Australia Shipping - Import Regulations

Import Regulations - Sweden

In 2008 Australia's two way merchandise trade with Sweden totalled A$ 3,2 billion. Australian merchandise exports to Sweden totalled A$ 629 million and included coal (A$395 million) and alcoholic beverages (A$39 million).

Special certificates, labeling and packaging
A range of foods, prescribed by the Swedish National Food Administration and specified in the Import Ordinance (1992) of the Swedish Food Regulations, must be accompanied by a certificate issued by the public food authority in Australia. This document (in Swedish or in English with an authorized Swedish translation) must show:
• if the original of the certificate is not provided, a copy certified by an authorised authority is acceptable;
• at the time of exportation, the food was fit for human consumption and from a food hygiene point of view it was satisfactorily packaged and loaded;
• where relevant, the food meets the requirements specified in the ordinance.

Foodstuffs must be properly labeled in Swedish (English is acceptable in some cases).

No special packing requirements but, if possible, goods should be packed to facilitate classification and determination of weight.

Documentary requirements
There is no prescribed form. The commercial invoice must indicate:
• the name and address of seller (supplier);
• the name and address of consignee;
• the kind of goods;
• the quality of the goods;
• an invoice price for each item (showing freight and insurance separately);
• the number, type and gross weight of packages;
• discounts;
• the date of purchase;
• conditions of payment;
• the date of the invoice;
• terms of sale;
• rebates;
• the date the contract was signed;
• delivery;
• the date that the invoice was prepared.

1Details of bill of lading must agree with those on the invoice and should contain the name of the importer.

Packing list is required for. It facilitates customs clearance.

When certificate of origin is requested, 2 copies are required with details conforming with those on other shipping documents.

Public health requirements
Medicines, pharmaceutical and bacteriological preparations, syringes, cannula, narcotics and contraceptives require import permits issued by the National Board of Health and Welfare. Pharmaceuticals, poisons, arms and explosives may be imported only by authorized persons and institutions.

Stringent regulations govern the distribution of drugs, pesticides, poisons, narcotics and other materials dangerous to health.

Meat, fats, dairy products, eggs, margarine, flour, bread, sugar, honey, juices and jams, marzipan, nuts and nut pastes must satisfy prescribed standards of quality.

Vitamin-enriched food requires prior approval from the Swedish Board of Trade.