Exporting plants
If you are planning on exporting plants or plant products such as fruit, seeds, cut flowers or wood from Switzerland to another country, you need to observe the applicable provisions. Exports carry the risk of spreading dangerous diseases and pests.
Exporting into the EU and Lichtenstein
The bilateral Agreement on Agriculture between Switzerland and the EU ensures uniform rules for the import and export of plants and plant material within Switzerland, the EU and Liechtenstein. The plant passport governs import/export within this region.
This applies to private individuals, companies and professionals
For exports from Switzerland to an EU country, it is recommended to clarify the applicable provisions directly with the plant protection service of the recipient country in advance.
Fruits, vegetables and cut flowers may be imported and exported without a plant passport.
Further information on the plant passport can be found on the Plant Passport System page.
Goods requiring a plant passport
- Plants and parts of plants which are intended to remain planted, to be planted or to be replanted, such as potted plants, seedlings, cuttings, tissue cultures, bulbs, tubers and plant arrangements in bowls.
- Seed potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), pines (Pinus), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii).
- Citrus fruits, with leaves and peduncles still attached.
- Wood obtained from walnut trees (Juglans), plane trees (Platanus) and wingnut trees (Pterocarya).
- Parts of plants (other than fruits and seeds) of Mexican orange blossoms (Choisya), citrus plants (Citrus), kumquats (Fortunella), trifoliate oranges (Poncirus), white sapotes (Casimiroa), wampis (Clausena), orange jasmine/curry trees (Murraya), Vepris, Zanthoxylum and grapevines (Vitis).
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
The provisions for plant species subject to the CITES Convention apply. Information about species protection can be obtained from the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO).
Good to know
- Since 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom (with the exception of Northern Ireland) is considered a non-EU country for the import and export of plant products.
- In phytosanitary terms, the Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla and the French overseas departments and territories are considered non-EU countries.
Exports to non-EU countries
Exports to non-EU countries are subject to the regulations of the country of destination. The applicable provisions should be clarified in advance directly with the plant protection service of the recipient country. In most cases, a phytosanitary certificate is required. You can apply for a phytosanitary certificate online. The Swiss Federal Plant Protection Service (SPPS) is responsible for issuing phytosanitary certificates (phyto@blw.admin.ch).
Enquiries regarding the import regulations of the country of destination in accordance with the applicable phytosanitary requirements should be made as early as possible. Certain countries issue import licences and require additional field inspections or laboratory analyses. Import licences and other documents are to be submitted with the online application for a phytosanitary certificate.
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).
Index
Related topics
Contact for questions
Swiss Federal Plant Protection Service SPPS
Schwarzenburgstrasse 165
Switzerland - 3003 Bern