Import and export

1. I want to export goods. Where do I get information about this?

The Swedish Trade Council can help you with export matters and give you information about the country in which you are interested. They can help with contacts and they will also have broad knowledge about the country in question. You can also obtain help from the Swedish National Board of Trade and the Swedish Chambers of Commerce.

2. I will be trading with other EU countries. What should I bear in mind?

Customs declarations and payment of import duties are not required when trading with one of the 27 EU member states. However, you do need an international VAT number. When you trade with an EU country, the Swedish VAT number is prefixed by "SE" and "01" is placed after the number. In the EU, VAT is paid in the country of consumption, namely the country in which the product or service will ultimately be consumed. It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the VAT rules before you start trading in the EU. Contact the Swedish Tax Agency for more information.

3. I need help finding a supplier. Who do I approach?

The Swedish Chambers of Commerce in the import country can help you find suppliers and cooperation partners. They act as an intermediary body providing business contacts between companies in different countries. They can also give you advice or undertake assignments connected with import and export.

4. What customs duties apply?

If you are importing goods from a non-EU country, contact Swedish Customs to find out what customs duty applies from the country in question.

There is free movement of goods and services in the EU.

5. Are there any special loans for foreign trade?

There are many organisations that can offer financial help. One such organisation is the Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board (EKN) which can help with all kinds of guarantees. The Nordic Project Fund (NOPEF) offers help in the form of different loans. The Swedish Trade Council's website provides information on financing in a financing guide for export transactions.

If you want to establish or expand your business in emerging countries, Swedfund can help with investments and skills.

6. How do I pay for imports?

• The most common methods of payment are as follows: Bank transfer or a commercial cheque which you purchase at the bank and send by post to the vendor who then cashes it at his bank.
• Documentary collection: Documents such as shipping documents, invoices and delivery notes are sent by the vendor via the bank. The bank does not send these to the purchaser until the goods have been paid for.
• Letter of credit: The purchaser instructs his bank to make a payment. The bank guarantees payment to the vendor when the document is presented to the bank.

7. How does the cooperation between purchaser and vendor work in import transactions?

• Agent: An agent represents a company and acts as intermediary in a transaction. The agent often receives commission on the sale.
• Dealer: You purchase the products yourself and then re-sell them under your own name. Dealers normally maintain stock and are subject to a different kind of financial risk than the agent.
• Commission: You sell goods on behalf of another party but under your own name. One such example is the sale of second-hand clothing. The owner of the clothing pays the commission agent and is then paid for the clothing when it is sold.

8. Do I need an import or export licence?

There are import restrictions for certain goods. The restrictions are regulated by quotas, and as an entrepreneur you are required to apply for an import licence from the Swedish National Board of Trade and the Swedish Board of Agriculture.

If you are exporting goods, you need to know what documents are required by Swedish Customs. You also need to be aware of any special requirements in the recipient country.

Exports of agricultural products require an export licence from the Swedish Board of Agriculture. Swedish Customs can provide you with further information on export licences.

9. What am I liable for, and what is CE marking?

Anyone importing goods for subsequent sale in the EU is subject to product liability. This liability always applies when the manufacturer is located in a non-EU or non-EEA country. If you are importing goods into the EU/EEA, you must be able to show that they conform with the CE Marking Directive's health, safety and environment requirements. Certain high-risk products must also meet specific safety requirements. When these requirements have been confirmed, the manufacturer/importer is entitled to affix CE marking to the product. The CE mark is evidence that the product meets EU safety requirements.