) is set
forth in the specific ordinances published in the RO  and RS (see Chapters I(i) to I(iv), I(vi) and
I(viii) to I(x)). The customs tariffs indica te, in the specific remarks under each tariff item
number, whether or not a licence is required. If so, the name of the office through which the
importer may obtain further details is also provided.
II. TQs are determined for one year. TQ shares  (non-automatic licence) may be allocated for
shorter periods. The validity of the non-automatic licence is generally limited (see description
by group of products below).
III. Since 1 January 1999, producers of agricultural  products and their marketing entities are also
allowed to apply for tariff quotas. The unused remainder of the allocations is not added toquotas for a succeeding period. In February/March of each year, the annex to the Report to
Parliament on Tariff Measures provides the names of importers for the preceding year. The list
of names is published in Official Journal (Feuil le Fédérale). This Report may be ordered from
the Central Federal Office of Publications and Printed Materials (Office central fédéral des
imprimés et du matériel).
IV. There is no deadline for the submission of a pplications from the time of opening of the quota.
V. As a rule, applicants receive a response with in one to three days according to the product.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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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 utilisation of the licence. In other cases, the goods may be imported assoon 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(v iii) to
I(x)). In principle, each TQ allocation method enables new importers to participate in the
market. A reserve supply is set aside specifically to that effect. Such reserves are above the totalquantity 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. Automatic licence.(a) In view of the time required to obtain a licence, the application must be submitted three to five
days in advance of the importation itself. For certain products, it may be granted upon request by
telephone. For the import of certain goods, however, th e 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 istherefore longer.
(b) Generally, yes.(c) No.(d) In most cases, applications are considered by a single organ. However, applications concerning
goods that are subject to veterinary control (see Chap ter II(i)) or to phytosanitary control (see Chapter
II(ii)) must be examined by a second organ. The importer generally approaches only one organ.
8. There are no reasons to refuse an application 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 authority or to the Appeals Commission 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
organisations, irrespective of nationality or origin, that: (a) Are established on Swiss customs territory;
(b) import goods in the sector concerned for business purposes; (c) provide guarantees that, where
necessary, they can meet the requirements and undertake the commitments related to utilisation of
TQ shares. Since 1 January 1999 producers of agricu ltural products and their marketing entities are also
eligible for TQ if they meet the commitments fo r the allocation of TQ (e.g. purchase of like products
directly from other producers in Switzerland). In Febr uary/March of each year, the annex to the Report
on Tariff Measures provides the names of all the importers for the preceding year (see point 6.III).G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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(b) Automatic licensing (PGI): As a rule, any natural or legal person domiciled in Switzerland is
eligible, irrespective of nationality or origin, to receive a licence. In some cases, the applicant must
engage regularly, and for business purposes, in trade in the product in question. There is no publishedlist of authorised importers (except those who import within the TQs - see point 6.III).
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10. Only the usual information is required. Samples of the various application forms are available at
the WTO Secretariat.
11. In addition to the number of the automatic licence and the documents usually required by the
customs services, certain certificates, such as cert ificates of origin or sanitary or phytosanitary
certificates (see Chapter II), are required according to the product.
12. Automatic licensing: No fees; PGI: Sw F 8 per consignment of goods released from customs;
imports following the allocation of an individual TQ share: Sw F 30 per allocation and Sw F 8 per
consignment released from customs; imports follo wing a specific allocation, upon special request, of a
TQ share: Sw F 80 per allocation and Sw F 8 per consignment released from customs. 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 limite d as long as the conditions on which the licence
was granted are met; (B) Non-automatic licensing: Th e validity of the licence varies from two weeks to
one year according to the product. The licence is  generally renewable, sometime several times.
15. No.16. Automatic licensing (A) and non-automatic licen sing (B): The licences are transferable between
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 auto matic licences is subject to the payment of the
portions of the customs duty th at are not collected by the Federal Customs Administration.
Other procedural requirements
18. No.19. The foreign exchange required to pay for imports is automatically provided by the banks. There
are no restrictions on foreign exchange.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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(I)H ORSES (A), LIVESTOCK AND BREEDING ANIMALS , BOVINE SEMEN (B)
Outline of systems
1. See horizontal replies. The specific legal basis for (A) is the Ordinance of 7 December 1998
regulating the import of horses (Ordinance on Hors es, OIC; RS 916.322.1), and for (B) the Ordinance of
7 December 1998 concerning animal breeding (RS 916.310). The automatic and the non-automatic
licensing system are administered by the Federal Office for Agriculture (OFAG).
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. Horses, livestock and breeding animals as well as bovine semen are subject to automatic
licensing, and to non-automatic licen sing for imports within the TQs.
3. See horizontal replies.
4. Automatic licensing provides for the statistical control of imports, it doesn’t restrict the quantity
or value of imports. Non-automatic licensing provides  for the individual allocation of TQ shares and the
control of their utilisation, it does restrict the quantity.
5. See horizontal replies and point 1.Procedures
6.I. See horizontal replies. (A) Auction dates are published in the specialised press and the Swiss
Official Trade Gazette (FOSC).
II. (A) and (B): The TQs are determined for one year (1 January-31 December). Validity of non-
automatic licences: (A) 50% of the TQ is put for auction each September – the licences are valid
for the next calendar year (1 January-31 Decemb er); the remaining 50% of the TQ is put for
auction each April – the licences are valid till the end of the same year (31 December). (B) The
TQ is distributed in chronological order of  submission of applications. The non-automatic
licences are valid as soon as they have been  issued till the end of the calendar year (31
December).
III-V. See horizontal replies.VI. See point II.VII. In order to import animals and semen, the importer must obtain one licence from the OFAG
and one licence from the OVF (two distinct forms - for health aspects see Chapter II(i)).
VIII.  (A) Auctioning of the TQ. The maximum amount per applicant is 10% of the TQ.
(B) Distribution of the TQ in chronological order of submission of applications. The
maximum amount per applicant is 5% of the TQ.
IX-XI. See horizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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7.(a-c) See horizontal replies.
(d) See point 6.VII.8. See horizontal replies.Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9.(a) See horizontal replies. Semen: cattle breeding and insemination organisations recognised
under Swiss law, breeders and groups of breeders domiciled on Swiss customs territory andparticipating in a Swiss breeding programme.
(b) See horizontal replies.
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10-13. See horizontal replies.Conditions of licensing
14. Automatic licensing: see horizontal replie s; non-automatic licensing: see point 6.II.
15-16. See horizontal replies.17. (a) (A) Applicants have to take part in the auction. (B) No
(b) No.
Other procedural requirements
18-19. See horizontal replies.(
II)A NIMALS FOR SLAUGHTER , MEAT , PREPARED MEAT PRODUCTS AND EGGS
Outline of systems
1. See horizontal replies.(A) Animals for slaughter, meat of bovine, equi ne, ovine, caprine and porcine animals as well as
poultry
The specific legal bases 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.
(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 isadministered by the OFAG.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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(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). The licensing  system is administered by the OFAG.
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. All of the products from (A) to  (C) are subject to automatic licensing, and to non-automatic
licensing as regards imports within the TQ.
3. See horizontal replies.
4. See horizontal replies.5. See horizontal replies and point 1.Procedures
6.I. See horizontal replies. Auction dates are published in the specialised press and the Swiss
Official Trade Gazette (FOSC).
II. See horizontal replies. (A) and (B): the maximum duration of non-automatic licences is one
year. (C): the maximum duration of non-automatic licences are four months (eggs for
consumption) and one year (eggs for processing and egg products).
III-V. See horizontal replies.
VI. Animals for slaughter, meat of bovine, equine , ovine, caprine and porcine animals, poultry, egg
products: one day. Prepared meat  products and eggs: one month.
VII. (A), (B) and (C): The OFAG is responsible for issuing licences. For health aspects see
Chapter II.
VIII. See horizontal replies.
(A) TQ-distribution according to slaughter and to purchases within the country.
(B) TQ-distribution by auction.(C) TQ-distribution according to purchases within the country (eggs for consumption) and first
come, first served (eggs for processing and egg products).
IX-XI. See horizontal replies.
7.(a) One week. Emergency procedur e by telephone or fax possible.
(b-c) See horizontal replies.
(d) See point 6.VII.8. See horizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9. See horizontal replies.
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10-12. See horizontal replies.13. See horizontal replies.Conditions of licensing
14. Automatic licensing: see horizontal replie s; non-automatic licensing: see point 6.II.
15-16. See horizontal replies.
17.(a) (A) and (C, only eggs for consumption) Pu rchase of like products from Switzerland . (B)
Applicants have to take part in the auction.
