Moving to Switzerland - Moving of Animals & Plants

Importation of plants

Plants that are imported for personal use, are in most instances exempted from the procedural inspections by the Federal Plant Protection Service (for exceptions, check the Federal Customs Administration website). The import of plants to Switzerland is duty free, however, a value added tax (VAT) amounting to 2.4% must be paid.

For further information, please contact the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture or the different District Directorates of Customs.

Importation of pets

Dogs and cats

Dogs and domestic cats originating from the European Economic Area, may be brought into Switzerland without an import licence. However, they must undergo an inspection by the veterinary officer on duty at the border crossing, in the event that they are not accompanied by a human being or when more than three animals are imported at the same time.

To import cats and dogs, you will also need to show a veterinary certificate, attesting that the animal concerned has been vaccinated against rabies. 

Other pets

Guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, canaries, aquarium fish and rabbits may be imported (in shipments not exceeding three pets) without an import licence and without undergoing an inspection by the veterinary officer on duty at the border crossing.

The import of pets is duty free, however, a value added tax of 7.6% must be paid (the presentation of a receipt will facilitate customs clearance!). 

Import of other animals

Concerning the import of other animals, we recommend you directly contact the Federal Veterinary Office or (for the import of horses) the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture.

Source: European Union
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