Importing goods from Åland to Sweden
Åland is an autonomous region in the Baltic Sea and belongs to Finland. It is part of the EU customs union but outside the EU VAT territory. When you import goods from Åland into Sweden, you therefore pay VAT but no customs duty, and the goods must be declared to customs before they can enter Sweden.
What does Åland’s special status mean for your import?
Åland is within the EU customs union, which means you do not need to pay customs duty on goods imported into Sweden from Åland. What makes Åland different is that it is outside the EU VAT territory. VAT must therefore be paid on goods imported from Åland into Sweden, just as if the goods came from a country outside the EU. This may come as a surprise, but with the right information you can plan and prepare your import smoothly.
Importing from Åland step by step
1. The importance of having a customs broker
Having a representative handle your customs declaration helps ensure that everything is done correctly. At Tullify, we specialise in helping businesses with their customs declarations and ensure the whole process is handled professionally and without problems. When the goods are ready in Grisslehamn, we handle communication with Swedish Customs so you can focus on your business.
2. Customs declaration in Grisslehamn
Goods imported from Åland into Sweden by sea often arrive in Grisslehamn, a key location for these shipments. In Grisslehamn, the goods must be declared to customs before they can enter Sweden. This means that you, or your customs broker, must submit a customs declaration to Swedish Customs. To keep the process running smoothly, the representative must also notify Swedish Customs that the goods are ready for customs clearance.
3. Documents and preparation
Before your goods arrive in Sweden, all documents must be in order. The customs declaration must be completed correctly and include the goods’ origin, value and HS code. The HS code, or tariff code, matters because it affects the VAT rate you will need to pay. Tullify helps you check that all information is correct and that the documents meet Swedish and international customs requirements.
VAT on goods from Åland
As explained above, Åland is outside the EU VAT territory. Although you do not pay customs duty on goods from Åland, you must still pay VAT when they enter Sweden. The applicable VAT rate depends on the type of goods you import, which is important when planning your shipment. Tullify helps you calculate the correct VAT amount and ensures everything is handled in accordance with the applicable rules.
Why does the difference between the customs union and the VAT territory matter?
Many business owners assume that Åland’s membership of the EU customs union means the same rules apply as in other EU countries, but that is not entirely correct. The main difference is that VAT must still be paid even though no customs duty is due. This special status may seem complicated, but with a partner such as Tullify you can be confident that the whole process is handled correctly and in line with the rules.
How can Tullify help you import from Åland?
At Tullify, we work to make the entire import process as simple and straightforward as possible. With our extensive experience of customs procedures and our in-depth knowledge of imports and exports between Åland and Sweden, we are well placed to help you at every stage. We handle everything from customs declarations to communication with Swedish Customs and ensure your goods pass through customs quickly and smoothly.
By using us as your customs broker, you ensure all documents are completed correctly, customs declarations are submitted on time and VAT matters are handled without problems.
Read on
Sending goods to Åland instead? Read about exporting to Åland.
What a T2LF is is explained on our page about T2L and T2LF.
More guides are collected in our customs guides.
