Foods can be exported under certain conditions both to the EU and to third countries. Irrespective of the country of destination, additional export regulations apply to foods derived from protected animal species.
Foods produced in Switzerland must meet the requirements of Swiss food legislation. Export products may deviate from Swiss food legislation - provided the country of destination requires or permits this.
The country of destination may require the exporting establishment to be registered. Lists of establishments approved for exports are usually available on the website of the relevant foreign authority.
Questions regarding exports should be addressed to the cantonal enforcement authorities (see "More information").
Export of foods of non-animal origin
The export conditions for foods of non-animal origin do not differ depending on the destination (EU or third country).
Export certificates are necessary if required by the country of destination or the recipient in the country of destination. Export certificates are issued by the competent cantonal food inspection authorities.
Export of foods of animal origin
The export conditions for foods of animal origin differ depending on the destination (EU or third country), and depending on the species conservation regulations.
Export of foods of animal origin to the EU
Anyone wishing to export foods of animal origin to the EU must carry a commercial document. In addition, the goods to be exported must come from approved establishments.
Export of foods of animal origin to third countries
Establishments exporting foods of animal origin to third countries must be approved for export if this is required by the country of destination. Third countries often make the lists of approved establishments available on the website of the competent authority. The approval of establishments is the responsibility of the authority designated by the relevant Canton (see "More information").
Exports of foods of animal origin to third countries require - depending on the country - a health certificate from the competent cantonal enforcement authorities. Parties interested in exporting should contact the cantonal enforcement authority (see “More information").
The list of validated health certificates and additional certificates can be found below.
The legislation of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the lists of approved Swiss export businesses (within the meaning of Article 51 Ordinance on the import, transit and export of animals and animal products in relations with third countries) can be found on the page “Documents pour l’exportation (in French)” under « Certificats sanitaires par pays » > « Union économique eurasiatique UEEA ».
Export of foods derived from protected animal species (CITES)
In addition, and irrespective of the country of destination (EU or third country), exports of foods derived from protected animal species (e.g. caviar, caviar extracts and fillets from protected species of sturgeon) require an export permit from the FSVO.
To this end, an original export application signed by the applicant must be submitted to the FSVO. Export applications for caviar and caviar extract must be accompanied by stock monitoring documentation (see "CITES" under "More information").
The issuing of export certificates for foods made from animal parts or products derived from protected animal species (CITES) is the responsibility of the FSVO.
More information
In detail
Export documents such as certificates and confirmations as well as the corresponding directives and instructions can be found under the following link Documents pour l’exportation (admin.ch) (in French).
Export CITES
Legislation
Last modification 12.04.2021
