This applies when importing pet rabbits to Sweden

Pets are animals that are
• five or fewer in number (If you want to bring more than five rabbits they do not count as pets and other rules apply)
• travelling with the owner or his representative
• not to be sold or change owner once they have been brought to Sweden The animals must have been born and raised in captivity. It is not allowed to keep wild-caught animals as pets in Sweden.

Importing from EU countries and from Andorra, Faeroe Islands, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland  


You may bring rabbits from EU countries and from Andorra, Faeroe Islands, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland; provided that you bring no more than five of them and that they travel with you or your representative.

Importing from other non-EU countries

You need an import permit


If you want to bring rabbits to Sweden from non-EU countries except Andorra, Faeroe Islands, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you need an import permit for each individual case. You need to apply for an import permit 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. A payment from abroad is made via SWIFT: DABASESX. International Bank account code (IBAN-code) is: SE9212000000012810104360.

State your name and address and, identify the payment by the number 10504. Please enclose a copy of the payment receipt with your permit application.

Send your application to the Swedish Board of Acriculture, Division for CITES and Pet Animals, 551 82 Jönköping, Sweden.

Notify the import


Rabbits from non-EU countries except Andorra, Faeroe Islands, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, may only be brought to Sweden through border inspection posts at Stockholm-Arlanda or Gothenburg-Landvetter.

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.

Owner declaration/assurance that:

  • the animal did not show any signs of disease during the last six months
  • the animal was not in contact with other animals during the past 30 days
  • the animal will be isolated at home for 14 days after entry into Sweden.

If the animals' species is uncertain


If there is doubt about the species of the animals, Customs may call on an expert appointed by the Board of Agriculture. This is paid for by the person bringing the animals into Sweden.

You are responsible for complying with the rules


The person who brings animals to Sweden is responsible for complying with the import rules. If you do not follow the rules, the import may be prevented, or the animals may be killed at the border. You also need to find out in advance whether or not you are allowed to keep the animals in Sweden without special permission.
Last updated: 2012-11-21