Import from China
Import from China to Sweden
When you decide to take the plunge and import products from China, it is important that you are well prepared for the regulations and formalities surrounding international trade. The process starts with understanding the laws and regulations that apply to importing into Sweden. It is crucial to have knowledge of these regulations to ensure a smooth import process and avoid potential obstacles.
The requirements vary depending on the type of product you are importing. For heavy machinery and construction equipment, such as excavators from China, additional requirements for CE marking, quality control in the factory and special documentation are added.
Before your goods even leave China, you need to make sure that all necessary export declarations are completed correctly. These documents are crucial for your goods to leave the exporting country and are a confirmation that all outgoing customs and legal requirements have been met. Then, as the products approach Sweden, a import declaration This declaration is essential for your goods to be allowed into the country and requires careful attention to ensure that all information is correct and complete.
A customs agent can play a key role in this process. As an expert in customs declaration and related processes, a customs agent Manage complex documentation and ensure that all duties and taxes are paid correctly. This is especially valuable because properly handling customs declarations can not only speed up the release of your goods at the border, but also prevent them from getting stuck in customs.
It is also important to have the correct import documents on hand. These documents include, but are not limited to, invoices, waybills, packing lists, and certificates for any specific product requirements. Each document must be completed correctly and provided in a timely manner to facilitate a smooth passage through customs.
By carefully managing these aspects – from export declaration in China to import declaration and customs declaration in Sweden – you minimize the risk of delays and maximize the chances of a successful import transaction. Understanding and complying with the relevant laws and regulations, as well as equipping yourself with the right documents and perhaps hiring a customs agent, is key to a successful import process.
How much does it cost to import from China through a customs agent?
The cost of using a customs broker when importing goods from China to Sweden can vary depending on several factors, including the type of goods, the value of the shipment, and the specific service you require. Here are some of the most important aspects that affect the cost:
1. Service fees
Customs brokers usually charge a flat fee for basic customs clearance services. This fee can vary significantly depending on the broker's experience and reputation. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand Swedish kronor per shipment.
2. Complexity and additional services
The cost may increase if your import requires special handling, for example if the products require special permits, certifications or are subject to strict regulations. If the customs broker also handles logistics services, such as shipping and warehousing, this will affect the overall cost.
3. The value and volume of the shipment
For larger or more expensive shipments, customs broker fees may increase as the risks and responsibilities increase. Some customs brokers may also charge a percentage fee based on the value of the shipment.
4. VAT and customs duties
In addition to the customs agent's service fee, you must pay any customs duties and VAT, which are calculated based on the value of the goods, shipping, and insurance costs (customs value). The VAT in Sweden is usually 25%, and customs duties vary depending on the type of product.
5. Additional fees
There may also be additional fees for storage, delays or additional documentation required by Swedish customs authorities or other regulatory bodies.
For an accurate cost estimate, it is best to contact a customs broker directly and describe your specific situation and needs. They can provide you with a more detailed and customized quote based on your import plans.
The import process for businesses – Step by step
Importing goods from China as a business can be a complex process. To get started, your company must be registered as an importer and assigned an EORI number. EORI, which stands for Economic Operator Registration and Identification, is necessary to file customs declarations and handle other customs-related activities when importing from or exporting to countries outside the EU. Registration is free of charge and can be easily completed via the Swedish Customs’ official website.
As China is not a member of the EU, there may be customs barriers and other regulatory challenges when importing. The EU has strict regulations for imports from China, which must be strictly followed. This includes compliance with the RoHS Directive, which aims to protect human health and the environment by restricting the use of hazardous substances in electronic equipment. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in your goods being held up at customs and sent back to China.
At Tullify, we work dedicatedly to ensuring that the entire import process from China is handled correctly. By being involved from start to finish, we minimize the risk of complications and ensure that your import runs smoothly.
What goods can be imported?
To import goods from China offers a wide range, with popular products such as textiles, automotive products, kitchen equipment, and electronics. Engineering products dominate, accounting for about half of all imports to Sweden from China.
In order for these goods to be sold on the Swedish market, they must comply with specific laws and regulations. For example, the products must be CE marked to ensure that they meet EU standards for health, safety and the environment. This is particularly important for products such as toys and protective equipment.
If you plan to import from China regularly, additional permits may also be required, such as a customs duty deferral or a comprehensive guarantee to cover financial requirements associated with customs clearance. Knowing these rules is essential for a smooth import process and to avoid problems at customs.
Read more about import regulations
Frequently asked questions about importing from China to Sweden
What documents do I need to import from China?
- Commercial invoice
- Waybill
- Packing list
- Import license (if applicable)
- CE certificate (for CE marked products)
- Customs declaration
What happens if customs seizes my goods?
If customs seizes your goods, they may be held for inspection. You may be required to provide additional documentation or pay customs duties and taxes. If the goods do not comply with local laws and regulations, they may be prohibited from importation, which may result in them being either destroyed or returned to the sender.
What can Tullify do for me during an import?
- Preparation and submission of customs declarations.
- Advice on customs duties and taxes.
- Management of documentation and certifications.
- Navigating through regulations and import restrictions.
- Monitoring the status of your goods during the customs process.
What is most imported to Sweden from China?
Sweden imports from China primarily electronic products, which include everything from mobile phones and computers to components for electronic equipment. Other major categories include machinery, textiles and clothing, as well as furniture and home furnishings.
Who should pay customs duties when importing from China?
When importing from China, it is the importer, i.e. the person or company that brings the goods into Sweden, who is responsible for paying any customs duties and VAT.
Who should pay customs duties when importing from China?
How do I calculate customs duties and VAT when importing from China?
Check the supplier before importing from China
Before ordering goods from China, it is important to check the supplier thoroughly. It is not enough that the price looks good or that the products look right in the pictures. You need to ensure that the company can actually deliver the right products, the right documents and the right quality.
Feel free to ask for company details, product sheets, certificates, references and clear invoice details before you proceed. If the product is subject to special requirements in Sweden or the EU, you should also check that the supplier can produce the necessary documentation.
Tullify doesn't help you check the factory itself, but we can help you understand what information is needed for the import. This allows you to ask the right questions to the supplier even before the goods are shipped.
What should be on the invoice when importing from China?
The invoice is one of the most important documents when importing from China. If the invoice is unclear, customs processing may take longer and you may need to provide more information before the goods are released.
A good invoice should contain:
Seller's company name and address
Buyer's company name and address
Clear product description
Number of products
Price per product
Total price
Currency
Delivery terms
Shipping cost if included
Country of origin
Invoice number and date
Tullify can help you check the invoice before import. This reduces the risk of errors in the import declaration and makes it easier to handle customs, VAT and documents correctly.
Import from Alibaba, factory or agent
Many companies import from China through Alibaba, directly from the factory, or through a purchasing agent. All options can work, but they involve different levels of control, responsibility, and risk. That’s why it’s important to understand who you’re actually buying from.
If you buy through Alibaba, it can be easy to find products and compare prices, but you still need to check documents, product requirements, and shipping terms. If you buy directly from the factory, you can sometimes get better prices, but you often have to handle more yourself.
Tullify can help you with the import part itself, regardless of how you purchase the goods. We help you check the supporting documents, product code, customs value and documents so that the import to Sweden is correct.
Delivery terms when importing from China
The terms of delivery affect who is responsible for costs, risk, transportation and customs clearance. Therefore, it is important to understand the terms before ordering from China. Otherwise, the import may be more expensive than you expected.
Common things to check are:
Who pays the shipping?
Who is responsible for insurance?
When does the risk pass to the buyer?
Is export handling in China included?
Is import handling in Sweden included?
Are customs duties and VAT included?
Who pays terminal fees?
Who books the transport?
If the terms of delivery are unclear, it can be difficult to know what you are actually paying for. Tullify helps you understand what information is needed for the import and how the terms can affect customs value, VAT and liability.
Should I import by air freight or sea freight?
When importing from China, you often need to choose between air freight and sea freight. Air freight is faster, but usually costs more. Sea freight takes longer, but can be more cost-effective for larger volumes or heavier goods.
The choice depends on what you are importing, how urgent it is and how much the goods are worth. Small and expensive products may sometimes be better suited to air freight, while large consignments are often better suited to sea freight. You also need to factor in terminal fees, handling and transport within Sweden.
Tullify does not help you book the actual shipping, but we can help you with the import documentation. Regardless of the mode of transport, the documents need to be correct when the goods arrive in Sweden.
Common mistakes that make imports from China more expensive
Many companies only calculate the product price when importing from China. This can be misleading, as the actual cost is often influenced by several factors. In addition, errors in documentation can lead to delays and additional fees.
Common errors are:
Incorrect or unclear product description
Wrong product code
Missing shipping cost
Incorrect customs value
Unclear delivery terms
Missing packing list
Lack of CE documentation
No control of import restrictions
Too low margin in the calculation
Late contact with customs agent
Tullify helps you check the documentation before the import is carried out. This gives you better control over costs, documents and risks before the goods arrive.
Customs value when importing from China
The customs value is an important concept when importing from China. It is used to calculate customs duties and is also the basis for import VAT. Therefore, it is important that the customs value is correct from the start.
The customs value is normally based on the price of the goods and certain costs associated with the transport to the EU border. If freight, insurance or other costs are missing from the documentation, the import declaration may need to be supplemented.
Tullify helps you to obtain the correct information for customs value. We check invoices, transport documents and other information so that the import declaration can be made correctly and clearly.
Product safety and responsibility when importing from China
When you import products from China, you as an importer can have a great deal of responsibility. This is especially true if the products are to be resold in Sweden or within the EU. In that case, you need to ensure that the products meet the relevant requirements.
This may include CE marking, safety requirements, labeling, instructions for use, technical documentation and any test certificates. If the product does not meet the requirements, it may be difficult to sell, stopped during inspection or create problems later.
Tullify will help you with the import part and can guide you on which documents should be checked. It is always better to clarify the requirements before the goods are shipped than to discover the problems once they have already arrived in Sweden.
Import samples from China
Many companies start by importing samples from China before placing a larger order. This is often wise, as you can check the quality, materials, function and documentation before purchasing a larger batch.
Samples may also need to be declared correctly. It is therefore important that the invoice shows what the product is, what its value is and that it is a sample if relevant. A very low or unclear value can create questions during import.
Tullify helps you understand how even smaller shipments should be handled. This allows you to test suppliers and products in a more controlled manner before scaling up your imports.
Get help before ordering from China
The best time to get help with importing from China is before you place an order. This is when you can still check documents, delivery terms, product requirements, product code and costs before the goods are shipped.
Tullify can help you control:
What documents are needed?
If the invoice is clear enough
What information is missing?
How the import declaration can be prepared
What affects customs and VAT
If the item may require extra inspection
What you should ask the supplier about
By getting help early, you reduce the risk of delays, incorrect fees, and documentation issues. Tullify helps you make importing from China easier, safer, and more predictable.