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GOODS ACROSS BORDERS

SE / SWE

SwedenSverige

VERIFIED · 2026-07-01
CODESE
ISO3SWE
REGIONEUROPE
VAT25%
CURRENCYSEK
DE MINIMISN/A
CASH THRESHOLDUS$11000

Overview

Sweden's customs administration is the Swedish Customs (Tullverket), a federal agency under the Ministry of Finance. Tullverket operates at Swedish international airports (Stockholm Arlanda ARN, Göteborg Landvetter GOT, Malmö MMX), the Baltic and North Sea ports (Gothenburg — the largest port in Scandinavia), Malmö, Helsingborg, Stockholm, and land border crossings with Norway (numerous, most notably Svinesund) and Finland (Haparanda-Tornio and other Torne River crossings).

Sweden is a member of the EU customs union and applies the Union Customs Code (UCC) and EU CN8 tariff schedule. Returning EU travellers benefit from free circulation of EU-origin goods. Arrivals from outside the EU face the standard EU allowance: goods up to EUR 430 (air/sea) or EUR 300 (land/rail), plus the standard alcohol and tobacco allowances. Above the threshold, Swedish Moms (VAT) at 25% standard, 12% reduced (food, restaurants, hotels), 6% books, newspapers, cultural events, transport and EU CN8 customs duty apply.

Sweden is a Schengen state; intra-Schengen travel does not require passport control. ETIAS launches for non-EU visa-exempt visitors from 2026.

For commercial imports, Tullverket operates TDS (Tull Deklaration System) electronic clearance platform aligned with the EU Single Window Environment for Customs. Importers need an EU EORI beginning with SE. Swedish VAT at import is 25%, with the standard EU postponed-VAT mechanism available for AEO-authorised importers.

Sweden is a substantial industrial economy with strong automotive (Volvo Cars, Scania, Volvo Trucks), telecommunications (Ericsson), heavy machinery (Atlas Copco, Sandvik), pharmaceutical (AstraZeneca), and consumer goods (IKEA, H&M, Electrolux) sectors. Substantial commercial-import flows in intermediate goods support these industries.

Gothenburg Port is the largest port in Scandinavia and a key EU-Nordic-Baltic gateway. The Öresund Fixed Link (Denmark-Sweden bridge and tunnel) connects Malmö to Copenhagen supporting substantial road-freight flows.

Alcohol import is subject to Sweden's distinctive Systembolaget monopoly — alcohol above 3.5% ABV is sold only through the state-owned retail monopoly. Commercial-quantity alcohol import for retail requires Systembolaget procurement. Personal-import travellers can bring in EU-allowance quantities.

Some product categories require additional clearance. Läkemedelsverket (Swedish Medical Products Agency) regulates pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Livsmedelsverket handles food. PTS type-approves radio equipment. CITES permits are issued through the Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket).

For ecommerce parcels, Sweden applies the EU IOSS regime for ≤EUR 150 shipments. PostNord Sverige handles inbound postal mail; substantial Nordic ecommerce fulfilment operations are based in Sweden.

Currency declarations are required above EUR 10,000 equivalent on entry or exit.

Sweden's snus (moist snuff tobacco) is legal for domestic sale and use but its export to other EU countries is restricted under the EU Tobacco Products Directive (snus is banned for sale in most EU states except Sweden). Travellers may carry snus for personal use.

Postal-import handling is consolidated through PostNord Sverige. Above the low-value-import threshold, VAT is collected via the IOSS or by PostNord on delivery.

Prescription medications follow the standard EU framework: personal-use medications accepted with the prescription; controlled drugs require the Schengen Convention Annex 75 certificate.

Recent regulatory changes include the operationalisation of the EU CBAM, the continued growth of Gothenburg Port container operations, ongoing Swedish participation in the EU Single Window Environment for Customs, and the reinforced Swedish-Finnish border cooperation following both countries' NATO accessions (2023 for Finland, 2024 for Sweden).

For authoritative current rules, importers and travellers should consult www.tullverket.se and the EU customs portal.

Customs authority

Tullverket (Swedish Customs)Official site

Duty-free allowances (arriving travelers)

CategoryAllowance
Alcohol1L
Cigarettes200
Personal goods valueUS$460
Travelers aged 17+ from outside the EU: 1 L spirits over 22% ABV (or 2 L under 22%) + 4 L wine + 16 L beer. Tobacco 200 cigarettes / 100 cigarillos / 50 cigars / 250 g loose. Goods up to EUR 430 (air) / EUR 300 (land). Intra-EU: personal-use quantities.