(b) No.
Other procedural requirements
18-19.  See horizontal replies.
(III)M ILK, DAIRY PRODUCE (A), ACID CASEIN (B)
Outline of systems
1. See horizontal replies.
(A) Milk and dairy produce
The specific legal basis is the Ordinance of  17 May 1995 on the importation of milk and dairy
produce as well as edible oils and fats (OILHG; RS 916.355.1). The licensing syst em is administered by
the OFAG.
(B) Acid casein
The specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 8 June 1995 concerning the import and domestic
purchase of acid casein (RS 916.355.3). The licensi ng system is administered by the OFAG.
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. The products are subject to automatic licensing, and to non-automatic licensing as regards
imports of certain dairy products (whole milk powder,  butter, Fontal cheese, natural yoghurt, dairy
spreads with a basis of milk fat) within the TQs.
3. See horizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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4. Automatic licensing provides for the statis tical control of imports for all products. Non-
automatic licensing provides for the individual al location of TQ shares and the control of their
utilisation.
5. See horizontal replies and point 1.Procedures
6.I. See horizontal replies.
II. See horizontal replies. Quotas and non-automatic  licences are established for one calendar year.
Exception: non-automatic licences for whole milk  powder are valid for 18 months from the date
of performance of the action in favour of Swiss production (current account; purchase with
scale).
III-V. See horizontal replies.
VI. At least three to five days.VII. The OFAG is the only organ to approach.VIII.(A)See horizontal replies. The distribution of  partial TQs takes place as follows:
- Whole milk powder: according to purchases within the country;
- Butter: The OFAG decides how much butter can be imported within the tariff quota.
- Fontal cheese: In 1999 70 per cent and in 2000 40 per cent according to imports in the
previous year. The remaining quantities were allocated by auction (total quantity limited
to 2,624 tons);
- Selected dairy products (natural yoghurt, sp reads with a basis of milk fat): as needed
(amount limited to 10 tons per year and per importer; maximum total quantity: 200 tons
per year).
(B) Distribution according to purchases within the country.
IX-X. See horizontal replies.
7.(a) One week. Emergency procedur e by telephone or fax possible.
(b-c) See horizontal replies.(d) See point 6.VII.8. See horizontal replies.
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9. See horizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10-13. See horizontal replies.
Conditions of licensing
14. See horizontal replies. Non-automatic licen ces, valid for one year, are not extendable.
15-16. See horizontal replies.
17.(a) Purchase of like products from Switzerland (only partially for (A)).
(b) No.Other procedural requirements
18-19.  See horizontal replies.
(IV)F RESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES (A), FRUIT FOR CIDER AND FRUIT PRODUCTS (B), CUT
FLOWERS (C), FROZEN VEGETABLES (D), POTATOES (INCLUDING SEED POTATOES ) AND
POTATO PRODUCTS (E), FRUIT SEEDLINGS  (F)
Outline of systems
1. See horizontal replies.
(A), (B), (C), (D) and (F): The specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 7 December 1998 on
the import of vegetables, fresh fruit and cut flowers (RS 916.121.10). The licensing system is
administered by the OFAG.
(E) The specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 7 December 1998 concerning the
utilisation as well as the import and export (RS 916.113.11). The licensing system is
administered by the OFAG (as of 1 February 1997).
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. The following products:
(A) Fresh vegetables and fresh fruit are subj ect to: (a) automatic licensing and (b) non-
automatic licensing as regards imports with in the TQs over a period ranging from 6 to
50 weeks according to the product;
(B) Fruit for cider, seed fruit products, (D) fro zen vegetables are subject to: (a) automatic
licensing and (b) non-automatic licensing  as regards imports within the TQs;
(C) Cut flowers 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;
(E) Potatoes including seed potatoes are subject  to (b) non-automatic licensing as regards
imports within the TQs;G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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(F) Seedlings of seed fruit and stone fruit  are subject to (a) automatic licensing.
3. See horizontal replies.4. Automatic licensing provides for the sta tistical control of imports for all products.
Non-automatic licensing provides for the individual a llocation of TQ shares and the control of their
utilisation.
5. See horizontal replies and point 1.
Procedures
6.I. See horizontal replies.
II.(A) See horizontal replies. In principle, non-auto matic licences are granted for the period indicated
in point 2.
(B) See horizontal replies. Non-automatic licences for seed fruit products are issued for a maximum
period of five months.
(C) The size of the TQ is determined for th e period from 1 May to 25 October. Non-automatic
licences are issued for that period.
(D) and (E): See horizontal replie s. With the exception of table 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 licence to the importers at the beginning of eachyear.  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 the applicants' previous imports.
(B) For the issuing of non-automatic licences acco rding to need, there is no time-limit for the
submission of applications. They may be submitte d throughout the year of opening of the TQ.
The deadline for applications in the case of auctions is generally set at 15 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 grante d according to previous purchases of Swiss
products, the licensing office sends the new licen ce to the importers at the beginning of each
year. 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. (B): The time-period for the examination of applications in connection
with auctions is about five working days  after the call for bids has been closed.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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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 pro rata  to applications or in response to a contribution to domestic production.
(B) Licences are mainly issued by auction. They ma y also be issued according to need (pectin) or on
the basis of a contribution to Swiss production (c oncentrates of seed fruit juice). New importers
may obtain a licence at each new allocation.
(C) Licences are generally issued according to a combination of two criteria: previous imports by
the applicant and purchase of local goods by the applicant. New importers receive a licence
based on the volume of imports for the winter semester.
(D) Licences are issued on the basis of a combinati on of two criteria: previous imports outside the
TQ by the applicant, and purchase of local goods by the applicant.
(E) Licences for fresh potatoes are issued in accordance with a contribution to local production.
Licences for potato products are allocated by auction.
IX-XI. See horizontal replies.
7.(a) See horizontal replies. No time-limit. Em ergency procedure by telephone or fax possible.
(b-c) See horizontal replies.(d) See point 6.VII.8. See horizontal replies.Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9. See horizontal replies.Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10-13. See horizontal replies.Conditions of licensing
14.  - Automatic licensing: See horizontal replies.
- Non-automatic licensing: See point 6.II.
(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 one month to one year according to the system of
allocation in force. Licences valid for one month may be extended to a maximum of five months simply
upon request.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 15
(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 m onths 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.
(V)F EED GRAIN
Outline of systems
1. See horizontal replies. The specific legal bases are the Ordinance of 7 December 1998 on
imports of seed-grain and feeding stuffs (R S 916.112.211) and the Ordinance of 6 July 1983 on the
creation of compulsory reserves of fodder produc ts, oats, barley and maize for milling (RS 531.215.17).
The licensing system is administered by the OF AG and the Fiduciary Office of Swiss Holders of
Compulsory Cereal Stocks (OSSOC - see Chapter III).
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. The import of products governed by market regu lations concerning feed grain and oilseeds for
feeding is subject to automatic licensing.
3. See horizontal replies.4. Automatic licensing provides for the statistic al control of imports and maintenance of the
system of reserve stocks (see Chapter III).
5. See horizontal replies and point 1.Procedures
6. Not applicable.
7.(a) See horizontal replies. No time-limit. Em ergency procedure by telephone or fax possible.
(b-c) See horizontal replies.(d) Automatic licences for goods subject to guarantee fund contributions are checked by the
OSSOC. Automatic licences for other type s of fodder are supervised by the OFAG.
8. See horizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 16
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9.(a) Not applicable.
(b) See horizontal replies.Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10-11. See horizontal replies. For statistical reasons, non-electronic cu stoms clearance (customs
model 90) requires prior notice to the OFAG.
12. Automatic licence against payment of a single  fee of Sw F 100. Other charges: see horizontal
replies.
13. See horizontal replies.
Conditions of licensing
14. Automatic licensing: no fees. Other expenses: see horizontal replies.15. No.16. See horizontal replies.
17.(a) No.
(b) Participation in the cost of establishing compulsory reserve stocks and, where applicable,
conclusion of a contract providing for the establishment of a compulsory reserve stock (see
Chapter III).
Other procedural requirements
18-19.  See horizontal replies
(VI)G RAIN 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 lega l bases are the Law on Wheat of 20 March 1959
(RS 916.111.0), the General Ordinance of 16 June  1986 concerning the Law on Wheat (RS 916.111.01),
the Ordinance of 10 November 1959 concerning supplementary wheat reserve stocks (RS 918.111.121)
and the Ordinance of 7 December 1998 concerning seed-grain and feeding stuffs (RS 916.112.211). The
licensing system is administered by the OSSOC (s ee 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 licensingG/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 17
2. Importation of products governed by mark et regulations concerning grain for human
consumption is subject to automatic licensing as regard s imports within the TQ. , is subject to an applied
TQ. TQs for durum wheat (A), common wheat (B) and coarse grain for human consumption, such as
barley, oats and maize (C) are not currently administer ed, i.e. importation at the TQ rate is not limited.
