As the umbrella organisation for Swiss Bud operations, the core mission of Bio Suisse is to support and promote Swiss Bud producers and products. Bio Suisse does, however, permit the import of foodstuffs which can either not be produced in Switzerland or not be produced in sufficient quantity.
Switzerland only produces around 50% of its food and feeds domestically. If food products are imported, then Bio Suisse states that these must have been produced in a sustainable manner.
This means that imported Bud products must be produced, processed and traded in accordance with Bio Suisse Standards. All operations within the supply chain must be certified according to Bio Suisse Standards and the flow of goods must be traceable back to the original producer without any gaps.
Bio Suisse Standards differ from minimum state regulations (e.g. EU regulations) with regard to some key areas. Particularly important in this respect are standards relating to the whole-farm approach, the creation of areas that support biodiversity and the strict limits on the amount of fertiliser and copper used.
Summary of the Bio Suisse Standards: see downloads
Responsible entity: Bio Suisse – Label Commission International (LCI)
Standards and instructions (implementing Bio Suisse Standards abroad)
BIOSUISSE ORGANIC goods may only be imported into Switzerland through importers who have signed a valid licence contract with Bio Suisse. Usually, importers will apply for their potential suppliers to obtain Bio Suisse certification so that products can be marketed in Switzerland as Bio Suisse products.
For an operation outside Switzerland to receive certification, it must already be in possession of a valid certification under EU Regulation 2018/848 or equivalent and must also comply with Bio Suisse Standards.
Responsible entities
Swiss certification bodies
ICB AG (International Certification Bio Suisse AG)
Bio Suisse subsidiary
Contact
Bio Suisse
International division
Tel. +41 (0)61 204 66 44
Database Importers
