A medication or biological product must maintain the defined conditions throughout its journey, from its handling to its delivery to the recipient.
In 2025, Switzerland exported 52.8% of its chemical and pharmaceutical products to the EU. It also purchased more than 80% of its imports in this sector according to Science Industries.
Between Switzerland and the European Union, each storage, transfer, or customs procedure must therefore be integrated into a continuous, documented organization tailored to the product.
Why the pharmaceutical cold chain requires continuous organization
Cold chain logistics coordinates storage, preparation, transport, transfers, and delivery under controlled temperature. A break in this organization can jeopardize the state of the product and delay its availability.
The cold chain logistics for pharmaceutical companies in Switzerland must thus cover the operations carried out in Switzerland and the exchanges with the European Union. It associates the thermal conditions, visibility on the stocks, documentation, and the responsibilities of each participant. For a cross-border flow, it also includes customs preparation.
The steps covered for pharmaceutical and biotechnology flows
From receipt to delivery under controlled temperature
A cold chain covers the receipt of goods, their storage, order preparation, transport, and delivery. Each passage must preserve the agreed conditions and limit unnecessary handling.
STAR Logistique maintains the cold chain during the receipt, order preparation, and handover of products. This continuity particularly concerns pharmaceutical products and the biotechnology sector.
In 2025, immunological products, therapeutic antibodies, and vaccines from biotechnology accounted for 20% of Swiss exports, according to Science Industries.
To organize the flow, specify before pickup:
- the characteristics and packaging of the product;
- the required temperature range;
- the points of departure, transfer, and delivery;
- the expected duration of the journey;
- the access and handover conditions to the recipient.
The logistics of the cold chain for biotechnology companies in Switzerland requires the same operational continuity, with parameters established according to the sensitivity of each product.
Temperature monitoring and visibility of stocks
STAR Logistique uses monitoring systems and applies temperature protocols throughout the chain. Its page dedicated to the cold chain logistics and refrigerated transport presents these capabilities for sensitive flows.
A WMS, or warehouse management software, is used to record and control the movements of stock. STAR Logistique combines this technology with its storage operations to track goods during their time in warehouse.
The level of tracking must correspond to the product, the route and the contractual responsibilities. Before shipping, agree on the expected temperature data, their format, their availability, and their shelf life. Also define who accesses this information and who intervenes when a discrepancy is identified.
Temperatures, transfers and delivery: parameters to validate for each flow
Communicated ranges and validation by product
STAR Logistique has capabilities for transport from +2 °C to +5 °C for refrigerated and −20 °C for frozen. These values do not constitute universal ranges for all medications.
The applicable temperature must be confirmed according to the instructions of the client, the nature of the product, its packaging, and the expected duration. The qualification must also include the conditions of loading, transfer, and delivery. Record these parameters in the operational instructions before departure.
Cross-docking to reduce transit times
The cross-docking consists of quickly transferring goods between their receipt and their shipment, without prolonged storage. STAR Logistique offers this mode of refrigerated transport in order to accelerate the delivery of medications.
This organization reduces the time spent at an intermediate site. However, it requires precise coordination of arrivals, departures, and temperature-controlled areas. Confirm the temperature range, the delivery conditions, the expected traceability, and the responsibility of each participant before assigning the flow.
Pharmaceutical imports in Switzerland: articulate customs and thermal continuity
Prepare the flow before arrival at the border
Switzerland is neither part of the European Union nor its customs union. Therefore, a pharmaceutical import from the EU involves continuous temperature control, data recording, and complete customs clearance.
It requires an export declaration in the EU and an import declaration in Switzerland, as explained in this guide on pharmaceutical transport to Switzerland [1].
Prepare the following elements, in particular:
- the commercial invoice, with a correct description and value;
- the tariff classification of the goods;
- the CMR transport document;
- the proof of origin when required;
- the data of the recipient authorized to market the therapeutic products in Switzerland.
This list must be adapted to the product, its origin, and the relevant commercial scheme.
Coordinate the formalities and logistics
The cold chain logistics and customs formalities for the import of pharmaceutical products in Switzerland must integrate the formalities into the transport planning. A missing piece of information can immobilize the shipment while its thermal conditions must remain controlled.
STAR Logistique handles Swiss import-export operations, including customs declarations, tax representation, and customs clearance in Geneva. Its international transport connects these formalities to the flow logistics.
Before departure, clearly assign the preparation of documents, declarations, data transmission, and coordination with the recipient. Also, ensure that the thermal conditions remain as planned during any waiting related to border crossing.
Elements to check to qualify a sensitive flow
STAR Logistique has been specialized in transport since 1988. This experience does not replace the qualification specific to each shipment. Before any assignment, check:
- the product, its packaging, and its temperature range;
- the route and the expected duration;
- the identity and conditions for delivery to the recipient ;
- the distribution of customs responsibilities;
- the documented procedures and temperature records;
- the responsibilities in case of deviation and the retention of data.
Request evidence directly applicable to the product, the means of transport, and the relevant route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Provide the product designation, its packaging, its origin, its destination, its volume, and the desired deadline. Add the handling instructions, the contact details of the parties involved, and the documentary requirements.
STAR Logistique can then assess the route and the necessary operations. Communicate these parameters to obtain an analysis of the flow.
In summary: organize a controlled pharmaceutical flow to Switzerland
A controlled pharmaceutical flow relies on thermal continuity at each stage, product-specific monitoring, and proactive customs coordination. To qualify your need, share the product, the temperature range, the origin, the destination, and the deadline with STAR Logistique.