Outside the EU - Sweden

Updated 10/2012

Legal requirements

There is no need to obtain a general permit to start importing or exporting goods in and out of the EU. However, special regulations may apply to certain goods (foodstuffs, medicines, plants, animals and weapons) or for the transport of goods within the EU prior to export or after import.

All goods entering or leaving the European Union must be notified in advance to the customs authority.

Notification to Swedish Customs and Excise (Tullverket)

In Sweden the Swedish Customs and Excise (Tullverket) that determines and imposes customs duties, taxes and charges in connection with import and export.

More on Swedish Customs and Excise (Tullverket)

Administrative procedures

Export

When exporting goods you must understand the documentation requirements made by the Swedish Customs and Excise (Tullverket), as well as knowing if there are any specific requirements in the receiving country.

Export documents
Customs Guide

Export licences and export permits

An export permit is required when exporting artefacts, endangered animal species and plants, hunting weapons (and other dangerous objects), consumed cooling agents (such as fridges containing substances harmful to the ozone layer), as well as radioactive waste.

Various different authorities issue permits for these categories of goods. If, for example, one exports agricultural products, one needs an export licence from the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket).

The Swedish Board of Agriculture
Swedish National Heritage Board
Inspections of strategic products
Swedish Radiation Safety Authority
Swedish Environmental Protection Agency

Export to countries with free trade agreements

The EU has entered into a number of free trade agreements with countries across world, and to be able to export to these countries and have customs exemption or customs reductions, one requires a certificate of origin.

Different types of certificate are required depending on the relevant trade agreement.

More on certificates of origin

Temporary export

If you have to temporarily export goods (for an exhibition or conference), you should fill out a proof of export (documentary evidence) form to avoid paying customs duties or other taxes when re-importing. You should also declare that they have not increased in value while abroad.

More on supporting documents
More on temporary imports

As an alternative to filling in export documentation, one can purchase an ATA carnet from the Chamber of Commerce. This accompanies the goods throughout their entire journey and acts as documentation for temporary export.

ATA carnet

Export declaration

When goods are to be exported, an export declaration must first be submitted. This can be submitted electronically or on a form, either personally or via a representative.

Declaring electronically

When exporting goods to or from the EU, the correct goods code must be determined. The item in question should be classified in accordance with the EU's customs tariff TARIC.. Further information can be obtained on the website of the the Swedish Customs and Excise (Tullverket).

TARIC

Imports

An importer must apply for an import licence for:

iron, steel, textiles and ready-made clothing and shoes
Import licence from the Swedish National Board of Trade
Foodstuffs
Import licence from the Swedish Board of Agriculture

Before a good can be used or sold, it must be cleared through customs. You must present an import declaration and pay the customs duties, VAT and any other taxes.

Every type of good being imported has a specific code within the common classification system Taric. The classification is used to determine the charges to be paid.

TARIC

You can use to form Single administrative document (Enhetsdokument) (SAD) to submit your import declaration either in person, via a representative or electronically.

SAD [369 KB]
Declaring electronically

Resources

General information on importing and exporting is available here: Swedish Trade Council (Exportrådet),Swedish National Board of Trade and through the the Swedish Customs and Excise (Tullverket) Customs Guide.

Customs Guide
Swedish National Board of Trade
Swedish Trade Council

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

Outside the EU - Sweden

Legal requirements