Species protection of animals and plants
Around 3,500 animal species and 25,000 plant species are protected worldwide. The basis for this is the Washington Convention on the Protection of Species (CITES). The import of protected animals or plants and their products is subject to authorization or in some cases is completely prohibited. These include:
Snakes and lizards (products from their skins, e.g. bags)
Parrots (e.g. feathers)
Ivory (e.g. jewellery)
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Cacti
Do you want to import a plant or animal product that is subject to authorization into Switzerland? You should proceed as follows:
Apply for an export permit from the CITES authority in the country of origin.
You then apply for the import permit at the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (BLV).
Pets
There are no customs fees for pets purchased abroad. If you paid more than 300 francs for the animal, you will have to pay VAT of 7.7%.
For dogs and cats, the import conditions differ depending on the animal's age and country of origin. For animals from the EU, a pet passport, microchip and a rabies vaccination are usually sufficient. The import of stray dogs is generally prohibited. You can obtain further information from the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office.
Animal products
Animal products from EU countries, Iceland and Norway may be imported into Switzerland for private use. The import of animal products from other countries is generally prohibited. Different rules apply with respect to certain products. You can obtain further information from the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office.
Plants and cut flowers
Depending on the origin, different conditions for importing plants into Switzerland apply:
Plants from the EU:
You can import plants, bulbs and garden soil for your own personal use. The Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla and France's overseas territories are considered third countries.
Plants from third countries
The importation of plants and fresh parts of plants (e.g. fruit, vegetables, cut flowers, cut foliage or seeds), goods from certain types of wood and soil is either subject to inspection or prohibited. Goods subject to inspection must have a phytosanitary certificate. You can import the following fruits without a phytosanitary certificate: pineapple, coconuts, durians, bananas and dates.
Import of weapons
Do you want to import a firearm, ammunition or other weapon components into Switzerland? If so, you must apply for an import permit from the Federal Office of Police. Depending on the weapon, further documents such as a weapon purchase certificate or an exemption permit may be necessary.
Upon entry, you must register the weapon with the customs office together with the import permit. There are no customs duties on weapons.
Some weapons are banned in Switzerland. This includes, for example:
Automatic firearms
Bludgeoning weapons, missiles and slingshot weapons
Electric shock devices
Good to know: hunters and sport shooters do not need a permit if they temporarily import weapons for hunting or sports shooting.
