On the 1st of March 2013 the regulation for the declaration of pelts and fur has entered into force.
The regulation for the declaration of furs and pelts affects market actors that are involved in the trade of furs and pelts, from retail stores selling these products to private persons offering fur products for sale. The regulation applies only to trade within the Swiss boarder and does not affect the existing import regulations.

Reptile leather plays a major role in the international trade of the Swiss watch and luxury goods industry. But to this day there is still no internationally recognised standard that provides recommendations for the killing of reptiles in a humane way that takes animal welfare needs into account. Led by the Federal Veterinary Office, an international group of experts has elaborated a set of recommendations for international regulation of the methods used for killing these animals.