The import provisions apply to imports from the EU of terrestrial animals kept in travelling circuses or animal acts [for definitions, see Article 2 (33) and (34) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688].

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) 2020/688 on “INTRA terrestrial animals” (see below “Legal framework”).

However, supplementary rules are laid down in further acts: e.g. part of the bluetongue requirements for movements of live animals and germinal products are to be found in Annex V Part II Chapter II of Delegated Regulation EU 2020/689 on “Surveillance and disease-free status”.  

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

No veterinary certificate is required. However, an official inspection is mandatory before each transboundary movement. This must be preannounced to the competent authority no later than 10 days before departure (Articles 70, 66 and 94 of Delegated Regulation EU 2020/688); see also Delegated Regulation EU 2019/2035 (Articles 28 and 77 to 79, and the transitional measures laid down in Article 84. The “legal framework” is available at the bottom of this page).

Certain animal species are additionally subject to species conservation regulations. Please check the conservation status in the CITES species list (see below “Further information”). 

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.

An animal welfare license from the Cantonal Veterinary Office is required for the keeping of wild animal species and if animals are being imported for one of the following purposes: trading, advertising, animal shows, zoos, circuses, and/or animal experiments.