Import and export

Export credit guarantees to Ukraine

Until 31 December 2024, exporting companies can apply for export credit guarantees to Ukraine at the Export Credit Agency (EKN). The export credit guarantee is a type of insurance that provides financial compensation if an exporter does not receive sufficient payment.

Trading in goods

Are you going to sell goods to other countries or import goods to Sweden? Get an introduction to how it works inside and outside the EU.

Trading in goods with other countries

Trading in services

If you are going to trade in services with other countries, it is important to know which rules that apply. Get an introduction to how it works inside and outside the EU.

Trading in services with other countries

Are you going to import foodstuffs?

Are you planning to import food for commercial use? Rules and procedures are different depending on whether you intend to trade with countries within the EU or outside the EU.

Import of food products

Webinar: Trade with Foreign Countries

Are you considering starting a business focused on import or export? Or are you perhaps planning to start selling your goods or services in other countries? In this webinar, experts from the Swedish Customs and the Swedish Tax Agency will share what you need to know when trading with other countries.

You can add English subtitles to the film on youtube.

The webinar Trade with Foreign Countries on our YouTube channel

Frequently asked questions about foreign trade

Do I need an import or export licence?add

There are import restrictions for certain goods. The restrictions are regulated by quotas, and as an entrepreneur you are required to apply for an import licence from the National Board of Trade Sweden (Kommerskollegium) and the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket).

If you are exporting goods, you need to know what documents are required by Swedish Customs. You also need to be aware of any special requirements in the recipient country.

Exports of agricultural products require an export licence from the Swedish Board of Agriculture. On the Swedish Customs’ website you can read more about goods that may need an export licence and which authorities you must then contact

Go to the National Board of Trade Sweden

Go to the Swedish Board of Agriculture

Go to the Swedish Customs

How does the cooperation between purchaser and vendor work in import transactions?add

Agent: An agent represents a company and acts as intermediary in a transaction. The agent often receives commission on the sale.
Dealer: You purchase the products yourself and then re-sell them under your own name. Dealers normally maintain stock and are subject to a different kind of financial risk than the agent.
Commission: You sell goods on behalf of another party but under your own name. One such example is the sale of second-hand clothing. The owner of the clothing pays the commission agent and is then paid for the clothing when it is sold.

I will be trading with other EU countries. What should I bear in mind?add

On the EU website Your Europe you can find some practical advice about doing business in Europe. On the website you can read about what laws, regulations, business entities etc. are applicable for respective country.

Customs declarations and payment of import duties are not required when trading with one of the 28 EU member states. However, you do need an international VAT number. When you trade with an EU country, the Swedish VAT number is prefixed by "SE" and "01" is placed after the number. In the EU, VAT is paid in the country of consumption, namely the country in which the product or service will ultimately be consumed.

However some exceptions exists, why it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the VAT rules before you start trading in the EU. Please read the VAT Brochure from the Swedish Tax Agency for more information.

Go to Your Europe

Go to Swedish Tax Agency

Download the VAT Brochure at the Swedish Tax Ageny

I want to export goods. Where do I get information about this?add

The Business Sweden can help you with export matters and give you information about the country in which you are interested. They can help with contacts and they will also have broad knowledge about the country in question. You can also obtain help from the National Board of Trade (Kommerskollegium).

Go to Business Sweden

Go to the National Board of Trade

What customs duties apply?add

If you are importing goods from a non-EU country, contact Swedish Customs (Tullverket) to find out what customs duty applies from the country in question.

There is free movement of goods and services in the EU.

Go to the Swedish Customs

What am I liable for, and what is CE marking?add

Anyone importing goods for subsequent sale in the EU is subject to product liability. This liability always applies when the manufacturer is located in a non-EU or non-EEA country. If you are importing goods into the EU/EEA, you must be able to show that they conform with the CE Marking Directive's health, safety and environment requirements. Certain high-risk products must also meet specific safety requirements. When these requirements have been confirmed, the manufacturer/importer is entitled to affix CE marking to the product. The CE mark is evidence that the product meets EU safety requirements.