Trade Agreement:CETA (Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement)
Guide to Sending Parcels to Sweden
Sweden is northern Europe's largest country and can also boast being the 16th richest nation in the world. That is thanks largely to having founded many influential international companies - IKEA, Electrolux, Volvo, Saab, Ericsson, to name a few.
And while Sweden has only 10 million inhabitants, more than 80% of them use the internet to shop. E-commerce spending has grown steadily to exceed $15 billion USD, with the number of users and dollars continuing to increase.
Anyone for more smorgasbord?
Shipping Rates
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Sweden
through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Sweden. in case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking
information to Sweden
Disclaimer
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this
page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Sweden before shipping any
goods.
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Feb 21, 2026
8:49 am
Orebro, OR, SE
Delivered
Feb 20, 2026
7:18 am
Sundsvall, SU, SE
In transit
Feb 19, 2026
9:03 pm
Halmstad, HA, SE
International Clearance
Feb 19, 2026
8:14 am
Karlstad, KA, SE
In transit
Feb 19, 2026
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Feb 18, 2026
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
A gift parcel shipped to Sweden from Canada will be exempt from duty
and tax if its value is 1,700 SEK or less (about $245 CAD).
The conditions of the shipment are:
It comprises one parcel
It is sent by an individual in Canada
The contents are for the personal use of the recipient and his or
her family
It does not contain perfumes, toilet waters, tobacco
products, or alcoholic beverages
See below for situations in which the limit is 500 SEK (about $70
CAD).
1. If a shipment has a value greater than 1,700 SEK (about $245
CAD) and contains several gifts, then the duty and tax exemption
is 500 SEK or less (about $70 CAD)
2. If a shipment contains any of the following: alcoholic
beverages, tobacco products, perfumes, or toilet waters*
*Duty-free limits to these gifts are as follows:
1 L liquor, or 1 L fortified or sparkling wine, or 2 L wine
(VAT will apply)
50 cigarettes, or 25 cigarillos, or 10 cigars, or 50 g
tobacco (VAT will apply)
50 g perfume
250 mL toilet waters
Shipments Valued 1,700 SEK to 7,000 SEK
A shipment with a value greater than 1,700 SEK (about $245 CAD)
but less than 7,000 SEK (about $1,000 CAD) will incur a duty
of 2.5% and VAT.
Shipments Valued 7,000 SEK or More
A shipment of more than 7,000 SEK (about $1,000 CAD) will
incur duty at the customs tariff rate plus VAT.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Generally, a gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an
individual in Sweden will be exempt of duty and tax if its value is
1,700 SEK or less (about $245 CAD).
See above for limits to quantities of these substances in a parcel.
NOTE:If the shipment contains any
quantity of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products,
perfumes, or toilet waters, the exemption is 500 SEK or less
(about $70 CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Business
There is no information available regarding shipping a gift from a
Canadian business to a Swedish business.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
There is no information available regarding a Canadian business
shipping a gift to an individual in Sweden.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Anders Celsius Akademigaton 3 753 10 Uppsala Sweden
Phone: +46 18 471 75 71
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If a shipment contains multiple gifts, the duty and tax exemption
value is 500 SEK or less (about $70 CAD).
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Anders Celsius Akademigaton 3 753 10 Uppsala Sweden
Phone: +46 18 471 75 71
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Personal effects shipped from Canada to Sweden will be exempt of duty
and taxes providing:
You have owned the goods for at least 6 months
The goods have been used by you or your family while living in
Canada
You have lived in Canada continuously for at least 1 year
The quantity of goods is reasonable for your household, i.e.
they cannot be mistaken for a commercial shipment
Personal effects include items such as:
Bedding, towels, and toiletries
Furniture
Clothing and footwea
Bicycles
Kitchen utensils
Moving Temporarily
Students
If you are moving to Sweden to study, you may ship your personal
effects from Canada exempt of duty and taxes.
To qualify for this exemption:
You must be enrolled in full-time studies at school or university
The goods belong to you
The items are for use during your studies
Goods that qualify as student personal effects include:
Clothing and footwear
Bedding and towels
Used furniture in a quantity needed to outfit a student's room
School supplies such as books, paper, computer
Non-Students
If you are moving temporarily to Sweden, you may ship your
personal effects from Canada exempt from duty and taxes.
You must ensure that:
Your goods are used as they were intended
Your personal effects are not sold, rented out, or lent to
anyone for a period of a year from your arrival
Moving Permanently
If you are moving permanently to Sweden from Canada, either as an
immigrant or a returning national, your personal effects may enter
duty and tax free providing:
Your intention is to stay in Sweden for a minimum of 1 year
You have lived continuously in Canada for 1 year*
The goods being shipped are used (unused goods will incur duty and
taxes)
They have been in your possession for at least 6 months
The amount of goods is appropriate for the size of your household
*As a returning Swedish national, you cannot have visited Sweden
or the EU for more than a total of 72 days in the year before
moving, otherwise duty and taxes will be incurred
Personal effects are items from your home and include:
Furniture
Kitchen utensils and crockery
Linen and towels
Personal equipment, such as a bicycle
NOTE: Duty and taxes will be
charged on the following items in your shipment:
Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco products
Tools and equipment used in the practice of a trade or profession
If an Item Is Valued at Greater than 100,000 SEK
If any one item in the shipment is valued at more than 100,000 SEK
(about $14,300 CAD), documentation must be presented that
shows:
Your intention to stay in Sweden permanently
You have lived in Canada for at least a year
The good belongs to you and has been used for its intended purpose
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly state 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
For students, write out your school details and a list of your
belongings on a separate piece of paper
For people moving permanently to Sweden, complete the form
Declaration for obtaining relief from customs duty and tax on
personal belongings when migrating to Sweden. (Form 740.45)
If shipping an item valued at greater than 100,000 SEK (about
$14,300 CAD), provide documentation as listed above
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Anders Celsius Akademigaton 3 753 10 Uppsala Sweden
Phone: +46 18 471 75 71
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2027 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Samples are shipped to demonstrate products and solicit orders.
