Export of goods to non-EU countries

The page was last modified: 2020-01-24

When you sell goods to a country outside the EU, this means that you are exporting. When exporting, you do not report or add any Swedish VAT. On the other hand, you will need to submit an export declaration to Swedish Customs.

VAT and customs duties on exports of goods to non-EU countries

Would you like to know more about what applies when you need to declare your goods for export?

Guides and services for export to non-EU/EEA countries

Guides and services that can assist you when exporting goods to non-EU/EEA countries are available here.

The Export Guide

For information and guidance in your export preparation, Business Sweden has developed the Export Guide.

The Norway-Sweden Border Service

The country outside the EU we have the most trading with is our neighbour, Norway. The Norwegian-Sweden border service has coordinated information from public authorities in both Sweden and Norway. The information is intended for companies that want to undertake assignments, trade with customers, or establish a company in Norway.

Watch the video where the Border Service talks about trade with Norway (You van choose English subtitle)

Øresund Direct Business

Øresund Direct Business is a guide for companies that are conducting or planning to start-up business operations in the Oresund region. You will find information here about the recruitment of employees, forming companies, plus the market and trade between Denmark and Sweden.

Nordkalotten’s Border Service

Nordkalotten’s Border Service has customers in Finland, Norway and Sweden. The service provides relevant and up-to-date information that assists companies that operate on both sides of the border. In addition, the Border Service works to remove barriers to border trade.

Export Restrictions

For certain goods, special rules and regulations apply; rules and regulations that you must keep in mind when exporting goods. If your product is subject to restrictions, as a general rule you must have an export license or some form of authorisation. Contact the responsible authority. Examples of such goods are:

Products intended for civilian use but which can also be used for military purposes; this may include various chemicals, machine tools, heat exchangers, valves and pumps.

Sanctions

Certain countries are subject to sanctions in the form of trade restrictions on specific goods. In some cases, you may nevertheless be allowed to export such goods to these countries. This requires an export license. In Sweden, it is the National Board of Trade and the Swedish Inspectorate of Strategic Products that are the public authorities responsible for this area.

Import requirements in exporting countries

The country to which you are exporting may offer tariff benefits in accordance with a Free Trade Agreement. On the other hand, it may have import restrictions that may negatively impact your possibility to do business in that country.

You should carefully investigate the terms and conditions to have access to the market concerned.

If you encounter obstacles

Exports to non-EU countries can sometimes be impeded or made more difficult by i.a. licensing requirements, unfair product regulations, taxes and surcharges, or various types of approval procedures.

The National Board of Trade assists companies that encounter trade barriers with inside or outside the EU. You can report trade barriers to the National Board of Trade, which assesses the possibilities that exist for resolving the problem.

Report trade barriers outside the EU, on the National Board of Trade’s website (in Swedish)

Read about registered trade barriers outside the EU, in the Market Access Database

Responsible: Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth