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Since 2008, a contracting authority may also use a procedure termed the "competitive dialogue" and purchasing techniques such as the dynamic purchasing system and electronic auction. These methods have yet not been used in practice. Under the two laws mentioned above, contracts are awarded according to the most economically advantageous tender or to the tender with the lowest price. Additional criteria, such as quality, environmental characteristics, and cost-effectiveness, may also be taken into account.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein maintain export controls (by means of licences) on certain products for safety, security, and environmental reasons, and to ensure compliance with international obligations under treaties and conventions to which they are signatories. 

Switzerland continues to apply a stringent regulatory regime for agricultural biotechnology products. The Gene Technology Law and related ordinances regulate genetically modified organisms for food and feed use. Commercialization and cultivation of biotechnology crops are subject to approval by the competent federal authorities. Approvals are valid for ten years but may be withdrawn in case of reasonable suspicion that they are hazardous to health or the environment. 

 An import permit is only required for products covered by the Convention on International Trade inEndangered species;  of Wild Fauna and Flora ( CITES ) 

A "plant passport" is required for plant imports from EU member States that are potential carriers of pests hazardous for Switzerland (Article 8). 

Switzerland's agricultural policy is based on Article 104 of the Federal Constitution, which calls for agricultural production that takes into account simultaneously the requirements of sustainable development and market economy principles. Farmers are not only seen as producers of food, but also as contributing to the population's food security, the conservation of natural resources , the upkeep of the rural landscape and decentralized occupancy of the land. 

The main feature of the 2011 Agricultural Policy (PA 2011), the fourth stage in the reform of Swiss agricultural policy launched in 1992, is the reallocation of market support to decoupled direct payments; there has been a 30% reduction in market support. In addition, the key measures taken have been the elimination of export subsidies for agricultural commodities and reduced customs duties on cereals, animal feed, oilseeds and cut flowers. At the conclusion of PA 2011, there has been noticeable progress in relation to ecology and efforts to protect and promote biodiversity have been intensified.

About 80% of expenditures are "general" direct payments (area payments, "payments for roughage consuming animals" and "farming under difficult production conditions"); the remainder are payments to achieve environmental and animal welfare objectives

The general eligibility criteria for direct payments include a set of ecological performance standards (proof of ecological performance), including a 7% set aside. 

2009-11 Ecological direct payments: Incentives for voluntary environmental contributions beyond minimum environmental eligibility criteria for DPs; Including extensive use of pastures and meadows; fallowing; hedges. Payment rates depend on the measure Pome and stone fruit tree s (not in plantations); Green Box, environmental programmes