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

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.

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.

Helpful Website(s):

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/sweden.html