The import provisions apply to domestic cattle including zebus, yaks buffalo and American bison (Bison bison) kept as livestock. 

They do not apply to American bison kept in animal parks. These are subject to the same import provisions as deer. 

Authorisation from the Federal Office for Agriculture may be required to import the animals (see "Further information"). 

After they have been imported, the animals will be monitored by the Veterinary Office in accordance with the instructions issued by the Cantonal Veterinary Officer. The competent Cantonal Veterinary Office must be informed of the planned import 10 days in advance; the arrival of the animals must be notified no later than 24 hours after their arrival. 

The specific health regulations governing import are provided in greater detail under "Further info". 

The veterinary officer in the country of origin must send an electronic TRACES notification. The cantonal authority must record the establishment of destination in Switzerland in the TRACES electronic system before the first import takes place. 

The animals must be accompanied by a TRACES certificate 64/432 F1 Bovine. Only the stamped and signed original will be accepted. 

Bluetongue disease: The additional requirements stipulated in Regulation (EC) 1266/2007 apply to transport between restricted zones.

If the standard requirements cannot be met (e.g. for return to Switzerland following a short stay to take part in a show abroad) a re-import licence may be required (see "Import applications"). 

The protective measures in force on the day of import apply in all cases. 

Please note that it is not possible to import all categories of animals and goods into Switzerland at all border crossing points. The customs authorities have full autonomy in determining the responsibilities of each customs post. 

The competent cantonal authorities check the prescribed health certificates or commercial documentation as part of their control activities. 

Animals intended for direct slaughter must additionally be accompanied by confirmation 06/04 of the animals' health status and use of medication completed by the establishment operator (see health certificate / TRACES). The document must be handed to the veterinary meat inspector at the slaughterhouse of destination before the animals for slaughter are examined. 

Animals imported for summer grazing or grazing in border areas must be accompanied by an additional health certificate. Please obtain information from the competent Cantonal Veterinary Office. 

Authorisation from the Cantonal Veterinary Office is required if the animals are being imported for one of the following purposes:

• trading
• advertising
• animal shows
• zoos
• circuses
• and/or animal experiments.

Please obtain information from the competent Cantonal Veterinary Office.