Shipments of plants and plant products​

Ensuring compliance and proper handling for your plants and plant-based perishables

Phytosanitary check​

Most living plants and all living (fresh) parts of plants, such as cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, leaves, or seeds, as well as certain types of woods originating from non-EU countries imported into or transiting through Switzerland, are subject to phytosanitary checks. These checks must be conducted by a government expert from the “Plant Protection Service.” Additionally, the shipment must be accompanied by a Plant Health Certificate issued by the authorities in the country of origin/ departure.

Excluded fruits from these requirements:

  • Banana​
  • Dates
  • ​Durian​
  • Pineapple​
  • Coconut​

TRACES Registration

All shipments of plants and plant products from non-EU countries intended for import into Switzerland and the EU must be registered in the TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System). Transit shipments will be registered by the handling agent in Zurich.​

CITES Regulations​

Plants and plant materials subject to CITES regulations (e.g., orchids, cacti, certain woods) must be accompanied by a CITES permit and presented to the plant protection officer.

Embargoes

The following products are banned from import into Switzerland or transit to the EU from non-EU countries (non-exhaustive list):

  • Soil
  • Plants (except fruits) of Citrus, Vines, and Potato

For more information, see: Plant health

Additional documentation​

An import license issued by the Section “Imports and Exports” of the Department of Agriculture in Bern may be required for certain plant products.
For more information, see: Information regarding the import of agricultural products

Contact our perishables experts for more information.

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