Enforcement

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Enforcement

The FSVO is responsible for the enforcement of inspections by the border veterinary service, the Washington Convention within the framework of the Federal CITES Act and the Ordinance on the declaration of furs. 

In many instances, the cantons are responsible for enforcing the legislation. Active communication, information and initial and continuing training by the FSVO provide support for the cantonal enforcement authorities and promote uniform enforcement in the cantons.

As regards veterinary activities, the FSVO is part of the Swiss Veterinary Service, for example.

The Federal Food Chain Unit (FFCU) supports the FSVO in monitoring enforcement along the food chain.

However, the following enforcement tasks are the responsibility of the FSVO:

Border veterinary service

The border veterinary service (BVS) operated by the FSVO at Zurich and Geneva airports inspects living animals and products of animal origin from third countries during import or transit for compliance with the legal requirements.

Enforcement of species conservation agreements

The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) is the authority responsible for enforcing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (also known as the Washington Convention) in Switzerland. This means that, in keeping with this Convention, animals and plants that are endangered worldwide are protected from extinction in Switzerland too.

Declaration of furs

Furs and fur products sold in Switzerland must be labelled very clearly and legibly so that consumers are sufficiently informed before making their choice. The FSVO inspects the products marketed in Switzerland.

Illegal fishing (IUU)

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing threatens the habitat of fish in the seas. The importing of marine fishery products from IUU fishing activities is prohibited in the EU.

Last modification 02.07.2020

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