Personal Effects Customs Clearance Sweden
Important Information
- Duty Free Clearance not applicable to all shipments
Duty relief may only be granted to shipments considered as permanent imports for one year or more such as for relocation or study, where the relevant evidence is also provided. The consignee must also have already arrived in Sweden to be considered for duty relief, storage charges may apply if a shipment needs to be held until the consignee's arrival.
Unlike most other countries, Swedish customs do not always consider temporary imports such as those for a holiday or business trip, or the import of goods by returning residents who have been outside of Sweden for less than one year, as tax exempt, customs will assess shipments on a case by case basis.
Returning residents may receive duty relief if they provide proof of their original outbound travel from Sweden and their goods are of EU origin.
If Swedish customs assesses that duty and taxes are due, these will need to be paid by the receiver directly to the customs authority in Sweden.
Documents Required (All customers)
All customers will be required to provide the documents below. If the consignee is moving / relocating to Sweden, or going there to study, they will also need to provide the relevant documents in those sections.
- Flight Ticket
A copy of the consignee’s flight ticket dated within 12 months of the shipment's arrival in Sweden is required. This must show travel from the same country that the shipment is being sent from. If the consignee has travelled in multiple journeys between the origin and Sweden this is acceptable, and multiple flight tickets can be provided.
Returning residents who were abroad for less than one year will also be asked provide proof of their original outbound travel from Sweden to the country they are shipping from.
and if applicable
Studying, relocating or moving to Sweden to live (one year or more)
- Proof of studying or working in Sweden
Customs will require evidence that the consignee will be living or studying in Sweden for 12 months or more such as an enrolment letter, job contract, or similar. Utility bills and bank statement cannot be accepted.
- Moving Goods Form
Swedish customs may request a Moving Goods form for relocations. Should this be required our courier partner in Sweden will contact the consignee directly to request this. If they are unable to reach the consignee or do not receive the additional information required immediately, shipments may be cleared with duty and taxes applied, and/or incur storage charges. The consignee should ensure they provide a local Swedish contact number they can be reached on.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 4 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Personal Effects Customs Clearance Sweden
Important Information
- Duty Free Clearance not applicable to all shipments
Duty relief may only be granted to shipments considered as permanent imports for one year or more such as for relocation or study, where the relevant evidence is also provided. The consignee must also have already arrived in Sweden to be considered for duty relief, storage charges may apply if a shipment needs to be held until the consignee's arrival.
Unlike most other countries, Swedish customs do not always consider temporary imports such as those for a holiday or business trip, or the import of goods by returning residents who have been outside of Sweden for less than one year, as tax exempt, customs will assess shipments on a case by case basis.
Returning residents may receive duty relief if they provide proof of their original outbound travel from Sweden and their goods are of EU origin.
If Swedish customs assesses that duty and taxes are due, these will need to be paid by the receiver directly to the customs authority in Sweden.
Documents Required (All customers)
All customers will be required to provide the documents below. If the consignee is moving / relocating to Sweden, or going there to study, they will also need to provide the relevant documents in those sections.
- Flight Ticket
A copy of the consignee’s flight ticket dated within 12 months of the shipment's arrival in Sweden is required. This must show travel from the same country that the shipment is being sent from. If the consignee has travelled in multiple journeys between the origin and Sweden this is acceptable, and multiple flight tickets can be provided.
Returning residents who were abroad for less than one year will also be asked provide proof of their original outbound travel from Sweden to the country they are shipping from.
and if applicable
Studying, relocating or moving to Sweden to live (one year or more)
- Proof of studying or working in Sweden
Customs will require evidence that the consignee will be living or studying in Sweden for 12 months or more such as an enrolment letter, job contract, or similar. Utility bills and bank statement cannot be accepted.
- Moving Goods Form
Swedish customs may request a Moving Goods form for relocations. Should this be required our courier partner in Sweden will contact the consignee directly to request this. If they are unable to reach the consignee or do not receive the additional information required immediately, shipments may be cleared with duty and taxes applied, and/or incur storage charges. The consignee should ensure they provide a local Swedish contact number they can be reached on.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 4 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Sweden
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Sweden
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Sweden
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Sweden
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
Why Ship to Sweden?
If you are planning to partake in some of the more energetic activities available in Sweden, such as skiing or kayaking, you may want to take your own equipment with you, instead of hiring it out when you get to your destination. This may mean that you need to take heavy or large items with you that exceed the limitations of an airline's baggage allowance, or you may have luggage that you don’t want to carry around with you, especially if you have multiple transfers before you reach your final destination.
Send My Bag can help you with your heavy luggage and equipment by picking it up from your door and delivering it to your destination quickly and efficiently at a great price. Our hassle-free carrier service ensures that your items are ready for you when you reach your destination, so you can enjoy your trip straight away without the worry of excess baggage fees.
Our service is also great for those who are taking longer trips because of work, for students relocating for study and for backpackers looking to transport their bulky items safely and securely.
Send Luggage to Sweden
If you are enjoying a city break in Sweden, or if you are moving there permanently, you can save yourself a lot of stress by sending your possessions with Send My Bag. This will allow you to bring with you lots of your favourite things to help you settle into Swedish life. Your possessions will be looked after for you, allowing you to get on with exploring your new environment. Send My Bag has many international routes, with affordable rates for each route up to a massive 30 kg. This means that you can bring all your home comforts with you to help you set up home abroad. To find out more about sending luggage to Sweden, visit our ‘How it works’ page, or our ‘FAQs’.
Removals to Sweden
If you are attracted by Sweden’s excellent quality of life and are moving there for good, you will have to do some research into international removals to Sweden in order to move all of your possessions. Before you hand over anything to the movers, however, ensure that all your items are carefully packaged so that they won’t get damaged in transit. Use appropriate packaging for your items and seal everything up well.
Student Shipping to Sweden
If moving to Sweden to study, you will need to bring lots of your possessions with you to help set up home in your student accommodation. Apart from everyday essentials, you will also need to bring textbooks and other reading material for your course, plus items like DVDs to help you pass your free time. Top-rated Swedish universities include Lund University, Uppsala University and KTH, Royal Institute of Technology. To find out more about student shipping to Sweden visit our student shipping page and get your student discount.
Sending a Parcel to Sweden
You could send a parcel to Sweden with Send My Bag. This is a good option if you have left something back at home and you need a family member to send it on to you. Or, friends and family could send you a nice care package. Make sure you choose a good solid box when sending a parcel to Sweden and tape it up well so nothing gets damaged in transit. Also, make sure you know about rules regarding personal effects and brand new items. Take a look at our information page on how to send a parcel to find out what you can send with Send My Bag and how to package your items.
Ways of Shipping to Sweden
If you are travelling or relocating to Sweden and need to transport items, you should make yourself aware of the various options available for shipping to Sweden. Some options will be more suitable for you than others. You can choose between several different options for international shipping to Sweden.
Send Golf Clubs to Sweden
Sweden, home to one of the greatest female golfers of all time, has many excellent golf courses, such as Bro Hof Slott, Falsterbo and Halmstad. You can make your journey to Sweden for your golf holiday a whole lot easier if you send your golf clubs with Send My Bag. You won’t have to drag your clubs behind you and you will also avoid any oversized baggage fees from your airline. It is so much better to be able to play golf using your own golf clubs, rather than renting some, so consider sending your golf clubs with Send My Bag. Make sure you find out how best to prepare your golf clubs for transit by visiting Send My Bag's information page on sending golf clubs.
Send your Skis to Sweden
Although it may not be the first destination you think of for skiing, Sweden has a wealth of ski resorts to choose from. One of the biggest is Åre, and others include Storlien and Vemdalen. You won’t need to hire skis when you are there, instead you can bring your own by sending them with Send My Bag. If you send your skis, you won’t have to carry them with you to and from the airport and you can avoid your airline’s oversized baggage fees. To find out how to send skis to Sweden, including how to package them correctly, read our information page on ski shipping.
About Sweden
Sweden is the third largest country in the European Union and has a population of approximately 9.6 million, with the majority of inhabitants concentrated in the southern half of the country. This is not to say that Northern Sweden has nothing to offer the intrepid adventurer; quite the contrary - some of the best destinations are in the North, including the impressive Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Swedish Lapland and the fantastic Northern Lights.
Sweden’s major cities, such as Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, are steeped in history and culture. Sweden is a great place to visit for a weekend or even longer. In the Southern and central parts of the country, temperatures average between 20 and 25°C (68-77°F) in the summer and −4 to 2°C (24-36°F) in the winter, whereas the North can experience colder weather due to its shorter summers and longer winters.
The official language of Sweden is Swedish, although a large majority of Swedes also understand and speak English as a second language due to close ties with Britain. Swedish cuisine, much like the rest of Scandinavia, is relatively simple, but delicious. Dishes usually consist of meat, potatoes and various dairy products. Possibly the most famous dish is Swedish meatballs, which are traditionally served with gravy, boiled potatoes and Lingonberry jam.
Sweden is great for those who like the great outdoors. There are a range of activities to experience throughout the country including skiing, hiking, sailing and wildlife tours, depending on the season. For those who prefer a more laid back experience, Sweden’s cities offer some of the best nightlife and shopping opportunities in Europe.
Please explore this page further to find out about Send My Bag’s shipping service to Sweden.
Air Freight to Sweden
Air freight is one option for sending big bulky items, such as a dining table or a chest of drawers, to Sweden. Sending items by air freight usually takes one to two days, which is normally faster than sea freight shipping, but generally more expensive. What you have to pay will depend on the weight and size of your shipment. You will probably also have to use the services of a customs agent to handle customs clearance. And, you need to work out how to get your items to and from the airport, which means that costs could quickly mount up. If you send internationally by air freight to Sweden your items will likely arrive at one of the major airports, such as Stockholm Arlanda or Kristianstad.
Sea Freight and Container Shipping to Sweden
Instead of air freight, you could try sea freight or container shipping to move your possessions to Sweden. Again, this option is usually used when shipping large bulky items, like a console table or a wardrobe. Sea freight usually means shipping items in large containers loaded onto cargo ships. It can be less expensive than air freight, but you will still need to use the services of a customs agent and will need to sort out how to get your items to and from the ports, which means it could cost more than expected. When using container shipping to Sweden your items will most likely arrive by ship at one of the major sea ports, such as Stockholm, Gotthenburg or Halmstad.
Shipping Goods to Sweden
You need to know about the current customs rules when shipping goods to Sweden. You should be fully aware of any duty that you need to pay and what items are allowed to be shipped to Sweden, which items are restricted, and which are entirely prohibited. Take a look at the prohibited items and customs sections on this page for more information.