Imports of goods from EU/EEA countriesThe page was last modified:
The EU has a common market where goods can move freely across borders without customs clearance or customs duties. Therefore for many goods, the EU countries have common rules. For certain goods however, the EU countries have their own national rules. The purpose of the rules is to protect human health and the environment, or safety.
A product manufactured or sold legally in one EU country may be sold in Sweden without further requirements. This is referred to as the principle of mutual recognition.
These rules also apply to trade between the EU countries plus Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein, which form the EEA market. However, customs borders and customs controls remain between the EU and the three countries. Thus the customs procedure applies to imports from non-EU countries.
Handbook for Importing to Sweden
The Handbook for Importing to Sweden is intended for those who plan to start an import business, want to further develop their import activities, or have general questions regarding import. The Handbook for Importing to Sweden is published (in Swedish) by Chamber Trade Sweden.
The CE mark and mutual recognition
Goods encompassed within common EU rules on basic health, environmental and safety requirements must be CE marked. No other goods may bear the CE mark. CE-marked goods may be sold without restriction on the EEA market.
When you import goods that are not encompassed within the EU’s common rules, the EEA countries own national rules become applicable. When there are national requirements for a product, the principle of mutual recognition applies. This is based on the trust the countries have for each other that each country’s law fully provides protection for consumers and the environment.
Derogation from the principle of mutual recognition
EEA countries have the right to derogate from the principle of mutual recognition and apply national rules for EEA goods. In such case, the governmental authority in the country must show that the requirement is justified to protect fundamental social interests. Examples include the protection of life and human health, as well as consumer and environmental protection. The governmental authority must provide adequate justification for its decision.
Thus, Swedish public authorities and municipalities can apply their rules and regulations, if such is motivated by the protection of fundamental social interests. If you want to find out about the Swedish rules for various different products, contact the Contact Point For Goods at Kommerskollegium, the National Board of Trade.
In order for the country to be excepted from the principle of mutual recognition, the measure must be absolutely necessary, proportionate and constitute as minimal as possible trade barrier.
SOLVIT – network for free movement
If you encounter any obstacles with Swedish public authorities when purchasing a product in the EEA, you can obtain free assistance from SOLVIT at the National Board of Trade.
You can also contact the National Board of Trade if you need assistance in finding information, or if you want to influence the legislation.
There are special provisions for bringing in certain goods. If a special provision applies, you will need a permit/license or some form of permission to bring the goods into Sweden from another EU country. Examples of such goods include:
- munitions (in Swedish)
- artefacts (in Swedish)
- medicinal drugs (in Swedish)
- endangered animals and plants (in Swedish)
- weapons and dangerous objects (in Swedish).
The EU regions outside the customs union or EU tax area
When you purchase a product from another country, it is important to determine if the other party is doing business within the EU or not. If the EU region does not belong to the Customs Union, the rules for imports of goods from non-EU countries apply.
If the EU region is not part of the EU tax area, VAT and excise tax rules with the importation from non-EU countries apply.
Responsible: Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth