Internet purchase, from a country outside the EU

This information is aimed at private individuals ordering goods over the internet.There are many factors to consider when you buy goods from a country outside the EU. You will often need to pay more than the price of the item.

Buying an item from a country outside the EU is considered private import, and the buyer must pay customs duties and other charges. This applies to both new and used items bought from private individuals or companies, including Internet auctions, mail order or any prizes you have won on the Internet.

The customs duty rate ranges from 0 to 20 per cent, calculated from the price of the item, including shipping and transport insurance where applicable. VAT on most items is 25 per cent. The exceptions are foodstuffs (12 %) and books, newspapers and magazines (6 %). Shipments not exceeding SEK 1.300 in value that do not contain alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, perfume or scented water are exempt from customs duties. You must, however, always pay VAT and forwarding costs.

When your package arrives in Sweden, you will be contacted by the company (e.g. the Swedish postal service, Posten) shipping the item to Sweden. Then the company will complete a customs declaration for you. When you retrieve the package, you will pay customs duty and VAT to the company who have completed your declaration. You may also have to pay other charges such as administrative fees and service charges. It is best to determine what these charges will be before ordering, as the final price of the item may be much higher than what you initially expected.

Counterfeiting and piracy are common throughout the world, and anything may be counterfeited, such as clothing, shoes, sunglasses, and handbags, but also batteries, medicines, and parts for cars and aircraft. Please note that many counterfeit goods are sold on the Internet.

Please note that certain goods such as medicines are subject to special regulations.