Transit of foods originating in third countries
Clear rules apply to foods from third countries being transited through Switzerland. Depending on the product type, origin and transport route, different notification and inspection requirements apply, and special regulations for animal and non-animal products.
Foods of non-animal origin
Foods of non-animal origin that obviously pose a risk to health may be seized by the responsible inspection bodies during transit.
Foods of animal origin
For the transit of foods of animal origin, such as meat or cheese, the legislation differentiates according to the nature, origin and destination of the consignment. The crucial factor is whether the consignment is from the EU or a third country, and whether after transit it is destined for an EU member state or a third country.
Border veterinary controls and prior notification
As soon as a border veterinary control is required at the airport in Zurich or Geneva, or at an EU border control post, uniform rules apply in all cases.
- The responsible border control post must be pre-notified of the consignment before its arrival.
- If the importer responsible for the consignment is domiciled in an EU member state, Iceland or Norway, the pre-notification is carried out via the electronic TRACES system.
- In all other cases, page 1 of the manually completed CHED (Common Health Entry Document) can be used.
Please note the following information:
Transportation route and scope of inspections
Transit by rail or by road
Consignments of foods of animal origin originating from a third country that arrive in Switzerland or the EU and are continuing their journey by rail or road, are subject to a full inspection. This includes a document and identity check and physical controls, regardless of the final destination.
For Switzerland, the airports of Zurich and Geneva conduct the veterinary border controls of foods of animal origin in accordance with the applicable conditions governing imports.
More information:
Importazione di animali e prodotti animali da Paesi terzi
A Common Health Entry Document (CHED) is issued as proof that the inspection has taken place, and this document must accompany the consignment all the way to its destination.
Transit by air
Consignments of foods of animal origin from a third country that are landing in Switzerland or the EU and will remain at the airport for longer than 72 hours are subject to a document check.
If a consignment lands in Switzerland to be immediately forwarded to another third country, the regulations of the relevant country of destination apply. Transit is not allowed from third countries from which imports into Switzerland are banned for animal disease control reasons.
Other requirements and conditions
The customs regulations for transit must also be complied with. For the transit of foods from protected species, such as caviar, the CITES regulations apply.