Sweden Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Sweden customs guide provides rules for individuals and families planning international moving or overseas relocation to the Kingdom of Sweden. Sweden follows European Union import regulations with specific rules for returning residents, personal effects, pets and vehicles.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Sweden, including export packing, shipping, customs documentation and final delivery to Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala and other cities.

1. Moving to Sweden – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Personal Effects

Sweden allows the duty-free import of used household goods if:

You are taking up residence in Sweden
Your shipment consists of used personal belongings
The goods have been owned and used abroad for at least 6 months
Goods are not intended for resale

Important: New or recently purchased goods may attract VAT and import duty.

1.2 EU vs Non-EU Entry

From EU: No customs clearance for used goods
From non-EU (e.g., Canada): Full declaration and supporting documents required

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Copy of passport
Bill of lading / airway bill
Detailed inventory of possessions
Proof of residence in Sweden (employment contract, lease)
Declaration form confirming goods are for personal use

2.2 Inventory Rules

Provide detailed descriptions and quantities
Avoid terms like “miscellaneous”
Separate high-value or new items for declaration
Ensure carton numbers match the inventory

H-H Relocations Tip: Sweden evaluates shipments based on clarity of records. An itemized list speeds customs inspection.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Sweden

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Vehicles imported into Sweden must pass Swedish Transport Agency inspections and comply with EU safety and emissions standards.

Vehicle must be owned and used abroad for at least 6 months
Vehicle must meet EU technical requirements
Duty and VAT exemptions may apply under household goods provisions

3.2 Required Vehicle Documents

Original registration
Bill of lading / airway bill
Insurance documents
Proof of residence in Sweden

Important: Non-EU vehicles may require modifications before registration.

4. Bringing Pets to Sweden

Sweden enforces EU pet import rules under strict veterinary and biosecurity regulations.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

ISO-compliant microchip
Rabies vaccination following EU timelines
EU pet passport or veterinary health certificate
Tapeworm treatment for certain species

Pet Travel Tip: Pets arriving without complete paperwork may be denied entry or quarantined.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol may be imported for personal use, but amounts exceeding EU allowances are subject to tax. Commercial quantities are prohibited without permits.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco imports may attract duty and taxes depending on quantity and origin. Restrictions apply for goods from outside the EU.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

Sweden follows strict EU biosecurity regulations for food and agricultural products:

Meat, dairy and animal-based foods from non-EU countries are regulated
Plant products may require phytosanitary certificates
Items without certificates may be destroyed at entry

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Certain goods require permits or documentation, including:

Prescription medicines
Chemical substances and hazardous products
Weapons or munitions

Important: Undeclared restricted goods may be seized or returned at the owner’s expense.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Sweden

Sweden prohibits the import of the following items:

Illegal narcotics
Weapons, explosives and ammunition without authorization
Counterfeit products and pirated media
Hazardous chemicals restricted under EU law
Endangered species and wildlife products without CITES permits
Obscene or banned materials

Violations may result in penalties, confiscation or criminal prosecution.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Sweden

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

To ensure a smooth international move from Toronto to Sweden, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Prepare documents early, especially proof of residence
Ensure electronics and high-value items are listed separately
Avoid shipping new or unused goods unless declared
Keep original documents with you—not inside the shipment

7.2 Why choose a Sweden relocation expert

Although Sweden follows EU rules, customs officials value accurate declarations and clear documentation. Working with a professional international moving company provides:

Destination guidance for customs procedures
Accurate packing and inventory preparation
Reduced risk of delays or inspections
Door-to-door solutions including customs clearance

Relocation Tip: Shipments with vague inventory descriptions are the most likely to be held for inspection.

8. Useful Official Links – Sweden

Swedish authorities provide detailed import guidance:

This guide is provided to support your relocation to Sweden. Final import decisions rest with the Swedish Customs Authority and other competent agencies.