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Agreement Document symbol Notifying Member Year Harmonized types of environment-related objectives Harmonized types of measures Harmonized types of sectors subject to the measure Measure description See more information
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/CAN/17 Canada 2018 General environmental protection Import licences Energy
6. National Energy Board Act and the Part VI…
6. National Energy Board Act and the Part VI Regulations made thereunder control imports of natural gas, whether in gaseous or liquid state, by pipeline, railway tank cars and tank trucks or tankers. Imports are authorized by both licences and orders. Licences are issued for long-term imports while orders are used in the case of long-term small volume imports, emergency imports or and short-term large volume imports
Environment related objective
The [main] purpose of licensing is to ensure that long-term imports of gas are in the public interest. However, an application for a licence may be refused for failure to meet criteria set out in the Part VI Regulations , which include, inter alia : environmental requirements and the granting of export authorization by the appropriate foreign government agency.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
6. National Energy Board Act and the Part VI Regulations made thereunder control imports of natural gas, whether in gaseous or liquid state, by pipeline, railway tank cars and tank trucks or tankers. Imports are authorized by both licences and orders. Licences are issued for long-term imports while orders are used in the case of long-term small volume imports, emergency imports or and short-term large volume imports
Imports of natural gas, whether in gaseous or liquid state, by pipeline, railway tank cars and tank trucks or tankers
Type of measure
Import licence
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Environment
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/CAN/17 Canada 2018
Environmental protection from pests and diseases,…
Environmental protection from pests and diseases, Plant protection
 Import licences Agriculture
8. In accordance with Section 31 of the Plant…
8. In accordance with Section 31 of the Plant Protection Regulations and pursuant to the Plant Protection Act, a prospective importer must apply in writing for an import permit. According to section 32 and section 43 of the Plant Protection Regulations, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri Food, on the basis of a pest risk assessment, may issue a permit for the importation of a thing that is either a plant pest, constitutes or could constitute a biological obstacle to the control of a plant pest or is/could be infested with either a plant pest or a biological obstacle to the control of a plant pest if, the Minister determines that every precaution necessary can and will be taken to prevent the introduction into Canada or the establishment and spread within Canada of a plant pest or biological obstacle to the control of a plant pest.
Environment related objective
To protect the environment and plants by preventing the introduction or spread within Canada of a plant pests
Measure description Coverage of the measure
8. In accordance with Section 31 of the Plant Protection Regulations and pursuant to the Plant Protection Act, a prospective importer must apply in writing for an import permit. According to section 32 and section 43 of the Plant Protection Regulations, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri Food, on the basis of a pest risk assessment, may issue a permit for the importation of a thing that is either a plant pest, constitutes or could constitute a biological obstacle to the control of a plant pest or is/could be infested with either a plant pest or a biological obstacle to the control of a plant pest if, the Minister determines that every precaution necessary can and will be taken to prevent the introduction into Canada or the establishment and spread within Canada of a plant pest or biological obstacle to the control of a plant pest.
Plant pest (e.g., disease cultures, insects), plants and plant products and any other article whose importation into Canada is regulated under the Plant Protection Act and Regulations from all countries
Type of measure
Import permit and autorization
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Bio
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/CAN/17 Canada 2018
Animal protection, Biodiversity and ecosystem,…
Animal protection, Biodiversity and ecosystem, Environmental protection from pests and diseases, MEAs implementation and compliance, Plant protection
 Import licences Other
12. . By virtue of the Convention on…
12. . By virtue of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), of which Canada is a member, specimens of such species and their parts and derivatives are listed on Schedule I of the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations (WAPTR) established under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) and subject to licensing. Species which may be harmful to Canadian ecosystems if ever released to the wild are listed in Schedule II of WAPTR and are also subject to licensing.
Environment related objective
To protect the environment and various vulnerable species by making specimens of such species and their parts and derivatives subject to licensing
Measure description Coverage of the measure
12. . By virtue of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), of which Canada is a member, specimens of such species and their parts and derivatives are listed on Schedule I of the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations (WAPTR) established under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) and subject to licensing. Species which may be harmful to Canadian ecosystems if ever released to the wild are listed in Schedule II of WAPTR and are also subject to licensing.
Endangered species originating in and exported from all countries as listed in Schedule I of the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations established under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) in accordance with the CITES; Species which may be harmful to Canadian ecosystems as listed in Schedule II of WAPPRIITA
Type of measure
Import licences
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Eco
Endangered
MEAs
Wildlife
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/CHE/14 Switzerland 2018
Environmental protection from pests and diseases,…
Environmental protection from pests and diseases, MEAs implementation and compliance, Plant protection
Ban/Prohibition, Import licences, Technical…
Ban/Prohibition, Import licences, Technical regulation or specifications
 Agriculture
2.2. Phytosanitary certification regime in…
2.2. Phytosanitary certification regime in accordance with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)
Environment related objective
To prevent the introduction of particularly dangerous pests and diseases (quarantine organisms) affecting plants
Measure description Coverage of the measure
2.2. Phytosanitary certification regime in accordance with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)
The products listed under the following customs tariff chapters:
- 6 (Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and ornamental foliage);
- 7 (edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers);
- 10 (cereals);
- 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder).

The phytosanitary certification regime applies to all plants for planting, irrespective of origin, with the exception of those from the European Union (EU). Plants other than those for planting, plant products and products originating in countries other than the EU member States, as set out in Part B of Annex 5 to the Ordinance on plant protection (for reference see point 5), are also subject to the phytosanitary certification regime. The import prohibition concerns the goods set out in Parts A and B of Annex 3 to the Ordinance on plant protection, originating in countries where the phytosanitary situation is such that the goods present a clear risk of introducing pests and diseases of particular danger to Switzerland. For certain goods (e.g. potatoes), prohibition extends to all countries other than member countries of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO).
Type of measure
Phytosanitary certification; Import licences; and import prohibition
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Environment
Forest
MEAs
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/CHE/14 Switzerland 2018
Environmental protection from pests and diseases,…
Environmental protection from pests and diseases, MEAs implementation and compliance, Plant protection
Ban/Prohibition, Import licences, Technical…
Ban/Prohibition, Import licences, Technical regulation or specifications
 Forestry 2.3. Protection of forest plants
Environment related objective
To prevent the introduction of particularly dangerous pests and diseases (quarantine organisms) affecting forest plants
Measure description Coverage of the measure
2.3. Protection of forest plants
The products listed under the following customs tariff chapters:
- 6 (Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and ornamental foliage);
- 14 (bark and bark products);
- 25/31/38 (soil and other substrates for cultivation);
- 44 (wood and wood products).

The phytosanitary certification regime applies to all plants for planting belonging to the genera set out in Annex 11 to the Ordinance on plant protection, irrespective of their origin, with the exception of those from the European Union (EU). Plants other than those for planting and plant products originating in countries other than the EU member States, as set out in Part B of Annex 5 to the Ordinance on plant protection (for reference see point 5), are also subject to the phytosanitary certification regime. The import prohibition concerns the goods set out in Parts A and B of Annex 3 to the Ordinance on plant protection (for reference see point 5) and specific goods originating in countries where the phytosanitary situation is such that the goods present a clear risk of introducing pests and diseases of particular danger to Switzerland. For certain goods (e.g. plants of specific conifer species), prohibition extends to all countries other than European countries.
