Bring or send plants and plant products for private use across the Swedish border

There are plant protection rules to prevent the spread of serious plant pests

Plants and plant products that are moved between countries or areas can spread plant pests, such as insects and other plant diseases. The purpose of the plant protection rules is to prevent serious plant pests from spreading to new areas.

Regardless what rules apply, you should always pay attention so that the plants and plant products you want to bring are healthy. Although there is not always a requirement for documents or control, it is never allowed to spread plant pests.

There are also rules for the protection of endangered species

In addition to the plant protection rules there are rules on the protection of endangered species. The rules aim to ensure that trade and removal does not negatively affect the ability of endangered plants to survive. For example, all orchids are protected, like most cacti, the whole Euphorbia, Aloe, Nepenthes, cyclamen and many more. Some species are completely forbidden to bring, while other species require a permit.

Read more on our web page about endangered species (this information is in Swedish).

This applies within the European Union (EU)

When shopping or moving a smaller amount of plants for your own use within the EU, you need no documentation showing that the plants are healthy. This also applies to plants and plant products that you order, for example, in Internet trading.

However, be cautious with plants covered by species protection.

Under More information, you find a link to information about the EU member states. The Canary Islands belong to the EU. However, in plant protection matters, the Canary Islands are regarded as an area outside the EU.

For information on what applies to professional actors, read more on our web page In Sweden and the EU, which you find to the left.

This applies to countries outside the European Union (EU)

Some plants and plant products are banned from entry into the EU

Some plants from countries outside the EU you may not bring into the EU at all because of the severe risk that they may spread serious plant pests.

Import ban applies for example for plants of many conifer, citrus and potato species (for example potato, tomato and Angel's Trumpet). In some cases the ban depends on which country the plant comes from.

We have made a summary of the plant protection import bans (only available in Swedish) which you find under More information.

Some plants you may not bring into the EU because they are endangered. Read more on our web page about endangered species.

Plants, seeds and other plant products that must have a phytosanitary certificate

All plants that can be grown further must have a so-called phytosanitary certificate. A phytosanitary certificate is also required for many seeds intended for sowing and some fruits, vegetables and cut flowers.

Also wood from most conifers and some deciduous species require a phytosanitary certificate, if the wood is relatively raw. Bark from all conifers and some deciduous trees should have phytosanitary certificate if it comes from certain countries.

We have made a summary of plants and plant products that must have a phytosanitary certificate (only available in Swedish) which you find under More information. Note also the phytosanitary import bans above, which are listed in the same summary.

What is a phytosanitary certificate and how do I get it?

A phytosanitary certificate is a document which the plant protection service of the exporting country issues after they have inspected the goods and found that it meets the requirements. The certificate officially states that the plants or plant products meet the importing country's requirements for freedom from plant pests.

Contact the plant protection service of the exporting country to get a phytosanitary certificate for a plant or plant product that you are going to take into the EU. You will probably have to pay a fee.

The Swedish Board of Agriculture makes a plant health inspection at the border

When the plant or plant product comes to Sweden the Swedish Board of Agriculture inspects the phytosanitary certificate and the plant or plant product itself. The fee is 450 SEK. If the goods do not comply with the EU import requirements we may reject the entry into the country or have the goods destroyed. To get an inspection, you must notify the arrival of the good to us. Use the form on the right. The inspection takes place in Malmö, Helsingborg, Gothenburg, Landvetter, Stockholm or Arlanda.

The Swedish Board of Agriculture will inspect the goods even if they are sent by mail or other shipping. Because you are not present when the consignment reaches the customs, you have to otherwise ensure that any permits or certificates are available at the customs and our inspection.

Contact our Plant Control Unit for more information concerning the procedures around the plant health inspection.

Some exception for hand luggage or moving house from European countries

There is a limited exception for individuals from the requirement of a phytosanitary certificate. This applies to plants and plant products that weighs less than 2 kg and taken as hand luggage, coming from a European country (including the Canary Islands). The exception also applies to your private goods when moving house, and then there's no limitation on the amount.

Note that the exception does not apply to potato or citrus plants, nor for endangered species.