Import Licensing Notification Portal

Q1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as appropriate when elements which have already been described are also present in another system.

Les mesures sanitaires visent à prévenir l'introduction d'épizooties et de marchandises représentant un danger pour la santé. En règle générale, ces mesures sont aussi applicables à la réimportation et au transit. Il appartient à l'Office fédéral de la sécurité alimentaire et des affaires vétérinaires (OSAV, https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/fr/home.html) de délivrer les autorisations prescrites par la législation vétérinaire[1] pour l'importation d'animaux et de marchandises.

[1] Disponible à l'adresse suivante: https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/fr/home/import-und-export/rechts-und-vollzugsgrundlagen/gesetzgebung.htm (en français, allemand et italien seulement).

Q2. Identify each licensing system maintained and state what products, appropriately grouped, are covered.

S'agissant des produits en provenance de l'UE, de la Norvège et de l'Islande une autorisation est requise pour :

- l'importation ou la réimportation d'animaux ou de produits animaux qui ne remplissent pas les conditions fixées à l'annexe 11 de l'accord du 21 juin 1999 relatif aux échanges de produits agricoles (ci-après dénommé "accord agricole"; RS 0.916.026.81), notamment la réimportation d'animaux à onglons après un court séjour dans un État membre de l'Union européenne, où ils ont participé à une exposition ou à un événement semblable;
- l'importation de sous-produits animaux des catégories 1 et 2 visés aux articles 4 et 5 de l'Ordonnance concernant l'élimination des sous-produits animaux (OESPA; RS 916.441.22);
- les importations d'animaux ou de produits animaux qui ne sont pas réglementées par l'accord agricole.

S'agissant des produits en provenance des autres pays, une autorisation est requise pour:

- les échantillons non commerciaux et les échantillons pour laboratoires qui ne remplissent pas les conditions fixées à l'art. 12 de l'Ordonnance réglant les échanges d'importation, de transit et d'exportation d'animaux et de produits animaux avec les pays tiers (OITE-PT). Il s'agit de produits relevant des numéros du tarif des douanes suisse suivants : 0511.99, 3001.20, 3001.90, 3002.10, 3002.90.
- les chiens, les chats et les furets provenant de pays où la rage urbaine ne peut être exclue (pays qui ne figurent pas à l'annexe 3 de l'Ordonnance du 28 novembre 2014 concernant l'importation, le transit et l'exportation d'animaux de compagnie (OITE-AC)) et importés directement par voie aérienne en Suisse. Il s'agit des animaux relevant du numéro du tarif douanier 0106.1900.

Q3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries?

Voir le point 2 ci-dessus.

Q4. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, what are its purposes? Have alternative methods of accomplishing the purposes been considered and if so which? Why have they not been adopted?

Pas de restrictions. Les mesures sanitaires visent à prévenir l'introduction d'épizooties et de marchandises représentant un danger pour la santé.

Q5. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is maintained. Is the licensing statutorily required? Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion? Is it possible for the government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval?

Législation vétérinaire[1] pour l'importation d'animaux et de marchandises (art. 7 de l'Ordonnance du 18 novembre 2015 réglant les échanges d'importation, de transit et d'exportation d'animaux et de produits animaux avec les Etats membres de l'UE, l'Islande et la [OITE-UE; RS 916.443.11]; Ordonnance du 18 novembre 2015 réglant les échanges d'importation, de transit et d'exportation d'animaux et de produits animaux avec les pays tiers [OITE-PT; RS 916.443.10] et art. 14 de l'Ordonnance du 28 novembre 2014 concernant l'importation, le transit et l'exportation d'animaux de compagnie [OITE-AC; RS 916.443.14]). Il s'agit d'autorisations de police dont la délivrance est réglée par la loi du 1^er juillet 1966 sur les épizooties (LFE; RS 916.40). Il n'est possible ni d'assouplir le régime, ni de modifier les bases légales.

[1] Disponible à l'adresse suivante: https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/fr/home/import-und-export/rechts-und-vollzugsgrundlagen/gesetzgebung.html (en français, allemand et italien seulement).

Q6. For products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports (whether applicable globally or to a limited number of countries or whether established bilaterally or unilaterally):

N/A

Q6.I. Is information published, and where, concerning allocation of quotas and formalities of filing applications for licences? If not, how is it brought to the attention of possible importers? Of governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries and their trade representatives? Is the overall amount published? The amount allocated to goods from each country? The maximum amount allocated to each importer? How to request any exceptions or derogations from the licensing requirement?

