General import permits (GIP)

A General import permit (GIP) is required for the import of liquid fuels and combustibles (including bio blends) and the associated special products into Switzerland (excluding the Samnaun customs-free zone). The products requiring permits are laid down in the Verordnung über die Pflichtlagerhaltung von flüssigen Treib- und Brennstoffen [Compulsory stockpiling of liquid fuels and combustibles ordinance] (annexe 1).

GIP categories

CARBURA issues GIP on behalf of the Federal Office for National Economic Supply or FONES for the following categories:

• GIP A: for the import of more than 3,000 m3 of compulsorily stockpiled products per calendar year.
• GIP B: for the import of more than 20 gross kg up to 3,000 m3 of compulsorily stockpiled products per calendar year.
• GIP C: for the import of more than 20 gross kg of special products

Imports of less than 20 gross kg require no GIP.

Compulsorily stockpiled and special products

The following are considered compulsorily stockpiled products:

• Motor gasoline
• Diesel
• Kerosene type jet fuel
• Heating oil

The other products listed in the ordinance are described as special products.

Bio products

Imports (since 1 June 2018) and the domestic production (since 1 Mai 2019) of biogenic fuel components (e.g. ethanol, HVO, biodiesel distillation residues, FAME, pure biodiesel) are subject to compulsory stockpiling.