Customs duties

Importing products to the EU from a country outside the EU may be subject to customs duties. The duties differ depending on the type of product and where the product comes from.

Fulfilling and proving origin

Rules of origin are the criteria needed to determine the nationality of a product. It is important because your product may have a reduced or no tariff, depending on the trade agreement your country has with the EU.

Logistics and documents

To be prepared for export, you need an overview of transportation that is associated with the export. This includes modes and duration of transport, as well as cost and insurance. This gives you an advantage in negotiations. Below, you will find information regarding logistics and documents to prepare.

Preparing for business negotiations and setting up a contract

First impressions count so make sure you get it right when you meet your potential business partner.

The EU’s trade agreements

The European Union (EU) has trade agreements in place with a large number of countries and regions around the world. They aim to make it easier to trade by, for example, lowering or eliminating customs duties. Certain kinds of agreements apply only to developing countries and have a strong focus on supporting the...

Finding a business partner

Once you have identified through which distribution channels you can reach your market segment, the next step is to find potential business partners – or to make sure they can find you!

The Swedish business culture

In order to build a successful business relationship with a Swedish trading partner you should raise your business cultural awareness. By understanding the Swedish culture, you can communicate more effectively and hopefully build meaningful relationships. 

Classify your product

When thinking of exporting you need to classify your product. This means you have to define what the product actually is. This is in many ways the starting point if you want to find information about your product.

Sweden, part of the EU market

Sweden is a member of the European Union, an economic and political union. The European Union has 27 member states and 446 million inhabitants. 19 of the 27 member states have the euro as currency. In Sweden, the currency is Swedish krona (SEK).

Legal requirements

The EU member states apply the same product specific regulation. Products need to live up to these rules, whether the product is produced in the EU or imported into the EU. Please note that there are some areas where additional national legal requirements may exist.

Private standards and certificates

In order to be sold on the European market, products often need to fulfil not only the legal requirements but also requirements as defined in private standards. Having your product certified according to such a standard could give export opportunities but can also involve a high cost.

Organic products

Many European consumers are interested in organic products. Products can be sold as organic only after they have been certified by a certification body. Below we outline some market information regarding organic products in the food and textile sectors.

Living up to requirements

When exporting to the Swedish market, you must check what requirements your product needs to live up to. Some are mandatory, others optional, but could in reality be a requirement from consumers.

Preparing for market entry

You know that your product meets legal and consumer requirements in your target market. Now, prepare for market entry by choosing a distribution channel and finding a business partner. Here are some tips.

Requirements for textiles

Meeting requirements is an essential part of a producer’s export preparations. Importers must be sure the products entering the European market meet all legislative requirements, and therefore requires this from their suppliers. In addition, importers sometimes have additional requirements.

Getting started

Do you have a product that you wish to export, but no idea how and where to start? One way is to identify potentially interesting markets by using trade statistics already available. First, identify the classification code of your product. Then research potential markets with the help of trade statistics.

Getting ready to do business

Get ready to do business. In this section, learn more about:

Overview: Are you ready for export?

Check to see if you have looked into all necessary steps to be prepared for export to Sweden and the EU.

Export guide for firms in developing countries

Keeping up with trends

When building up a business relationship, showing you understand the field you are in and knowing which trends are important for your product and also in the Swedish market.