De minimis import threshold

USD EQUIVALENT

N/A

LOCAL CURRENCY

0 EUR (post-2021 IOSS reform)

AS OF

2021-07-01

EU EUR 22 import-VAT exemption ended 1 July 2021. All commercial parcels into Sweden attract 25% moms regardless of value. Customs duty 0% under EUR 150; standard rate above.

Cash declaration

THRESHOLD (USD)

US$11000

LOCAL AMOUNT

SEK

Arrival formalities

CURRENCY

SEK — Swedish krona

DECLARATION FORM

EU/Schengen kiosk — no paper customs form for EU travellers

PRE-ARRIVAL SYSTEMS

STANDARD COMMERCIAL IMPORT DOCUMENTS

  • Commercial invoice
  • Packing list
  • Bill of lading or Air Waybill
  • Country of origin declaration (or Certificate of Origin for FTA preferential entries)
  • TDS Swedish Customs declaration
  • EU EORI on invoice

Restricted categories

  • RESTRICTEDFirearms / ammunition (national permit + EU Firearms Pass)
  • RESTRICTEDPharmaceuticals (national permit for non-EU prescriptions)
  • RESTRICTEDCultural property over 50 years
  • RESTRICTEDCurrency over EUR 10,000 (declaration)

Prohibited categories

  • PROHIBITEDNarcotic drugs
  • PROHIBITEDCounterfeit branded goods (EU Regulation 608/2013)
  • PROHIBITEDCITES-listed species and parts
  • PROHIBITEDAsbestos products

Special notes

  • Sweden is in the Schengen Area; intra-Schengen travel does not require customs declaration.
  • Currency: Swedish krona (SEK); Sweden is not in the Eurozone.

Import documentation

  • —EU Customs Declaration (electronic via national portal)
  • —Passport / EU national ID
  • —EU Firearms Pass for licensed firearms
  • —National permit for non-EU prescription medications
  • —Cash declaration for amounts over EUR 10,000

Posting restrictions

National Post and Tullverket (Swedish Customs) handle inbound parcels at major IMCs. Personal-import parcels under EUR 150 attract 25% moms only; above attracts customs duty + moms + clearance fee. Prohibited mail: narcotics, counterfeit goods, CITES species, asbestos.

Top documented rules

10 of 20

Active Free Trade Agreements

Airports

  • ARNStockholm-Arlanda Airport
  • GOTGöteborg-Landvetter Airport
  • MMXMalmö Airport

Land borders

  • Norway — Non-EU but Schengen.
  • Finland — Schengen.
  • Denmark — Øresund Bridge; Schengen.

Leaving Sweden

Industrial goods, services. Cultural property over 50 years requires Ministry of Culture permit.

PROHIBITED EXPORT

  • Pre-1945 art without permit

RESTRICTED EXPORT

  • Cultural property
  • Foreign currency over EUR 10,000

Regulatory timeline

  • EU-wide EUR 22 import-VAT exemption ends; all parcels attract 25% moms. tullverket.se

Known scams

  • Fake Postnord SMS phishing for a small SEK fee to release a parcel via a linked payment page. Postnord collects only via its official portal or app — verify before paying. tullverket.se

DECLARATION FORM LANGUAGES

sv, en

Top item rules for Sweden

Source: rules indexed for Sweden. See full rule list under the relevant traveling, posting, and importing hubs.

Frequently asked questions

How much alcohol can I bring into Sweden duty-free?

Travellers arriving in Sweden may bring 1 L of alcohol duty-free. Anything above the allowance must be declared at the red channel. Travelers aged 17+ from outside the EU: 1 L spirits over 22% ABV (or 2 L under 22%) + 4 L wine + 16 L beer. Tobacco 200 cigarettes / 100 cigarillos / 50 cigars / 250 g loose. Goods up to EUR 430 (air) / EUR 300 (land). Intra-EU: personal-use quantities.

How many cigarettes can I bring into Sweden?

200 cigarettes per traveller (or proportionally less in cigars / tobacco). Above-limit tobacco must be declared.

Do I need to declare cash entering Sweden?

Yes. Cash and equivalent bearer instruments above USD 11000 (SEK) must be declared on arrival.

What is Sweden's de minimis import threshold?

0 EUR (post-2021 IOSS reform). EU EUR 22 import-VAT exemption ended 1 July 2021. All commercial parcels into Sweden attract 25% moms regardless of value. Customs duty 0% under EUR 150; standard rate above.

Is VAT or GST charged on imports into Sweden?

