Waste legislation ensures that waste is given only to suitable disposal companies. For cross-border transport, the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) and the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) are responsible for enforcement.
Definition
Waste means all substances or items that the owner disposes of, wants to dispose of, or must dispose of. The Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) publishes a list of waste materials. Used goods are not considered waste.
Export, import, and transit restrictions
The cross-border transport of waste is permitted only with respect to certain treaty partners. Anyone exporting or importing waste requires a permit or approval by the FOEN, which must be presented upon crossing the border. The transit of waste must be notified or approved by the FOEN.
The "Waste legislation" display in the electronic customs tariff Tares means that the goods in question might be subject to legal provisions governing waste.
For further information, please contact the FOEN (waste@bafu.admin.ch)
