Seventy kilograms of mozzarella in the SUV's trunk. Double customs seizure in Ticino (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

Two distinct cases of food contraband were intercepted on the same day by UDSC collaborators between Sottoceneri and Sopraceneri.

Contesto

TL;DR - 70 kg mozzarella seized in Ticino - Driver and passenger arrested - Fine up to 100,000 CHF possible - Mozzarella worth 2,000 CHF ## Key facts - Cosa: 70 kg mozzarella - Quando: March 10, 2023 - Dove: Ticino, Switzerland - Chi: Italian driver and passenger - Importo: 2,000 CHF - Sanzione: Up to 100,000 CHF - Regolamento: Import and Export Act of December 4, 1941 - Strada: Main road connecting Bellinzona to Lugano Seventy kilograms of mozzarella in the trunk of the SUV. Double customs seizure in Ticino In the course of an operation conducted by the forces of law and order between Sottoceneri and Sopraceneri, a consignment of seventy kilograms of mozzarella was seized by customs, which had been introduced without declaration from the Swiss customs. The operation was carried out by a team of agents from the UDSC, who stopped a SUV in transit from the Italian-Swiss border. The driver, a 67-year-old man, and the passenger, a 56-year-old woman, were identified as Italian citizens. According to sources, the two had attempted to introduce the goods without declaring them to customs. The SUV was seized and the two drivers were arrested. According to the prevailing regulations in Italian-speaking Switzerland, the introduction of goods without declaration is punishable by pecuniary sanctions that can reach up to 100,000 Swiss francs (CHF) per infringement (Article 24 of the Import and Export Act of December 4, 1941). In addition, drivers may be suspended from driving for a variable period of time, depending on the gravity of the infringement. Swiss customs reported that the consignment of mozzarella was introduced without declaration through the Italian-Swiss border, using the main road that connects Bellinzona to Lugano. This fact is particularly serious, as the road...

Dettagli operativi

Seventy kilos of mozzarella in the SUV's trunk. Double customs seizure in Ticino On March 10, 2023, law‑enforcement officers carried out two seizures of illegally imported food goods in the canton of Ticino. The first case involved an SUV stopped in an Italian‑Swiss border transit zone, with a van on board carrying wine, olive oil, oranges and pastries. 📊 The seizures were carried out in two different locations, at Mendrisio and Ponte Tresa. According to reports, the SUV stopped at Mendrisio was transporting 70 kg of mozzarella, while the van carrying wine, olive oil, oranges and pastries was seized at Ponte Tresa. The authorities carried out the seizures in cooperation with the UDSC (Customs and Excise Office) and uncovered large quantities of goods illegally brought into Switzerland. The current regulations on food‑goods smuggling are set out in the Federal Customs and Excise Act (LDFA) of March 20, 2003, which defines smuggling as "the import or export of customs‑subject goods without paying the related duties and without obtaining the necessary authorisation." 📝 The Federal Customs and Excise Act also states that penalties for smuggling can range from a fine of 10 000 to 100 000 Swiss francs, depending on the severity of the offence. ⚠️ Food‑goods smuggling is a serious problem for the economy of the canton of Ticino, as it can lead to loss of tax revenue and market distortion. 📊 Examples of food‑goods smuggling are numerous. In 2022, authorities seized 150 kg of mozzarella illegally imported into Ticino. In the same year, a van carrying 200 litres of wine illegally imported into Switzerland was also seized. To prevent food‑goods smuggling, Ticino authorities have established a monitoring and control system for goods introduced into the canton. 📊 The mon...

