Goods with import restrictions
Some goods are subject to import regulations, that is, restrictions. Prior to importing your goods it is important to check what regulations apply to your goods. You may need a licence or an authorisation.
Trade restrictions may apply for any of the following reasons:
- trade policy;
- environmental concerns;
- concerns for human health or security;
- preventing the spread of diseases among animal and plants.
An import licence may be required
To import goods restricted by the EU, such as certain agricultural products, you need an import licence.
An import authorisation may be required
Some goods, such as pharmaceutical products, chemical agents and organic products require an import authorisation to some degree to be imported into the E. Apply for authorisation from the corresponding competent authority.
Supporting documents
Supporting documents are any documents used to support statements in your customs declaration. If you declare goods imported from a country outside the EU, you are required to provide supporting documents on request from Swedish Customs.
Some goods must be registered
When importing certain goods, you may be required to register them with a competent authority. Persons importing foodstuffs commercially must be registered with or authorised by the environmental authority, or a corresponding body, in the municipalities where they operate.
Using call-me codes to inform us
Call-me codes are used to inform Swedish Customs that a consignment is subject to import or export restrictions, i.e. certain conditions.
Endangered animals and plants
There are certain restrictions, such as prohibitions against the introduction of endangered animals and plants across Sweden’s borders, or requirements for authorisation or permits therefor. Violating these provisions may lead to a fine or imprisonment.
Endangered wild fauna and flora
Tobacco
Companies importing tobacco to Sweden are subject to multiple legislation. It is important that the importer learns about the applicable conditions. Swedish Customs and the Swedish Tax Authority are the responsible authorities.
Alcohol
Companies wishing to import wine or other alcoholic beverages to Sweden are subject to legislation in multiple areas. It is important that the importer learns about the applicable conditions.
Medicines
Companies importing medicines to Sweden for commercial purposes are subject to multiple legislation. It is important that the importer learns about the applicable conditions.
Drug precursors
To import or export drug precursors, i.e. chemicals required to manufacture narcotics, you may be required to be authorised by or registered with the Medical Products Agency. Swedish Customs are tasked with combatting the smugglings of such goods.
Weapons
Swedish Customs will control weapons and weapon parts that are imported to or exported from Sweden. The procedure depends on whether you are trading with EU Member States or third countries.
Intellectual property rights
Owners of to brands, copyrights, patterns or patents have intellectual property rights to their product. Any undertaking manufacturing and selling identical or similar products is in violation of such intellectual property rights.
Other authorities
Some goods that are subject to import restrictions lie under the purview of other authorities than Swedish Customs.
The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management
- Fishing products
The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management
The Swedish Agricultural Board
- Organic non-foodstuff products
- Animal non-foodstuff products
- Feed
- Livestock
- Foodstuffs for private consumption
- Sugar
- Grains and rice
- Plants, wood, wood products, nursery plants etc.
The Swedish Agricultural Board
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce
- Iron, steel and aluminium
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce
The Swedish Food Authority
- Alcoholic products
- Animal and vegetable foodstuffs
- Organic products
- Some dietary supplements
- Rice from certain countries
The Medical Products Agency
- Medicines
- Some dietary supplements
- Natural medicaments
- Some topical products
- Homoeopathic products
The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency
- Explosives and pyrotechnical products
The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
- Waste
- Import of electric and electronic products
- Ozone-depleting substances
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
The Swedish Police Authority
- Any type of weapon
The National Board of Forestry
- Furniture
- Paper products
- The EU Regulation on Timber
- FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement
The National Board of Forestry
The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority
- Radioactive substances
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