Type of measure
Phytosanitary certification; Import licences; and import prohibition
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Environment
Forest
MEAs
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/CHE/14 Switzerland 2018
Animal protection, MEAs implementation and…
Animal protection, MEAs implementation and compliance
 Import licences Other
3.1. Import licences for the animal species…
3.1. Import licences for the animal species covered by the CITES Convention
Environment related objective
To ensure that no species is threatened with extinction as a result of non sustainable international trade
Measure description Coverage of the measure
3.1. Import licences for the animal species covered by the CITES Convention
Species listed in Article 7 of the Federal Law on circulation of protected species of fauna and flora (LCITES; RS 453 ), the Ordinance on circulation of protected species of fauna and flora (OCITES; RS 453.0) of 4 September 2013, and the Ordinance of the Federal Department of the Interior (DFI) on control of the circulation of protected species of fauna and flora (Ordinance on CITES controls) of 4 September 2013 (RS 453.1)
Type of measure
Import licences
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Conservation
Endangered
Wildlife
Sustainable
MEAs
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/CHE/14 Switzerland 2018
MEAs implementation and compliance, Plant…
MEAs implementation and compliance, Plant protection
 Import licences Other
3.2. Import authorizations for plants and plant…
3.2. Import authorizations for plants and plant products listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora of 3 March 1973 (CITES)
Environment related objective
To ensure that no species is threatened with extinction as a result of non sustainable international trade
Measure description Coverage of the measure
3.2. Import authorizations for plants and plant products listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora of 3 March 1973 (CITES)
Plants and plant products listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora of 3 March 1973 (CITES) that have been taken from the wild
Type of measure
Import authorizations
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Conservation
Endangered
Wildlife
Sustainable
MEAs
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/CHE/14 Switzerland 2018
Plant protection, Biodiversity and ecosystem,…
Plant protection, Biodiversity and ecosystem, Sustainable forestry management, MEAs implementation and compliance
 Export licences, Import licences Forestry
4. Authorizations for import and export of forest…
4. Authorizations for import and export of forest reproductive material

A licence application will be refused if it fails to meet the specific criteria set out in Article III of CITES
Environment related objective
To ensure the use of healthy and appropriate forest reproductive material at the place of reforestation; To ensure the supply of appropriate forest reproductive material, i.e. suited to the geographical and climatic conditions of Switzerland
Measure description Coverage of the measure
4. Authorizations for import and export of forest reproductive material

A licence application will be refused if it fails to meet the specific criteria set out in Article III of CITES
Certain varieties of trees that are important for Swiss forestry (11 varieties of conifers and 31 varieties of broad leaved trees) (See also Annex 1 to the Ordinance on forest reproductive material (RS 921.552.1))
Type of measure
Export licences; Import licences
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Forest
MEAs
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/CHE/14 Switzerland 2018
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances…
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management, Waste management and recycling
 Import licences Energy, Other
12. Control over the origin, nature and…
12. Control over the origin, nature and destination of nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities within the framework of the Non Proliferation Treaty and bilateral cooperation agreements
Environment related objective
To establish control over the origin, nature and destination of nuclear fuel, debris and waste
Measure description Coverage of the measure
12. Control over the origin, nature and destination of nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities within the framework of the Non Proliferation Treaty and bilateral cooperation agreements
The importation of nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities and radioactive materials other than nuclear fuel, debris and waste from nuclear facilities
Type of measure
Import licences
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Hazardous
Waste
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/CHE/14 Switzerland 2018
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances…
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management, MEAs implementation and compliance
 Ban/Prohibition, Import licences Chemicals, Mining
13. In order to implement the Minamata Convention…
13. In order to implement the Minamata Convention on Mercury, ratified by Switzerland on 25 May 2017, which seeks to establish measures aimed at regulating the supply and demand of mercury at international level, the legislation on chemical products was amended so as to introduce a control system for imports of mercury, mercury compounds and mercury alloys. These products can only be imported after import authorization has been issued. Certain exceptions to this rule may, however, apply where the products concerned are imported for research and development purposes.
Environment related objective
To protect the environment and human health & safety and implementing the Minamata Convention on Mercury by introducing a control system for imports of mercury, mercury compounds and mercury alloys
Measure description Coverage of the measure
13. In order to implement the Minamata Convention on Mercury, ratified by Switzerland on 25 May 2017, which seeks to establish measures aimed at regulating the supply and demand of mercury at international level, the legislation on chemical products was amended so as to introduce a control system for imports of mercury, mercury compounds and mercury alloys. These products can only be imported after import authorization has been issued. Certain exceptions to this rule may, however, apply where the products concerned are imported for research and development purposes.
Mercury, mercury compounds and mercury alloys
Type of measure
Import licences subject to authorization
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Environment
Hazardous
MEAs