Sweden customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Sweden's duty-free allowance for non-residents arriving from outside the EU is 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 litres of wine/beer (under 22% ABV) plus 2 litres of other fermented beverages, 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco products, and goods up to 4,300 SEK (approx. 400 USD). Cash of 100,000 SEK or more (approx. 9,500 USD) must be declared. These rules apply in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine/beer (under 22% ABV) and 2 litres of other fermented beverages. Traveller must be 20+ for spirits, 18+ for wine/beer.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
Per adult traveller
Cash to declare
$9,500
Cash or equivalent monetary instruments of 100,000 SEK or more (approx. 9,500 USD) must be declared to Swedish Customs (Tullverket) on arrival. This includes banknotes, coins, cheques, and money orders.
Goods duty-free
$400
Personal goods and gifts up to a value of 4,300 SEK (approx. 400 USD) are duty-free. Above this threshold, duty and VAT apply. This limit applies to non-residents arriving from outside the EU.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy) – no exceptions for personal use.
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a Swedish police permit.
  • Counterfeit goods, including fake designer clothing, watches, and electronics.
  • Endangered species and products made from them (e.g., ivory, rhino horn, tiger parts) under CITES.
  • Unlicensed prescription drugs, especially those classified as narcotics (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD medications).
  • Meat and dairy products from outside the EU, except for small quantities of infant formula or special medical foods.

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Prescription medicines – must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription or medical certificate; only a 3-month supply allowed.
  • Plants, seeds, and soil – require a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin.
  • Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) – must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, and EU pet passport (or equivalent).
  • Drones (UAVs) – must comply with Swedish Transport Agency rules; registration and insurance may be required.
  • Alcohol and tobacco for personal use – quantities above duty-free limits must be declared and may require payment of duty.

Rules worth knowing

EU vs. Non-EU Arrivals

If you arrive from another EU country, duty-free allowances do not apply – you can bring unlimited personal-use goods as long as they are for your own use and not for resale. The rules above are for arrivals from outside the EU.

Tobacco and Alcohol Age Limits

You must be 20 years old to bring spirits into Sweden, and 18 years old for wine, beer, and tobacco. Proof of age may be requested by customs.

Cash Declaration Threshold

Any traveller carrying 100,000 SEK or more in cash or equivalent monetary instruments must complete a cash declaration form (Tullverket's 'Kontantdeklaration'). Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.

Snus and Chewing Tobacco

Snus (Swedish moist snuff) is legal for personal use but is restricted in many other EU countries. Non-residents may bring up to 250g of snus duty-free from outside the EU, but it cannot be sold in Sweden without a license.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if you are arriving from outside the EU, you can bring up to 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 litres of wine/beer (under 22% ABV) plus 2 litres of other fermented beverages duty-free. If you are arriving from another EU country, there is no limit for personal use, but you must be 18+ (20+ for spirits).
No, personal electronics for your own use (laptop, camera, phone) are generally not subject to duty if they are clearly for personal use and not for resale. However, if the total value of all goods exceeds 4,300 SEK (approx. 400 USD), you must declare them and may pay duty.
If you exceed the duty-free allowance (200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco), you must declare the excess and pay customs duty and VAT. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.
Yes, but only for personal use. You must carry a doctor's prescription or a medical certificate. For narcotic medications (e.g., strong painkillers), you may need a special permit from the Swedish Medical Products Agency. Limit: up to a 3-month supply.
There is no limit on the amount of cash you can bring, but you must declare any amount of 100,000 SEK or more (approx. 9,500 USD) to Swedish Customs. This includes banknotes, coins, cheques, and money orders.
Yes, from within the EU, there are no restrictions. From outside the EU, you can bring up to 2 kg of certain food items (e.g., chocolate, cheese, bread) as long as they are for personal use. Meat and dairy products from outside the EU are generally prohibited.

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.