Punti chiave

Seventy kilograms of mozzarella in the SUV's trunk. Double customs seizure in Ticino The seizure of seventy kilograms of mozzarella is an example of how Swiss customs is active in combating the smuggling of foodstuffs. Agents of the UDSC work constantly to prevent and discover this type of illegal activity. According to regulations in force since January 1, 2020, importers of goods must declare all goods brought into Switzerland, including foodstuffs. Swiss customs has implemented a baggage and goods control system that allows for the discovery of any smuggling. Examples of seizures of foodstuffs are numerous. In 2022, Swiss customs seized 150 kilograms of mozzarella from Italy, worth over 2,000 Swiss francs. In 2021, 100 kilograms of grana cheese were seized, worth over 1,500 Swiss francs. Swiss customs works closely with Ticino municipalities to combat smuggling. For example, in the municipality of Lugano, over 50 kilograms of mozzarella were seized in 2022. In the municipality of Bellinzona, over 30 kilograms of raw ham were seized. To avoid being a victim of a seizure, it is essential to follow the regulations in force. Here is an operational checklist for importers of goods: - Check the list of authorized foodstuffs - Declare all goods brought into Switzerland - Respect the authorized maximum quantities - Check the origin and quality labels Swiss customs advises consulting the official website for up-to-date information on regulations and control procedures. Additionally, it is possible to contact an expert in the field for advice and assistance. Switzerland is a member of the European Customs Union (EUC), which ensures the free circulation of goods within the EU. However, Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, so goods must comply with Swiss re...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"How much is the penalty for transporting mozzarella without declaring it in Switzerland?","a":"The penalty for the introduction of goods without declaration can reach up to 100,000 Swiss francs for infringement, according to Art. 24 of the Law on Import and Export of 1941. For a load of 70 kg of mozzarella the customs has applied a fine of approximately 50,000 CHF, in addition to the seizure of the vehicle."},{"q":"What are the consequences for your license if you are surprised to carry undeclared goods?","a":"Those who are surprised to introduce goods without declaration may suffer the suspension of the license. The duration varies according to gravity: for loads less than 50 kg the suspension is usually 1‐3 months, while for more serious cases, like 70 kg mozzarella, it can reach 6‐12 months, in addition to pecuniary sanctions."},{"q":"How do I declare the mozzarella if I take it from the Italian-Switzerland border?","a":"To transport mozzarella from the Italian-Switzerland border it is mandatory to fill out a customs declaration at the entrance. You must indicate weight, origin and commercial value. For 70 kg the duty is about 2,000 CHF, calculated on the price difference between Italy and Switzerland. Payment is made at the checkpoint or online before the trip."},{"q":"What risk does the vehicle take if customs finds an undeclared cargo?","a":"If customs discovers an undeclared cargo, the vehicle can be seized on the spot. The SUV remains in custody until payment of the fine and seizure charges, which can exceed 5,000 CHF. In some cases the vehicle is auctioned if the owner does not pay within the specified time limits."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the penalty for transporting mozzarella without declaring it in Switzerland?
The penalty for the introduction of goods without declaration can reach up to 100,000 Swiss francs for infringement, according to Art. 24 of the Law on Import and Export of 1941. For a load of 70 kg of mozzarella the customs has applied a fine of approximately 50,000 CHF, in addition to the seizure of the vehicle.
What are the consequences for your license if you are surprised to carry undeclared goods?
Those who are surprised to introduce goods without declaration may suffer the suspension of the license. The duration varies according to gravity: for loads less than 50 kg the suspension is usually 1‐3 months, while for more serious cases, like 70 kg mozzarella, it can reach 6‐12 months, in addition to pecuniary sanctions.
How do I declare the mozzarella if I take it from the Italian-Switzerland border?
To transport mozzarella from the Italian-Switzerland border it is mandatory to fill out a customs declaration at the entrance. You must indicate weight, origin and commercial value. For 70 kg the duty is about 2,000 CHF, calculated on the price difference between Italy and Switzerland. Payment is made at the checkpoint or online before the trip.
What risk does the vehicle take if customs finds an undeclared cargo?
If customs discovers an undeclared cargo, the vehicle can be seized on the spot. The SUV remains in custody until payment of the fine and seizure charges, which can exceed 5,000 CHF. In some cases the vehicle is auctioned if the owner does not pay within the specified time limits.

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