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Importing reptiles and amphibians

Pets are:

Animals that are not to be sold or change owners once they have been brought to Sweden.
Animals that travel with the owner or owner´s representative
Animals that are not transported as freight with or without the owner or owner´s representative

The animals must have been born and raised in captivity, as it is not allowed to keep wild-captured animals as pets in Sweden.

Import rules can be changed if, for example, the risk of spreading infectious animal diseases requires so.

If you want to bring more than five reptiles they do not count as pets, and other rules apply.

Some species are protected

Some species are comprised by special regulations according to CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. When you bring such species from non-EU countries you need an import permit from the Board of Agriculture, and an export licence from the exporting country.

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 a few animals

Imports from EU countries as well as Andorra, Faroe Islands, Norway and Switzerland

You may bring without permit from the Swedish Board of Agriculture reptiles and amphibians provided that you have a maximum of five animals and that they travel with you or your representative.

Imports from non-EU countries except Andorra, Faroe Islands, Norway and Switzerland

You may bring without permit from the Swedish Board of Agriculture reptiles and amphibians provided that you have a maximum of five animals and that they travel with you or your representative.

The animals may only be brought to Sweden through border inspection posts at Stockholm-Arlanda, or Gothenburg-Landvetter. When the animals cross the border, you need to report to the Customs.

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.

Reptiles and batrachians can spread salmonella

Reptiles and amphibians can carry, among others, salmonella bacteria in their intestines. An animal that carries salmonella is usually not ill, but may still carry and spread the disease. Good hygiene reduces the risk of spreading the disease. However, we do not recommend using medicine against salmonella in reptiles and amphibians, since this could easily result in more resistant bacteria.

Last updated: 2011-01-31