Importing pet birds

Other rules also apply to birds that count as poultry, i.e. hens, turkeys, guinea fowls, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, pheasants, partridges and ratites.

Please note that private individuals are not allowed to keep birds of prey.

Some species are protected

Species may also be comprised by the Ordinance on the protection of species, which is a complement to the CITES convention. The Ordinance is intended to protect European species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade and possession of such species.

Importing from EU countries and from Andorra, Faeroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican

Importing from other non-EU countries

You need an import licence

You need to apply for an import licence at least 30 days before the estimated date of importation. You will find the application form in the right-hand column. The application fee is SEK 100. Please pay this amount to our bank giro account No 5693-2486 before submitting your application. State your name and address and, identify the payment by the number 10504. Please enclose a copy of the payment receipt with your licence application.

Payments from abroad is made via SWIFT: DABASESX. International Bank account code (IBAN-code) is: SE9212000000012810104360.

The country from which you bring the birds must be a member of the OIE, the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Health requirements and health certificate

• They have for at least 30 days before departure been kept in isolation at an establishment under official supervision in Canada, Chile, Macedonia, Montenegro, New Zeeland, Serbia, or St Pierre et Miguelon.
• They have been kept in isolation for at least ten days before departure. During this time, they have been tested for H5N1-antigen or H5N1-genome in accordance with the OIE Manual of Diagnostic Test and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals. The test must be taken no sooner than on the third day of isolation, and has to show that the birds do not carry bird flu. More information is available at the OIE website. The birds' owner or his representative has to sign a document ensuring that the tests have been carried out.
• They must be quarantined for 30 days after their arrival in the EU, at an approved quarantine facility. Since there are no such quarantines in Sweden, you need to bring the birds via the country where they will spend the 30 days of quarantine. Approved quarantine facilities can be found in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Notify the import

You need to notify Customs of the animals' arrival at least 48 hours in advance, and contact the local border inspection veterinarian at least one working day ahead of the animals' arrival.

When the animals cross the border, you need to report to Customs and to the border inspection veterinarian. The person who imports the animals is the one who pays for the border veterinarian´s inspection. It may be a good idea to find out in advance how much it will cost.

If the birds' species is uncertain

You are responsible for complying with the rules