Sweden customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Sweden's customs is part of the EU, so if you're flying into Stockholm from outside Europe, the green channel is only for goods that are both within the EU duty-free limits and not subject to any special restrictions. The biggest trap is that Sweden enforces cash controls strictly: anything at or over 10,000 euros (or foreign equivalent) must be declared to Tullverket on entry, and there is no legal way around it. In 2026, travellers from non-EU countries also face a hard ban on personal meat and dairy products, even sealed snacks, and snus is treated as a tobacco product with its own weight limit.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine/beer/other alcohol up to 22% ABV. You must be 18 or older. If you exceed the duty-free limit, you pay Swedish alcohol tax plus 25% VAT on the excess.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / — g
Cash to declare
$10,000
10,000 euros (about 10,800 USD) or the equivalent in any currency. Declare to Tullverket at the red channel or via the 'Declaration of cash' form on arrival. This applies to cash, cheques, and bearer-negotiable instruments.
Goods duty-free
$800
Goods up to 4,300 SEK (about 400 USD) are duty-free for personal use or gifts. Above that, you pay Swedish VAT (usually 25%) and any applicable duty. The 4,300 SEK limit is per person, not per family.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and drugs (including cannabis, even for medical use)
  • Meat, milk, and dairy products from non-EU countries (personal imports)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated media
  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives without a permit
  • Endangered species and products (CITES), e.g., ivory, coral, some leathers

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Firearms and ammunition (requires a Swedish police permit)
  • Drones (must comply with EU drone regulations and may need registration)
  • Satellite phones and encrypted communication devices (may require a license)
  • Plants and seeds (phytosanitary certificate needed)
  • Medicines containing narcotics or psychotropics (permit from Läkemedelsverket)

Arriving: red vs green channel

At Stockholm Arlanda and other international airports, you walk through either the green channel (nothing to declare) or the red channel (goods to declare, cash over 10,000 euros, or restricted items). There is no general customs declaration card for EU arrivals, but you must use the red channel if you exceed any allowance. If you are unsure, always take the red channel — the penalty for a wrong green-channel walk is steep.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Sweden offers tax-free shopping for non-EU residents. Minimum purchase is 200 SEK at a single retailer. Look for the 'Tax Free' or 'Global Blue' sign, get the refund form at the shop, and claim at the airport before check-in — the refund desk is after security at Arlanda. You must show the goods, receipt, and passport. Refund is usually 10–19% of the purchase price, minus a handling fee.

Bringing medication

Bring personal medication in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's letter. For narcotic or psychotropic drugs, you need a certificate from the Swedish Medical Products Agency (Läkemedelsverket) if the amount exceeds a 30-day supply. Some common drugs (e.g., certain strong painkillers, ADHD stimulants) are controlled and require a permit. Never carry medication for someone else.

Food, plants & animal products

Personal imports of meat, milk, and dairy products from non-EU countries are banned, even in sealed packages. Plants, seeds, and soil require a phytosanitary certificate. Fresh fruit and vegetables from non-EU countries are generally prohibited unless you have a permit. Declare all food and plant items at the red channel.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration is mandatory

If you carry 10,000 euros or more (or foreign equivalent) in cash, you must declare it to Tullverket on arrival. This includes cheques and bearer bonds. Failure to declare can lead to a fine of up to 20% of the undeclared amount, or even confiscation.

Snus counts as tobacco

Sweden has a special relationship with snus, but for customs it is treated as tobacco. Your 250g tobacco allowance includes snus. Bringing in more than that means paying Swedish tobacco tax, which is high.

EU duty-free limits are per person

The alcohol and tobacco allowances are per adult traveller, not per family. If you are travelling with children, they do not get an allowance. You cannot pool allowances with other travellers to cover excess goods.

Strict penalties for smuggling

Sweden imposes heavy fines and possible imprisonment for smuggling. Even small amounts over the limit can result in a fine of 20% of the value plus back taxes. If you are caught with drugs, you face arrest and prosecution.

Frequently asked questions

You clear Swedish customs in Sweden, not in the UK, because the UK is not in the EU customs union. Your bags will be checked through to Stockholm, and you claim them and go through customs there. If you bought anything in the UK, it counts toward your Swedish allowance.
Adderall is not approved in Sweden and is classified as a narcotic. You cannot bring it even with a US prescription. Other ADHD meds like Ritalin or Elvanse may be allowed if you have a certificate from Läkemedelsverket and a doctor's letter. Check with the Swedish Medical Products Agency before you travel.
Up to 10,000 euros (about 10,800 USD) or the equivalent in any currency. If you have more, you must declare it at the red channel. This applies to all travellers, including EU citizens.
No, because the total value of your goods (including gifts) must exceed 4,300 SEK before you pay duty. But if you have other items that push you over that limit, the gift counts toward it.
Yes, but pets from non-EU countries need an EU pet passport, a microchip, a rabies vaccination, and sometimes a titer test. You must declare the animal at customs. Check Jordbruksverket (Swedish Board of Agriculture) for current rules.
You will be stopped, and Tullverket will calculate the duty and VAT on the excess. You also face a fine of 20% of the undeclared value. For large amounts, they can seize the goods and prosecute. It's always cheaper to declare.
Yes, snus counts as tobacco. Your total tobacco allowance is 250g. If you bring more, you pay Swedish tobacco tax, which is about 200 SEK per 100g plus VAT. Declare it at the red channel.

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.