Approval for duty-free import

To qualify for duty relief when importing goods needed to protect against and combat COVID 19, the organisation must first apply for approval from Swedish Customs as consignees of duty-free imports. In the following, you can find out which organisations are eligible for approval, and the criteria for approval.

For a limited period, protective equipment and other medical equipment required to combat COVID-19 and help persons already affected may be imported free of import duties and VAT. Some organisations need approval from Swedish Customs to receive such equipment free of customs duty and VAT.

Relief from customs duty and VAT.

Eligible organisations

Eligible organisations include:

• distress relief agencies;
• other charitable organisations;
• philanthropic organisations.
  

To qualify as a distress relief agency, charitable organisations or philanthropic organisation, the organisation must operate on a non-profit basis. The organisation is thus not allowed to engage in any for-profit activities. It is also not allowed to engage in public activities.

How to apply

The accountable manager at the organisation should submit an application to be approved for duty-free import, containing a description of the organisation’s activities, to Swedish Customs. Attach any supporting documents, such as organisation charts, annual reports and activity reports.

Swedish Customs will only authorise organisations that provide all necessary guarantees and whose accounts allow us to monitor their activities. Thus, please submit information about the organisation’s accounting practices, as well a declaration stating that you are aware of the conditions for duty relief and that the organisation will comply with those conditions, in your application. Authorisations of approved consignees for duty-free imports are valid for three years, counting from the date of authorisation.