Sweden customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Sweden's biggest customs risk is its strict alcohol allowance from non-EU countries: only 1L of spirits (or 2L of wine/beer) duty-free, with high excise taxes on any excess. For EU arrivals, there is no fixed limit but personal-use guidelines apply.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
From non-EU: 1L spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2L wine/beer (under 22% ABV). Must be 18+ for wine/beer, 20+ for spirits. Duty-free value threshold: SEK 4,700 (~USD 450) for goods including alcohol.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$9,600
Declare SEK 100,000 (~USD 9,600) or more in cash or equivalent monetary instruments. Use the Swedish Customs (Tullverket) cash declaration form at the border.
Goods duty-free
$450
From non-EU: duty-free goods up to SEK 4,700 (~USD 450) per person. Above that, pay 25% VAT plus any excise duty. For EU arrivals, no duty-free limit but goods must be for personal use.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychoactive substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without a permit)
  • Unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and weapons (including pepper spray, stun guns, and knives over 22 cm blade)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Endangered species products (CITES items without permit)
  • Certain animal products from outside the EU (e.g., raw meat, milk, eggs)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require permit from Swedish Medical Products Agency)
  • Live animals (need EU pet passport and rabies vaccination)
  • Plants and seeds (require phytosanitary certificate from non-EU countries)
  • Drones over 250g (must be registered with Swedish Transport Agency and follow EU drone rules)
  • Satellite phones (require a license from the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare (goods within allowance, no restricted items). Use the red channel if you exceed limits or have prohibited/restricted items. There is no arrival card; customs officers may conduct random checks. If unsure, always use the red channel.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Tourist VAT refund available for non-EU residents. Minimum purchase: SEK 200 per store. Scheme: Global Blue or Planet Tax Free. Claim at the airport before check-in (show goods, receipts, passport). Refund is 19-20% of VAT (25% standard rate).

Bringing medication

Personal medications allowed for up to 3 months' supply. Bring a prescription or doctor's note (in English or Swedish). Controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD meds) require a special permit from the Swedish Medical Products Agency. Some common Western drugs like codeine are strictly regulated.

Food, plants & animal products

From non-EU: no meat, dairy, or animal products except baby food or special medical food. Plants, seeds, and fruits must be declared and may require a phytosanitary certificate. EU arrivals: no restrictions on personal quantities of food.

Rules worth knowing

Alcohol from EU countries

If arriving from an EU country, there is no fixed duty-free limit for alcohol, but it must be for personal use. Swedish Customs uses guidelines: e.g., 10L spirits, 90L wine, 110L beer. Exceeding these may be considered commercial and require duty.

Tobacco from EU countries

From EU: no fixed limit, but personal use only. Guidelines: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 1kg smoking tobacco. Larger quantities may be taxed as commercial imports.

Cash declaration for EU arrivals

Even though Sweden is in the EU, you must still declare SEK 100,000 (~USD 9,600) or more in cash when entering from any country, including other EU states. Use the same Tullverket form.

Snus and chewing tobacco

Snus (Swedish moist snuff) is legal in Sweden but banned for sale in the EU. You may bring snus for personal use from Sweden to other EU countries only in limited quantities (typically 1-2 kg). From non-EU, snus is prohibited.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but there is no fixed limit — it must be for personal use. Swedish Customs uses indicative limits: 10L spirits, 90L wine, 110L beer. If you exceed these, they may assume commercial intent and charge duty.
Yes, if you are entering Sweden (even in transit) and carrying SEK 100,000 (~USD 9,600) or more in cash or equivalent instruments, you must declare it to Swedish Customs at the border.
You must pay 25% VAT plus excise duty on the excess. For example, 1 extra litre of spirits could cost about SEK 500 (~USD 48) in duty. Use the red channel to declare.
Codeine is a controlled substance in Sweden. You need a special permit from the Swedish Medical Products Agency if the quantity exceeds a 3-month supply or if the medication is classified as a narcotic. Always carry a prescription.
Yes, from non-EU countries you cannot bring any meat, dairy, or animal products (including cheese) unless they are baby food or special medical food. Chocolate is allowed if it contains no dairy, but check ingredients.
If you are a non-EU resident, you can claim a VAT refund on goods purchased in Sweden (minimum SEK 200 per store). Show the goods, receipts, and passport at the airport tax-free desk before check-in.
Yes, but if your drone weighs over 250g, you must register it with the Swedish Transport Agency and follow EU drone regulations (e.g., no flying near airports, people, or protected areas). You may need a permit for commercial use.

Official source

Swedish Customs (Tullverket)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Swedish Customs (Tullverket) before travelling.