- Import Intent
Switzerland is non-EU but closely EU-aligned. Swissmedic regulates medicines; fedpol (Federal Office of Police) controls narcotic licenses. Both authorizations required for cannabis imports.
- Swissmedic cantonal import authorization or federal
- fedpol narcotic import permit
- Swiss-licensed importer required
- Hold Swiss Importer License
Swiss entity must hold a Swissmedic wholesale authorization (Grosshandelsbewilligung) and a fedpol narcotic handling authorization (Betäubungsmittelhandel).
- Swissmedic wholesale authorization
- fedpol Betäubungsmittel handling license
- Authorized GDP-compliant storage facility in Switzerland
- Obtain Exporting Country Auth
Exporting country must issue export authorization first. For Germany: BfArM BtMG §3. For Israel: IMFA export permit.
- Exporting country export authorization
- Must name Swiss importer by license number
- Apply: fedpol Import Permit
Per-shipment narcotic import permit from fedpol under the Narcotics Act (BetmG). Switzerland follows INCB procedures.
- Product description, quantity, HS code
- Exporting country export authorization copy
- Swiss importer and storage details
- Processing: approximately 2–4 weeks
- Swissmedic Product Authorization
Product must be authorized by Swissmedic — either via cantonal exceptional authorization (Ausnahmebewilligung) for unregistered products, or full marketing authorization.
- Cantonal exceptional authorization for unregistered products
- Full Swissmedic MA for registered products
- Epidyolex is the only fully registered cannabis product in CH
- Both permits in hand?
Both fedpol narcotic import permit and Swissmedic product authorization must be current before shipment departs origin.
- Swiss Customs Entry
Basel or Zurich are primary entry points. Swiss customs narcotic declaration filed under BetmG. fedpol permit presented.
- fedpol import permit (original)
- Swissmedic authorization
- COA, GMP certificate, airway bill
- Shipment Cleared ✓
Released to Swiss importer. Swissmedic-aligned QP certification required before wholesale distribution.