The export and import regulations for waste in Switzerland are governed by international agreements and Swiss legislation. An important agreement in this context is the Basel Convention, which regulates the control and transboundary management of hazardous waste. Switzerland is a party to the Basel Convention1.
In Switzerland, the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOBCS) are responsible for regulating and monitoring the export of waste. If you wish to export waste from Switzerland, you must comply with certain steps and regulations:
Registration with the FOEN: Before you can export waste from Switzerland, you must register with the FOEN and provide all the necessary information. The FOEN will then submit the application and may impose further conditions on you.
Border crossing and customs: You must contact the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOBCS) and go through all the necessary customs procedures in order to export the waste legally.
Obtain the consent of the recipient country: Depending on the type of waste and the destination country, you must obtain the consent of the recipient country. This may require written authorisation (PIC procedure).
Transport and labelling: The waste must be properly packaged, labelled and transported to ensure that it does not have a harmful impact on the environment.
Exporting waste? We know how to do it! (and are happy to help!)
It is crucial to check the current guidelines and regulations with the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) or the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOBCS) as well as the environmental authorities of the recipient country to ensure that you fulfil the current requirements.
We have the knowledge in the export / import of waste and we are happy to help you!!!
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