🇸🇪 Import Customs & Duties: Sweden
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
25%
CIF value + duty. Reduced rates: 12% for food, restaurants; 6% for books, newspapers, cultural events.
Clearance Time
1-2 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3.7% (smartphones 0%, laptops 0%, TVs 14%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 12% (knitted garments 12%, woven shirts 12%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-17% (leather shoes 8%, sports shoes 16.9%) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-26% (meat 12.8%, dairy 9-36%, fish 2-22%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% (industrial machinery 0%, pumps 1.7%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 2.5-6.5% (perfumes 6.5%, skincare 2.5%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-4.7% (video game consoles 0%, dolls 4.7%) | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Swedish Customs (Tullverket) manages imports using EU Common Customs Tariff and TDS (Tulldatasystemet) electronic system. EU goods move freely. Non-EU imports require customs declaration via Tullverket online portal. Simplified AEO procedures available. PostNord handles postal customs. IOSS for VAT from €0 since July 2021.
What to Actually Expect
Very efficient Scandinavian customs. PostNord parcels clear within 1-2 days. Express couriers same-day. IOSS simplifies e-commerce VAT collection. IMPORTANT: Sweden adds a chemical tax (kemikalieskatt) on electronics that surprises many importers, applies to TVs, monitors, laptops, phones and can add significant cost.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
EU-wide licensing rules. Jordbruksverket (Swedish Board of Agriculture) for food/animal imports. Lakemedelsverket (Medical Products Agency) for pharmaceuticals. IMPORTANT: Sweden levies a chemical tax (kemikalieskatt) of SEK 164/kg on certain electronics containing hazardous substances.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Swedish Chamber of Commerce (Handelskamrarna). EUR.1 movement certificate for EU FTA partners. REX self-certification for GSP countries. Sweden processes high volumes of certificates due to strong export economy.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Sweden:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $2 | $13 | $15 |
| $100 | $4 | $26 | $30 |
| $200 | $8 | $52 | $61 |
| $500 | $21 | $130 | $151 |
| $1000 | $42 | $261 | $303 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Sweden
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Sweden?
Sweden has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Sweden?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Sweden is 25%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rates: 12% for food, restaurants; 6% for books, newspapers, cultural events.
How long does customs clearance take in Sweden?
Typical customs clearance in Sweden takes 1-2 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Sweden?
To import into Sweden, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Sweden?
Sweden prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.