Basic information
Outline of the system
The purpose of the regime is to institute controls on the source, nature and destination of nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities within the framework of the Non Proliferation Treaty and bilateral cooperation agreements. Applications for authorization are examined by the Federal Energy Office (which has the authority to grant the licence) and the Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (responsible for the transport of class 7 dangerous goods).
Product coverage
An authorization is required for nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities. This concerns the following Swiss customs tariff numbers (HS 2017):
2844.10; 844.20; 2844.30; 2844.50; 8401.30.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
No restrictions on quantity or value. The purpose of the regime is to institute controls on the source, nature and destination of nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities within the framework of the Non Proliferation Treaty and bilateral cooperation agreements.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).
The system applies to products originating from which country?
No restrictions except as provided in the law.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The importation of nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities is subject to an authorization regime under the Law on Nuclear Energy of 21 March 2003 (LENu; RS 732.1, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified compilation/20010233/index.html) and the Ordinance of 10 December 2004 on nuclear energy (OENu; RS 732.11, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified compilation/20042217/index.html).
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
The Government may, however, change certain details of the regime, i.e. the above mentioned Ordinances. There is no delegation of authority to the administration.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
The licensing regime is governed by federal laws, which the Government does not have the authority to repeal.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
All persons, firms and institutions meeting the requirements set forth in the relevant laws and ordinances are eligible to apply for an import licence.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The information to be provided in applications is specified in a model form.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
The application for import must be submitted two months in advance of the scheduled importation date.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
No.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
No.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
In exceptional cases, the time limit may be shortened.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Applications for authorization are examined by the Nuclear Law Section of the Federal Energy Office (which has the authority to grant the licence) and the Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (IFSN; responsible for the transport of class 7 dangerous goods). No list of authorized importers is published.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Applications for authorization are examined by the Nuclear Law Section of the Federal Energy Office (which has the authority to grant the licence) and the Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (IFSN; responsible for the transport of class 7 dangerous goods). No list of authorized importers is published.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
No.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
The fee is calculated in accordance with the time spent.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
No other circumstances.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
No.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Import licence, container certificate and validation.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
An authorization for heavy vehicles (more than 28 tonnes) could be required for road transport.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The import authorization is valid for a maximum of 12 months and may be extended for six months at most (at the authorization holder's request).
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
No.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.