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Swedish Board of Agriculture
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Animals
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Import
- Reptiles and amphibians
Pets are animals that are not to be sold or change owners once they have been brought to Sweden. The animals must have been born and raised in captivity. If you want to bring more than five reptiles they do not count as pets, and other rules apply.
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 animals' country of origin.
You may bring reptiles and batrachians provided that there are no more than five of them and that they travel with you or your representative.
Reptiles and batrachians from non-EU countries except Norway and Switzerland, may only be brought to Sweden through border inspection posts at Stockholm-Arlanda, or Gothenburg-Landvetter.
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.
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 carry salmonella bacteria in their intestines. A reptile that carries salmonella is usually not ill, but may still be a carrier and spread the disease. Good hygiene reduces the risk of spreading the disease. However, we do not recommend using medicine against salmonella in reptiles, since this could easily result in more resistant bacteria.
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 animals' country of origin.
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
You may bring reptiles and batrachians provided that there are no more than five of them and that they travel with you or your representative.
Reptiles and batrachians from non-EU countries except Norway and 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.
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 batrachians can carry salmonella bacteria in their intestines. A reptile that carries salmonella is usually not ill, but may still be a carrier and spread the disease. Good hygiene reduces the risk of spreading the disease. However, we do not recommend using medicine against salmonella in reptiles, since this could easily result in more resistant bacteria.
Swedish Regulation on the import of pets
(in Swedish)
(in Swedish)Swedish Regulation on transporting animals (in Swedish)
Swedish Regulation on keeping, breeding and selling pets (in Swedish)
Swedish Regulation on keeping animals in zoos (in Swedish)
Ordinance on the protection of species
(in Swedish)
