Hire a reliable supplier
When purchasing goods or services for your business, it is important to choose a reliable supplier. If you hire someone who does not manage their responsibilities properly, it can affect your own operations – for example, if you are unable to deliver on time to your customers.
Unreliable suppliers can lead to exploitation of people, poor working conditions, and undeclared income. In the worst case, companies may be used for criminal activities.
That is why it is important to know who you are doing business with. Check the company and the people behind it. This reduces the risk of problems – and contributes to fair competition while preventing labor-related crime.
Warning signs
A much lower price than other similar providers.
Unclear address details or difficulty contacting the company.
Auditor’s remarks or a missing annual report despite legal requirements.
The company has been resold with all registrations intact, known as a “history company.”
What can you do?
Check that the company is approved for F-tax
Verify that the company is approved for F-tax, registered for VAT, and as an employer. In the Swedish Tax Agency’s service “Retrieve Company Information,” you can see if employer contributions have been reported for recent months.
Retrieve company information at the Swedish Tax Agency
Check registration certificates, annual reports and beneficial owners
The Swedish Companies Registration Office provides updated information about companies and associations in Sweden. You can easily purchase registration certificates, annual reports, or details from the register of beneficial owners.
Find company information at the Swedish Companies Registration Office
Ensure the supplier has the right permits and authorisations
Some professions and industries are regulated, with defined requirements for working in the field. An authorisation, a certification, or licensing ensures the person has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the work. Electrician and welder are examples of regulated professions.
Certain tasks also require special permits, such as driving heavy or large vehicles, handling food, or transporting waste.
Ask your supplier if they can show the type of certification they hold. You can also contact the authority or organization that issues permits and authorizations to ensure that your supplier in that industry is reputable.
Examples of authorities to contact:
Check traffic permits for buses, freight, taxis at the Swedish Transport Agency (in Swedish)
Verify electrical companies via the Swedish Electrical Safety Agency (in Swedish)
Check the register of licensed healthcare professionals at the National Board of Health and Welfare
Read reviews and references
Search for the company name online to find reviews of its products or services. Customers may leave comments and reviews on social media. Do not rely solely on reviews on the company’s own website – compare with other sources. You can also ask for references or speak with previous customers.
At the Swedish Consumer Agency, you can search for complaints to see if other customers have reported the company.
Search on the Swedish Consumer Agency’s website (in Swedish)
Check for debts with the Swedish Enforcement Authority
Request a register extract and a debt statement to see if the supplier has unpaid debts with the Enforcement Authority.
Debt information about someone else at the Swedish Enforcement Authority (in Swedish)
Debt statement at the Swedish Enforcement Authority (in Swedish)
Follow up on agreements
You can also include requirements in contracts and procurements, such as collective agreements.
Remember to monitor the supplier throughout the contract period to ensure conditions have not changed.
Additional Links:
Guide for assessing supplier risk at the Swedish Tax Agency
Checklist: Avoid unreliable actors at the Swedish Economic Crime Authority (in Swedish)