N/A

Q6.II. How is the size of the quotas determined: on a yearly, six-monthly or quarterly basis? Are there cases where the size of quota is determined on a yearly basis but licences are issued for imports on a six-monthly or quarterly basis? In the latter case, is it necessary for importers to apply for fresh licence on a six-monthly or quarterly basis?

N/A

Q6.III. Are licences allotted for certain goods partly or only to domestic producers of like goods? What steps are taken to ensure that licences allocated are actually used for imports? Are unused allocations added to quotas for a succeeding period? Are the names of importers to whom licences have been allocated made known to governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries upon request? If not, for what reason? (Indicate products to which replies relate.)

N/A

Q6.IV. From the time of announcing the opening of quotas, as indicated in I above, what is the period of time allowed for the submission of applications for licences?

N/A

Q6.V. What are the minimum and maximum lengths of time for processing applications?

N/A

Q6.VI. How much time remains, at a minimum, between the granting of licences and the date of opening of the period of importation?

N/A

Q6.VII. Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval? If so, which? Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?

N/A

Q6.VIII. If the demand for licences cannot be fully satisfied, on what basis is the allocation to applicants made? First come, first served? Past performance? Is there a maximum amount to be allocated per applicant and, if so, on what basis is it determined? What provision is made for new importers? Are applications examined simultaneously or on receipt?

N/A

Q6.IX. In the case of bilateral quotas or export restraint arrangements where export permits are issued by exporting countries, are import licences also required? If so, are licences issued automatically?

N/A

Q6.X. In cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only, how is the importing country informed of the effect given by the exporting countries to the understanding between the two countries?

N/A

Q6.XI. Are there products for which licences are issued on condition that goods should be exported and not sold in the domestic market?

N/A

Q7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular country:

Q7.a. How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made? Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)?

Il est recommandé de présenter les demandes au minimum trois semaines avant l'importation.

Q7.b. Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

En partie. Dans certains cas, l'approbation, l'avis ou l'autorisation d'autres services sont requis (services vétérinaires cantonaux, Office fédéral de l'agriculture [OFAG]).

Q7.c. Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or importation may be made? If so, explain.

Non.

Q7.d. Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval? If so, which? Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?

Voir le point 7 b) ci-dessus. En général, la procédure est réglée de telle manière que le requérant n'ait à s'adresser qu'à deux services (OSAV et OFAG).

Q8. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria? Are the reasons for any refusal given to the applicant? Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

Il n'y a pas d'autres raisons de refuser une licence que celle de la non-conformité avec les critères spécifiques. Les motifs d'un rejet éventuel sont communiqués à l'intéressé, qui dispose d'un droit de recours auprès du Tribunal administratif fédéral et, en deuxième instance, auprès du Tribunal fédéral.

Q9. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licences: (If not, is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation? What persons or firms are eligible? Is there a registration fee? Is there a published list of authorized importers?) a) under restrictive licensing systems? b) under non-restrictive systems?

Toute personne, entreprise ou institution est habilitée à demander une licence d'importation à condition d'être établie sur le territoire douanier suisse.

Q10. What information is required in applications? Submit a sample form. What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?

Prière de consulter le site internet:

‑ s'agissant des échantillons pour laboratoires et des échantillons non commerciaux: https://www2.blv.admin.ch/fr/import_filter/pdf?country_group%5B%5D=countrygroup_drittstaaten&category%5B%5D=cat_tp&supergroup%5B%5D=Og-tierische_nebenprodukte&group%5B%5D=Og-mustersendungen_laborproben;

‑ s'agissant des chiens, des chats et des furets: https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/fr/home/tiere/reisen-mit-heimtieren/hunde-katzen-und-frettchen.html.

Q11. What documents are required upon actual importation?

Licence d'importation (ou si possible agrément comme importateur professionnel), feuille adjonctive, selon les cas. Toute autre exigence lors de l'importation est notée dans le tarif d'usage (www.tares.ch).

Q12. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge? If so, what is the amount of the fee or charge?

Un émolument de 40 Fr. et prévu dès 1^er janvier 2015 pour la délivrance de l'autorisation pour des chiens, des chats et des furets, et pour la délivrance de l'autorisation pour des échantillons pour laboratoires et des échantillons non commerciaux si le lot n'est pas soumis à un contrôle vétérinaire de frontière.

Q13. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licences? If so, state the amount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of retention and the purpose of the requirement.

En règle générale non.

Q14. What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity of a licence be extended? How?

