Export of animals and animal products to third countries (non-EU)
For the export of animals and animal products to third countries, different requirements apply depending on the country of destination. Find out what conditions apply, and how responsibilities, health certificates and operating licences are regulated.
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.
As an exporter, you are responsible for checking the currently applicable requirements with the relevant authorities in the country of destination.
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. For the regulations that apply to foods, see:
The cantonal authorities are responsible for implementation and enforcement in Switzerland. The responsible cantonal veterinary office provides the necessary documents and – where required – uses the TRACES platform. The trade operators are also registered there.
The FSVO has concluded a service agreement with the Agrarexport platform (PAE) relating to the export of products of animal origin to third countries. The platform supports the Swiss agri-food sector in market opening, retention and expansion.
The responsible cantonal implementing authority signs the health certificates. If no validated health certificate exists, the exporter must check the applicable import conditions in the country of destination with the exporter. In particular this includes checking whether a health certificate is needed and what requirements it must meet.
The exporter then submits these requirements to the cantonal authorities. Depending on the situation, a general certificate may be used, or the FSVO negotiates an official health certificate with the country of destination and has this validated. This process can in some cases take several months.
For certain countries, the foreign authorities first need to perform an audit in Switzerland.
Establishments exporting animal products must be authorised or approved under Swiss law. In addition, certain third countries require the exporting establishments to be approved or registered according to the legal requirements in the country of destination.
Various third countries provide the lists of approved establishments on their websites. The approval of establishments is the responsibility of the cantonal implementing authorities.
Depending on the country of destination and the product, additional documents from other offices may be needed for export, for example from customs.
