The fruit and vegetable market in Switzerland

Overview of the market and access information for international trading companies

Author of the study:

Mrs. Marjorie Chevalley,
SWISSCOFEL

Update March 2018

 This report is directed predominantly at international trading
companies. It provides the reader with an overview of the fruit and
vegetable market in Switzerland; it also contains addresses for the
most important Swiss and international organisations, as well as the
regulations and special features of the Swiss market.

SWISSCOFEL is the owner of the rights of use.

The latest versions are available at www.swisscofel.ch.

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Switzerland
Switzerland is a neutral sovereign state situated in the middle of Europe. Although it is
not a member of the European Union, the EU is by far its largest trading partner.

Area 41,428km²
Distances North to south 200 km
East to west 348 km
Capital Bern
Population 8.2 million (As of 2015)

Languages German: 63.5%

French: 22.5%
Italian: 8.1%
English 4.4%
Romansch 0.5%
Others 17.3%
(As of 2013)
Religion Roman Catholic 38.2%
Protestant 26.9%
Others 34.9%
(As of 2013)
Economic aspects:
Gross domestic product 635 SFr billion (2013)
Growth rate 1.7% (2013)
Rate of inflation 0.4% (2014)
Unemployment 3.2% (2014)

Currency:

1 Swiss franc = 100 Swiss centimes

Rate of exchange:

(Status: July 2015)

USD = 0.96 SFr

EURO = 1.04 SFr
JPY = 0.77 SFr Switzerland
GBP = 1.49 SFr

Current exchange rates:

http://quotes.ubs.com/quotes

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 Table of Contents
1. OVERVIEW / SUMMARY 5
2. THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MARKET 6
2.1 GENERAL ASPECTS....................................................................................................... 6
2.2 MARKET STRUCTURE .................................................................................................... 7
2.3 IMPORT REGULATIONS .................................................................................................. 8
2.4 TRENDS ................................................................................................................... 10
2.5 MARKET PROSPECTS/CHANCES AND ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES ................................ 13
2.6 TRADE STRUCTURES .................................................................................................. 14
3. IMPORTS 15
4. IMPORTERS 16
4.1 BASIC ASPECTS ............................................................................................... 16
4.2 MAJOR DISTRIBUTORS AS IMPORTERS.................................................................. 16
4.3 IMPORTERS AS SPECIALISTS ............................................................................... 17
4.4 PROCESSORS AS IMPORTERS ............................................................................. 17
5. IMPORTERS' REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS 18
5.1 LEGAL REGULATIONS ........................................................................................ 18
5.2 PRODUCE AND MARKET SKILLS ........................................................................... 18
5.3 QUALITY STANDARD AND TRADE PRACTICES ......................................................... 19
5.4 TRANSPORT CONDITIONS ................................................................................... 20
5.5 IMPORTERS’ SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS .................................................................. 22
6. THE EUROPEAN MARKET 24
7. USEFUL ADDRESSES 27
APPENDIX NO. 1 FRUITS AND VEGETABLES WITHOUT QUOTAS 31
APPENDIX NO. 2: POSSIBLE IMPORTS AND EFFECTIVE IMPORTS IN 2014 35

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1. Overview / summary
This work arose in the course of Sippo's import promotion programme, whose range of
services includes marketing and product advice, import-export promotion through
sourcing and the provision of partners, participation at trade fairs, export marketing
training with information events, and trade information. The purpose of this report is to
give foreign suppliers a general introduction and an initial assessment of the situation
for the fruit and vegetable sector. Nevertheless, the information given must be verified
in specific cases as regulations are subject to change without notice. No liability
whatsoever can be accepted on the basis of information contained in this report.

In comparison with the rest of Europe, Switzerland has a small fruit and vegetable
market. However, it is well developed and is characterised by supplies of exceptionally
high quality. Half of all consumed fruit and vegetables are imported. Fruit and
vegetables that are traditionally and naturally cultivated in Switzerland are subject to a
flexible import system. Should there be no domestic production of a certain fruit or
vegetable, these products can be imported in unlimited quantities and with very low
customs duties. Should demand exceed domestic production, tariff-rate quotas are
released. Whenever local supplies are sufficient, it is only possible to import fruit and
vegetables at a high customs duty. As for other products, particularly bananas,
pineapples, exotic fruits, grapes, peaches, nectarines, citrus fruit and melons, the
imports are not restricted with regard to quantity and customs duty.

Switzerland also has a system for preferred customs tariffs (generalised system of
preferences [GSP]). Many products from developing countries are subject to reduced
customs tariffs or can be imported duty-free. However, an official certificate of origin is
essential.

There is a surplus of practically all types of fruit and vegetables in Switzerland

throughout the whole year. Given such fierce competition, a supplier will have a
chance only if he can stand out from other suppliers on the basis of superior services.
For fruits or vegetables that are also cultivated in Switzerland, the best way for a
foreign suppliier to get a foothold in the Swiss market is to provide produce outside the
Swiss season.

Quality is the main criterion for internationally traded products. This includes not only
the product itself, but also the packaging, compliance with agreed deadlines and
quantities, uninterrupted readiness to deliver, and other factors.
As a rule, Swiss importers usually want long-term relationships with suppliers. New
partners are tested and selected with caution. It may be a long time before major
orders are placed with a supplier.

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2. The fruit and vegetable market
2.1 General aspects
Switzerland has a population of around 8.2 million. Its cuisine is influenced by French,
Italian, Austrian and German culinary traditions. In addition, the international network
boosts demand for an exceptional variety of fruits and vegetables. A living standard
that is above average within Europe enables the population to consume top-quality
produce throughout the year.

This study largely refers to fresh fruits and vegetables. The definition of “fruit”, and
“vegetable” within the FDHA regulations on produce and its derived products
(SR 817.022.17) is given below.

Fruit
Art. 2 Definition1
1 Fruit is unprocessed plant produce which is used for human consumption.

2 A distinction is made between the following kinds of fruit:

a. Pome fruits: apples, pears, quinces, etc.
b. Drupes: apricots, cherries, peaches, plums, damsons, mirabelles, greengages, etc.
c. Soft fruit (berries): blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries,
blackcurrants, gooseberries, grapes, etc.
d. Citrus fruit: grapefruits, mandarin oranges, clementines, oranges, lemons, etc.
e. Exotic fruits: pineapples, bananas, dates, figs, avocados, etc.
f. Hard-shelled fruit: sweet chestnuts, hazelnuts, coconuts, almonds, Brazil nuts,
pistachios, walnuts, etc.

2 Dessert fruit is fruit that, when supplied to consumers, is clean and ripe and normally
developed in shape, colour and internal properties, and is free of blemishes that affect
its value for consumption.

3 Fruit intended for preserves or cooking is fruit that cannot meet or no longer meets
the standards of dessert fruit but which is suitable for cooking, drying and other
methods of preserving or usage. It may have external blemishes; may not be fully ripe
or may be slightly over-ripe; may be slightly affected in terms of freshness and storage
effects; or may be slightly shrunk and slightly devalued by unsuitable or excessive
storage, or by transport damage.

1
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Vegetables
Art. 5 Definition2
1 Vegetables are plants or parts of plants that are used for human consumption.

