Animals and plants are protected from the moment they cross the Swiss border.
It is not a good idea to adopt a cobra during a trip to Asia and bring it back in your luggage, to buy mangoes in Mexico to eat in Switzerland or to bring home items made of ivory to decorate your living room.
The conservation of animal and plant species is an integral part of border control activities. Importing specimens of protected animal species is possible only under certain conditions or is prohibited, as they are subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). International trade in these species is controlled, and importing them requires a certificate for trade in goods. However, their importation may also be prohibited if they are intended for private use.
The importation of plants from third countries, i.e. outside the EU and EFTA, is prohibited for the most part, with the exception of pineapples, coconuts, durian fruit, bananas and dates.
These measures help to protect the Swiss population, environment and economy.