As regards common wheat, millers are required to purchase local wheat for 85 per cent of the total
amount processed in their mills.
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.
Procedures
6. Valid for coarse grain only (C).
I. See horizontal replies.II. See horizontal replies.III. See horizontal replies. The right to import is restricted to millers who have the necessary
manufacturing facilities (special mill). The controlling body is the Directorate-General ofCustoms.
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 the OSSOC for goods subject to contribution to the guarantee
fund or to the supplementary reserve st ocks, 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.
8. See horizontal replies.
Eligibility of importers to apply for licenceG/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 18
9. See horizontal replies.
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10-11. See horizontal replies.
12. Automatic licence without fees. Othe r expenses: see horizontal replies.
13. See horizontal replies.Conditions of licensing
14. Automatic licensing is for an unlimited duration.
15. No.
16. See horizontal replies.17.(a) (B): Purchase of like products  from Switzerland. (A), (B): No.
(b) Participation in the cost of establishing th e compulsory reserve stock and, where appropriate,
conclusion of a contract providing for the establishm ent of a compulsory reserve stock (see Chapter III).
Other procedural requirements
18-19.  See horizontal replies.
(VII)S UGAR (A), EDIBLE OILS AND FATS (B)
Outline of systems
1. See horizontal replies. The licensing system is  administered by the Fiduciary Office of Swiss
Foodstuff Importers (OFIDA), acting on instructi ons from the OFAG (and the Federal Office for
National Economic Supply - see Chapter III).
(A) The specific legal bases is the Sugar Ordinance of 7 December 1998 ( RS 916.114.11).
(B) The specific legal basis is the Ordinance of 7 December 1998 on the importation of milk and
dairy produce and of edible fats a nd oils as well as casein (RS 916.355.1).
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. The import of products governed by the market regulations concerning sugar and edible oils and
fats are subject to automatic licensing.
3. See horizontal supplies.
4. Automatic licensing provides for the statistical  control of imports and the maintenance of the
system of reserve stocks (see Chapter III).G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 19
5. See horizontal replies and point 1.
Procedures
6. Not applicable.7.(a-c) See horizontal replies.(d) Only the OFIDA has the authority to issue licences.
8. See horizontal replies.
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9. See horizontal replies.Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10-13. See horizontal replies.
Conditions of licensing
14-16. See horizontal replies.
17.(a) Not applicable.(b) Participation in the costs of establishing th e compulsory reserve stock and, where appropriate,
conclusion of a contract providing for the establishm ent of a compulsory reserve stock (see Chapter III).
Other procedural requirements
18-19.  See horizontal replies.
(VIII)G RAPES FOR PRESSING AND GRAPE JUICE
Outline of systems
1. See horizontal replies. The specific legal base is the General Ordinance of 7 December 1998 on
imports of agricultural products (RS 916.01). The automa tic licensing system is administered by the
OFAG. Since for independent reasons the TQ is not administered, there are no non-automatic licences
for these products.
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. Grapes for pressing (0806.1021) and grape juice (2009.6018, 6021, 6031; 2202.9018, 9041) are
subject to automatic licensing only.
3-4. See horizontal replies.5. See horizontal replies and point 1.
ProceduresG/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 20
6. Not applicable.
7-8. See horizontal replies.
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9. See horizontal replies. In order to be eligible  to market the products in question, the 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 requirements for application for licence
10-13. See horizontal replies.
Conditions of licensing
14-16. See horizontal replies.
17.(a) Not applicable.(b) No.Other procedural requirements
18-19.  See horizontal replies.
(IX)R ED WINE
Outline of systems
1. See horizontal replies. Specific legal bases: S ee chapter I(viii), point 1. The licensing system is
administered by the OFAG.
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. Red wines (2204.2131/2149, 2931/2939) are subject to  automatic licensing and non-automatic
licensing as regards imports within the TQ.
3. See horizontal replies.
4. Automatic licensing provides for statistical  control of imports. Non-automatic licensing
provides for the individual allocation of TQ shares and the control of the utilisation.
5. See horizontal replies and point 1.
Procedures
6.I. See horizontal replies. The TQ distribution is also published in the Official Swiss Trade
Journal (Feuille officielle suisse du commerce - FOSC).G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 21
II. See horizontal replies.
III. See horizontal replies. Producers of agricult ural commodities and their organisations are not
excluded from access to TQs.
IV-VI. See horizontal replies.VII. Only the OFAG has the power to decide whethe r or not imports are to be counted against the
TQ, including retroactively (see TQ di stribution method under the next point).
VIII. See horiz ontal replies. The allocation of TQ shares takes place as needed. Licences are issued in
chronological order of actual imports, upon cust oms clearance, as long as the TQ is not
exhausted. In other words, the TQ is allocated in  the order in which the customs declarations are
received. The volume of imports under the TQ is recorded by the customs authorities. On the
basis of this data, the OFAG determines when th e TQ is exhausted and provides information to
that effect. There is no maximum amount per importer.
IX-XI. See horizontal replies.7.(a-c) See horizontal replies.(d) See point 6.VII.8. See horizontal replies.
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9. See horizontal replies and Chapter I(viii), point 9.
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10-13. See horizontal replies.Conditions of licensing
14-16. See horizontal replies.
17.(a) No.
(b) No.Other procedural requirements
18-19.  See horizontal replies.
(X) WHITE WINE
Outline of systems
1. See horizontal replies. For specific legal bases see Chapter I(viii), point 1. The licensing system
(allocation by auction) is administered by the OFAG.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 22
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. White wines (2204.2121/2129, 2921/2929) are subj ect to automatic licensing, and a
non-automatic licensing as regards imports within the TQ.
3. See horizontal replies.4. Automatic licensing provides for the statistical control of imports. Non-automatic licensing
provides for the individual allocation of TQ shares and the control of their utilisation.
5. See horizontal replies and point 1.Procedures
6.I. See horizontal replies. The allocation of TQ shares is also published in February 1997 in the
FOSC.
II. See horizontal replies. Licences are valid for one year.
III. See horizontal replies. Producers of agricult ural commodities and their organisations are not
excluded from access to the TQ.
IV-V. The deadline for registration for the first year of application for the auction system (1997),
i.e. 12 December 1996, was published on 20 November 1996. Allocations were communicatedon 20 December 1996.
VI. See preceding points and horizontal replies.VII. Licence applications are considered by the OFAG only.
VIII. See horizontal replies. TQ shares are allocated by auction. Each year, the OFAG sets a deadline
for registration. An importer may submit up to five  bids at different prices and for different
quantities up to a maximum of 10,000 hl. per importer. The TQ is distributed according to the
bids in the decreasing order of prices until exhaustion. The quantities of the last bids taken into
consideration, at the lowest price, are reduced according to the remaining amount of the TQ. TQ
shares are awarded at the prices offered. The OFAG communicates the quantities allocated tothe importers.
IX-XI. See horizontal replies.7.(a-c) See horizontal replies.(d) See point 6.VII.8. See horizontal replies.
Eligibility of importers to apply for licenceG/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 23
9. See horizontal replies and Chapter I(viii), point 9.
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10-13. See horizontal replies.Conditions of licensing
14-16 See horizontal replies. Non-automatic licences are valid for one year and are not extendable.
17.(a) Payment of the lowest successful tender pri ce must take place before importation and, at the
latest, 60 days following the entry into force of the award.
(b) No.
Other procedural requirements
18-19.  See horizontal replies.
II. SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
(I)I MPORT , TRANSIT AND EXPORT OF ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS
Outline of systems
1. The Federal Veterinary Office (OFV) is responsible for issuing:
(a) The authorisations laid down by veterinary law for the importation of animals and
goods, (Ordinance 20 April 1988 on the import,  transit and export of animals and
animal products (OITE;  RS 916.443.11;  Articles 25, 36, 49, 51, 54 and 57).  These
authorisations are police authorisations issued in accordance with the Law on
Epizootics of 1 July 1966 (LFE:  RS 916.40), the Law on Foodstuffs of 9 October 1992
(817.0), the Federal Law on Fishing  of 21 June 1991 (RS 923.0) and the Law  on the
Protection of Animals (RS 455) of 9 March 1978.
(b) The authorisations laid down in the laws on the protection of species with respect to the
import of animals and goods, (Ordinance of 19 August 1981 on the conservation of
species (OCE - RS 453, Article 5) and re quired under the Convention on International
Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora of 3 March 1973 (CITES;
SR 0.453),  the Law on the Protection of Animals of 9 March 1978 (RS 455) and the
Law of 20 June 1986 on Hunting (RS 922.0).
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. (a) List of OITE products:  see OITE, Article 1.
(b) List of products coming under the conser vation of species:  see OCE, Article 5.
3. No restrictions.
4. No restrictions.  For purpose, see point 1.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 24
5. See point 1.  A particle modification of the re gime would be possible,  but would require the
approval of Parliament on cer tain points (Law on Hunting).
Procedures
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).7.(a) It is recommended that applications shoul d be submitted at least one week in advance of
importation.  Authorisations concerning the speci es listed in Annex I of the CITES require a
slightly longer time-limit owing to the pro cedure stipulated by the international treaty
(consultation of scientific authorities).  However, many applications are processed the day on
which they are submitted.
(b) Sometimes.  In some cases an approval/opi nion/authorisation is required from other services
(Cantonary Veterinary Office, OFAG, Federal Office of the Environment, Forests and
Landscape (OFEFP), Technical Commissi on for the Conservation of Species).
(c) No.
(d) See point 7(b).  The procedure is generally regula ted so that the applican t needs to approach two
services (Federal Veterinary Office and Federal office of Agriculture).
8. See horizontal replies.
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible  to apply for an import licence provided they
domiciled in Switzerland.  Specimens of the species  appearing in Annex 1 of the CITES may only be
imported for professional purposes, thereby automatica lly limiting the number of applicants.  Holders of
licences that are valid for one or two years ar e included in "lists of professional importers".
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10. See horizontal replies.
11. Import licence, veterinary certifica te, CITES documents as appropriate.
12. Yes.  Sw F 15.13. See horizontal replies.
Conditions of licensing
14. In general, three months.  Possible extensions  of twice two months (the licence must be sent
with a brief extension request).  For certain cate gories of animals or goods, so called "general"
authorisations are  issued.  They are valid for one or two years for an indeterminate number of shipments
and an undefined quantity.
15-16. See horizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 25
17. No.
Other procedural requirements
18. Sometimes.  Subject to cantonal authorisations required by veterinary law and the laws on
foodstuffs.
19. See horizontal replies.(
II)P LANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS
Outline of systems
1. This OFAG is responsible for issuing the authorisations required under phytosanitary law for
the import of goods which could present a risk of transmitting plant pests and diseases.
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. Phytosanitary measures applying to the impor tation of plants, plant products and other items
form three distinct regimes: Prohibition of imports, authorisation to import and phytosanitary certificate.
A distinction is drawn within these regimes be tween goods from any country and goods from non-
member countries of the European and Med iterranean Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO).
The products in question are essentially those listed under the following customs tariff chapters:- 6 (live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and
ornamental foliage);
- 7 (edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers);
- 8 (edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons);
- 10 (cereals);
- 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial
or medicinal plants; straw and fodder);
- 31 (fertilisers).
3. See item 2.4. No. The purpose of the measures is to prevent the introduction of quarantine organisms
affecting plants. The regimes governing plants, plant products and other items are frequently revisedaccording to the phytosanitary situ ation in the territory of Switzerland (e.g. the abolition, on 1 January
1996, of the system of phytosanitary certificates for seed fruit and stone fruit from the member countries
of the EPPO).
5. Legal bases: Law on Agriculture of 29 Ap ril 1998 (RS 910.1), Ordinance of 5 March 1962 on
Plant Protection (RS 916.20), Ordinance of 28 April 1982 on the contro l of San José scale, fire blight
and fruit trees virus diseases constituting a gene ral danger (RS 916.22). 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 mu st promptly submit such measures to the Federal
Council for approval. The government has the author ity under the law to decide on the items that are
subject to the regimes described in point 2 above.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 26
Procedures
6. Not applicable (no restrictions).
7.(a) For items subject to import licensing, applications must be submitted two weeks in advance of
importation to the Federal Phytosanitary Service at the OFAG. Imports of goods under the phytosanitary
certificate regime must be announced to the said service 24 hours in advance.
(b) Applications for import licences submitted after the deadline mentioned in 7(a) are processed as
quickly as possible, but without an y guarantee that the applicants will receive the licences by the
requested date.
(c) See horizontal replies.(d) All applications for import licences for the items  mentioned in point 2 are dealt with by the
Federal Phytosanitary Service.
8. See horizontal replies.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.
Documentational and other requirements 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. Sw F 5 per licence application.13. See horizontal replies.Conditions of licensing
14. The period of validity 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 above are controlled by the Phytosanitary Service
upon import. The Phytosanitary Service is the OFAG's  control body in the fi eld of plant protection.
19. See horizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 27
(III)F OREST REPRODUCTIVE MATERIAL
Outline of systems
1. The Federal Directorate of Forestry is responsible  for issuing the authorisations required by the
regulations governing the import and export of fore st reproductive material.  The purpose of these
measures remains above all to ensure the use of healthy and appropriate forest reproductive material at
the place of reforestation.
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. The regulations cover certain varieties of trees th at are important for Swiss forestry (11 varieties
of conifers and 31 varieties of leaf-bearing trees ).  See also Annex 1 to the Ordinance on Forest
Reproductive Material).
3. Countries in which the tree varieties in quest ion grow naturally and permanently (Europe, North
America and Japan).
4. No.  The purpose of the Ordinance is to ensu re 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) ;  Ordinance of 29 Novemb er 1994 on Forest Reproductive
Material (SR 921.552.1).  The tree varieties subject to the Ordinance are listed in Annex I thereto.
Procedures
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restriction).
7.(a) 14 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 requirements 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.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 28
11. Import licence and certificate of origin.
12. A fee is charged for all import licence applications (to cover administrative expenses).
13. See horizontal replies.Conditions of licensing
14. The imports 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)F OREST PLANTS
Outline of systems
1. The Federal Directorate of Forestry is responsible  for issuing the authorisations required by the
regulations governing the protection of forest plants .  The purpose of these measures remains above all
to ensure the use of healthy forest plants.
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. Regulations for the protection of forest plants  in connection with the trans-boundary traffic of
goods (see Annex 3 of the Ordinance on the Protection of Forest Plants, which contains the list of forest
products whose import is prohibited).
3. See point 2.
4. No.  The purpose of the conditions is to preven t the introduction of new pests that are dangerous
for forestry;  they consist in phytosanitary 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 (L Fo;  SR 921.0), Ordinance of 30 November 1992
on the protection of forest plants in connection with the trans-boundary traffic of goods (SR 921.541).
Procedures
6. Not applicable (no restrictions).7.(a) Import and export licences are issued subject 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 Plan ts Protection Service or a customs office.
(b) Applications submitted with a very short time-limit are processed as rapidly as possible.
(c) See horizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 29
(d) Applications are usually processed by an offi cial organisation.  In the case of tree-seedlings,
applications for import licences must be co-ordinated in  respect of rules of origin.  In the field of plants
or parts of plants, the agricultural and forestry sect ors co-ordinate their activitie s, i.e. applications are
examined by two officers.
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 that they
are domiciled in Switzerland.
Documentational and other requirements 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 impor ter, the forwarding agent and the border point.
11. The licence and/or phytosanitary certificate.
12. Administrative fee of Sw F 5-Sw F 20.  If  the required documents are not produced (see
point 11), there is a Sw F 20-Sw F 50 phytosanitary control charge.
13. See horizontal replies.
Conditions of licensing
14. The validity of the import licence depends on the product imported and the time-span required
for importation (import in batches etc.), and is extendable on request.
15-17.  No.
Other procedural requirements
18. Products subjected to phytosanitary conditions undergo spot controls by the Federal
Phytosanitary Service.
19. See horizontal replies.
(V)B LOOD , BLOOD PRODUCTS AND IMMUNOBIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN USE
Outline of systems
1. The Federal Public Health Office (OFSP) is the body responsible for the implementation of the
Federal Decree of 22 March 1996 on the control of  blood, blood products and transplants (RS 818.111;
RO 1996 2296) and for the control of  trade in imm unobiological products in accordance with Article 30
of the Federal Law of 18 December 1970 on the campai gn against diseases transmissible by human
beings (Law on Epidemics;  RS 818.101).  For th e importation of blood a nd blood products and for
imports of immunobiological products  for human use, an import licence is required.  The procedures for
obtaining such a licence are described, inter alia , in the Ordinance of 26 June 1996 on the control ofG/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 30
blood, blood products and transplants (Ordinance on Blood Control;  RS 818.111.3) and the Ordinance
23 August 1989 concerning imm unobiological pr oducts (RS 812.111).
The Decree aims to guarantee safety in the ha ndling of blood, blood products and transplants, in
particular with a view to protecting donors and recipients.
