Importing food into Sweden from countries outside the EU involves several challenges and regulations that must be followed. This includes customs handling, food inspections and specific requirements from the Swedish Food Agency. In order for the process to be smooth and correct, it is important to have a good understanding of the rules and guidelines that apply.
Important rules and requirements for food imports
Approved foods
All food imported into Sweden must meet EU safety and quality requirements. This means that the products must be free from contaminants and harmful substances and correctly labelled according to the regulations.
Hygiene requirements and inspections
Imported food must meet high hygiene standards. Upon arrival in Sweden, the goods may be inspected by border control stations that carry out physical checks, document checks and identity checks.
Registration of business
Companies that import food must be registered with the Swedish National Food Administration and have a corporate registration number.
Customs handling
When importing from countries outside the EU, customs clearance This means that you must declare the products correctly and pay any customs duties, VAT and fees.
Certificates and documentation
Depending on the food, different certificates may be required, such as a health certificate or certificate of origin. Documentation must be complete and accurate to avoid delays at customs.
CHEDD and TRACES
Some products require a Common Health Entry Document for Products (CHEDD) to be registered in TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System). This is an EU system to manage documentation for border controls and ensure that products comply with requirements.
Common challenges when importing food
Lack of documentation:
Incorrect or incomplete documents may lead to delays or rejection.
Customs tariffs and fees:
Identifying the correct commodity code for food is crucial to paying the correct customs duties.
Foods that do not meet EU standards:
Products that do not comply with the rules may be stopped or destroyed.
Temperature control:
For refrigerated and frozen goods, correct handling during transport is crucial.
How Tullify AB can help you with food imports
At Tullify AB we are experts in import and export. We offer help with:
- Customs handling and declaration.
- Advice on documentation and certificates.
- Management of commodity codes and customs rates.
- Advice on the Swedish National Food Administration's rules.
- Assistance with CHEDD and TRACES registration.
With our help, you can save time and money, while ensuring a smooth process.
Frequently asked questions and answers about importing food
What types of food can I import to Sweden?
You can import most types of food, but there are restrictions for certain goods, such as animal products and certain plant products that require additional certificates.
What documentation do I need?
You usually need:
- Invoice and packing list.
- Certificate of origin.
- Any health certificates.
- CHEDD if applicable, registered in TRACES.
How do border controls for food work?
Border control stations inspect the goods upon arrival. They check documents, identity and the condition of the products. If everything is in order, the goods are released.
How much does it cost to import food?
The cost depends on customs duties, VAT and any border control fees. Each product has a specific customs duty based on its commodity code.
What happens if my goods do not meet EU requirements?
If the goods do not meet the requirements, they may be refused entry, destroyed or sent back to the country of origin, so it is important to have everything properly prepared.
How can I ensure that my products comply with the regulations?
By hiring a partner like Tullify AB, you get help reviewing documents and ensuring that all requirements are met.
Importing food from countries outside the EU can be complex, but with the right knowledge and support, the process becomes easier. Contact Tullify AB today for help with your import!
