Export permits

When (re-)exporting animals, plants, and their parts and derivatives, species protection rules apply. Find out when a CITES certificate is required, what exemptions exist and what evidence you need to provide to qualify.

CITES certificate for (re-)export

Consignments that are subject to the Swiss CITES legislation or the Hunting Act (JSG) require a CITES certificate for every (re-)export from Switzerland. You can request the certificate using an application form. It costs CHF 22, is valid for six months, and must not be expired when you cross the border.

You should allow for processing time of at least five working days.

Documents:

• Application for a CITES certificate for live wild animals and plants, and parts or derivatives thereof (in French)

  Word58.45 kB24 March 2026

• Instructions for completing the form for the export or re-export of CITES-protected animals and plants, as well as parts and derivatives thereof

  PDF325.11 kB16 June 2026

Proof of legal origin

The FSVO only issues CITES certificates if the legal origin of specimens is documented.

• Swiss captive-bred specimens or artificially propagated plants: Provide sufficient details on the parents or on acquisition in Switzerland.
• Re-export: Submit the proof of legal import ( ‘Passierschein’) and enter the associated number in the application.
• First export of pre-Convention specimens: For specimens that were traded before the CITES Convention entered into force for the species in question (e.g. antiques containing ivory), sufficient proof of legal prior acquisition is required.

For private travel, special travel permits exist for certain categories of goods.

More information:

Travel permits

Exemptions from the permit requirement

In certain cases, CITES documents are not required. The following exemptions apply subject to clearly defined conditions.

• Personal effects and souvenirs

  This exemption only applies to private travel.

  More information:
  Travel

• Exchange between scientific institutions

  The non-commercial exchange of certain goods categories between registered scientific institutions is permitted without CITES documents and without a protected species inspection. This includes lending, donating or exchanging specimens.

  This is based on Article VII number 6 of the CITES Convention and Article 23-26 VCITES and the CITES Resolution Conf. 11.15 (Rev. CoP18).

  You can submit an application for recognition as a scientific institution. You will find more details in the fact sheet.

  Documents:

  • Guidance Note on the Recognition of Research Institutions (in French)

    PDF137.60 kB16 June 2026

  • Application form for recognition as scientific instituition (in French)

    Word77.80 kB16 June 2026