Switzerland: Import ban on fur and fur products produced through cruel practices

As of today, 1 July 2025, Switzerland has imposed an import ban on fur and fur products produced under cruel conditions. The ban is laid down in the regulations governing the import, transit, and export of animals and animal products (see, for example, Articles 5a et seq. of the Ordinance on the Import, Transit and Export of Animals and Animal Products in Trade with EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, and Northern Ireland). In addition, according to a press release by the Federal Council dated 28 May 2025, the government is aiming to establish an import and trade ban on cruelly produced fur at the legislative level. This import ban is part of a broader package of transparency measures, which also includes mandatory labeling for foie gras and certain other animal products obtained through painful procedures.