Purpose and coverage of licensing
2. A licence is required each time blood, blood pr oducts or immunobiological products are
imported.  For the products subject to this procedure, see the relevant Ordinances.
3. See horizontal replies.4. The import licence granted when the products are in conformity with the relevant laws.
5. See horizontal replies and point 1.
Procedures
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).7.(a) See horizontal replies.(b) Exceptionally.
(c) See horizontal replies.
(d) The OFSP is the sole organ responsible for examining applications for authorisation.8. See horizontal replies.Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9. Institutions wishing to import products subjec t to authorisation must obtain the necessary
authorisation from the OFSP in accord ance with the relevant laws.  The authorisation is granted if the
institution meets certain specific operational and organisational conditions.  The OFSP regularly
controls compliance with these conditions.  The proce dure for obtaining authorisation is regulated by the
relevant ordinance.  The list of authorised concerns is regularly published in the OFSP Bulletin.
Moreover, registered products may only be importe d by the institutions in whose name they are
registered.
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10. See horizontal replies.  Other certificates ma y be requested for a more detailed examination of
the quality of the products.
11. See horizontal replies.12. Sw F 50 per licence.13. No.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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Conditions of licensing
14. The period of validity of the licence is one m onth, generally without possibility of extension.
15-17.  NoOther procedural requirements
18. Certain products, such as imm unobiological products, must be registered beforehand by the
OFSP or the Inter-cantonal Office for the Control of Medicaments.  Moreover, imported batches of
registered products are controlled by one of the above-mentioned organs before being introduced into
the market.
19. See horizontal replies.(
VI)N ARCOTIC 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 permit is required from the OFSP for all imports (or exports) of narcotic drugs,
psychotropic substances and precursors.  Chapter 4 of the Federal Ordinance on Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances of 29 Ma y 1996 (OStup;  RS 812.121.1) and Sec tion 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 granting of import
permits (and export permits).
According to the substance involved, the OFSP may issue single permits valid once for import
(or export), or general authorisations valid for impor ts (or exports) carried out over a specific period of
time up to a maximum of one year (only for narcotic drugs partially exempted from control under
Article 3, paragraph (b) of OStup, a nd precursors).  All substances that are subject to the permit system
appear in the OFSP Ordinance on Narcotic Drug s and Psychotropic Substances of 12 December 1996
(OFSP-OStup;  RS 812.121.2) and O FSP Ordinance of 8 November  1996 on precursors and other
chemical substances used in the manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
(OFSP-OPrec;  RS 812.121.31).  The OFSP, through the Control and Licences Section of its Pharmacy
Division, is the organ responsible for granting impor t/export permits.  More detailed information may be
obtained from that organ.
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. See point 1, paragraph 2.3. No restrictions.4. The purpose of the licensing system is to ensure that imports are carried out for the sole purpose
of satisfying legitimate medical and industrial needs.
5. See point 1.  The licensing system is mainta ined under Federal Law.  The Government would
not have the authority to abolish them.  It can, howev er, change certain details of the system, i.e. theG/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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above-mentioned Ordinances. There is no delegati on of authority to the administration. There is
however a limited delegation of authority to the administration (to the FOPH), because the Ordinances
of the FOPH (812.121.2 of December 12, 1996 and 812.121.31 of November 8, 1996 which include lists
of all controlled substances that are subject to the permit system, are under the authority of the FOPH.
Procedures
6.I. The quantities that can be imported (and exported) are limited through a system of estimates co-
ordinated by the UN and its International Narco tics Control Board (INCB).  Each country must
report its annual needs in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to the INCB.  If need be,requests for adaptations of the estimates may be submitted to the INCB, which approves them if
they are legitimate.  The INCB publishes the estim ates for all of the countries, and updates them
on a monthly basis.
II. The estimates are sent once a year to the INCB.  Import (and export) permits 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. Licences are granted only to holders of a can tonal authorisation to manufacture or to market
narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or precu rsor chemicals. A copy of each licence granted
is sent to the authorities concerned for each transaction.
IV. There is no time-limit for the submission of applications provided the amount of the estimate
permits the licence to be issued.
V. The minimum length of time required for granting an import (or export) licence is 24 hours and
the average time is 48 to 72 hours, assuming that all of the documentational and other
requirements have been met.  Where there is no estimate or the estimate is insufficient (a few
cases each year), the time-limits are extended to as much as three weeks.
VI. See horizontal replies.
VII. As a rule, only the OFSP considers licence appli cations.  If need be, the OFSP co-operates with
the cantons concerned.
VIII. As a rule, all applications for licences are satisfied.
IX. See horizontal replies.
X. The importing country is informed of any export licence granted by receiving a copy of the
licence.
XI. No.
7. Not applicable.8. See horizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9. All persons, firms and institutions may apply for a licence provided they are holders of a
cantonal authorisation to manufacture or market narc otic drugs, psychotropic substances or precursor
chemicals.  The OFSP publishes lists of persons, fi rms and institutions authorised by the cantons in
accordance with the criteria of the Ordinance on Narcotic Drugs.
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10. The importer sends a written application for an import licence, listing the products to be
imported and the corresponding quantities.  There is no specific form.
11. A copy of the authorisation issued by the OFSP must be presented to customs.12. Sw F 100 for a single licence, Sw F 200 for a general licence.13. See horizontal replies.Conditions of licensing
14. Single import licences are valid six months, extendable upon request by a maximum of twice
three months.  The validity of a general impor t licence is 12 months, extendable, upon request, by
another 12 months.
15-16. See horizontal replies.17. No.Other procedural requirements
18-19. See horizontal replies.
(VII)E THANOL
Outline of the systems
The private sector is allowed to import ethanol and spirits containing not more than 80 % by volume
without restriction and without any permit. For control reasons, only the Swiss Confederation is
entitled  through the Swiss Alcohol Board to import ethanol whose alcohol content exceeds 80 % byvolume. However, imports by the private sector are possible subject to prior authorisation by the
Swiss Alcohol Board.
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing
1. See point 1.
2. These regulations apply to imports of all ethanol, whatever its origin.
3. No.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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4. The alcohol legislation is based on Article 105 of the Federal Constitution, which gives the
Confederation the sole right to legislate in this field. The specific legal basis for the procedure of
import licences is the Federal Law on Alcohol of 21 June 1932 (article 27).
Procedures
5. Import licences are generally only granted for ethanol qualities which are not put on the market by
the Swiss Alcohol Board itself. However, alcosuisse, a profit centre of the Swiss Alcohol Board
which has responsibility for the importation and th e sale of ethanol, endeavours to provide its
clients with special ethanol qualities on request.
6. See horizontal replies.
7. See horizontal replies
Conditions of Licensing
 The application has to be submitted to the Swiss Alcohol Board. The validity is of the licence
is generally limited to  a single importation.
III. GOODS OF VITAL AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE 
SUBJECT TO COMPULSORY HOLDING OF STOCKS
Outline of systems
1. In accordance with Article 8 of the Federal Law on National Economic Supply (LAP; RS 531),
the Federal Council may subject certain goods of vital importance for which domestic production is non-existent or insufficient to compulsory holding of stocks.  To that end, it places the products concerned
under the import licensing regime. The granting of a licence is conditional upon the conclusion of a
reserve stock contract.
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. To ensure the compulsory holding of stoc ks, the Federal Council has placed the following
goods of vital importance under the import licensing regime:
- Fuels, including liquid fuels (Swiss Ce ntral Office for the Import of Fuels,
CARBURA);
- sugar, rice, edible oils and fats, coffee (F iduciary Office of Swiss Foodstuff Importers,
OFIDA);
- durum wheat and bread grain for human consumption (Fiduciary Office of Swiss
Holders of Compulsory Cereal Stocks, OSSOC);
- feed grain and course grain (barley, oats  and wheat) for human consumption (OSSOC);
- antibiotics (Fiduciary Office of Swiss Importers of Antibiotics, OFISA);
- fertilisers (Fiduciary Office of Swiss Owners of Compulsory Stocks of Fertilisers,
OFSE);G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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- lubrication oil (Swiss Association of Importers of Lubrication Oil, VSS).
The above bodies grant general import licences under the authority of the Federal Office for
National Economic Supply.  They allow importers to import the listed goods from all countries without
quantitative restrictions and for an unlimited period of time.
3. See horizontal replies.4. No.  The purpose of automatic licensing is to en sure the compulsory holding of stocks.  The size
of the compulsory reserve stocks of each importer is  determined on the basis of the imports carried out
(equal treatment for all importers).
5. Legal bases:  Federal Law on National Ec onomic Supply as well as the ordinances on
compulsory reserve stocks specifi c to each product (SR 531. 215.11, 215.12, 215.13, 215.14, 215.17,
215.25, 215.31, 215.41, 215.48).  The Government may place products of vital importance under the
import licensing regime.
Procedures
6. Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).7.(a-b) Applications for a general import licence must be submitted a few days before importation.  In
urgent cases, the licence may be granted immediately by fax.
(c) No.
(d) Applications are reviewed by a single service (see point 2).8. See horizontal replies.Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9. In principle, all persons, firms or institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence provided
they are domiciled in Switzerland.
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10-13. See horizontal replies.Conditions of licensing
14-17. See horizontal replies.Other procedural requirements
18-19. See horizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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IV. INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS
(I)W AR MATERIAL
Outline of systems
1. Importation of War Material is subject to the authorisation regime laid down in the Federal Law
on War Material of 13 December 1996 (RS 514.51) and the Ordinance on War Material of 25 February
1998 (RS 514.511).  The Law and the Ordi nance do not apply to imports of war material  for the Swiss
Army.
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. The war material whose import is subject to aut horisation is listed in Annex 1 of the Ordinance.
3.  All countries.
4. The purpose of the regime is to establish control on the origin, nature and destination of the war
material in question.
5. The regime of authorisations for the import of war material is laid down in Article  107,
paragraph 2 of the Federal Constitution (RS 101).  Thus, the Government does not have the authority toabolish it.  The products subjected to this regime 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 law nor the ordinance yet as a recommendation,
applications for authorisation  should be submitted at  least seven days in advance of the scheduled date
of importation.  In exceptional cases, the treatment of applications  may be accomplished in a shorter
period.
(c) No.
(d) One single organ (the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs seco, Division export controls and
sanctions, of the Federal Economic Department) is responsible for examining applications for
authorisation.
8. Authorisations are not granted if they interfere with international law or if they are not in the
interest of Switzerland. Refusals have to be announ ced in a decision that contain the reasons for the
denial.  The right to appeal is guaranteed by the federal law on procedures.
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9. Any person, firm or institution is eligible to apply for an import licence.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10.   The applications for import-authorisations  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% of the value of the imported goods, but at  least Sw F 50 and at the most Sw F 5’000 per
licence.
13. No.Conditions of licensing
14. The authorisation to import is valid for one year.  It is possible to obtain one extension of six
month.
15-17. No.Other procedural requirements
18.  No.
19. No.
(II) I MPLEMENTATION 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. The import 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 for Civilian and Military Purposes and
Specific Military Goods (RS 946.202) of December 13, 1996; the Ordinance of the Swiss Federal
Government on dual-use chemicals (ChKV) of Se ptember 3, 1997, and the Ordinance of the Swiss
Federal Department of Economic Affairs on dual- use chemicals (ChKV-EV D) of September 12, 1997
(RS 946.202.21) and the amendment of August 31, 1999 (RS 946.202.211).
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. The Schedule 1 chemicals which are concerned are listed in the Annex of the Ordinance of the
Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs on dual-use chemicals (ChKV-EVD)
3. From all countries.4. The purpose of the regime is  to prevent the development, the production, the stockpiling and
use of chemical weapons.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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5. Switzerland has signed the international bindin g CWC and is therefore obliged to comply with
the provisions of  this  Convention. The products whic h are subject to this regime are listed in the Annex
of the Ordinance of the Swiss Federal Departme nt of Economic Affairs on dual-use chemicals CHKV-
EDV).
Procedures
6. The aggregate amount of such chemicals at any time must not exceed 1 tonne. Each importer
has  to notify the Government on the total amount of   imported Schedule 1 chemicals . This has to be
done at latest 60 days following the end of a calendar  year.
7.(a-b) Applications for authorisations  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 (s eco), Division export controls and sanctions,
industrial products is responsible for examining  an application for a licence.
8. Licences are only granted if the purpose of  the importation is not against the provisions of the
CWC.
9. Any person, firm or institution is eligible to apply for an import licence.
Documentational and other requirements for a licence application
10. The applications for import authorisations must  contain the name and address of the supplier,
the importer and applicant, the chemical name and th e structural formula of  the product inclusive the
Chemical Abstracts Service registry number (CAS),  the quantity, the country of origin, the shipping
country, the scheduled date of the import. The fo llowing documents must be presented: Official
application form, invoice, a detailed description with regard to the final end-use purpose of the
chemicals. An undertaking that the chemicals w ill exclusively be used 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 authorisation 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 Government on  the total amount of  imported Schedule 1
chemicals  during the passed year. This has to be done at latest 60 days following the end of a
calendar  year.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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Other procedural requirements
18. No.
19. Not concerned.(
III)W EAPONS , THEIR ACCESSORIES AND  AMMUNITION
Outline of systems
1. The new Federal Law on Weapons, Accessories and Ammunition (Weapons Act, RS 514.54)
and the regulation  of the same name  (RS 514.541) became effective on January 1, 1999.  These
statutes supplement the federal Laws on War Material and on the Control of Dual-Use Goods. Small
arms (shoulder weapons and handguns) 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 law on war material and the weapons legislation.
The import of goods that fall within the purview of the above federal laws is subject to
licence. Goods imported for commercial or industria l purposes are subject to authorization by the
Central Office for Arms at the Federal Office of Police (Federal Department of Justice and Police).
Import of goods by private individuals for private ends or personal use is subject to authorization by
cantonal authorities.
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing
2. Article 4 of the Federal Weapons Act (WA) and articles 3, 4, and 5 of the Regulation on
Weapons (RW) define the kind of weapons, integral parts of weapons, ammunition, and parts of
ammunition that are subject to import licence.  Pursuant to art. 48 of the Regulation, the import of
weapons, integral parts of weapons and accessories as defined in article 4 (2) is subject to speciallicence.
3. The import of weapons, integral parts of weapons, accessories, ammunition, and parts of
ammunition is governed by the Weapons Act and the Regulation on Weapons. These provisions apply
irrespective of the country from which such goods are imported.
4. The purpose of import regulations is to prevent abuse of weapons, integral parts of weapons,
accessories, ammunition, or parts of ammunition.
5. The import licensing procedure is governed by the above legal provisions, in particular articles
23–25 Weapons Act and articles 24–27 Regulation on Weapons.  The executive branch has no power to
abrogate these provisions.  Under article 25 (4) Weapons Act, the Government has authority to make
exceptional provisions regarding weapons, ammuniti on and parts of ammunition used in hunting and
shooting (cf. art. 26 Regulation of Firearms).
Procedures
6.(I.) Customs authorities supply statistical reports  on imports (quantity, commodity value, country
of consignment).
The import for noncommercial purposes of weapons, integral parts of weapons, ammunition,
and parts of ammunition is subject to licence (art. 25 WA).  The licence entitles the holder to
import not more than three pieces of weapon or integral parts of weapons at a time (art.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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24(3)RW).  Under article 23 (1) Weapons Act imports must be declared officially and in
accordance with the provisions laid down in article 6 (a) of the Customs Act.
Pursuant to art. 48 Regulation on Weapons, cantonal licensing authorities may issue a special
import licence.  This special licence will be issued to one specific person and by way of
exception only.  The granting of a special licence may be subject to certain obligations (art. 48
(2) RW).
(II) Authorization for the import for noncommercial purposes of weapons, integral parts of
weapons, ammunition, and parts of ammunition must be limited in time (art. 25 (3) WA).  Theimport licence gives a right to import within the period specified not more than three pieces of
weapon or integral parts of weapons at a time (art. 24 (3) RW).
(III) Only weapons, in tegral parts of weapons, accessories, ammun ition, and parts of ammunition
itemized in article 4 Weapons Act and articles 3 −5 Regulation on Weapons qualify for import.
Pursuant to article 48 Regulation on Weapons, the import of weapons and integral parts of
weapons that fall under the scope of art. 5 (1) Weapons Act, and accessories as defined in art.
4 (2) Weapons Act, requires a special import licence.
Licences issued for import for noncommercial purposes are valid for a limited
period only and give a right to import not more than three pieces of weaponor integral parts of weapons at a time within the period specified (art. 24
Regulation of Firearms).  After expiration of the period specified, a new
licence may be applied for.  Nonuse of a licence has no cumulative effect,
that is, unused allocations may not be added to quotas for a succeeding
period.
The names of authorized importers are made known on request only.
(IV) Owing to different cantonal administrative structures, the handling of a licence application for
noncommercial import of either of the goods in question  may vary, depending on the canton
responsible for the granting of a licence.
(V) The law is silent on the validity of the licence for noncommercial imports.
(VI.) After the granting of an import licence, the holder may effect import immediately.(VII) Owing to different cantonal administrative structures, more than one agency may be involved
in the licensing procedure (art. 25 (3) WA).
Foreign nationals who are not in possession of a permission to reside in Switzerland
permanently are required to submit an official confirmation issued by the competent authority
of the place or state in which they have taken up residence, certifying that they are authorised
to purchase a weapon or an integral part of a weapon (art. 24 WA in conjunction with art.12(3) WA).
Article 17 Regulation on Weapons prohibits the import of certain types of ammunition.  The
Central Office for Arms and Ammunition may grant a special licence.
(VIII) Not applicable.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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(IX.)   Not applicable
(X.)    Not applicable(XI.)   Not applicable7.(a) The import for commercial purposes of weap ons, integral parts of weapons, ammunition, or
parts of ammunition is subject to licence.  Under article 21 Regulation on Weapons import
regulations also apply to goods placed under warehousing arrangements.
(b) Import licences are issued on request and provided that the applicant holds a gun dealer
licence (art. 24. WA).
(c) The validity of the import licence is limited (art. 24 (5) WA) and valid for twelve months only
(art. 22 (3) RW).
(d) Pursuant to article 24 (5) Weapons Act and article 17 (3) Regulation on Weapons, the Central
Office for Arms and Ammunition issues licences for the import for commercial purposes of weapons,
integral parts of weapons, ammunition, and parts of ammunition as defined in article 17 Regulation on
Weapons.
8. The licence to import for commercial purposes weapons, integral parts of weapons,
ammunition, and parts of ammunition will be issued provided that the applicant meets therequirements established in article 24 Weapons Act and article 22 Regulation on Weapons.  The
Central Office verifies the veracity of the statements made by the applicant (art. 22 (2) RW; art 24 (2)
WA).  The licensing authority has discretionary powers.
Article 30 Weapons Act provides the conditions under which a licence may be with revoked.
The Federal Administrative Procedures Law (VwVG; SR 172.021) governs the appeals procedure incases in which a licence application has been denied or revoked.
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence
9.(a) Swiss citizens and foreign nationals resident in Switzerland are eligible for an import licence
for non-commercial purposes.  The same requirements apply irrespective of citizenship.
Foreign nationals who are not in possession of a permission to reside in Switzerland
permanently are required to submit an official conf irmation issued by the competent authority of the
place or state in which they reside, certifying th at they are authorized to purchase a weapon or an
integral part of a weapon (art. 24 in conjunction wi th art 12 (3) WA).  Under certain circumstances the
Swiss Government may impose restrictions (art. 7 WA).
(b) Only holders of a gun dealer licence are eligible for a commercial import licence, authorizing
to import weapons, integral parts of weapons, ammunition, and parts of ammunition (art. 24 (2) WA).
The Central Office maintains a database on the purchase of weapons by foreign nationals who
are not in possession of a permission to reside in Switzerland permanently (art. 40 (2a) RW).  The law
does not provide for a list of authorized importers to be published.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence
10. Applicants for a licence to import for commercial purposes weapons, integral parts of
weapons, ammunition, and parts of ammunition are required to complete a printed form and file it,together with a photocopy of the gun dealer licence, to the Central Office for Arms (art. 22 (1) RW).
Applicants for a licence to  import for noncommercial purposes weapons, integral parts of
weapons, ammunition, and parts of ammunition are required to complete a printed form and file it to
the competent licensing authority.  The following documents must be included (art. 24 (1) RW):
(a) extract from the register of convictions (not older than three months);
(b) photocopy of an official identification card.
Foreign nationals who are not in possession of a permission to reside in Switzerland
permanently are required to submit an official conf irmation issued by the competent authority of the
place or state in which they reside, certifying th at they are authorized to purchase a weapon or an
integral part of a weapon (art. 24 in conjunction with art. 12 (3) WA).
11. No further documents are required upon actual import.12. The licensing fees are:
150 Swiss francs (import for commercial purposes (art. 35 (I) RW));
50 Swiss francs (import for non-commercial purposes (art. 35 (n) RW)).
Fees for special licences to import weapons and integral parts of weapons as defined in article
5 (1) Weapons Act range from 20 to 150 Swiss francs (art. 35 (c) RW).
Fees up to 200 Swiss francs may be charged beforehand or collected on delivery. A deposit is
not provided by the law.
Conditions of Licensing
14.  The licence to import for commercial purposes weapons, integral parts of weapons,
ammunition, and parts of ammunition is valid twelve months (art. 22 (3) RW). Upon expiration, a
new licence may be applied for.
The licence to import for non-commercial purposes weapons, integral parts of weapons,
ammunition, and parts of ammunition are limited in time (art. 25 (3) WA). Upon expiration, a new
licence may be applied for.
The validity of special licences granted by the cantons to import weapons and accessories as
listed in article 5 (1) a and e WA are limited in time.  As a rule, special licences are valid six months.Upon expiration, a new licence may be applied for.
15. Holders of a licence are free to make use of the licence, or a portion of it, as they see fit.
There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of a licence.
16. Import licences are made out to holder and are not transferable.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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17.(a) The Government may prohibit nationals of certain states from purchasing weapons, integral
parts of weapons, ammunition, and parts of ammunition (art. 7 (1) in conjunction with art. 9 RW).
Under article 17 Regulation on Weapons, the import of certain types of ammunition is prohibited.
(b) No further restrictions.
Other Procedural Requirements
13. No further restrictions
14. There is freedom of exchange operations.
(IV)E XPLOSIVE MATERIALS AND PYROTECHNIC DEVICES FOR CIVILIAN USE
Outline of systems
1. The Federal Act on Explosive Substances of March 25, 1977 (SR 941.41) and the Regulation
on Explosive Substances of March 26, 1980, (SR 941.411) govern the importation of explosives and
pyrotechnic devices.
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. Articles 2, 3, and 4 of the Regulation define explosives and pyrotechnic devices which are
subject to import authorization.
3. All countries.
4. The import licensing procedure is needed to guarantee public safety in Switzerland in the area
in question.
5. The above statutory provisions govern the import licensing procedure.  These provisions can
not be repealed by the Government.  However, article 15 (3) of the Regulation (as amended on March9, 1998) 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) The licence for the importation of current explosives and pyrotechnic devices shall be granted
within a few days‘ time.  The procedure for the licensing of articles which are subject to prior
approval procedures may take up to six months.
(b) By way of exception, a licence may be granted by telephone and without delay.
(c) See horizontal replies.
(d) Applications for importation are dealt with by a single administrative organ.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
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8. See horizontal replies.
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9. Any person, firm and institution is eligible to apply for licences.Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10. See horizontal replies. The following informa tion is required in applications: applicant’s
name and address; type and quantity of the product to be imported and chemical composition;manufacturer’s or importer’s name; warehouse of destination in Switzerland.  (Regarding explosives,
information on impact and friction sensibility is also required.)
11. Import licence.
12. Depending on the time and effort spent, the licensing fees may range from 50 to 1000 Swiss
francs.
13. No
Conditions of licensing
14. Import authorization is valid for three months. It is possible to obtain two extensions of threemonths each.
15.-17. No.Other procedural requirements
18. - 19. See horizontal replies.
(V)N UCLEAR FUEL , DEBRIS AND WASTE
Outline of systems
1. The import of nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities is subject to an authorisation
regime under the Federal Law on Atomic Energy of 23 December 1959 (RS 732.0) and the Ordinance
of 18 January 1984 on definitions and authorisations in the atomic energy field (RS 732.11).
Importation of radioactive materials other than  nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear
facilities is subject to the authorisation regime se t forth in the Federal Law on Radiation Protection of 22
March 1991 (RS 814.50) and the Ordinance on Radi ation Protection of 22 June 1994 (RS 814.501).
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. See point 1.3. See horizontal replies.4. The purpose of the regime is to establish control on the origin, nature and destination of nuclear
fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities within  the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and
bilateral co-operation agreements.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 45
5. See horizontal replies and point 1.  The licensing regime is governed by federal laws which the
Government does not have the authority to abolish.  The Government may, however, change the detailsof the regime, i.e. the above-mentioned Ordinan ces.  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) See horizontal replies.