Samples may be shipped to Sweden from Canada exempt from duty and
taxes, providing the goods are returned unchanged.
Samples are considered temporary imports and you must apply for a
temporary import permit. Click herefor a copy.
NOTE:A refundable guarantee must be
provided for the duty and taxes.
Commercial Sample Checklist
A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Anders Celsius Akademigaton 3 753 10 Uppsala Sweden
Phone: +46 18 471 75 71
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Under the inward processing rules of the EU, equipment and
machinery for repair may be shipped to Sweden from Canada exempt from
duty and taxes.
The conditions of the import are:
A refundable guarantee is provided for the duty and taxes
The repaired machinery or equipment is returned to Canada
Items Under Warranty
As Sweden and Canada are participants in a free-trade agreement
(CETA), repairs under warranty returning to Canada from Sweden are
duty-free and will not be charged GST.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
If a piece of equipment no longer under warranty was sent to Sweden
for repair and is returning to Canada, GST will be charged on the
value of the repair and any new parts needed to do the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Sweden
Machinery and equipment can be shipped to Sweden from Canada exempt
from duty and taxes.
A refundable guarantee will have to be provided to cover the duty and
taxes.
Returning Repaired Product to Sweden
Equipment and machinery that has been repaired in Canada and is
returned to Sweden will either incur reduced duty and VAT charges or
no charges
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Sweden or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Anders Celsius Akademigaton 3 753 10 Uppsala Sweden
Phone: +46 18 471 75 71
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Temporary imports may be shipped to Sweden from Canada exempt from
payment of duty and taxes, providing you apply for a permit*.
But, a refundable guarantee will be required to cover duty and tax
fees.
*To apply for a permit for temporary admission click here.
Goods often sent as temporary imports include:
Those intended for exhibitions and trade fairs
Professional equipment
Commercial samples
Sports and competitive gear and equipment
Temporary imports are to follow the rules below:
They are to be returned to Canada within 24 months
They do not undergo any repairs or changes (see the Repairs section
for equipment and machinery requiring repair)
They can be identified using a serial number or other markings
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Sweden, you
can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the
following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More
details are shown in the table
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE:You should be aware that shipping using this
method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax
free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e.
UPS, Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any
duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel
in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA
Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application
process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary
import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of
temporary nature.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can
find more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
NOTE:It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet
for items that frequently travel in and out of the country and
especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they
undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 24 months in Sweden
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Anders Celsius Akademigaton 3 753 10 Uppsala Sweden
Phone: +46 18 471 75 71
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2027
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
Goods sold to a private individual in Sweden may incur duty, and
almost certainly VAT, whether the item is used or new. This
includes items bought from a firm or individual, or purchased
on-line
Occasional Shipper
A shipment with a value of 1,700 SEK or less (about $245 CAD) will
incur VAT of 25%, but will be duty-free.
However, shipments containing the following will incur duties and
potentially excise taxes:
Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco products
Toilet waters
Perfume
Regular Shipper
If you regularly sell and ship goods to Sweden, we recommend you
consult a Swedish licensed customs broker.
You may need to comply with certain requirements, such as
obtaining an EORI number. To learn more about EORI numbers, click Obtaining an EORI number.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Anders Celsius Akademigaton 3 753 10 Uppsala Sweden
Phone: +46 18 471 75 71
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This
process alone can be confusing and time-consuming. So we’ve narrowed
down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of
being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.).
Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's
destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the
commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels). These
are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document
pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the
system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled
good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a
controlled good and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US
Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Sweden. A COO
proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in
Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Sweden, it will
incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters
of credit for the goods. Otherwise, it is generally your choice
whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you
can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process
and ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties
and taxes.
Swedish Customs calculates import duties and taxes using the CIF
method, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus insurance plus
freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
Knowing the CIF value of a shipment will allow you to calculate the duty
and tax owing by the recipient.
Thresholds
The threshold for duty on a shipment is 1,700 SEK (about $245
CAD). This is known as the de minimis value, and a shipment value
at 1,7000 SEK or below, will not incur duty. The exceptions
are for shipments containing alcoholic beverages, tobacco
products, perfume, and toilet waters.
The de minimis value for VAT is 300 SEK (about $45 CAD). Mail orders
are excluded from this, except for foreign periodicals.
Currency
Swedish Krona - SEK
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
1700 SEK (about $245 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)*
25% (Standard)
Tax Exemption (De minimis Value)
300 SEK (about $45 CAD)
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Canada has a free trade agreement with Sweden via the EU (CETA). As a
result, 98% of all trade goods and services between the 2
countries incur no duties.
In order to take full advantage of the preferential tariff rates
between Canada and Sweden, refer to the Guide to the CETA Rules of Origin.
Excise Taxes
Excise duties must be paid on shipments of alcoholic beverages and
tobacco products. Details regarding alcohol can be found here and for cigarettes, cigars, and loose tobacco here and for other tobacco products here.
Chemical Tax on Electronics
Electronic goods such as home appliances, computers, game
consoles, tablets, and mobiles will incur a special tax. It is
calculated as a rate per kilogram. Some examples include:
Appliances and computers: 11 SEK/kg (about $1.60 CAD)
You can purchase insurance
through Secureship, and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting
your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared
insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment, our
system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or
damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is
insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable,
if it doesn't meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased
through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Sweden from Canada can take between 3-5 business days
through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2
months to complete the delivery.
