Import from the USA
Importing from the US to Sweden can be a good deal, but it requires you to have customs, VAT, documents and transport in order from the start. Since the US is outside the EU, the goods normally need to be declared for import when they arrive in Sweden.
This means that as a company you need to be able to show what the product is, what it costs, where it comes from and how it should be classified. The information is used to calculate customs duties, import VAT and any other fees.
Tullify helps companies import from the US safely and efficiently. We can help you with import declarations, document control, customs documentation and guidance throughout the process, so you reduce the risk of delays and unnecessary costs.
How does importing from the USA work?
When you import from the US, the process often starts before the product is shipped. You need to know what product you are buying, who the seller is, what the value of the product is, and what the delivery terms are. This affects both cost and liability.
When the goods arrive in Sweden, they need to be cleared through customs. This means that an import declaration is submitted with information about the goods code, value, weight, origin, sender and recipient. Only when the import is approved can the goods normally be released.
Tullify can help you get your import structure right before your goods arrive. We make sure the right information is in place and help you understand what documents are needed to ensure your import runs smoothly.
What documents do I need when importing from the USA?
When importing from the US, you will typically need a commercial invoice, transport documents and information about the contents, value and origin of the goods. The invoice is particularly important as it is used as a basis for customs valuation, VAT and import declaration.
It is also important that the invoice is clear. It should show the seller, buyer, product description, quantity, price, currency, delivery terms and any shipping costs. If the information is unclear, the import may take longer or may need to be supplemented.
In some cases, product sheets, certificates, certificates of origin, licenses or technical documentation may also be required. This is especially true for regulated goods such as food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics or machinery. Tullify helps you check which documents are needed in your particular case.
What happens if I don't have the correct documents when importing from the USA?
Not having the correct documents when importing from the US can lead to various consequences and issues, including delays, rejection of your goods, fines, or even legal action depending on the severity of the violation and the assessment of customs authorities. Here are some potential consequences:
- Customs processing delays: If you do not have the necessary documents, your goods may be delayed during customs processing. Customs authorities may require you to complete your documentation before your goods are released for free circulation.
- Rejection of goods: If your documentation does not meet customs requirements, your goods may be rejected and returned to the country of origin. This can cause losses in shipping costs and potentially damaged business relationships with suppliers or customers.
- Customs fees and fines: Not having the correct documentation can result in you misclassifying your goods or undervaluing their value, which could lead to you paying incorrect customs duties or fines for not complying with customs regulations.
- Legal consequences: In serious cases of incorrect documentation or violations of customs regulations, customs authorities may take legal action against you or your company. This may include fines, confiscation of goods, or even criminal prosecution, depending on the severity of the violation.
To avoid such problems, it is crucial to ensure that you have the correct documentation and that it is correctly completed and complete before sending your goods for import. Working with experienced customs agents or customs representatives can also help reduce the risk of documentation errors and ensure proper compliance with customs rules and regulations.
How much does it cost to import from the USA to Sweden?
- Shipping costs: Shipping costs depend on the method of transport (air, sea or land), the size of the shipment, the distance and any additional services such as insurance and tracking. In general, sea freight tends to be cheaper than air freight, but it takes longer.
- Customs fees: Customs duties depend on the Harmonized System (HS) classification of the goods and their value. Customs duties may vary depending on the type of goods and whether there are any special trade agreements between the countries that may affect customs duties.
- VAT (value added tax): When your goods arrive in Sweden, you must pay VAT based on the value of the goods, including any customs duties and shipping costs. In Sweden, the VAT rate is normally 25% for most goods and services.
- Customs brokerage fees: If you use a customs broker or freight forwarder to handle customs formalities, there may be additional brokerage fees for their services. These fees may vary depending on the level of service and complexity of the import.
- Insurance costs: Insuring your goods during transport can be a wise idea to protect them against damage, loss or theft. The cost of insurance usually depends on the value of the goods and the risk of damage in transit.
It is important to note that these costs may vary depending on several factors, including the nature of the goods, the method of transportation, the supplier, and current rules and regulations. To get a more accurate estimate of import costs, it is recommended that you contact shipping providers, customs agents, or freight forwarders to request quotes based on your specific import needs and requirements.
Read more about import regulations
What is a product code and why is it important?
All imported goods need to be classified with a commodity code. The commodity code describes what the goods are and is used to determine the customs duty rate, rules and any permits that apply to the import.
The wrong commodity code can result in you paying too much or too little in customs duties. It can also create problems if the goods are subject to special regulations that are not discovered in time. Therefore, classification is important for both cost, regulatory compliance and speedy customs processing.
Tullify helps you develop the right basis for classification. We look at product description, material, function and area of use to ensure that the import is as correct as possible from the start.
How does import VAT from the USA work?
When you import goods from the USA, import VAT must normally be reported in Sweden. If your company is VAT registered, the import VAT is usually reported to the Swedish Tax Agency. If the company is not VAT registered, the VAT may need to be paid to the Swedish Customs.
Import VAT is not only based on the purchase price of the goods. Freight, insurance, customs and certain other costs can also affect the basis. Therefore, it is important that the import declaration and invoice contain the correct information.
For many companies, import VAT does not become a final cost in the same way as customs duties, but it still needs to be reported correctly. Tullify helps you with the documentation so that import VAT can be handled correctly in accounting and VAT reporting.
Which goods from the USA require extra control?
Most goods can be imported from the United States, but some products require extra control before they can be brought into, sold or used in Sweden. This applies in particular to goods that may affect health, safety, the environment or consumer protection.
Examples of goods that often need extra checks:
- Food and beverages
- Dietary supplements
- Chemicals
- Drug
- Medical devices
- Electronics
- Vehicles and vehicle parts
- Machinery
- Products with batteries
- Products with special safety requirements
These goods may require special documents, markings, certificates or permits. Tullify helps you check what applies before the goods are shipped from the US, so that the import is not stopped or delayed when it arrives in Sweden.
Can I use a customs agent when importing from the USA?
Yes, many companies use a customs agent when importing from the US. A customs agent can help with the import declaration and ensure that the correct information is submitted to Customs. This makes the process easier, especially if you do not import regularly.
You still need to have the right documents and information. A customs agent cannot guess what the goods are, what they are worth or what the conditions are. The better documentation you provide, the faster and more accurately the import can be processed.
Tullify acts as a support throughout the import process. We help you understand what is needed, review the documentation and handle customs-related parts so you can focus on the business instead of the administration.
We help you with imports from the USA
Importing from the US can be a hassle, especially if you don't do it regularly. The most important thing is to have the right documents, the right commodity code, and the right information in place before the goods are declared.
Tullify can help you with:
- Import declaration
- Document control
- Product code
- Customs value
- Import VAT
- Invoice check
- Documents for transporter or freight forwarder
- Advice before import
- Help with additions
- Smoother customs processing
You send us your documentation, and we will help you check what is needed and how the import should be handled. The goal is to make importing from the USA faster, clearer and safer for your company.
What delivery terms apply when importing from the USA?
When importing from the USA, it is important to check the delivery terms before you order. The delivery terms govern who is responsible for transportation, insurance, customs handling, risk and costs during different parts of the delivery.
If the terms are unclear, it can be difficult to know who will pay for shipping, export handling in the US, import declaration in Sweden, terminal fees or other costs. This can make the import more expensive than planned and create problems when the goods arrive.
Tullify helps you understand what the delivery terms mean in practice. We can review invoices, shipping documents and contract terms to see what is included and what you need to handle yourself. This gives you better control over both liability and total cost.
Common mistakes when importing from the USA
A common mistake when importing from the US is to only look at the purchase price. Many companies forget to factor in customs duties, import VAT, freight, insurance, terminal fees and document handling costs. This can make the actual cost higher than expected.
Other common mistakes include using the wrong product code, having an unclear invoice, missing transport documents or not checking whether the product requires special permits. This can lead to delays, additions or the product not being released immediately.
Tullify helps you avoid these problems by checking the documentation before the import is carried out. We ensure that the correct information is in place, that the documents are clear and that the import is handled as correctly and smoothly as possible.