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 77% of them use the internet to shop. It is expected they will spend $11 billion USD in 2020, with the number of users and dollars forecast to increase steadily through to 2024.
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
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
May 13, 2021
8:49 am
Orebro, OR, SE
Delivered
May 12, 2021
7:18 am
Sundsvall, SU, SE
In transit
May 11, 2021
9:03 pm
Halmstad, HA, SE
International Clearance
May 11, 2021
8:14 am
Karlstad, KA, SE
In transit
May 11, 2021
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 10, 2021
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
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.
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).
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)
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: 10 May 2021
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: 10 May 2021
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: 10 May 2021
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (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 here
for 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: 10 May 2021
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: 10 May 2021
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 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 10 May 2021
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: 10 May 2021
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
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)
Television
Jewelry 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.