2 A distinction is made between the following types of vegetable:

a. Tuber and root vegetables: potatoes, carrots, celeriac, beetroot, black salsify,
kohlrabi, radishes, white radishes.
b. Stem vegetables: Swiss chard, rhubarb, asparagus, fennel, celery.
c. Leafy vegetables: all leafy cabbages, spinach, lettuce, cabbage lettuce and other
leafy lettuces, Catalonia.
d. Fruit vegetables: cucumbers, tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines, melons.
e. Legumes and pulses (fresh): beans (including soya), peas, peanuts, snow peas,
lentils.
f. Bulbous plants: all sorts of onion, garlic.
g. Chicory: Belgian endives (Witloof), red and green cicorino, winter chicory.
h. Artichoke, cauliflower, broccoli.
i. Seaweed
j. Seed

2.2 Market structure

The entire market for fresh fruit and vegetables, preserves, frozen products,
concentrates, dried and powdered products, and semi-finished products made from
them, can be structured as follows:

Product classification
- Domestically cultivated products
- Central European fruit and vegetables (cultivated)3
- Exotic fruit and vegetables (not cultivated)4

Method of cultivation
- Organic production
- Conventional and integrated production

Markets
- Retail and wholesale trade
- Discounters and cash-and-carry
- Catering trade, canteens, fast food
- Industry
- Weekly markets and sales directly from the farm

2
https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20143412/index.html#a24
3
Controlled: the import of most of the fruit and vegetables cultivated in Switzerland is limited. Please
see the following link for a list of the controlled products: www.swisscofel.ch > Aktuelles und Dokumente
zum Download > Violetter Leitfaden zur Importregelung (right column)
4
Not controlled: imports are not limited with regard to quantities and customs tariffs. The products do
not have any notified phase: see appendix no. 1.

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2.3 Import regulations
In order to maintain a constant level of production in Switzerland, there are special
import regulations which can differ throughout the year. The most important legal
bases are:
- Agricultural law [LwG] (SR 910.1; articles 17-22, 169, 175)5
- Agricultural imports regulation [AEV] (SR 916.01; articles 1-4, 10-15, 21-29)6
- Regulation governing the import and export of vegetables, fruit and garden
produce [VEAGOG] (SR 916.121.10; articles 1-9, 19-23)7
- VEAGOG release regulation (SR 916.121.100).8

Non-limited imports
Non-cultivated fruit and vegetables9 include asparagus, garlic, pickled gherkins,
mushrooms, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, sweet chestnuts, bananas, dates, figs,
pineapples, avocados, grapes, avocados, mangoes, oranges, mandarins, lemons,
limes, grapefruit, melons, papayas, peaches, nectarines, and kiwis.

For the import of citrus with leafs there are restrictive phytosanitary rules to be
followed10.

Limited imports
The import of the majority of fruit and vegetable varieties cultivated in Switzerland is
limited and controlled. They may be imported only by importers with a general import
permit (GEB).11 The GEB is issued by the Federal Office for Agriculture. Depending on
sales possibilities and domestic supplies, customs quota per products are released on
a weekly basis during the cultivation period. The purpose of these measures is to
prevent excess competition with domestic sales during the harvesting season.

Imports of organic products

Organic produce has been subject since 22 September 1997 to the import regulation
regarding organic farming and the identification of organically produced food [organic
food regulation] (SR 910.18).12

Otherwise, organic produce is subject to the same import conditions as conventionally

cultivated agricultural produce. There are no separate import quotas. In terms of
customs laws, no difference is made between the methods of cultivation. However, if
the products are labelled as organic produce, they must meet the principles laid down
in the organic regulation in terms of production and processing. Additionally,
production must comply with the test procedures stipulated in the organic regulations.
Customs quotas

5
http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c910_1.html
6
http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c916_01.html
7
http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c916_121_10.html
8
http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c916_121_100.html
9
See appendix no. 1: fruit and vegetables without notified phase
10
Notes for the import of products with phytosanitary rules:
https://www.blw.admin.ch/blw/de/home/nachhaltige-produktion/pflanzenschutz/pflanzengesundheit-
eidg-pflanzenschutzdienst/einfuhr.html
11
Notes import regulations fresh fruit and vegetables (page down > Dokumentation):
https://www.blw.admin.ch/blw/de/home/markt/einfuhr-von-agrarprodukten/gemuese-und-obst.html
12
http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c910_18.html

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Switzerland has notified the WTO of the minimum amount of goods required for entry
into the market for cultivated fruit and vegetables in the form of a customs quota. As a
result of the WTO agreements, Switzerland must ensure that a certain quantity can be
imported at the quota customs rate (KZA) each year. The minimum entry into the
market amounts to:
- Fresh vegetables 166,076 t
- Frozen vegetables 4,500 t
- Apples, pears, quinces (fresh) 15,800 t
- Apricots, cherries, plums (fresh) 16,340 t
- Other fresh fruit 13,360 t

Imports of cultivated fruits and vegetables are subject to a two-phase system. Each
product is divided up into a controlled and a non-controlled period of time.13 During the
non-controlled phase, companies registered in Switzerland can import the
corresponding product without any limitations on quantity. In the controlled phase,
there are three different import possibilities:
1. Supplementary quotas at the quota customs rate (KZA)
Domestic production cannot satisfy market demand. Upon an application by the
branch organisation, the Federal Office for Agriculture approves supplementary
quotas. These can be exploited proportionally by importers with a general import
permit and a quota share.14

2. Imports at the non-quota customs rate AKZA code 1 (reduced customs duty):
No quotas are permitted if domestic products can satisfy the market. However,
imports are nevertheless possible under the AKZA code 1.

3. Imports at the non-quota customs rate AKZA (customs duty deposited in GATT):
If imports are made in addition to permitted supplementary quotas, the high
customs duty (AKZA) has to be paid in return. The competitiveness of imported
products on the Swiss market is substantially restricted by this instance of customs
duty.

Tomatoes as an example
Customs rate in
Phase Import possibility SFr per 100kg
gross
21 Oct. -30 April Free 5.00
Supplementary quotas at the KZA 5.00
1 May-20 Oct.
Imports at the AKZA code 1 150.00
(controlled phase)
Imports at the AKZA 264.00

For certain products, Switzerland has autonomously determined even shorter

controlled periods.

13
Guide to the import regulation: www.swisscofel.ch > Aktuelles und Dokumente zum Download >
Violetter Leitfaden zur Importregelung
14
Allocation of customs quota quantities for fruit and vegetables (page down > Dokumentation):
https://www.blw.admin.ch/blw/de/home/markt/einfuhr-von-agrarprodukten/gemuese-und-obst.html

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Preferred customs tariffs (Generalised System of Preferences [GSP])
Preferential customs treatment allows developing countries and territories to increase
and diversify their exports to Switzerland. Switzerland grants reduced customs duties
(customs preferential scheme) for most agricultural produce. Often, no customs duty is
charged on imports from the least-developed countries [LDC]. In principle, this applies
to non-controlled products or to controlled products that can be imported within the
quota.

The ordinance on preferential duty rates for developing countries (Ordinance on

Tariff Preferences)15 governs the tariff preferences in favour of developing countries:
the least developed countries (LDC) can export these products into Switzerland duty-
free. The prerequisite is a certificate of origin. Certain products from countries that
benefit from a debt-relief initiative can also export these products into Switzerland
duty-free.

The states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European
Community (EC) have preferential treatment for imports. The customs duty and the
tariff quotas are listed in the Ordinance on the rate of duty for goods traded with
the EU and EFTA member states (Free Trade Ordinance 1) (SR 632.421.0)16. This
ordinance also lists the duty-free quotas for imports from the EU.17

The ordinance on the duty rates for goods traded with free trade partners (except the
EU and EFTA member states) (Free Trade Ordinance 2),18 specifies the duty
concessions for imported goods from Turkey, the Faroe Islands, Israel, Morocco, the
West Bank and the Gaza Strip, Macedonia, Mexico, Jordan, Singapore, Chile, Tunisia,
Lebanon, the Republic of Korea, the South African Customs Union, Egypt, Canada,
Japan, member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Albania, Serbia, Peru,
Ukraine, Montenegro, Hong Kong, China, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Colombia and other
Central American nations.

Value-added tax
Foodstuffs are subject to a reduced value-added tax rate (currently 2.5%), irrespective
of their origin.

2.4 Trends
It is anticipated that the residential population will only increase slightly. The average
age will increase. Although older people tend to consume fewer foodstuffs, they are
considered to be more quality- and health-conscious.

