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.
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
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.
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 the National Board of Trade
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.
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.