Moving to Sweden

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Passport
  • Swedish Customs form (Foersaekran)
  • Detailed inventory in English or Swedish
  • Bill of lading (WBL) / air waybill (AWB)
  • Letter of employment / lease agreement
  • Residence permit (non – citizens)
  • Diplomatic franchise
  • Stamped copy of registration at the Swedish Tax Office
  • Original Swedish customs form

 

Specific Information

  • The letter of employment / lease agreement must show employment or time abroad for at least 12 months from origin country and must show employment and residence in Sweden for at least 12 months.
  • The detailed inventory must be descriptive, stating contents of each item and carton and cannot include expressions such as “miscellaneous,” “garage items,” “PBO” (packed by owner),” etc.
  • Diplomatic franchise from registration at Swedish Tax Office / Skatteverket or extracted from Swedish population register (diplomats)
  • Household goods, including but not limited to, furniture and personal effects must be used for at least 6 months prior to import.
  • Shipments must arrive within 12 months after the owner of the goods’ arrival (non – citizens).
  • For returning citizens, the consignment must arrive in connection with their own return.
  • The owner of the goods must be registered in Sweden upon Customs clearance, but is not required to be present during the clearance process.
  • Household goods and personal effects must not be brought into Sweden for commercial use or for the use of other persons.
  • A physical inspection of the shipment is generally not required for Customs clearance, but Customs may request that one be completed.
  • A Customs exemption is granted for goods other than alcohol, for persons immigrating or returning to Sweden after more than 12 months outside the European Union (EU), and must have had a permanent residence in Sweden for at least 12 months.
  • All wooden material used for crates, lift vans, and bulk heads must be made of treated wood per the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM15) and with a certified stamp.
    • This does not apply for manufactured furniture.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Original sales invoice
  • Title / registration
  • Original bill of lading
  • Proof of insurance 

Specific Information

  • Proof that insurance has been paid for the last 12 months.
  • Original sales invoice must include price, date, and place of purchase.
  • The vehicle must be used and owned by the owner of the goods for at least 12 months prior to import.
  • Only one vehicle per person can be imported.
  • Vehicles not included as part of the household goods shipments are subject to customs fees, duties and value added tax (VAT).
  • Customs clearance takes approximately 1-2 days.
  • Vehicles may not be sold within 12 months of import.

Pets

Documents Required

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinary health certificate

Specific Information

  • Permission from the Agriculture Department is required.
  • All animals are subject to quarantine regulations.
  • The quarantine period takes approximately 4 months.
  • The owner must be present for Customs clearance.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Medicine is allowed with a doctor’s prescription and must be for personal use only; only a 5-day supply is permitted.
  • New furniture is permitted if a sales invoice with prices, date, and place of purchase as well as a packing list is given.
  • Plants, fruit, and vegetables require a plant passport / phytosanitary certificate issued by the Plant Protection Service.
    • Contact the destination agent for specific information.
  • Special permission is required for products and goods made from animals.
  • Alcohol and tobacco:
    • Must be declared and are subject to tax and duty.
    • Subject to destruction at Customs discretion (charges will still apply).
    • Importation may be expensive.
    • Customs clearance takes approximately 3 weeks.
    • Contact the destination agent for details.
  • Firearms

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information