Protected species of animals and plants

Exports or re-exports of living animals and plants and of animal and plant parts and products which are subject to CITES regulations require certificates from the FSVO.

The provisions of the Washington Convention (CITES) apply both to living animals and plants and to animal and plant parts and products. The animal and plant species concerned are listed in the Appendices to the Convention or can be found on the CITES species checklist (see “More information”).

For relevant import conditions, the recipient should consult the competent authorities in the country of destination.

Animals and animal products

Exports of animals or animal products which are protected by CITES require an export permit from the FSVO (see “More information”).

Living plants

Exports or re-exports of living plants which are subject to CITES regulations require a CITES certificate. The issuing of such certificates is the responsibility of the FSVO. “In vitro” materials, transported in sterile containers, are generally exempted from CITES regulations.

Consignments of plants which are not subject to CITES regulations are the responsibility of the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) (see link “Phytosanitary measures” under “More information”). FOAG also answers questions relating to the phytosanitary certificate. A phytosanitary certificate is no longer required for export to EU Member States, but is required for seeds, depending on the country of destination. The importer should consult the competent authorities in the country of destination.

Plant parts and products

Exports or re-exports of plant parts and products derived from plants which are subject to CITES regulations require a CITES certificate from the FSVO. This can be requested using the application form below.

Re-export certificates are issued only if the legal importation of the goods can be proven. To this end, the importer receives a pass with a reference number after import. This number must be quoted in all re-export applications.