According to bilateral treaties, the rules governing exchanges between EU Member States and Switzerland are the same as for intracommunity movements. Regulation (EU) 2016/429 sets the basic framework, while detailed additional requirements are laid down in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/686 (see below “Legal framework”).
The protective measures in force on the day of import apply in all cases.
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.
Depending on the particular
category of live animals or products, the applicable certificate is the TRACES
version of the appropriate model provided for in Implementing Regulation (EU)
2021/403 (Articles 8-11or 13 and Annex I). The
original certificate must accompany the consignment in paper form – or also in
electronic form as soon as this is technically implemented (see below “Legal framework”).
The establishment of origin must be licensed to import.
Please note that it is not possible to import all categories of animals and goods into Switzerland at all border crossing points. Please contact the customs authorities for any questions regarding customs regulations and procedures.
After import, pig herds in which imported pig semen has been used 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 no later than ten days in advance; the arrival of the animals must be notified no later than 24 hours after their arrival. Information about the duration of this official veterinary monitoring and the measures associated with it can be obtained from the competent Cantonal Veterinary Office (see below “Technical instruction concerning official veterinary monitoring of pig herds in which imported semen, eggs or embryos have been used”).