Switzerland has around 3.5 million households. The number is on the increase, and
there was an average of 2.26 persons per household in 2013. Since many people do
not have lunch at home and the households tend to be small, they prefer high-quality,
pre-processed foods (convenience products) and smaller packages. Swiss consumers
are less price-conscious than German consumers, and eat more frequently in
restaurants. Consumption of fast food products is on the increase.

15
http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c632_911.html
16
http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c632_421_0.html
17
http://www.ezv.admin.ch/zollinfo_firmen/abfertigungshilfen/zollkontingente/index.html?lang=de
18
http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c632_319.html

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On average, a household devotes only 10.5% of its expenditures to foodstuffs and
beverages. For decades, the trend has been on the decline and this will continue in
the future. Although the income per household is increasing, expenditure on food is
stagnating of not decreasing.19

19
http://www.bfs.admin.ch/

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Overall per capita consumption of fruit and vegetables is high, and is increasing
slightly. The national “5 per day”,20 campaign encourages the consumption of fruits
and vegetables. The message of this campaign is: Five portions of fruit and
vegetables per day are very good for your health and well-being.

The Swiss population has modified its buying habits over the past 30 years. The retail
trade offers an increasingly wide range of fruit and vegetables. Consumers are being
sensitised to healthy eating. The demand for fair trade and organic products has
increased substantially.

Mini vegetables are a very successful niche product. The interest in mini vegetables is
increasing in the catering trade as well as in first-rate restaurants.

20
www.5amtag.ch

12 / 36
2.5 Market prospects and economic circumstances
Overall consumption of fruit and vegetables will rise, particularly due to increased
health awareness. Naturally produced products of high quality have particularly good
chances for growth, as do convenience products. Demand for individual products can
be increased if they are offered before or after the season in Switzerland.

Since 1970, the structure of the population in Switzerland has changed as a result of
immigration. Around 24% of the current population in Switzerland comes from abroad.
These sectors of the population have brought their cultural and culinary customs with
them to Switzerland. Since the majority of immigrants come from Mediterranean and
Asian countries, the retail trade has expanded its range of produce to respond to their
tastes. This diversification of the available product range has had an exceptionally
positive influence on the demand for fruit and vegetables as a whole.

A further factor is the Swiss enthusiasm for travel. Positive culinary experiences on
holidays result in an extension of the product range – usually in the form of
convenience products – to include dishes from all over the world, especially Asia.

The catering trade is also experiencing a trend towards more Mediterranean and
Asian cuisine.

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The major distributors’ main sales are in the following exotic products: bananas, kiwis,
pineapples, avocados, mangoes and papayas. Further popular products are limes,
lychees, dates, ginger, passion fruit, physalis, star fruit, pomegranate, medlar,
cassava, cactus figs, cherimoyas, and kumquats.

2.6 Trade structures

As is the case throughout Europe as a whole, trade structures are undergoing a shift.
The major distributors, Migros and Coop, determine the market when it comes to the
Swiss retail trade. However, the retail trade includes other chains of food shops such
as Denner, Magro, Spar, Volg, and Prodega. German discounters, such as Aldi and
Lidl, have also been expanding in the market. However, Migros (M-Budget) and Coop
(Prix Garantie) also offer affordable product ranges. Furthermore, a concentration
process is under way, which is strengthening their respective positions. The trend
towards a centralisation of purchasing is increasingly limiting suppliers’ sales
opportunities.

Due to the strong presence of Migros and Coop, there is a certain interdependency
between suppliers and the major distributors with regard to pricing, marketing,
positioning, and advertising, among other factors. The wholesale trade needs to
increasingly orient its services towards the requirements of these major retailers.

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3. Imports
Fruit and vegetables with a value of around 1.7 billion Swiss francs are imported
annually into Switzerland.

Import of edible fruit; citrus fruit or melon peel

2000 2010 2014

Countries Tonnen in % CHF 1000 Tonnen in % CHF 1000 Tonnen in % CHF 1000
Total 444 880 100,00% 854 024 494 177 100,00% 1 019 836 511 758 100,00% 1 142 976
Europe 310 846 69,9% 577 843 342 211 69,2% 725 937 319 043 62,3% 727 259
North Africa 3 726 0,8% 6 582 3 092 0,6% 8 952 6 185 1,2% 15 532
Africa (other) 19 279 4,3% 42 513 20 562 4,2% 42 670 26 219 5,1% 57 247
Asia 10 719 2,4% 25 813 10 285 2,1% 30 408 12 890 2,5% 52 104
North America 13 189 3,0% 57 854 9 430 1,9% 41 292 11 878 2,3% 72 010
Central America 43 409 9,8% 60 701 45 132 9,1% 55 926 52 973 10,4% 66 168
South America 36 897 8,3% 64 572 56 747 11,5% 97 406 77 699 15,2% 135 987
Oceania 6 815 1,5% 18 144 6 718 1,4% 17 245 4 871 1,0% 16 669

www.swiss-impex.admin.ch

Import of vegetables, plants, roots and tubers for nutritional purposes

2000 2010 2014

Countries Tonnen in % CHF 1000 Tonnen in % CHF 1000 Tonnen in % CHF 1000
Total 269 935 100,00% 552643 279 868 100,00% 633 668 307 390 100,00% 602 370
Europe 260 820 96,6% 446 501 241 644 86,3% 519 428 264 383 86,0% 480 447
North Africa 14 586 5,4% 18 891 14 528 5,2% 26 172 17 484 5,7% 30 175
Africa (other) 1 271 0,5% 6 779 938 0,3% 5 820 1 655 0,5% 7 929
Asia 11 148 4,1% 47 482 14 444 5,2% 53 326 14 823 4,8% 54 559
North America 7 711 2,9% 29 832 4 840 1,7% 16 573 3 746 1,2% 10 243
Central America 195 0,1% 537 919 0,3% 3 353 2 966 1,0% 8 992
South America 510 0,2% 2 171 1 873 0,7% 8 275 2 051 0,7% 9 691
Oceania 694 0,3% 448 682 0,2% 721 282 0,1% 334
www.swiss-impex.admin.ch

In terms of volume, around half of the fruit and vegetables consumed on the domestic
market are imported. However, there are major differences according to production
possibilities. For example, about 9% of carrots, 37% of tomatoes and around 8.5% of
pome fruits were imported in 2014. At the same time, there are also exports (2,125
tons of dessert apples and pears). Exotic fruits and vegetables are only imported.

Fruits and vegetables are mainly imported from neighbouring states and Southern
Europe, with about 62% of the fruit and 86% of the vegetable imports coming from
Europe. Also, non-European exporters have become important sources for
vegetables: Morocco, for instance, accounted for more than 20% of imported tomatoes
in 2014.

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4. Importers
4.1 Basic aspects
Approximately 365 Swiss importers share the entire import of fruit and vegetables.
Depending on market conditions, the quotas are only partially exploited. As a rule, the
customs quota part quantities allocated to the importers are valid for one week. They
expire if they are not used. If a shortage is anticipated on the domestic market,
customs quota part quantities are again allocated for the following days. Hence, the
annual sum of the individual customs quota part quantities is larger than the effective
import amounts. Appendix no. 2 lists the potential imports and the actual imports per
product. As a rule, the minimum entry into the market granted by Switzerland in
accordance with the WTO obligation is significantly exceeded.

The release of customs quota part quantities (ZKTM) is published on the internet by
the Federal Office for Agriculture.21 The importer can calculate his gross import
quantity for the relevant product by means of his customs quota quantities (ZKM
represented as a %).

The allocation of the customs quota quantities are published once a year for/by all fruit
and vegetable importers.22 This publication shows the most important importers per
product.

4.2 Major distributors as importers

Together, Migros23 and Coop,24 the two major distributors that operate a national
network of retail outlets, sell over half of the total volume of fruit and vegetables. At the
same time, they have the largest customs quota quantities. In addition, they also
assume significant volumes from other importers.

