Personal effects
Items made from protected plant or animal species may, under certain conditions, be imported into Switzerland without a permit as personal effects. Find out when this exemption applies and what you need to bear in mind.
What is considered a personal effect?
Non-live specimens of protected species can be imported into Switzerland by travellers without a permit and without a protected species inspection under certain circumstances. This is on the condition that these items were legally acquired, that they are intended for personal everyday use, and that you are wearing or carrying them, or they are included in your personal baggage.
The following are examples of personal effects:
- Clothes
- Jewellery
- Toiletries
If you’re not sure whether a specific item falls under this category, check before crossing the border:
Contact CITES FSVO: cites@blv.admin.ch
Please also note that this exemption is not enforced consistently in all countries. In case of doubt, you should therefore check with the responsible authority in the country of destination before travelling.
This rule does not apply to:
- commercial border crossings
- consignments sent by post
Conditions depend on the conservation status of the species
The conditions that apply to take advantage of the exemption depend on the conservation status of the species.
Specimens included in CITES Appendix I
You must
- have purchased the goods in your usual country of residence and
- import them back into that country.
Specimens included in CITES Appendix II
The exemption applies if at least one of the following conditions is not met:
- You acquired the goods outside of your usual country of residence.
- You are importing the goods into your usual country of residence.
- The specimens were harvested from nature in the country of origin.
- The country of origin requires an export permit for the export.
More information on the CITES appendices:
Special case: Pre-Convention specimens
Pre-Convention specimens are exempt from the conditions mentioned above. This refers to specimens that were traded before the Convention entered into force for the species concerned (e.g. antiques). You must, however, be able to provide evidence on request that you acquired the goods legally.
Distinction from souvenirs
As opposed to souvenirs, no quantity restrictions apply to personal effects. However, they must not be intended for third parties.
More information: