Required Report - Public distribution

**Date:** 8/19/2008

**GAIN Report Number:** SW8007

SW8008

**Sweden**

**FAIRS Country Report**

**Annual**

**2008**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Stephen Huete, Agricultural Counselor

U.S. Embassy

**Prepared by:**

Asa Lexmon, Agricultural Specialist

**Report Highlights:**

This report gives an overview of food laws currently in force in Sweden.
For information on the general EU level, please refer to the USEU Food
and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Report, E48078. No
sections are updated.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Stockholm \[SW1\]

\[SW\]

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

[SECTION I. FOOD LAWS 3](#section-i.-food-laws)

[SECTION II. LABELING REQUIREMENTS
3](#section-ii.-labeling-requirements)

[Small Packages 3](#small-packages)

[The Swedish "Keyhole" Logo 4](#the-swedish-keyhole-logo)

[SECTION III. PACKAGING AND CONTAINER REGULATIONS
4](#section-iii.-packaging-and-container-regulations)

[Recycling of Packaging Materials in Packaging Waste
4](#recycling-of-packaging-materials-in-packaging-waste)

[SECTION IV. FOOD ADDITIVE REGULATIONS
4](#section-iv.-food-additive-regulations)

[SECTION V. PESTICIDE AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS
4](#section-v.-pesticide-and-other-contaminants)

[Swedish Maximum Residue Levels for Pesticides
4](#swedish-maximum-residue-levels-for-pesticides)

[Swedish Maximum Residue Levels for Dioxins in Fish
5](#swedish-maximum-residue-levels-for-dioxins-in-fish)

[Atomic Radiation 5](#atomic-radiation)

[SECTION VI. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
5](#section-vi.-other-regulations-and-requirements)

[A. Product Inspection and Registration Requirement
5](#a.-product-inspection-and-registration-requirement)

[B. Certification and Documentation Requirements
5](#b.-certification-and-documentation-requirements)

[Swedish Salmonella Control Program
5](#swedish-salmonella-control-program)

[SECTION VII. OTHER SPECIFIC STANDARDS
5](#section-vii.-other-specific-standards)

[A. Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs)
5](#a.-genetically-modified-foods-gmos)

[B. Novel Foods 5](#b.-novel-foods)

[C. Dietetic or Special Use Food 6](#c.-dietetic-or-special-use-food)

[D. Wine, Beer and Other Alcoholic Beverages
6](#d.-wine-beer-and-other-alcoholic-beverages)

[Swedish Alcohol Monopoly 6](#swedish-alcohol-monopoly)

[E. Organic Foods 6](#e.-organic-foods)

[Swedish KRAV-Label 6](#swedish-krav-label)

[F. Vertical Legislation (Breakfast Directives)
6](#f.-vertical-legislation-breakfast-directives)

[G. Animal Products 6](#g.-animal-products)

[H. Frozen Foodstuffs 6](#h.-frozen-foodstuffs)

[I. Ionizing Radiation 7](#i.-ionizing-radiation)

[J. Fruits and Vegetables 7](#j.-fruits-and-vegetables)

[K. Seafood 7](#k.-seafood)

[SECTION VIII. COPYRIGHT AND/OR TRADEMARK LAWS
7](#section-viii.-copyright-andor-trademark-laws)

[Protected Geographical Indications
7](#protected-geographical-indications)

[SECTION IX IMPORT PROCEDURES 7](#section-ix-import-procedures)

[APPENDIX I: GOVERNMENT REGULATORY AGENCY CONTACTS
9](#appendix-i-government-regulatory-agency-contacts)

[APPENDIX II. OTHER IMPORT SPECIALIST CONTACTS
11](#appendix-ii.-other-import-specialist-contacts)

[APPENDIX III: Functional Names 12](#appendix-iii-functional-names)

**Disclaimer: This report was prepared by the Office of Agricultural
Affairs of the USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service in Stockholm, Sweden
for U.S. exporters of domestic food and agricultural products. While
every possible care was taken in the preparation of this report,
information provided may not be completely accurate either because
policies have changed since its preparation, or because clear and
consistent information about these policies was not available. It is
highly recommended that U.S. exporters verify the full set of import
requirements with their foreign customers, who are normally best
equipped to research such matters with local authorities, before any
goods are shipped. FINAL IMPORT APPROVAL OF ANY PRODUCT IS SUBJECT TO
THE IMPORTING COUNTRY'S RULES AND REGULATIONS AS INTERPRETED BY BORDER
OFFICIALS AT THE TIME OF PRODUCT ENTRY.**

# 

# 

# SECTION I. FOOD LAWS

Responsibility concerning food and agriculture in Sweden is shared
between three Swedish authorities: the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the
National Food Administration (NFA) and, to a lesser degree, the National
Board of Fisheries. The NFA is the central supervisory authority for
matters relating to food, including imports of food.

Sweden is a member of the European Union (EU) and Swedish national food
legislation is, to a large extent, harmonized with the EU\'s food
legislation. In certain cases, however, there is room for national
interpretation of the EU\'s legislation. Sweden applies more restrictive
legislation with regard to pesticides and irradiation, under the
umbrella of public health precautions. In addition, Sweden has received
a derogation allowing it to apply stricter salmonella control and
stricter border controls (quarantine on imports of live animals) than
that of other EU member countries. Traditionally, Sweden has not had
outbreaks of salmonella. This is due to a combination of a sea barrier
separating Sweden from the continent, border control and an extensive
and far-reaching domestic control system.

This report provides an overview of Swedish food legislation where it
differs from EU legislation. For information on EU legislation, please
refer to the USEU FAIRS Report E48078 at:

<http://intranetapps/GainFiles/200807/146295146.pdf>

# SECTION II. LABELING REQUIREMENTS

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078. Information on labeling
requirements specific for Sweden is given below.

## Small Packages

Sweden applies specific labeling requirements for "small packages" where
the largest surface is less than 10 cm^2^. This exemption is not
generally applicable throughout the EU. Specific nutritional labeling
rules are still applicable when a so-called nutrition claim is included
on the label. For margarine, a fat declaration is required regardless of
the size of the package. Information on sweetener content is also
required on small packages. Foodstuffs consisting of one single
ingredient need no list of ingredients if the sales name of the
foodstuff is identical to the sales name of the ingredient, or if the
ingredient is clearly stated by the sales name, e.g. tea, sugar,
raisins.

## The Swedish "Keyhole" Logo

In 1989, the National Food Administration implemented a voluntary
labeling system for foods that are leaner and contain less sugars and
salt and more fibre than food products of the same type normally do. A
\"keyhole\" symbol can be printed on the package of these products, be
attached on shelves in stores or used in advertising and marketing of
the products. The symbol is free of cost as well as free to use for
products from all countries. No previous acceptance or licensing is
necessary. Its application is supervised by the local public health
administration. However, the products must meet the standards
established by the National Food Administration. Detailed information
about the keyhole symbol can be found at the following link.

![](media/image2.png){width="0.1673611111111111in"
height="0.1673611111111111in"} [LIVSFS
2005:9](http://www.slv.se/upload/nfa/documents/food_regulations/Keyhole_2005_9.pdf)

# 

# SECTION III. PACKAGING AND CONTAINER REGULATIONS

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078. Information on packaging
and container regulations specific for Sweden is given below.

## Recycling of Packaging Materials in Packaging Waste

On January 1, 2006, Sweden implemented new rules on plastic bottles and
metal cans. According to these new rules, plastic bottles and metal cans
may not be sold in Sweden unless they participate in an approved
recovery system. The annual registration fee to participate in a
recovery system is 10,000 SEK (approximately US\$1,400). For more
detailed information please refer to the Swedish "Ordinance on
deposit-and-return system for plastic bottles and metal cans" at the
following link:

[SFS
2005:220](http://www.sjv.se/download/18.1d07c3f108381dd74480002170/SFS+2005-220+eng.+ver.doc)

# SECTION IV. FOOD ADDITIVE REGULATIONS

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078.

# SECTION V. PESTICIDE AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078. Information on pesticide
and contaminant regulations specific for Sweden is given below.

## Swedish Maximum Residue Levels for Pesticides

Swedish pesticide regulation (LIVSFS 2006:22) is primarily based on EC
directives but does also, to a limited extent, contain national maximum
residue levels. If there is no EU/national maximum residue level for a
certain pesticide or pesticide/commodity combination, the National Food
Administration may decide which level shall apply.

National maximum residue levels established in Sweden can be found at
the following link:

![](media/image2.png){width="0.16666666666666666in"
height="0.16666666666666666in"} [Appendix 1 to LIVSFS
2006:22](http://www.slv.se/upload/nfa/documents/food_regulations/pesticides/Pesticides_ Appendix1_2006_22.pdf)

## 

## 

## Swedish Maximum Residue Levels for Dioxins in Fish

Sweden applies EU maximum residue levels with regard to dioxin. Due to
the relatively high dioxin levels in fish from the Baltic Sea, however,
Sweden (and Finland) has received a derogation allowing fish with dioxin
levels exceeding the EU thresholds to be sold in Sweden under the
condition that they are not exported to other EU countries. This
exception will remain until 2011.

## Atomic Radiation

Sweden applies national maximum permitted levels of radioactivity in
food: 300 Bq/kg for meat, meat products, cereal-based fruits (except
nuts) vegetables (except mushrooms), baby food, dairy products and
marine (sea) fish.

# SECTION VI. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

## A. Product Inspection and Registration Requirement

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078.

## B. Certification and Documentation Requirements

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078. Information on
certification and document requirements specific for Sweden is given
below.

### Swedish Salmonella Control Program

Fresh meat (included frozen), ground meat and meat preparations imported
into Sweden are subject to salmonella control at the border inspection
post, unless the consignment is accompanied by a certificate from a
recognized responsible authority that it has been tested according to
Commission decision 95/409/EC and 95/411/EC with negative results. If
the consignment tests positive for salmonella, the Swedish National Food
Administration is entitled to take appropriate action. The basic control
fee for inspection during normal working hours is 500 SEK for vegetable
products and 700 SEK + 0.06 SEK per kilo for livestock products. For
certain foodstuffs, extensive safeguard control measures decided upon at
the EU level are applied. At present, the United States is not targeted
for such safeguard measures.

# 

# SECTION VII. OTHER SPECIFIC STANDARDS

## A. Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs)

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078.

## B. Novel Foods

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078.

## 

## C. Dietetic or Special Use Food

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078.

## D. Wine, Beer and Other Alcoholic Beverages 

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078. Information specific for
Sweden is given below.

### Swedish Alcohol Monopoly

Retail sales of wine and liquor in Sweden are restricted to a government
agency, Systembolaget. Systembolaget handles all over-the-counter sales
of wine, spirits, and full-strength beer in Sweden. The Government of
Sweden (GOS) managed to retain the retail monopoly despite its accession
to the EU in 1995, but had to relinquish its monopoly on importing,
wholesaling, production and exporting of wines and spirits. Importers
other than Systembolaget must either supply the government monopoly or
restrict their sales to the hotel and restaurant trade. To import and/or
produce alcoholic beverages, a licence issued by the Special Tax Office
in Ludvika is required, but imports are otherwise unrestricted.

## E. Organic Foods

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078. Information on organic
food standards specific for Sweden is given below.

### Swedish KRAV-Label

The Swedish organic sector is effectively protected, although not in any
official way. Two private organizations are recognized by the National
Food Administration to carry out inspection and certification. These are
KRAV and SMAK AB. The most significant of these two is KRAV. The KRAV
standards are based on the International Federation of Organic
Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) standards for organic production and are
also compatible with EU regulations. KRAV is so well known that
marketing organic products in Sweden would be difficult without its
label. This, in effect, means that imports by this market are restricted
to organic products certified by an organization KRAV recognizes for
certification. Only a small percentage of organic products on the
Swedish market do not carry the KRAV label. For U.S. organic products
which are IFOAM certified, getting access to the KRAV seal is not
problematic. Without IFOAM certification, obtaining the KRAV seal could
be both time-consuming and costly.

KRAV also approves foreign companies that produce or package according
to its rules.

## F. Vertical Legislation (Breakfast Directives)

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078.

## G. Animal Products

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078.

## H. Frozen Foodstuffs

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078.

## I. Ionizing Radiation

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E47056. Information on ionizing
radiation requirements specific for Sweden is given below.

Swedish legislation only allows for spices to be treated with
irradiation. A food that has been treated with irradiation may be
imported only if the treatment is permitted in Sweden.

## J. Fruits and Vegetables

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078.

## K. Seafood

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078.

# 

# 

# SECTION VIII. COPYRIGHT AND/OR TRADEMARK LAWS

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078. Information on trademarks
specific for Sweden is given below.

Registration of a trademark in Sweden may be obtained through the filing
of an application with the Swedish Patent and Registration office.
Contact information for this office is the following:

Trademarks Department

Box 530

SE-826 27 Söderhamn

Phone: +46 8-782 25 00

Fax: +46 270-173 51

E-mail: prv.varumarke@prv.se

## Protected Geographical Indications

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078.

# SECTION IX IMPORT PROCEDURES

Please refer to the USEU FAIRS Report, E48078.

To import foodstuffs for commercial purposes it is necessary to be
registered as an importer with the National Food Administration. The
application should be sent to:

Livsmedelsverket

Box 622

751 26 Uppsala

Sweden

Telephone +46 18 17 55 00

Web site: www.slv.se

National and EU import license/sanitary certificate can be obtained
from:

National Board of Agriculture

551 82 Jönköping

Sweden

Telephone +46 36 15 50 00

Web site www.sjv.se.

The VAT rate for foodstuffs in Sweden is 12%, but a higher rate of 25%
applies to alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. Other potential
taxes and charges include an alcohol tax, a random sampling fee, a plant
protection fee or a quality control fee.

Information on customs clearance can be obtained from the Swedish
Customs website

http://www.tullverket.se/en

# APPENDIX I: GOVERNMENT REGULATORY AGENCY CONTACTS

For U.S. exporters and Swedish importers, the key authority for food
legislation, as well as enforcement thereof, is generally the National
Food Administration (NFA). Therefore, it is recommended that U.S.
companies or their import agents primarily contact the NFA:

Livsmedelsverket (National Food Administration)

Box 622

751 26 Uppsala

Sweden

Tel: +46 18 17 55 00

Web site: www.slv.se

However, it should be mentioned that other state authorities also have
responsibility for issuing regulations affecting imports.

Veterinary, sanitary and phytosanitary issues, such as plant protection,
animal health and animal welfare requirements and imports of live
animals, are handled by the following authority:

Jordbruksverket, (Swedish Board of Agriculture)

SE-551 82 Jönköping,

Sweden

Telephone + 46 36 15 50 00

Telefax + 46 36 19 05 46

e-mail: jordbruksverket@sjv.se.

The Board is responsible for import controls aimed at the prevention of
diseases and pests as well as quality control of fruit, vegetables and
meat classification. They also oversee the import of PET bottles and
aluminum cans. In addition, the Swedish Board of Agriculture is the key
authority for exporters/importers with regard to applications for
tariff-rate quotas (reduced or zero tariffs within a quota).

The National Board of Fisheries advises the NFA on fishery topics,
however, they do not directly fulfill any official functions with regard
to import controls/legislation:

Fiskeriverket (National Board of Fisheries)

Box 423

SE-401 26 Gothenburg

www.fiskeriverket.se

Telephone: + 46 31 743 03 00

Telefax: 46 31 743 04 44

In order to import alcoholic beverages, a special permit must be
obtained. Applications for permits are obtained at:

Särskilda skattekontoret (The Special Tax Office in Sweden)

771 83, Ludvika,

Sweden,

Tel +46 240 870 00

www.rsv.se

Some health foods may be classified as pharmaceutical products. The
contact for such products is:

Läkemedelsverket (Medical Products Agency)

Box 26

751 03 Uppsala, Sweden

Tel: +46 18 17 46 00

www.mpa.se

Information regarding Swedish Trademark Protection can be obtained from:

PRV Bolag

SE-851 81 Sundsvall, Sweden,

Telephone +46 60 18 40 00

Telefax +46 60 12 98 40

E-mail prv.bolag@prv.se

The contact point for consultation/notification relating to the granting
of single authorizations involving several Member States is:

The Swedish Customs Administration Head Office

P.O. Box 12 854

SE-112 98 STOCKHOLM

Telephone: +46 771 - 520 520

Fax: +46 8 - 405 05 50

huvudkontoret@tullverket.se

Below are regional Competent Authorities for submitting an application
for authorization:

Övre Norrlandsregionen

The regional Office of Haparanda

Box 808

SE-953 28 HAPARANDA

Phone number: +46 771 - 520 520

Fax: +46 922 - 141 42

ovrenorrland@tullverket.se

Nedre Norrlandsregionen

The regional Office of Sundsvall

Box 796

SE-851 22 SUNDSVALL

Phone number: +46 771 - 520 520

Fax: +46 60 - 672 547

nedrenorrland@tullverket.se

Mälardalsregionen

The regional Office of Stockholm

Box 27311

SE-102 54 STOCKHOLM

Phone number: +46 771 - 520 520

Fax: +46 8 - 456 59 01

malardalen@tullverket.se

Östersjöregionen

The regional Office of Karlshamn

Box 153

SE-374 23 KARLSHAMN

Phone number: +46 771 - 520 520

Fax: +46 454 - 364 95

ostersjo@tullverket.se

Västsvenska regionen

The regional Office of Göteborg

Spannmålsgatan 19

SE-404 85 GÖTEBORG

Phone number: +46 771 - 520 520

Fax: +46 31 - 63 39 00

vastsvenska@tullverket.se

Skåneregionen

The regional Office of Malmö

Box 850

201 80 MALMÖ

Phone number: +46 771 - 520 520

Fax: +46 40 - 661 30 13

skane@tullverket.se

The authority responsible for issuing permits to import alcoholic
beverages into Sweden is:

Särskilda skattekontoret (The Special Tax Office in Sweden)

771 83, Ludvika

Sweden

Tel: +46 240 870 00

www.rsv.se

# APPENDIX II. OTHER IMPORT SPECIALIST CONTACTS

U.S. Embassy

Foreign Agricultural Service

Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 31

115 89 Stockholm

Tel: + 46 8 783 5470/5392

Fax: +46 8 662 8495

Email: AgStockholm@usda.gov

Customs clearance

E-mail: malardalen.info@tullverket.se

Phone +46 771 23 23 23 (open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to get answers to your
questions about Customs matters. On the telephone you will first hear a
message in Swedish. Wait until the message is over, then press number 5
on the telephone keypad and you will be connected to a Customs officer
who can answer your questions in English.

# APPENDIX III: Functional Names 

Groups/Functional names (English name/Swedish name)

Color/Färgämne

Preservative/Konserveringsmedel

Anti-oxidant/Antioxidationsmedel

Emulsifier/Emulgeringsmedel

Thickener/Förtjockningsmedel

Gelling agent/Geleringsmedel

Stabilizer/Stabiliseringsmedel

Flavor enhancer/Smakförstärkare

Acid/Syra

Acidity regulator/Surhetsreglerande medel

Anti-caking agent/Klumpförebyggande medel

Modified starch/Modifierad stärkelse

Sweetener/Sötningsmedel

Raising agent/Bakpulver

Anti-foaming agent/Skumdämpningsmedel

Glazing agent/Ytbehandlingsmedel

Emulsifying salts/Smältsalter (only for processed cheese and products
based on processed cheese)

Flour treatment agent/Mjölbehandlingsmedel

Firming agent/Konsistensmedel

Humectant/Fuktighetsbevarande medel

Bulking agent/Fyllnadsmedel

Propellent gas/Drivgas