21
https://www.blw.admin.ch/blw/de/home/markt/einfuhr-von-agrarprodukten/gemuese-und-obst.html
(page down > Dokumentation)
22
Allocation of customs quota quantities for fruit and vegetables
https://www.blw.admin.ch/blw/de/home/markt/einfuhr-von-agrarprodukten/gemuese-und-obst.html
(page down > Dokumentation)
23
http://www.migros.ch
24
http://www.coop.ch/

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4.3 Importers as specialists
There are specialists who offer some fruits and vegetables of domestic origin. To
extend the duration of supplies or to increase their range of products, they import a
limited number of products.

According to the publication of customs quota allocations / the effective imports,25 the
following companies (in addition to Migros and Coop), were amongst the main
importers of the relevant products in 2014:
- Apples: FENACO Union-Fruits, Charrat; FENACO Steffen-Ris AG, Utzenstorf;
Iseppi Frutta SA, Dornach; Geiser-agro.com ag, Langenthal.
- Strawberries: Iseppi Frutta SA, Dornach; Venzi + Paganini AG, Samedan;
Schwab-Guillod AG, Müntschemier.
- Aubergines: Schwab-Guillod AG, Müntschemier; Kölla AG, Gümligen; AG für
Fruchthandel, Münchenstein.
- Beans: Müller + Dietrich, Münchenstein; Satori SA, Aclens; EO Keller AG, Zürich.
- Onions: Gugger-Guillod SA, Sugiez; Walter Käppeli Gastro-Service,
Merenschwand; Fruchtexpress (Schweiz) GmbH, Diepoldsau.
- Tomatoes: Union Maraîchère de Genève, Carouge GE; Stoll Frères SA,
Montagny-Yverdon; Schwab-Guillod AG, Müntschemier.
- Zucchini: Schwab-Guillod AG, Müntschemier; Kölla AG, Gümligen; AG für
Fruchthandel, Münchenstein.

Exotic produce (including bananas), is mainly imported by Migros, Zurich; Coop,

Basel; Helfer Georges SA, Gland; AG für Fruchthandel, Basel; Giovanelli Fruchtimport
AG, Frauenfeld; and Satori SA, Aclens.

4.4 Processors as importers

Depending on the market conditions, processing companies also function as importers
of fresh products for further processing. For example, Brussels sprouts and broccoli
are imported by Ditzler Louis AG, Möhlin; Frigemo Produktionsbetrieb, Mellingen; and
Kadi AG, Langenthal. The import application can be approved only if there is no
comparable produce available on the domestic market.

Pre-packaged frozen products are also imported. Alongside the retail sector, the
importers are mainly processing companies such as Ditzler Louis AG, Möhlin; Hilcona
AG, Schaan; Frigemo AG, Cressier; Nestlé Suisse AG, Rorschach; and Bischofszell
Nahrungsmittel AG, Bischofszell.

Companies in the beverage industry also function as importers of raw materials for the
production of juice or spirits.

25
Allocation of customs quota quantities for fruit and vegetables
https://www.blw.admin.ch/blw/de/home/markt/einfuhr-von-agrarprodukten/gemuese-und-obst.html
(page down > Dokumentation)

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5. Importers' requirements and expectations
5.1 Legal regulations
Foodstuffs are subject to Swiss laws and regulations irrespective of whether they are
produced by the domestic market or imported. Swiss food regulation has been
thoroughly harmonised with EU law. The precise working of the laws can be called up
on the internet by means of the SO numbers (systematic order).
German: https://www.admin.ch/gov/de/start/bundesrecht/systematische-
sammlung.html
French: https://www.admin.ch/gov/fr/accueil/droit-federal/recueil-
systematique.html?lang=de
Italian: https://www.admin.ch/gov/it/pagina-iniziale/diritto-federale/raccolta-
sistematica.html

- Law governing foodstuffs (SR 817.0) Basis of foodstuff legislation.

- Food and commodities regulation (SR 817.02).
- Regulation governing foreign substances constituents (SR 817.021.23)
Regulation governing additives and ingredients in foodstuffs lays down the
maximum permissible concentrations for pesticides and growth regulators, heavy
metals, pharmacological active agents, microbial toxins, radionuclides, nitrates and
nitrites.
- Regulation governing additives (SR 817.022.31) Regulation governing the
additives permitted in foodstuffs and the declaration of additives. Includes a
positive list of approved substances and preparations and an application list of
various additives with the maximum permissible amounts.
- Hygiene regulation (SR 817.024.1) Regulation governing the hygienic-
microorganic standards for foodstuffs, objects, rooms and staff. Lays down
tolerance figures for micro-organisms in foodstuffs and drinking water.
- Regulation on quantity specification (Mengenangabeverordnung) (SR
941.204) Regulation governing the quantity specification for goods sold per unit
and packaged goods.

Swiss alimentary law is being revised at present. New standards will be put into effect
by 2017.

5.2 Produce and market skills

As a rule, importers only import top-grade products. Producers and suppliers on the
domestic and international market are expected to cultivate the optimum varieties for
the Swiss market. The production methods must be selected to ensure that constant
volumes of the highest-quality clean, ripe produce, can be marketed over the longest
period possible. Their properties in terms of colour, shape and (where applicable)
preparation, must meet consumers’ high demands. Fruit and vegetable suppliers are
expected to be familiar with general domestic requirements.

Importer-specific requirements must be negotiated. These agreements are generally

binding. EU standards apply if these are missing.

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Cultivation issues
The Association of Swiss Vegetable Producers (VSGP),26 has available all necessary
information on the selected varieties, weed control, pesticides in IP and organic
cultivation; along with a list of requirements for IP production, composting and costing;
and information on additive companies and suppliers. The Swiss Fruit Association
(SOV) is responsible for the relevant information on fruit.27

Like the EU, Switzerland does not currently permit the production and the marketing of
genetically modified fruit and vegetables.

5.3 Quality standards and trade practices

Quality regulations promote the quality of products on the Swiss fruit and vegetable
market, and simplify the handling process for all players.

The Swiss regulations apply to vegetables with a domestic and international origin that
are ultimately brought to the Swiss market in an unprocessed state. These are listed
on the Qualiservice website.28 The quality regulations for fruit are also listed on the
Qualiservice website.29 Where no appropriate agreements have been made, Swiss
trade practices apply. If these do not supply any information, the EU or the UN/ECE
standards apply.30

Most retailers require of imported products that they are produced according to the
GlobalGAP standard.

The equivalent SwissGAP standard for fruits and vegetables must be followed for
domestic produce.
The implementation documentation and technical requirements are available on the
SwissGAP,31 and GlobalGAP websites.32

The SwissGAP association goal is implementing the GlobalGAP standard and other
standards of international relevance in Switzerland. Thereby SwissGAP respects
existing structures in Switzerland. The SwissGAP standard is benchmarked against
GlobalG.A.P.

In order to comply with consumer expectations and requirements of the market, all
representatives (i.e. producers, warehouse keepers, processors, suppliers) have
developed the certificate together, and continually work on improving it. The
requirements of the GAP guideline cover the following areas:
- Food safety and health
- Health and safety protection in the workplace
- Protection of the environment and sustainable development
- Protection of animals

26
http://www.gemuese.ch/
27
http://www.swissfruit.ch/
28
http://www.qualiservice.ch/de/dienstleistungen/normen_gemuese.html
29
http://www.qualiservice.ch/de/dienstleistungen/normen_obst.html
30
http://www.qualiservice.ch/de/dienstleistungen/normen.html
31
http://www.swissgap.ch/technische-unterlagen.html
32
http://www.globalgap.org/

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Each product must comply with the following criteria:
- Traceability: Must be traceable to the production company.
- Seeds and planting stock: The sowing of genetically modified organisms must
comply with all existing laws and regulations in the land of cultivation.
- Pesticide labelling: Must include type of plantation, place, date, company name of
the pesticide, name of the user.

5.4 Transport conditions

Transport policy
The performance-related road-user charge for trucks (LSVA) has applied in
Switzerland since 1 January 2001 (article 85 of the Federal Constitution).33 In 2005,
the weight limit for HGVs was increased to 40 tons. The objective of these measures
is to limit the growth of heavy goods traffic, to encourage a shift of goods traffic to the
railway, and to reduce environmental damage.

