General information for new importers of foodstuff
Registration
All companies trading in foodstuff have to be registered at or approved by the municipality where the company is situated.
Labeling
All foods sold in Sweden must be labeled in Swedish.
Additives
Imported foods must not contain unapproved additives.
Novel foods
For so-called "novel foods" not currently consumed in the EU, authorization is required in compliance with the EU regulation on Novel Foods and Novel Food Ingredients.
Alcoholic beverages
Importers of alcoholic beverages must contact The National Tax Board of Sweden. Other authorities that should also be contacted include the Swedish Customs and the Swedish National Institute for Public Health.
Health foods and dietary supplements
Importers of health food products should contact the Medical Products Agency to find out whether the product is classified as food or as a pharmaceutical product. Special regulations also apply for dietary supplements.
Prepackaged foodstuffs
A brochure on what to think about when starting to import prepackaged foodstuffs is available in the column to the right.
Handling permit
Application for a permit to handle ready-to-drink beverages in plastic bottles (PET bottles, e.g. soft drinks) should be addressed to the Swedish Board of Agriculture, Vallgatan 8, SE-551 82 Jönköping.
Import fees
The National Food Agency charges a fee for import controls on certain foods from non-EU countries.
For information concerning customs fees, please contact the Swedish Customs.
Licensing regulations
Licensing regulations may exist for agricultural products from third countries. The Swedish Board of Agriculture requires import licences for importers of e.g.:
- fruits and vegetables
- dairy products
- meats
- sugar
- rice and cereals
A guide to regulations concerning import licensing can be found on the website of the Swedish Board of Agriculture's web site. If you have any questions, please contact the Swedish Board of Agriculture.
