Agricultural Declaration Ordinance
The Agricultural Declaration Ordinance governs the labelling of imported agricultural products that have been produced using methods that are banned in Switzerland.
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Background
The Agricultural Declaration Ordinance (AgDO) requires imported agricultural products that have been produced using methods that are banned in Switzerland to be labelled when sold to the end consumer in retail and catering. These methods include:
- producing meat using certain hormonal or non-hormonal substances;
- using farming systems that are banned in Switzerland to keep domestic rabbits for meat production or laying hens for egg production.
Declarations
Where appropriate, imported meat, meat preparations and meat products must bear a declaration stating that they may have been produced using hormonal performance-enhancing substances or using non-hormonal performance-enhancing substances such as antibiotics. If necessary, both declarations must be given.
Meat, meat preparations and meat products containing meat from domestic rabbits must bear a declaration stating that they have been produced using farming methods that are banned in Switzerland. Eggs and egg preparations must bear a declaration stating that the animals have been held in cages that are banned in Switzerland.
AgDO country lists
The AgDO lists the countries which have equivalent bans on certain products.
AgDO decisions
An importer can request that the FOAG issue a decision to recognise equivalent production bans contained in foreign production guidelines for a maximum of one year (application form available below). In order for a production guideline under private law to be recognised, the application must be complete and truthful, signed by the importer and the certification body, and accompanied by the required documents. The list of current AgDO decisions can be found under the «Documents» tab in the «Further information» section.
Online applications
Many official processes can be completed on the FOAG website, such applying for approvals, licences or permits. Users can apply online for production guidelines under private law to be recognised in relation to products produced using methods that are banned in Switzerland (online application available below).
Frequently asked questions
Further information
The FOAG provides a reduced English-language version of its website that does not include all further information such as documents, legislation or links. These can be found on the pages in the three official languages (German, French and Italian).