The LSVA applies to all goods vehicles with a laden weight in excess of 3.5 tons. The
LSVA depends on the following factors:
- The amount of kilometres covered in Switzerland
- The gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle
- The emission category of the vehicle

Further information on LSVA:

http://www.ezv.admin.ch/zollinfo_firmen/04020/04204/04208/index.html?lang=en

33
http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/101/a85.html

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Packaging / containers
Packaging and containers should protect food products from damage and spoilage.
The packaging must be clean and hygienic, and satisfy regulations pertaining to
foodstuffs. The following systems are used in international trade:
Reusable container
- IFCO Systems GmbH: http://www.ifco.ch
- Euro Pool System: http://www.europoolsystem.com

Disposable container
- Wooden crates (40 x 60cm and 40 x 30cm)
- Cardboard box (40 x 60cm and 40 x 30cm)

Pallets
- Overseas transport: disposable pallets (wooden, treated against pests)
- Transport within Europe: reusable pallets EURO 80 x 120 cm (wooden)

Containers
- Overseas transport: air-conditioned CA containers (40’ and 20’)

Some importers wish to receive the fruit or vegetables at the stage when they can be
put straight onto the shelves without the need for any further processing. The detailed
requirements must be discussed with the customer in this case.

For imports to Switzerland, attention must also be paid to the fact that Switzerland
enforces weight duty on the entire weight (gross weight). This means that the same
customs duty must be paid for the packaging as for the main product.

Labelling
Labelling must comply with the requirements of the food law
(Mengenangabeverordnung),34 and have the following objectives:
- Product description
- Logistical information via the EAN code (identification standard)
- Traceability

34
https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20120892/index.html

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5.5 Importers’ specific expectations
- There is a surplus of almost all fruits and vegetables in Switzerland throughout the
year. Given such fierce competition, a supplier will only have a chance if he can
stand out from other suppliers on the basis of superior services. Importers set
maximum store by the reliability of their suppliers.

Adherence to deadlines
The timing of the release of customs quota part quantities is very important so that the
importers can order their goods in good time. This affects highly perishable goods, so
the quantities allocated are valid for one week as a rule. Major losses and problems
with supplying the market result from products of the desired quality not reaching
shops in time.

Residues / contamination
Under no circumstances may foodstuffs contain forbidden substances or exceed the
maximum permissible values of regulated substances.35 If products with excessive
amounts of such substances are marketed and the existence of these substances can
be substantiated the damage is enormous. Apart from fines and destruction of the
products, boycotts of the suppliers in question and retail chains concerned are also
possible. Due to the increase in responsibility regarding product liability in recent
years, the route from production (plantation) to shop should be transparent. As a
consequence, importers tend to cooperate with a small number of efficient partners.
The suppliers should be able to offer as many products as possible throughout the
year and be certified according to GlobalGAP.

Prices
In an EU-wide comparison, the national retail prices for fruit and vegetables are on
average 30 to 40% higher. World market prices apply for imports.

Thanks to the import system, surpluses can frequently be avoided. The price situation
is appropriately stable, though prices can fluctuate sharply according to the season
and significant surpluses can affect prices. However, low prices cannot compensate
for quality defects or late deliveries.

35
http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c817_021_23.html

22 / 36
Refusal to accept / rejection
If agreements are not adhered to, importers can refuse to accept products. Damage
may lead to rejection, whether it is the result of transport or it has occurred at the
production stage. This is particularly the case when quality expectations or deadlines
are not met or if products contain residues, which is unpleasant for all involved.
However, the supplier is entitled to demand an expert’s report in order to have a
quality defect neutrally assessed. In Switzerland, the Qualiservice GmbH is the
responsible authority: it selects and trains experts.36 The trade practices are to be
observed in the event of rejections.

“Social Code”
Increasing importance is also being placed on “fair” treatment of employees at
production and trading levels. For example, workers on plantations and in packaging
plants are expected to receive fair wages and good social security coverage, and
there should be no child labour. A high level of safety in the workplace is important.
This also explains the success of the Max Havelaar Label (the Max Havelaar
Foundation issues a seal of quality for fairly traded products. By means of fair trade,
the living and working conditions of small-scale farmers and plantation workers in
disadvantaged regions are improved).37

The “Global Compact’s Ten Principles” demand that companies recognise, support
and implement within their area of influence a catalogue of basic values in the areas of
human rights, working standards, protection of the environment and combating
corruption. For further information, please visit:
https://www.unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/mission/principles

36
http://www.qualiservice.ch
37
http://www.maxhavelaar.ch

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6. The European market
Until 1 January 1995, the European Union (EU) comprised 15 member states.
10 new members joined in May 2004. These are: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland,
Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Cyprus. Bulgaria and Romania
joined in 2007; Croatia in 2013. The population of the EU amounted to 508 million in
2014.

Legal bases in the EU:

- Fruit and vegetable legislation:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm
- General principles and requirements of the food law:
EC regulation 178/2002
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm
- Marketing standard for quality, labels, packaging: EC 2200/96 regulation
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm
- Pest control: EC 2002/89 regulation
https://www.ippc.int/en/ (international), www.eppo.org (European)

Consumption
As a whole, the market for fresh fruit and vegetables is stable. However, consumption
is decreasing in some countries. The new EU countries have a high per capita
consumption level. The consumption of fruit and vegetables is considerably higher in
the southern member states than in the northern member states. Moreover, more time
is spent shopping for and preparing food in the south. In contrast, Northern Europeans
(especially Britons) increasingly favour convenience products.

Per capita fruit consumption in kg 2013 (Freshfel Europe Monitor 2015)

24 / 36
Per capita vegetable consumption in kg 2013 (Freshfel Europe Monitor 2015)

Production
The European Union has a very high degree of self-sufficiency for fruit and
vegetables. However, the seasons and the change in climate limit cultivation in the
north of Europe. However, insufficient quantities during the winter months are
alleviated partly through greenhouse cultivation. The rest is covered by imports from
the north of Africa, Turkey and the Middle East. Suppliers from outside the EU can
offer their produce on the European market mainly during the winter months. Exotic
fruits can be imported throughout the whole year without any major problems.

Italy, France and Spain cover 63% of the fruit requirements and 42% of the vegetable
requirements for Europe.

With the exception of Poland, the “new” member states (since 2004) produce small
quantities of fruit and vegetables. These countries still have limited infrastructures.
Upon their entry into the EU, they now have free access to the EU markets. As a result
these new EU countries have increased cultivation and exports to Western Europe.
The structural change is well under way. Intensive production is well developed, and
the producers are organised into producer cooperatives. This type of cooperative
increases competitive chances. Poland is already competitive in the field of berries,
mushrooms, frozen products and fruit juices, for example.

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Imports
In 2014, fruit imports into the EU countries amounted to 10.6 billion euro / 11.4 million
tons. Vegetables valued at 1.9 billion euro / 1.7 million tons were imported. The
products most commonly imported by the EU are bananas, citrus fruits, dates, figs,
table grapes, apples, pears, melons, papayas and tomatoes.

There are also importers and exporters within the EU. The Netherlands (21.8%), the
United Kingdom (19.2%), and Belgium (13.2%) are the countries with the greatest
imports.

57.5% of vegetable imports and 13.7% of fruit imports come from developing
countries. They have an important part to play in supplying bananas, sweet oranges,
pineapples, table grapes and clementines. They also supply vegetables; these include
mainly tomatoes, beans, onions, sweet peppers, and courgettes.

Exports
In 2014, exports of fruit from the EU amounted to 4.2 million tons at the cost of 3.3
billion euro, and exports of vegetables amounted to 2 million tons at 1.6 billion euro.
The main exporters were: Poland (20.2%), the Netherlands (18.8%), Spain (16%) and
Italy (11.5%).

