BUYUSA.GOV -- U.S. Commercial Service

Switzerland Local time: 05:10 AM

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

FAQ

Where can I get Visa information from?
Please go to the U.S. Embassy homepage and click on "Consular Services - Visa Information", or you may call Tel. 0900-87 84 72 (CHF. 2.50/min) on Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Where can I obtain a list of American companies in Switzerland?
The Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce in Zurich has published a yearbook including over 600 American companies located in Switzerland. This publication can be ordered on-line. The yearbook is also available for perusal at our offices, however, we do not provide copies, since the Chamber sells it. If you wish to consult this book please make an appointment by calling 031/357 76 42.

http://amcham.ch

I am a Swiss interested in exporting to the U.S. Where can I get help from?
Your contact should be:
OSEC Business Network Switzerland
Stampfenbachstrasse 85
8035 Zurich
Tel. (41-1) 365 51 51
Fax. (41-1) 365 52 21
http://www.osec.ch

I am a Swiss looking for U.S. food suppliers. How can I source them?
You can source U.S. food suppliers via the U.S. Department of Agriculture website www.fas.usda.gov - In the navigation bar select "Buying U.S. Products". Under U.S. Suppliers List click on "online database" to reach
http://fas1.agexportservices.org/Apps/StoreFronts/search.asp

Where can I find information on establishing a company in the U.S.?
Most States have an Economic Development Office somewhere in Europe. Please contact the Council of American States in Europe. The capital structure of a corporation is controlled by the laws of each respective state. The laws, such as minimum capital requirement may vary from state to state considerably.

Where can I find addresses of U.S. Chambers of Commerce and U.S. Tourist Offices?
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Directory provides a list of state and local U.S. Chambers of Commerce, as well as Convention and Visitors Bureaus.

If you wish to obtain general customs information for shipments to the U.S.:Please visit the following website: http://www.cbp.gov

Where can I find the Swiss tariff rates?
http://www.zoll.admin.ch/d/firmen/import/generaltarif_d.pdf

Where can I find information on United States embargoes and sanctions?
Information is available from the following website: http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/

Where can I find information about U.S. export controls on high technology/dual-use items?
Information is available from the following website: http://www.bis.doc.gov The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has a counseling service available by phoning (202) 482-4811. This service offers detailed information via recording, but also gives the caller the option to speak with an export counselor.

I need legal assistance in Switzerland. Where can I get a list of lawyers from.
Refer to the U.S. Embassy main homepage. Click on Consular Services - judicial assistance information.

Where can I find a list of U.S. Embassies worldwide?
The U.S. State Department provides a list of Embassies and Consulates worldwide.

Where can I find general information concerning patents and trademarks?
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office provides a wide range of information, including how to apply for a trademark or patent, a list of registered patent attorneys etc.

I need a phone number of a U.S. company or a private person
For U.S. businesses check the Yellow Pages!
For private people check the White Pages!

I need a phone number of a U.S. Government Agency
For state and local governments check http://www.statelocalgov.net
For Federal government agencies check http://www.lib.lsu.edu/gov/alpha or http://www.firstgov.gov

Where can I find statistical information about the United States? Go to http://www.census.gov

Where can I find information on U.S. agricultural products suppliers?
Food products and beverages are covered by the Agriculural Section and not by the Commercial Service of the U.S. Embassy. Please contact:
USTR Agriculture
1/3 Avenue de la Paix
1202 Geneva
Tel. (41-22) 749 52 47, Fax. (41-22) 749 53 33, E-mail: Aggeneva@fas.usda.gov