Import of foodstuffs and utility articles

Imported foodstuffs and utility articles must comply with the requirements of Swiss foodstuffs legislation.

Food importers must ensure by means of self-inspection that their goods comply with the legal requirements. The labels of foods intended for sale to consumers must contain all the necessary information. The cantons, under the direction of their Cantonal Chemist, are responsible for inspections in Switzerland. The provisions of the product-specific ordinances must also be observed (see "More information").

Authorisation

The foodstuffs listed in the Ordinance on Foodstuffs and Utility Articles may be imported without authorisation from the FSVO provided that they meet all the requirements applicable to these products. Foodstuffs not mentioned in the Ordinance must be authorised by the FSVO.

Certification

Foodstuffs may be imported into Switzerland without certification. Special provisions apply to foodstuffs of animal origin from third countries in order to prevent animal diseases from being brought into the country. The specific import provisions can be found under Import.

Certification is, however, mandatory for the import of wild mushrooms from Eastern Europe and guar gum from India.

Special import provisions

In addition to the import provisions mandated by the foodstuffs legislation, agricultural aspects also have to be taken into account in some cases. Information about this can be obtained from the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG).