In order to gather statistics on imports, the Federal Council may decide that certain agricultural products require an import permit.
In view of the protective measures that the Federal Council may introduce, the EAER is authorised to suspend the issuing of import permits until the Federal Council has taken a decision.
The application of protection clauses in international agreements on the agricultural sector are governed by Article 11 of the Customs Tariff Act of 9 October 19861.
Paragraph 2 does not apply to the application of protection clauses in international agreements under:
Article 1 of the Federal Act of 25 June 19822on International Trade Measures; and
Article 7 of the Customs Tariff Act of 9 October 1986.