(d) Applications for authorisati on are examined by the Nuclear Energy Section of the Federal
Energy Office (which has the authority to grant th e licence) and the Main Division for the Safety of
Nuclear Facilities (responsible for the transport of class 7 dangerous goods).  No list of authorisedimporters is published.
8. See horizontal replies.Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9. All persons, firms and institutions meeting the re quirements set forth in the relevant laws and
ordinances are eligible to apply for an import licence.
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence
10. See horizontal replies.  There is no specific form.11. Import licence, container certificate and validation.12. The licensing fee is Sw F 300 to Sw F 1,000.
13. No.
Conditions of licensing
14. The import authorisation is valid for a maximum of  12 months.  In principl e, it is not renewable.
15-16. See horizontal replies.17. No.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 46
Other procedural requirements
18. An authorisation for heavy vehicles (more than  28 tonnes) could be required for road transport,
as well as a licence for the transport of dangerous goods.
19. See horizontal replies.G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 47
List of Documents2
I. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
(i) Horses (A), livestock and breed ing animals, bovine semen (B)
- Form "Application for a general permit (PGI) for the importation of
bovine, porcine, ovine and caprine livestock and breeding animals"
- Form " Application for a quota share for bovine, porcine, ovine
2. and caprine livestock" (green)
- Form "Application for a general permit (PGI) for the importation of
horses included under customs tariff headings 0101 ex. 0101.110/2099"
(ii) Animals for slaughter, meat, prepared meat products and eggs
- Form "Application for a general permit (PGI) for the importation
of meat and meat products of  animals included under customs
3. tariff headings 0101 to 0104 (including cattle for slaughter)"
- Form "Application for a general permit (PGI) for dead poultry,
edible offal etc."
- Form "Application for a general permit (PGI) for prepared
meat products"
- Form "Application for a general permit (PGI) for eggs and
egg products"
(iii) Milk, dairy produce (A), acid casein (B)
- Form "Application for a general import permit (PGI) for cheese"- Form "General import permit (PGI) for milk and dairy produce"- Form "Application for a general permit (PGI) for acid casein"
(iv) Fresh fruit and vegetables (A), fruit for cider and fruit products (B),
cut flowers, (C), frozen vegetables (D), pot atoes (including seed  potatoes) and potato
products (E), fruit seedlings (F)
- Form "General import permit (PGI) for fresh fruit and vegetables"
- Form "General import permit (PGI) for fruit products"- Form "Application for a general import permit (PGI) for cut
flowers"
                                                     
     2Available for consultation at the Secretariat (Market Access Division) (in French only).G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 48
- Form "General import permit (PGI) for frozen vegetables"
- Form "General import permit for table potatoes and potato products
for human consumption"
- Form "General import permit for potatoes for transformation”- Form "General import permit for seed potatoes”- Form "General import permit for semi finished potatoes product and potato
products for human consumption"
- Form "General import permit for seed-fruit and stone-fruit
seedlings"
- Form "Application for import at reduced customs duty of
fruit seedlings"
(v) Feed grain
- Ordinance of 6 July 1983 on the creati on of compulsory reserve stocks of
fodder products, oats, barley and maize for milling
- Form "Application for a ge neral import permit (PGI)"
- Form "General permit for import (PGI)"
(vii) Sugar (A), edible oils and fats (B)
- Form "Application for ge neral import permit (PGI)"
- Form "General import permit for the import of sugar"
II. SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
(i) Import, transit and export of animals and animal products
- Ordinance of 20 April 1988 concerning the import, transit and
export of animals and animal  products (OITE;  RS 916.443.11)
- Law on Epizootics of 1 July 1966 (LFE;  RS 916.40)- Law on Foodstuffs of 9 October 1992 (RS 817.0)- Federal Law on Fishing of 21 June 1991 (RS  923.0)
- Law on Protection of Anim als of 9 March 1978 (RS 455)
- Ordinance on the Conservation of Species of 19 August
(OCE;  RS 453)G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 49
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora of 3 March 1973 (CITES;  SR 0.453)
- Law on Hunting of 20 June 1986 (RS 922.0)
- Amendments from 26 June 1996 to 1 November 1989 (2)
- Document "Conditions governing the import of one-day chicks
and eggs for hatching of breeding poultry"
- Document "Washington Convention on the Conservation of Species:
authorization procedures for the import and export of animals"
- Form "Import authorization" (ani mals and animal products - yellow)
- Form "Import authorization for protected animals and plants and
their derivatives"
- Form "Authorization to export and re-import animals or import
them temporarily"
- Form "Import authorization for prepared meat products"- Form "Import authorization for m eat and meat products on a basis
of rabbit and game meat"
- Form "Import authorization fo r poultry meat and products on a
basis of poultry meat"
(ii) Plants and plant products
- "Phytosanitary Certificate" according to IPPC (International
Plant Protection Convention)
(iii) Forest reproductive material
- Federal Law on Forests of 4 October 1991 (LFo;  RS 921.0)
- Ordinance on Forests of 30 November 1992 (OFo;  RS 921.01)- Ordinance on Forest Reproductive Material of 29 November 1994
(RS 921.552.1)
(iv) Forest plants
- (RS 921.0;  c.f. II(iii))- Ordinance of 30 November 1992 on the protection of forest plants
in connection with the trans-boundary traffic of goods (RS 921.541)G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 50
(v) Blood, blood products and immunobiol ogical products for human use
- Federal Decree of 22 March 1996 on the control of blood, blood
products and transplants (RS 818.111;  RO 1996 2296)
- Federal Law of 18 December 1970 on the campaign against diseases
transmissible through human beings  (Law on Epidemics;  RS 818.101)
- Ordinance of 26 June 1996 on the control of blood, blood products
and transplants (Ordinance on Blood Control;  Rs 818.111.3)
- Ordinance of 23 August 1989 con cerning immunobiol ogical products
(RS 812.111)
- Form "Import of blood, blood produc ts and immunobiological products
for human use"
- Form "Declaration by the impor ter of blood and blood products"
(vi) Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substa nces and precursors use and marketed
for legal purposes
- Federal Law on Narcotics of 3 October 1951 (LStup;  RS 812.121)
- Federal Ordinance on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
of 29 May 1996 (OStup;  RS 812.121.1)
- 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)
- OFSP Ordinance on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of
12 December 1996 (OFSP-OStup;  RS 812.121.2)
- OFSP Ordinance of 8 November 1996 on precursors and other chemical
substances used in the manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic
substances (OFSP-OPrec;  RS 812.121.5)
(vii) Ethanol
- Federal Law on Alcohol (RS 680)
III. GOODS OF VITAL AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE
SUBJECT TO COMPULSORY HOLDING OF STOCKS
- Federal Law on National Economic Supply (LAP;  RS 531)- Ordinances on Compulsory Reserve Stocks Specific to Each Product
(SR 531. 215.11, 215.12, 215.13, 215.14, 215.17, 215.25, 215.31, 215.41,
215.48)G/LIC/N/1/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/2/CHE/2
G/LIC/N/3/CHE/3
Page 51
- Related amendments (5)
- Form "Application for gene ral import licence (PIG)"
IV. INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS
(i) Implements of war
- Federal Law on War Material (RS 514.51)
- Ordinance on War Material (RS 514.511)
(ii) CWC
- Swiss Federal Law on the Controls of Goods for Civilian and Military
Purposes and Specific Military Goods (RS 946.202)
- Ordinance on dual use chemicals (RS 946.202.21)
- Ordinance of the Federal Departme nt of Economic Affairs (RS 946.202.211)
(iii) Weapons, their accessories and ammunition
- Weapons Act (RS 514.54)
- Ordinance (RS 514. 541)
(iv) Explosive materials and pyrotechnic devices for civilian use
- Federal Act on Explosive Substances (RS 941.41)
- Ordinance on Explosive Substances (RS 941.411)
(v) Nuclear fuel, debris and waste
- Federal Law on Atomic Ener gy of 23 December 1959 (RS 732.0;
as at 1 January 1996)
- Ordinance of 18 January 1984 on definitions and authorizations in
the atomic energy field (R S 732.11;  as at 1 January 1994)
- Amendment of 15 November 1995- Federal Law on Radiation Pr otection of 22 March 1991 (RS 814.50)
- Ordinance on Radiation Prot ection of 22 June 1994 (RS 814.501)
- Document "Application for authorization"
__________