S'agissant des chiens, des chats et des furets: jusqu'à la fin de la période de validité de la vaccination, c'est-à-dire pendant trois ans au maximum. S'agissant des échantillons non commerciaux: selon le type d'échantillon (risque relevant de la police des épizooties), délivrance d'une autorisation individuelle ou d'une autorisation annuelle. Les permis d'importation concernant la protection des espèces ont une durée de validité de trois mois; les agréments comme importateur professionnel, de deux ans.

Q15. Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?

Non.

Q16. Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?

Les licences ne sont pas cessibles entre personnes remplissant les conditions voulues.

Q17. Are any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence? a) for products subject to quantitative restriction? b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction?

Non.

Q18. Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?

En partie. Sous réserve des autorisations cantonales requises par la législation vétérinaire et celle sur les denrées alimentaires.

Q19. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported? Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange? Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued? What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?

Aucune restriction de change n'est en vigueur.

Importation, transit et exportation d'animaux et de produits d'animaux

Outline of Systems

Purposes and Coverage of Licensing

Q2. Identify each licensing system maintained and state what products, appropriately grouped, are covered.

Q3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries?

Q4. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, what are its purposes? Have alternative methods of accomplishing the purposes been considered and if so which? Why have they not been adopted?

Procedures

Q6. For products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports (whether applicable globally or to a limited number of countries or whether established bilaterally or unilaterally):

Q6.IV. From the time of announcing the opening of quotas, as indicated in I above, what is the period of time allowed for the submission of applications for licences?

Q6.V. What are the minimum and maximum lengths of time for processing applications?

Q6.VI. How much time remains, at a minimum, between the granting of licences and the date of opening of the period of importation?

Q6.VII. Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval? If so, which? Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?

Q6.IX. In the case of bilateral quotas or export restraint arrangements where export permits are issued by exporting countries, are import licences also required? If so, are licences issued automatically?

Q6.X. In cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only, how is the importing country informed of the effect given by the exporting countries to the understanding between the two countries?

Q6.XI. Are there products for which licences are issued on condition that goods should be exported and not sold in the domestic market?

Q7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular country:

Q7.a. How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made? Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)?

Q7.b. Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

Q7.c. Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or importation may be made? If so, explain.

Q7.d. Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval? If so, which? Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?

Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence

Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence

Q10. What information is required in applications? Submit a sample form. What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?

Q11. What documents are required upon actual importation?

Q12. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge? If so, what is the amount of the fee or charge?

Q13. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licences? If so, state the amount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of retention and the purpose of the requirement.

Conditions of Licensing

Q14. What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity of a licence be extended? How?

Q15. Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?

Q16. Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?

Q17. Are any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence? a) for products subject to quantitative restriction? b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction?

Other Procedural Requirements

Q18. Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?

Importation, transit et exportation d&#039;animaux et de produits d&#039;animaux

Outline of Systems

Purposes and Coverage of Licensing

Q2. Identify each licensing system maintained and state what products, appropriately grouped, are covered.

Q3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries?

Q4. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, what are its purposes? Have alternative methods of accomplishing the purposes been considered and if so which? Why have they not been adopted?

Procedures

Q6. For products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports (whether applicable globally or to a limited number of countries or whether established bilaterally or unilaterally):

Q6.IV. From the time of announcing the opening of quotas, as indicated in I above, what is the period of time allowed for the submission of applications for licences?

Q6.V. What are the minimum and maximum lengths of time for processing applications?

Q6.VI. How much time remains, at a minimum, between the granting of licences and the date of opening of the period of importation?

Q6.VII. Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval? If so, which? Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?

Q6.IX. In the case of bilateral quotas or export restraint arrangements where export permits are issued by exporting countries, are import licences also required? If so, are licences issued automatically?

Q6.X. In cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only, how is the importing country informed of the effect given by the exporting countries to the understanding between the two countries?

Q6.XI. Are there products for which licences are issued on condition that goods should be exported and not sold in the domestic market?

Q7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular country:

Q7.a. How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made? Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)?

Q7.b. Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

Q7.c. Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or importation may be made? If so, explain.

Q7.d. Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval? If so, which? Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?

Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence

Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence

Q10. What information is required in applications? Submit a sample form. What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?

Q11. What documents are required upon actual importation?

Q12. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge? If so, what is the amount of the fee or charge?

Q13. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licences? If so, state the amount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of retention and the purpose of the requirement.

Conditions of Licensing

Q14. What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity of a licence be extended? How?

Q15. Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?

Q16. Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?

Q17. Are any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence? a) for products subject to quantitative restriction? b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction?

Other Procedural Requirements

Q18. Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?

Importation, transit et exportation d'animaux et de produits d'animaux