Export of animals and animal products to the EU
For the export of animals and animal products to the EU, clear veterinary and food law regulations apply. Find out about the relevant conditions, who is responsible and what to bear in mind for animals, animal products and protected species.
Export conditions and responsibilities
For the export of animals, animals products and foods of animal origin, different conditions apply – depending on the country of destination and the export product. In principle, the country of destination stipulates the import conditions.
Due to the Veterinary Agreement between Switzerland and the EU, the same animal health requirements for exports to the EU as within the EU.
It is the exporter’s responsibility to check the applicable requirements with the authorities of the country of destination at an early stage.
Animal products include all products that are potential carriers of animal diseases. They include animal by-products and germinal products, as well as foods that are (partly) of animal origin, such as cheese and meat.
More information on the regulations for foodstuffs:
Export of animals
The export regulations for animals vary according to whether the journey constitutes a private trip with a pet or a commercial export. If there is a change of owner, the regulations for commercial export apply.
Information on travelling with pets for private individuals:
Important points to bear in mind when exporting animals:
- Transportation should be as humane as possible and comply with all statutory requirements.
- Before leaving Switzerland, check the conditions for potential (re-) entry.
- Commercial cross-border transportation of vertebrates by land requires a licence from the responsible cantonal implementing authority.
- For transport by air, the provisions of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) must be complied with.
- For some species, the veterinary regulations for ‘cross-border movements’ are laid down in the bilateral agreement, while other species are subject to national regulations. If in doubt, check the requirements with the authority in the country of destination.
Export of animal products
Animal products include all products that are potential carriers of animal diseases. They include animal by-products and germinal products, as well as foods that are (partly) of animal origin, such as cheese and meat.
Animal products include all products that are potential carriers of animal diseases. They include foods that are (partly) of animal origin such as cheese and meat, animal by-products, and germinal products.
More information: