How do I import a larger machine to Sweden?
Importing a large machine to Sweden requires more planning than a regular goods delivery. It is not only about getting the machine transported from the seller to Sweden, but also about ensuring that the correct documents, commodity code, customs value and import declaration are in place.
For companies, it is important to start by checking where the machine comes from. Imports from a country outside the EU normally require an import declaration, while purchases from another EU country are usually handled as intra-EU trade. When importing from countries outside the EU, customs duties, import VAT and other fees may apply.
Tullify helps companies make the process safer from the start. We can help you check what information is needed, produce the right customs documentation, and ensure that imports are not held up due to incorrect or missing information.
What documents do I need for such an import?
When you imports machines, you will normally need a clear commercial invoice, transport documents, information about the origin of the goods, the correct product code and information about the value of the machine. For larger machines, technical documentation may also be required, CE documentation and product information are important.
The commercial invoice is one of the most important documents. It should show who is selling, who is buying, what the machine is, the price, delivery terms and the currency of the transaction. The transport document shows how the machine is being shipped and may be needed to prove costs that affect the customs value.
If the machine comes from a country outside the EU, the documentation needs to be used for the import declaration. Tullify helps you collect the right documents before the goods arrive, so that the declaration can be made correctly and the risk of delays is reduced.
How much does it cost to import machinery from an EU country?
When you buy a machine from another EU country, you normally don't pay any customs duties, as goods move freely within the EU's internal market. However, this doesn't mean that the import is completely free. You still need to factor in transport, insurance, loading, unloading and possible installation.
Important costs to control are:
- Transport from the seller to Sweden
- Insurance during transport
- Cost of crane, special transport or unloading
- Possible Swedish VAT statement
- Documentation and control of CE marking
- Any costs for inspection, service or adaptation
The most important thing is not to just look at the purchase price. A larger machine can be significantly more expensive if it requires special transport, handling or technical checks before it can be used in Sweden. Tullify can help you understand which parts affect the total cost before you make the purchase.
How much does it cost to import machinery from a non-EU country?
When you import a machine from a country outside the EU, you need to factor in additional costs. In addition to the price of the machine itself, there may be additional duties, import VAT, transport, insurance, terminal fees, customs agents and possible document handling.
The customs duty depends on the machine's commodity code, origin and customs value. The customs value is normally based on the price of the goods and certain costs up to the EU border, such as transport and insurance. Therefore, it is important that the documentation is correct from the start.
Import VAT is normally handled via the Swedish Tax Agency if the company is VAT registered. If the company is not VAT registered, the VAT may need to be paid to the Swedish Customs instead. Tullify helps you calculate the import and prepare the correct declaration documents.
How big can the machines be?
There is no simple standard limit that says how large a machine can be to be imported into Sweden. However, size can affect transport, price, logistics and what practical permits are needed. A small industrial machine can be sent as regular cargo, while a larger machine may require special transport.
What you need to check is the weight, height, width, length of the machine and how it will be loaded or unloaded. If the machine is very heavy or wide, the carrier may need to plan the route, book special vehicles or arrange special handling at the terminal and unloading point.
From a customs perspective, it is not primarily the size that determines the import, but what the machine is, what it will be used for, what its origin is and what commodity code it is assigned. Tullify can help you check the import details and ensure that the documentation is correct before the machine arrives.
Who pays duty on the machines?
Who pays the duty depends on the agreement between buyer and seller. In practice, this is often governed by the terms of delivery. If you, as a Swedish company, are the importer, you are normally responsible for ensuring that the import declaration is correct and that duty, VAT and other charges are handled correctly.
It is important to check:
- Who is the importer?
- What delivery terms apply?
- Whether the seller or buyer is responsible for shipping
- If customs and import fees are included in the price
- If a customs agent is to handle the declaration
- If the company is VAT registered in Sweden
Even if a transport company or customs agent makes the declaration itself, the information needs to be correct. The wrong commodity code, wrong value or wrong origin can lead to delays or extra costs. Tullify can help you sort out the responsibility and create a correct import process.
I want to import specifically from China
Import of machinery from China is common, but it requires careful control. Since China is outside the EU, the machine normally needs to be declared for import when it is brought into Sweden. This may involve customs duties, import VAT and requirements for correct documentation.
The most important thing is to check the machine before it is shipped. You need to know exactly what the machine is, what function it has, what materials it is made of, how much it costs and whether it meets EU requirements. For machines, CE marking and technical documentation are often an important issue.
Tullify can help you manage imports from China by checking supporting documents, commodity code, customs value and necessary documents. We also help you understand what costs may arise before the machine reaches Sweden, so you avoid unpleasant surprises.
How does VAT work when importing machinery?
When a company imports machinery from a country outside the EU, import VAT must normally be reported. If the company is VAT registered in Sweden, the import VAT is usually reported to the Swedish Tax Agency. If the company is not VAT registered, the import VAT may instead have to be paid to the Swedish Customs Agency.
Import VAT is not only calculated on the purchase price of the machine. The basis can also be affected by the customs value, transport costs, insurance and other costs associated with the import. Therefore, it is important that the documents show the correct values and that the invoice is clear.
For VAT registered companies, import VAT often becomes an accounting issue rather than a final cost, depending on the right to deduct and the VAT status of the business. Tullify helps you prepare the right documentation for the import declaration, so that VAT can be handled correctly in the next step.
Do the machines have to have the CE marking?
Machinery sold or put into service within the EU normally needs to comply with EU health and safety requirements. The CE marking shows that the machinery meets the relevant requirements and can be sold in the internal market.
Check in particular:
- That the machine has the correct CE marking
- That there is a declaration of conformity
- That the operating instructions and technical documentation are available
- That the machine is safe to use in Sweden
- That the importer knows what responsibilities apply
- That the documentation is saved and can be shown when necessary
This is especially important when importing from China or other countries outside the EU. If the machine does not meet the requirements, it can be expensive to adapt, difficult to resell or unsuitable for use. Tullify can help with the import part and guide you on which documents should be checked.
We help you with the entire import and all documents
Importing machinery can be complicated, especially when it comes to larger machines, high values and deliveries from countries outside the EU. There are many parts that need to be correct: invoice, commodity code, customs value, origin, transport documents, import declaration and VAT handling.
Tullify helps companies make importing easier. We can help you understand what is required before shipping the machine, what documents are needed and how to handle the import declaration. The goal is to reduce the risk of delays, error fees and unnecessary administration.
With fast handling, personal service and experience in import matters, Tullify can be a reliable support throughout the entire process. You submit the documentation, we help you check what is needed and ensure that the import is handled correctly from start to finish.