The most important EU exports are apples, pears and citrus fruit. They make up
almost 71% of fruit exports. The most important vegetables are onions and tomatoes,
which make up 57% of vegetable exports. For further information on EU markets,
please visit: http://www.freshfel.org/.

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7. Useful addresses
SWISSCOFEL
Belpstrasse 26, PO Box 7954, CH-3001 Bern; Tel. +41 31 380 75 75; Fax. +41 380 75 76;
e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.swisscofel.ch
SWISSCOFEL is the association for the Swiss fruit, vegetable and potato trade. The objective
of the national trade organisation is to ensure supply of the market with these products.
SWISSCOFEL represents the interests of its members from the wholesale and retail trade
(domestic and import trade, packaging companies, producers of ready-made fresh products,
major distributors, etc.) in their dealings with authorities, other trade organisations and the
public. Important services performed by SWISSCOFEL are: information, legal aid, further
training and participation in the import regulation for fruit and vegetables.

International organisations
Deutscher Fruchthandelsverband e.V. (DFHV) Bundesverband Deutscher
Fruchthandelsfirmen
Bergweg 6, D-53225 Bonn; Tel. +49 228 911 45 0; Fax +49 228 911 45 45;
e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.dfhv.de
This association represents the interests of German trade companies in the fruit and vegetable
sector.

EuroCommerce
Avenue des Nerviens 85, B-1040 Brussels; Tel. +32 2 737 05 98; Fax +32 2 230 00 78;
e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.eurocommerce.be
EuroCommerce represents the retail, wholesale and export trade in Europe (EU hygiene
regulation / product liability).

Euro-Handelsinstitut
Spichernstraße 55, D-50672 Cologne; Tel. +49 2 215 79 93-0; Fax +49 2 215 79 93-45;
e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.ehi.org
The Euro-Handelsinstitut promotes the rationalisation of the goods trade and innovation in
trade / EAN coordination.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, I-00153 Rome; Tel. +39 06 57051; Fax +39 06 570 53152;
e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.fao.org
The FAO’s objective is to achieve food safety for all concerned and to improve dietary quality,
agricultural productivity and quality of life.

Freshfel Europe
Rue de Trèves 49-51, bte 8, B-1040 Brussels; Tel. +32 2 777 15 80; Fax +32 2 777 15 81;
e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.freshfel.org
Freshfel Europe is the central organisation representing and coordinating the interests of
national associations on the EU level. Internationally trading groups may also apply for direct
membership.

OECD
2, rue André Pascal, F-75775 Paris Cedex 16; Tel. +33 145 24 82 00; Fax +33 145 24 85 00;
e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.oecd.org
OECD is an organisation for economic cooperation in Europe: a “Scheme for the application of
international standards for fruit and vegetables”.

27 / 36
UN/ECE
Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10; Tel. +41 22 917 12 34; Fax +41 22 917 05 05;
e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.unece.org/trade/agr
United Nations economic commission for Europe.

Trade and market information

Foodnews GmbH
Steinenring 3, 4051 Basle; Tel. +41 61 713 20 35; Fax +41 61 713 20 37;
e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.foodnews.ch
Foodnews is an independent internet magazine dealing with the subject of food.

International Trade Centre

Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10; Tel. +41 22 730 01 11; Fax +41 22 733 44 39;
e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.intracen.org/
Market News Service conveys to developing countries price and market information in order
to help them expand their trade.

Max Havelaar-Stiftung Schweiz

Limmatstrasse 107, 8005 Zürich; Tel. +41 44 278 99 00; Fax +41 44 567 89 59;
e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.maxhavelaar.ch
The Max-Havelaar Foundation issues a seal of quality for fair-trade products. By means of fair
trade, the living standards and working conditions of small farmers and plantation works in
disadvantaged regions are improved.

Qualiservice GmbH
Belpstrasse 26, PO Box 7960, CH-3001 Bern; Tel. 031 385 36 90 031;
e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.qualiservice.ch
Qualiservice is the national, neutral service centre for all types of quality controls, residue
analyses and experts’ reports for fruits, vegetables, potatoes and pre-cooked products.

Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Ernährung (SGE)

Schwarztorstrasse 87, PO Box 8333, CH-3001 Bern; Tel. +41 31 385 00 00,
Fax +41 31 385 00 05; e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.sge-ssn.ch
Explaining to the population all matters pertaining to a healthy diet using the latest scientifically
proven and balanced measures of nutritional information, education and training.

Swiss Convenience Food Association (SCFA)

Worbstrasse 52, CH-3074 Muri b. Bern; Tel: +41 31 352 11 88, Fax. +41 31 352 11 85;
e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.swissconvenience.ch
The Swiss Convenience Food Association offers its members advice and support (producers
of traditional heat-sterilised preserves, frozen products and refrigerated products) in legal and
economic matters.

Production organisations in Switzerland

Schweizer Obstverband (SOV)
Baarerstrasse 88, CH-6300 Zug; Tel. +41 728 68 68; Fax +41 728 68 00;
e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.swissfruit.ch
The Swiss Fruit Association (SOV) is a private branch organisation of fruit producers and
processors. It represents members in their dealings with authorities, industry, consumers and
the public.

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Schweiz. Zentralstelle Gemüsebau und Spezialkulturen (SZG)
Bern-Zürich-Strasse 18, CH-3425 Koppigen; Tel. +41 34 413 70 70; Fax +41 34 413 70 75;
e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.szg.ch
The purpose of the SZG is making transparent the domestic supply, the design of Swiss
vegetable cultivation and of special cultures in line with the market demand, and compliance
with a healthy, varied production.

Verband Schweizer Gemüseproduzenten (VSGP)

Belpstrasse 26, PO Box 8617, CH-3001 Bern; Tel. +41 31 385 36 20;
Fax +41 31 385 36 30; e-mail [email protected]; http://www.gemuese.ch/
The VSGP is a professional organisation for producers of fresh, stored and processed
vegetables.

In the event of questions, please contact:

EU, UN/ECE standards
http://www.qualiservice.ch/de/dienstleistungen/normen.html

GlobalGAP
http://www.globalgap.org

SwissGAP
http://www.swissgap.ch

Release of the customs quota part quantities

Fruit and vegetables: https://www.blw.admin.ch/blw/de/home/markt/einfuhr-von-
agrarprodukten/gemuese-und-obst.html (page down > Dokumentation)

General import permit, documentation for importing fruit and vegetables

Federal Office for Agriculture, Mattenhofstrasse 5, CH 3003 Bern; Tel. +41 58 462 25 11;
Fax +41 58 462 26 34; e-mail: [email protected];
https://www.blw.admin.ch/blw/de/home/markt/einfuhr-von-agrarprodukten/gemuese-und-
obst.html (page down > Dokumentation)

Importers and customs quota part quantities

Allocation of customs quota quantities for fruit and vegetables
https://www.blw.admin.ch/blw/de/home/markt/einfuhr-von-agrarprodukten/gemuese-
und-obst.html (page down > Dokumentation)
Guide on import regulation
www.swisscofel.ch > Aktuelles und Dokumente zum Download > Violetter Leitfaden
zur Importregelung

PDF documents – Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat Reader is free software that enables you to read files in a portable document
format (PDF) on all important computer platforms.
http://www.adobe.de/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

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Directory of pesticides
http://www.psm.admin.ch/psm/produkte/index.html?lang=de
For further information: Federal Office for Agriculture, Pesticides Department,
Mattenhofstrasse 5, CH 3003 Bern; Tel. +41 58 462 25 11; Fax +41 58 462 26 34;
e-mail: [email protected]; https://www.blw.admin.ch/blw/de/home/nachhaltige-
produktion/pflanzenschutz/pflanzengesundheit-eidg-pflanzenschutzdienst/einfuhr.html

Quality regulations
- Vegetables: http://www.qualiservice.ch/de/dienstleistungen/normen_gemuese.html
- Fruit: http://www.qualiservice.ch/de/dienstleistungen/normen_obst.html

Legal bases
German: https://www.admin.ch/gov/de/start/bundesrecht/systematische-sammlung.html
French: https://www.admin.ch/gov/fr/accueil/droit-federal/recueil-systematique.html?lang=de
Italian: https://www.admin.ch/gov/it/pagina-iniziale/diritto-federale/raccolta-sistematica.html

Statistics
Federal Office for Statistics, Espace de l'Europe 10, 2010 Neuchâtel
Tel. +41 58 463 60 11; http://www.bfs.admin.ch

Telephone book http://www.tel.search.ch

Transport policy
- Bundesamt für Raumentwicklung, ARE, CH-3003 Bern;
Tel. +41 58 462 40 60; [email protected]; http://www.are.admin.ch
- LSVA, rates:
http://www.ezv.admin.ch/zollinfo_firmen/04020/04204/04208/index.html?lang=en

Packaging
- IFCO Systems GmbH: http://www.ifco.ch
- Euro Pool System: http://www.europoolsystem.com

Rates of exchange
http://quotes.ubs.com/quotes

Economic policy
Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft (seco), Holzikofenweg 36, CH-3003 Bern;
Tel. +41 58 462 56 56; Fax +41 58 462 27 49; http://www.seco.admin.ch

Customs information, customs post and tariff configuration

- Eidg. Oberzolldirektion, Monbijoustrasse 40, CH-3003 Bern;
Tel. +41 31 322 65 11; Fax +41 31 322 78 72; http://www.ezv.admin.ch
- www.tares.ch (working tarif)

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Appendix no. 1 Fruits and vegetables without quotas
Tarifnr. Text
0703.1080 Shallots
0703.2000 Garlic, fresh or chilled
0703.9090 Allium-type vegetables, fresh or chilled (excl. leek)
0704.9090
Cabbage and similar edible vegetables of the brassica variety, fresh or chilled
(excl. cauliflower, winter cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, white
cabbage, pointed cabbage, savoy cabbage, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, pak
choi cabbage, turnip cabbage and kale)
0705.2990 Chicory [cichorium spp.], fresh or chilled, a.n.g.
0706.9090 Edible root vegetables, fresh or chilled, a.n.g.
0707.0050 Gherkins, fresh or chilled
0708.2010 Shelled and unshelled beans, fresh or chilled
0708.9090 Leguminous fruits, shelled and unshelled, fresh or chilled (excl. peas [Pisum
sativum], beans [Vigna spp., Phaseoulus spp.], guar beans and produce for
human consumption)
0709.2090 Asparagus, fresh or chilled (excl. green asparagus)
0709.5100 Mushrooms of the genus Agaricus
0709.5900 Mushrooms and truffles, other
0709.6090 Fruits of the genus Capsicum and genus Pimenta, fresh or chilled (excl.
jalapeno peppers)
0709.7090 Orache (garden) spinach, fresh or chilled
0709.9200 Olives
0709.9300 Pumpkins, squash and gourds (Cucurbita spp.)
0709.9980 Watercress and dandelions
0709.9999 Vegetables, fresh or chilled, a.n.g.
0710.2210 Shelled and unshelled beans, uncooked, boiled or steamed, frozen
0710.2900 Leguminous vegetables, shelled and unshelled beans, uncooked, boiled or
steamed, frozen (excl. peas [Pisum sativum] and beans [Vigna and
Phaseolus varieties])
0710.3090 Garden (orache) spinach, uncooked, boiled or steamed, frozen
0710.4000 Sweet corn, uncooked, boiled or steamed, frozen
0710.8090 Vegetables, uncooked, boiled or steamed, frozen, a.n.g.
0710.9090 Vegetable mixes, uncooked, boiled or steamed, frozen, a.n.g.
0802.1100 Almonds, fresh or dried, in their shells
0802.1200 Almonds, fresh or dried, without shells, skinned or unskinned
0802.2110 Hazelnuts [Corylus spp.], fresh or dried, in their shells, for use as animal feed
0802.2120 Hazelnuts [Corylus spp.], fresh or dried, in their shells, for oil extraction
0802.2190 Hazelnuts [Corylus spp.], fresh or dried, in their shells (excl. sorts for animal
feed or oil extraction)
0802.2210 Hazelnuts [Corylus spp.], fresh or dried, without shells, skinned or unskinned,
for use as animal feed
0802.2220 Hazelnuts [Corylus spp.], fresh or dried, without shells, skinned or unskinned,
for oil extraction
0802.2290 Hazelnuts [Corylus spp.], fresh or dried, without shells, skinned or unskinned
(excl. sorts for animal feed or oil extraction)
0802.3110 Walnuts, fresh or dried, in their shells, for use as animal feed
0802.3120 Walnuts, fresh or dried, in their shells, for oil extraction
0802.3190 Walnuts, fresh or dried, in their shells (excl. sorts for animal feed or oil
extraction)
0802.3210 Walnuts, fresh or dried, without shells, skinned or unskinned, for use as
animal feed
0802.3220 Walnuts, fresh or dried, without shells, skinned or unskinned, for oil extraction

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0802.3290 Walnuts, fresh or dried, without shells, skinned or unskinned (excl. sorts for
animal feed or oil extraction)
0802.4100 Chestnuts (Castanea spp.) in shell
0802.4200 Chestnuts (Castanea spp.) shelled
0802.5100 Pistachio nuts in shell
0802.5200 Pistachio nuts shelled
0802.6100 Macadamia nuts in shell
0802.6200 Macadamia nuts shelled
0802.7000 Kola nuts (cola spp.)
0802.8000 Areca nuts
0802.9030 Tropical nuts, fresh or dried, with or without shells, skinned or unskinned
(excl. coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashew nuts)
0802.9090 Nuts, fresh or dried, with or without shells, skinned or unskinned (excl.
almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, chestnuts, pistachios and tropical nuts)
0803.1000 Plantain bananas
0803.9000 Bananas, other
0804.1000 Dates, fresh or dried
0804.2010 Figs, fresh
0804.2020 Figs, dried
0804.3000 Pineapples, fresh or dried
0804.4000 Avocados, fresh or dried
0804.5000 Guavas, mangoes and mangosteens, fresh or dried
0805.1000 Oranges, fresh or dried
0805.2000 Mandarins, incl. tangerines and satsumas, plus clementines, wilkings and
similar citrus hybrids, fresh or dried
0805.3000 Citrus fruit, grapefruit, fresh or dried
0805.4000 Shaddocks and grapefruit, fresh or dried
0805.5000 Lemons (Citrus limon, Citrus limonum) and limes (Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus
Latifolia), fresh or dried
0805.9000 Lemons, shaddocks, grapefruits, mandarins, incl. tangerines and satsumas,
plus clementines, wilkings and similar citrus hybrids, fresh or dried
0806.2000 Grapes, dried
0807.1100 Watermelons, fresh
0807.1900 Melons, fresh (excl. watermelons)
0807.2000 Papaya fruit, fresh
0809.3010 Peaches, fresh
0809.3020 Nectarines, fresh
0809.4015 Sloes, fresh, loose packed
0809.4095 Sloes, fresh, (excl. loose packed)
0810.2030 Mulberries and loganberries, fresh
0810.3012 Gooseberries, fresh
0810.4000 Cranberries, bilberries and other fruits of the genus Vaccinium, fresh
0810.5000 Kiwi fruit, fresh
0810.6000 Durians
0810.7000 Persimmons
0810.9092 Tropical fruit, fresh, a.n.g.
0810.9098 Other fruit, fresh
0811.1000 Strawberries, uncooked, boiled or steamed, frozen, with or without added
sugar or other sweeteners
0811.2010 Raspberries, uncooked, boiled or steamed, frozen, with added sugar or other
sweeteners
0811.2090 Raspberries, blackberries, mulberries, loganberries, blackcurrant, redcurrant
and whitecurrant berries, and gooseberries, uncooked, boiled or steamed,
frozen, with or without added sugar or other sweeteners (excl. raspberries, all
with added sugar or other sweeteners)