Moms 25% standard; 12% reduced (food, restaurants, hotels); 6% books, newspapers, cultural events, transport. Applied to imports plus EU CN8 tariff. EU IOSS for ≤EUR 150 ecommerce.

Can I bring prescription medication into Sweden?

Prescription medicines for personal use are generally allowed in reasonable quantities (typically 30-90 days' supply), accompanied by the original prescription and ideally a doctor's letter. Some controlled substances need import authorisation. Verify with Tullverket (Swedish Customs) for your specific medicine.

Can I send gifts by post to Sweden?

Gifts are accepted by post but are still subject to Sweden's import rules. Tax-relief gift thresholds (where they exist) are typically much lower than commercial thresholds. Declare honestly on the CN22/CN23 — undervaluation is treated as fraud.

What documents do I need to import commercially into Sweden?

A customs declaration filed with Tullverket (Swedish Customs), a commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document (AWB or B/L). Add a Certificate of Origin to claim FTA preferential duty. Sector-specific imports (food, plants, animals, medicines, electronics, dangerous goods) need additional permits.

What happens at Sweden's red and green channels?

The green channel is for travellers with nothing to declare. The red channel is for travellers carrying anything above allowances or any restricted goods. Spot checks happen at both. Lying or hiding goods can lead to seizure plus penalties.

What items are prohibited in Sweden?

Narcotic drugs; Counterfeit branded goods (EU Regulation 608/2013); CITES-listed species and parts. See the full prohibited list on this page.

What items are restricted into Sweden?

Firearms / ammunition (national permit + EU Firearms Pass); Pharmaceuticals (national permit for non-EU prescriptions); Cultural property over 50 years. Restricted items typically need a permit, certificate, or declaration. See the full restricted list on this page.

How do I declare goods on arrival in Sweden?

Use the red channel at the airport. Most ports of entry into Sweden accept either a paper declaration or, increasingly, an electronic declaration via an app or kiosk. Be ready to show receipts, prescriptions, or permits.

Can I bring food into Sweden?

Most countries restrict animal-origin food (meat, dairy) for biosecurity reasons; sealed commercial packaged food is sometimes permitted. Verify with Tullverket (Swedish Customs)'s agricultural / biosecurity authority before bringing food.

Can I bring vape devices or e-cigarettes into Sweden?

Vape rules are changing fast worldwide; Sweden may have specific restrictions, age limits, or outright bans. Verify on the current Tullverket (Swedish Customs) guidance before travel — bans have grown markedly since 2023.

Can I bring medicines containing controlled substances into Sweden?

Many countries require advance import authorisation for opioids, stimulants, and certain psychiatric medicines. Carry the original prescription, doctor's letter, and original packaging. For controlled substances, contact Sweden's health authority before travel.

Are duty-free purchases on arrival counted in my allowance?

Yes. Duty-free purchases at the destination airport on arrival count toward your alcohol and tobacco allowance, even though they were purchased after immigration. Buying duty-free at departure rather than arrival does not bypass the allowance.

What happens if a parcel arrives over Sweden's de minimis?

Above the de minimis, customs assesses duty and VAT/GST on the goods value (plus, in some regimes, freight + insurance). The carrier or postal operator usually clears it and bills the recipient. Recipients can refuse delivery if they don't want to pay.

Can I refuse to pay duties and return a parcel?

Yes. If you don't want to pay duties or taxes, you can refuse the parcel and the carrier will return it to sender or destroy it. This does not affect your tax record but means the goods don't enter Sweden.

How long does customs clearance take in Sweden?

Standard clearance for compliant parcels is typically same-day to a few days. Holds for incomplete declarations, biosecurity inspection, sanctions screening, or anti-counterfeit checks can take longer. Provide complete declarations to avoid delays.

Who do I contact if my parcel is held by Sweden customs?

Your carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, postal operator) is the first contact — they handle clearance on your behalf. If you need to deal directly with the authority, contact Tullverket (Swedish Customs) via the contact route on their official site.

What are common customs scams to watch for in Sweden?

Watch for: fake "customs fees" demands by SMS or email; impostor officials at airports; unsolicited phone calls about a "stuck parcel"; payment requests by gift card. Real customs authorities do not ask for payment via SMS link or gift cards. See our scams page for documented patterns.

Verify against Tullverket (Swedish Customs) before acting on any answer. Customs rules change frequently.

More for Sweden

Top inbound origins

Countries whose travelers most often arrive at Sweden.

VERIFIED · 2026-07-01

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RULES5,339COUNTRIES85ITEMS111CARRIERS28GUIDES46UNIQUE SOURCES645LATEST VERIFICATION2026-07-26MethodologyChangelog