This page explains the IUU control of marine fishery products. It shows which products are subject to inspection, what legal framework applies, and how registration and notification, checking, release, non-compliance and FSVO fee collection work.
Illegal fishing and its consequences
Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) is a global problem. It threatens marine ecosystems, undermines the sustainable use of fish stocks and can lead to the collapse of local fisheries. Small-scale fisheries in developing countries are particularly vulnerable to illegal practices.
IUU fishing also jeopardises food security, exacerbates poverty and disadvantages those who fish legally. To prevent these effects, the import of marine fishery products from IUU fishing activities is prohibited both in Switzerland and in the European Union.
Legal framework and responsibilities
The Swiss parliament has instructed the FSVO to carry out appropriate controls, similar to those in the EU, to ensure that only marine fishery products of lawful origin are imported into Switzerland (Motion Sommaruga).
The corresponding EU Regulation has been in force since 2010; the Swiss Ordinance has been legally binding since 1 March 2017. The Ordinance requires importers to present a valid catch certificate for marine fishery products that are subject to inspection. It certifies that the products are of legal origin and is required for import.
Decision-making aid: is a product subject to IUU control?
IUU control: information and procedure
Importers must digitally submit consignments of notifiable marine fishery products for inspection. The FSVO provides the IUU Portal in the INPEC application for this purpose.
The responsible person must register consignments of marine fishery products with the FSVO in good time. The following deadlines apply:
No later than three working days before the planned import for regular consignments.
One working day before the import for consignments arriving by air.
The responsible person must submit the necessary documents to the FSVO for review in good time:
Catch certificate
Accompanying documents:
in the case of processed fishery products: processing statement (Annex IV)
Health certificate or CHEDP TRACES
Transport documents (e.g. air waybill, bill of lading, T1)
Invoice
The catch certificate must be fully completed, legible and validated by the responsible authority from the flag state.
The FSVO checks the registered data and submitted documents. If the consignment meets the import conditions under Art. 4 of the IUU Ordinance, the FSVO releases the consignment and issues a release number.
If the marine fishery products require an FSVO release number, the responsible person must enter this in the customs declaration system. The following details must be entered:
e-dec system
Authorisation requirement “yes”
Authorising authority “FSVO – IUU”
Authorisation number (IUU release number)
Authorisation type 1 Individual authorisation
Passar system
Regulation 1 (yes)
Regulation code 330 “FSVO – IUU control of marine fishery products”
Authorisation number (IUU release number)
Authorisation holder
If documents or information on the consignment are missing, the FSVO will grant an extension of seven working days. During this period, the release of the consignment will be suspended in accordance with Art. 16 until the deficiencies are rectified.
The importer is responsible for storage of the consignment and the associated costs.
If the import conditions under Art. 4 of the IUU Ordinance are not met, release of the consignment is refused and a non-release order is issued (Art. 16).
The fees (CHF 60 per notifiable consignment) are invoiced monthly to the importer.
