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.

Rules of 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.

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...

Business negotiations

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

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.

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!

Private standards

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.

Mapping out the target market

Gather relevant information about the Swedish market. Look up trends and identify the segment that could be suitable for your product. This is important when you set out to export.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Getting ready to do business

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

EU–South Korea free trade agreement: Lack of awareness

The EU–South Korea free trade agreement has been in use for ten years. But how has it been used? The Swedish government agency National Board of Trade has asked Swedish companies that trade with South Korea about their experiences.

How Companies Use Free Trade Agreements

The EU's free trade agreement with South Korea, one of the most economically important free trade agreements, has now been in force for ten years. The National Board of Trade Sweden has asked companies how they use this free trade agreement. Senior Adviser Jonas Kasteng, one of the authors of the report, tells more.

Constanza Mac-Donald

Johanna Weibull

Linking policies

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down the efforts towards a global sustainable development. It has also highlighted weaknesses in international trade through global value chains. Closer cooperation between trade policy and the policy for responsible business conduct can, however, contribute to a more positive turn.

Trade policy and policy for responsible business conduct

This report provides an overview of reasons why increased coherence between trade policy and policies to promote responsible business conduct creates synergies leading to more responsible, transparent, and resilient global value chains and in turn a more sustainable economic recovery.