In the case of cross-border movement, the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) and the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) are responsible for enforcing the following provisions:
Air pollution control
Switzerland's air pollution control policy is based on an international agreement (Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution) as well as on various principles from all levels of national legislation.
The customs offices take samples of motor vehicle and other fuels as well as wood pellets and briquettes that are imported into Switzerland or stored here. Specialised laboratories check whether these contain particulate pollutants that exceed the permitted levels.
Ozone-depleting substances
Protection of the ozone layer is based on several international agreements, including the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
It is generally prohibited to import or export ozone-depleting substances. If you submit a written request to the FOEN, the FOEN can issue you with a corresponding permit. The transit of ozone-depleting substances is not subject to any specific measures.
Background for these measures
The legislation on chemicals and the environment protects the life and health of people from the harmful effects of substances and preparations. Furthermore, people, plants and animals, and their communities and habitats, should be protected from harmful or irritating effects. In addition, natural resources, particularly biodiversity and soil fertility, should be preserved on a sustainable basis.
Further information is available from the FOEN (chemicals@bafu.admin.ch).