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0811.9010 Black-, white- or redcurrant berries, uncooked, boiled or steamed, frozen,
with or without added sugar or other sweeteners
0811.9021 Carambolas, uncooked, boiled or steamed, frozen, with or without added
sugar or other sweeteners
0811.9029 Edible tropical fruits and nuts, uncooked, boiled or steamed, frozen, with or
without added sugar or other sweeteners (excl. carambolas)
0811.9090 Edible fruits and nuts, uncooked, boiled or steamed, frozen, with or without
added sugar or other sweeteners (excl. strawberries, raspberries,
blackberries, mulberries, loganberries, blackcurrant, redcurrant and
whitecurrant berries, gooseberries, bilberries and tropical fruits)
0813.1000 Apricots, dried
0813.2010 Plums, whole, dried
0813.2090 Plums, dried (excl. whole plums)
0813.3000 Apples, dried
0813.4011 Pears, whole, dried
0813.4019 Pears, dried (excl. whole pears)
0813.4020 Rose hips and elderberries, dried
0813.4081 Stone fruit, whole, dried, for use as animal feed (excl. apricots and plums)
0813.4089 Stone fruit, whole, dried, (excl. sorts used as animal feed, plus apricots and
plums)
0813.4092 Edible fruits and nuts, dried, for use as animal feed, a.n.g.
0813.4099 Edible fruits and nuts, dried, for uses other than as animal feed, a.n.g.
0813.5012 Mixtures of nuts and dried fruits under headings 0801 or 0802, containing >
50% almonds and/or walnuts, containing hazelnuts and/or walnuts, for use as
animal feed
0813.5019 Mixtures of nuts and dried fruits under headings 0801 or 0802, containing >
50% almonds and/or walnuts (excl. mixes with hazelnuts and/or walnuts, for
use as animal feed)
0813.5021 Mixtures of nuts and dried fruits under headings 0801 or 0802, containing =<
50% almonds and/or walnuts, containing hazelnuts and/or walnuts, for use as
animal feed
0813.5029 Mixtures of nuts and dried fruits under headings 0801 or 0802, containing =<
50% almonds and/or walnuts (excl. mixes with hazelnuts and/or walnuts, for
use as animal feed)
0813.5081 Mixtures of edible and dried fruits and nuts, containing > 40% plums and =<
20% in total of apricots and/or pome fruit, for use as animal feed (excl.
mixtures of dried fruit and nuts under headings 0801 and 0802)
0813.5089 Mixtures of edible and dried fruits and nuts, containing > 40% plums and =<
20% in total of apricots and/or pome fruit (excl. mixes used for animal feed,
as well as mixes of dried fruit and nuts from headings 0801 and 0802)
0813.5092 Mixtures of edible dried fruit, or dried fruit and nuts, containing fruit or nuts
from headings 0813.4081 to 0813.4099, for use as animal feed
0813.5099 Mixtures of dried fruit, or dried fruit and nuts, other
0904.1100 Pepper of the genus Piper, neither crushed nor ground
0904.1200 Pepper of the genus Piper, crushed or ground
0904.2100 Fruits of the genus Capsicum and genus Pimenta, dried, neither crushed nor
ground
0904.2200 Fruits of the genus Capsicum and genus Pimenta, dried, crushed or ground
0905.1000 Vanilla, neither crushed nor ground
0905.2000 Vanilla, crushed or ground
0906.1100 Cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers, Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Blume), neither crushed nor ground
0906.1900 Cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers, other, neither crushed nor ground
0906.2000 Cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers, broken or powdered
0907.1000 Cloves (whole fruit, cloves and stems), neither crushed nor ground
0907.2000 Cloves (whole fruit, cloves and stems), crushed or ground

33 / 36
0908.1100 Nutmeg, neither crushed nor ground
0908.1200 Nutmeg, crushed or ground
0908.2100 Mace, neither crushed nor ground
0908.2200 Mace, crushed or ground
0908.3100 Cardamoms, neither crushed nor ground
0908.3200 Cardamoms, crushed or ground
0909.2100 Coriander, neither crushed nor ground
0909.2200 Coriander, broken or powdered
0909.3100 Cumin seeds, neither crushed nor ground
0909.3200 Cumin seeds, broken or powdered
0909.6110 Caraway seeds, neither crushed nor ground
0909.6120 Anise, badian or fennel; juniper berries, neither crushed nor ground
0909.6210 Caraway seeds, broken or powdered
0909.6220 Anise, badian or fennel; juniper berries, broken or powdered
0910.1100 Ginger, neither crushed nor ground
0910.1200 Ginger, crushed or ground
0910.2000 Saffron
0910.3000 Turmeric
0910.9100 Mixtures of spices of various types
0910.9900 Spices, a.n.g. (excl. mixtures of various types)
1214.9090 Swedes, mangolds, fodder roots, hay, lucerne (alfalfa), clover, sainfoin,
forage kale, lupines, vetches and similar forage products, whether or not in
the form of pellets

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Appendix no. 2: possible imports and effective imports in 2014

Possible imports
(tons) in
Customs tariff accordance with Effective imports
Stat. key Product description
number the release of (tons)
customs quota
part quantities

VEGETABLES

0702.0011 -911/-999 Cherry tomatoes 470 351

0702.0021 -999 Peretti tomatoes 290 141
0702.0031/91 Tomatoes 600 316
0703.1013 Onion for planting 80 51
0703.1021 Spring onions 250 83
0703.9011 Leek, long 70 60
0704.1091 Cauliflower 670 276
0704.2011 Brussels sprouts 30 11
0704.9018 Red cabbages 30 19
0704.9051 Broccoli 800 481
0704.9061 Chinese cabbage 140 54
0704.9071 Kohlrabi 390 251
0705.1118 Iceberg lettuce, without surrounding 1820 1276
leaves
0705.1121 Batavia lettuce and others 440 223
0705.1198 Lettuce 1580 1156
0705.1911 -911 Cos Lettuce 70 15
0705.1911 -999 Lettuce, others 170 83
0705.1921 Curled lettuce 290 186
0705.1931/41 Lolo 240 158
0705.2111 Chicory from the greenhouse 1330 937
0705.2911 Endive, smooth 460 277
0705.2921 Endive, curly 570 288
0705.2941 Red chicory lettuce, others 270 217
0705.2971 Sugar-loaf chicory 20 7
0706.1021 -011/099 Carrots 100 72
0706.1031 -099 Turnips, others 90 42
0706.9041 Celeriac 330 200
0706.9051 Radishes 100 59
0706.9061 -099 Radishes, others 120 65
0707.0011 Cucumbers 1110 793
0707.0021 Nostrani cucumbers 10 7
0708.2048/98 String beans 140 35
0709.3011 -099 Aubergines 570 383
0709.4011/21 Green and blanched celery 90 42
0709.7011 Spinach 190 105
0709.9021 Fennel 670 378
0709.9941 -911 Parsley, curly 140 70
0709.9941 -912 Parsley, smooth 80 41
0709.9951 -912 Zucchini 1680 1292
0709.9961 Chard stalk 80 22
0709.9971 Lamb’s lettuce 110 83

35 / 36
 FRUIT

0809.1018/1098 Apricots 200 83

0809.2011 -011/-013 Cherries 30 6
0810.1011 -014 Strawberries 1170 649
0810.2011 -012 Raspberries 270 196
0810.2021 -012 Blackberries 90 16
0810.9094 -999 Other blackcurrants 20 8

Publication of the allocation of the customs quotas 2014

According to the Federal Council’s report on foreign trade in 2014 of 14 January 2015.

https://www.blw.admin.ch/blw/de/home/markt/einfuhr-von-agrarprodukten/veroeffentlichung-
der-zuteilung-der-kontingentsanteile/veroeffentlichung-der-zuteilung-der-kontingentsanteile-
2014.html

Categories: fresh fruit and vegetables

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