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The import conditions described on this subsite aim to prevent the introduction of epidemic animal diseases or products that could threaten public health. Until otherwise specified in a given chapter the provisions also apply to re-imports and transit.
Please note that not all documents are available in English, some chapters are summarized. For more detailed information refer to the German or French version.
Duty and responsibility of the importers
Whoever imports live animals, food, by-products or other products of animal origin needs broad knowledge of a wide range of different regulations. She / he has to ascertain that all import requirements are fully complied with. Many animal species or products can only be imported under defined conditions from certain countries and "approved" establishments. In many cases a permit has to be applied for in advance. Besides, official veterinary certificates have to be provided that must have been issued by the competent veterinary authorities of the country of origin.
"Non-veterinary" import regulations
Apart from the legislation in the field of competence of the Federal Veterinary Office there are other regulations governing the conditions to import animals and products of animal origin. Dependent on a given species or product additional rules to observe may arise from the import formalities of the customs, the Federal Office for Agriculture or cantonal regulations (e.g. concerning the keeping of dogs of some “dangerous” breeds). See box Links.
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