The Division is responsible for species conservation in international trade, import controls on animals and animal products from non-EU countries, opening up and maintaining third-country export markets and implementing and contributing to the ongoing development of the bilateral agreements with the EU. It also represents Swiss interests on international bodies relevant to the FSVO.
The International Affairs Division comprises three sectors:
Import from Third Countries sector
International Relations sector
Species Conservation in International Trade sector
The Import from Third Countries sector is the competence centre for import controls of animals, food and animal products from third countries (countries outside the EU). Its main tasks comprise veterinary border checks at Geneva and Zurich Airports and providing support (advice, training, knowledge transfer) for implementation and the associated administrative proceedings.
The sector is responsible for the implementation and ongoing development of bilateral agreements on veterinary and food safety matters, particularly the bilateral agreement with the EU, and acts as a coordination and information hub with the EU. It also supports the Cantonal enforcement authorities on trade matters with the EU.
It represents Swiss interests in multilateral bodies such as Codex Alimentarius, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and others.
It coordinates market opening and maintenance processes for exports of animals, animal products and food to non-EU countries.
The sector is responsible for implementing CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the Ordinances on the Inspection of the Lawful Origin of Imported Marine Fishery Products (IUU Fishing Ordinance) and on the Declaration of Furs and Fur Products (Fur Declaration Ordinance).
It is responsible for inspections at borders and within Switzerland as well as for the associated approval procedures and takes the lead in administrative measures.
Furthermore, the sector represents Switzerland in the relevant organisations and bodies within CITES and the FAO. It is also responsible for representing Switzerland on the International Whaling Commission (IWC).
Last modification 19.03.2024
