In general, it is recommended to keep the transport of substances containing or consisting of pathogenic or genetically modified (micro)organisms which might endanger humans and the environment to a minimum, specifically if there are means to change or avoid this type of transport. 

1. Waste
2. Animals
3. Plants
4. Dangerous Goods on Waterways

1. Waste

The SECB recommends not to transport the following types of external transports, unless not otherwise possible:

• Trans-boundary transport of medical and clinical waste according to the Guideline on Treatment of Medical Wastes (can be authorised in specific cases, only).
• Trans-boundary transport of waste other than medical or clinical waste containing human, animal or plant pathogens in analogy to the Guideline on Treatment of Medical Wastes.
• Waste of cultures of human, animal and plant pathogens according to the recommendation of the Swiss Expert Committee for Biosafety on the treatment and disposal of waste produced in contained systems.
• Waste of cultures of genetically modified microorganisms according to the recommendation of the Swiss Expert Committee for Biosafety on the treatment and disposal of waste produced in contained systems.

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2. Animals

The SECB recommends not to transport the following types of external transports, unless not otherwise possible:

• Unless an infectious substance cannot be consigned by any other means, live animals shall not be used to consign such a substance. (ADR, 2.2.62.1.12.1).
• Live animals shall not be used to carry genetically modified microorganisms unless they can be carried no other way (ADR, 2.2.9.1.11).
• Animals alive or dead infected with Category A human or animal pathogens.
• Trans-boundary transport of large animals knowingly infected with pathogens.
• Trans-boundary transport of human or animal pathogens by means of animals or animal carcasses.
• Import of genetically modified animals unless used for research purposes in contained systems according to the law on genetic engineering.

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3. Plants

The SECB recommends not to transport the following types of external transports, unless not otherwise possible:

• Trans-boundary transport of plant pathogens by means of plants.
• Transport of waste from genetically modified plants with reproductive potential across borders.

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4. Dangerous Goods on Waterways

According to the ordinance on navigation on Swiss inshore waters, all transport of dangerous goods is prohibited on these waters.

5. Biological weapons

The Swiss law on war material prohibits the import, export and transit of biological weapons.