Sweden
Key advice
Sweden is a member state of the European Union: if you reside in another EU country, no customs checks apply to your underwater photo/video equipment — complete free movement, without declaration or taxes. British travelers (post-Brexit): the EU personal allowance (~430 EUR) technically applies, but used personal photo equipment practically passes without inspection in almost all cases.
- Customs authority
- Tullverket (Swedish Customs)
- Personal duty-free allowance
- N/A pour résidents UE / ~475 USD (~430 EUR) pour voyageurs non-UE
- ATA Carnet
- Not accepted
- Official website
- tullverket.se ↗
Practical scenarios
You are a beginner dive photographer residing in France and traveling to Sweden with a GoPro Hero 11 Black and its manufacturer's housing, with a total value of approximately 600 €. Given that Sweden is a member state of the European Union, and you reside in another EU country, your equipment benefits from the free movement of goods. You have no declaration to make to Swedish Customs (Tullverket), and no checks will be carried out. There is no risk, you can travel with complete peace of mind.
You are an advanced dive photographer residing in Germany, and you are traveling to Sweden with an APS-C mirrorless camera (e.g., Sony a6700), an entry-level Nauticam housing, and a macro lens, for a total value of approximately 3,500 €. As with the beginner profile, since Sweden is an EU country and you reside in another EU country, your equipment is subject to the principle of free movement. You have no customs procedures to carry out, nor declarations to fill out. There is no risk of taxation or specific checks for your equipment.
You are an expert dive photographer residing in the United Kingdom (outside the EU) and you are traveling to Sweden with a complete system including a full-frame camera (e.g., Sony A7RV), a Subal housing, two lenses (macro and fisheye), and aluminum arms, for a total value of approximately 12,000 €. Although the United Kingdom is outside the EU, your equipment is considered used personal effects. In practice, for temporary use, there is a high probability that your equipment will pass without inspection or taxation. The personal allowance of 430 EUR technically applies, but used professional equipment is generally admitted without taxation for temporary use. Keep your purchase invoices handy in case of questions, although this is rare.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to declare my underwater photo equipment in Sweden if I'm coming from another EU country?
No, if you reside in another European Union member country, Sweden applies the principle of free movement of goods. You have no declaration to make, nor taxes to pay for your underwater photo and video equipment, regardless of its value.
What is the customs allowance for photo equipment if I'm coming from a non-EU country like the United Kingdom?
For travelers coming from non-EU countries, the personal allowance is approximately 430 EUR (about 475 USD). However, used personal photo equipment intended for temporary use is generally admitted without taxation, even if it exceeds this value. It is advisable to be able to prove ownership and personal use.
Does Sweden accept the ATA Carnet for professional photo equipment?
No, Sweden does not accept the ATA Carnet. However, for EU residents, it is not necessary as there is free movement of goods. For non-EU travelers, used professional equipment is generally admitted without taxation for temporary use. For more information, please consult the official website directly: https://www.tullverket.se/en.