Sweden
1. Does Sweden have a sanctions regime in place?
Yes.
2. Does Sweden implement UN sanctions?
Yes.
3. Does Sweden implement an autonomous sanctions regime?
The sanctions that apply in Sweden are decided by the UN or the EU. Sweden does not have its own, nationally decided sanctions. Sweden does however have its own regulations in respect of export of military equipment and dual-use products; it is illegal to export military equipment and dual use products without a permit.
4. What is the nature of the sanctions regime in Sweden?
International Sanctions issued by the EU are directly applicable and have direct effect in Sweden as a member state.
The Swedish Act on Certain International Sanctions (1996:95; the “Sanctions Act”) contains regulations for the implementation of international sanctions. The Sanctions Act allows the government to decree that UN sanctions be implemented. The decree is then submitted to the parliament (Riksdagen) for approval. Sanctions that can be implemented by such decrees are limited to prohibitions relating to a state under blockade regarding:
- the residence in Sweden of foreign nationals
- the import or export of goods, money or other assets
- manufacture
- communications
- granting of credits
- business activities
- the circulation of traffic
- educational and vocational training
Since Sweden entered the EU in 1995, no UN sanctions have been implemented through local legislation. Instead, UN sanctions are implemented jointly through EU Common Positions and EU regulations.
5. Does Sweden maintain a list of sanctioned individuals and entities?
Not a separate list – only EU and UN lists.
6. Are there any other lists related to sanctions?
No (see above).
7. Does Sweden have a licensing or authorization system in place?
Yes. With respect to international trade, this is operated by the National Board of Trade (Sw. Kommerskollegium).
8. What are the consequences for a breach of sanctions in Sweden?
Criminal liability, severe cases with an imprisonment of up to four years and negligent breaches up to six months or monetary fine (Sec. 8 of the Sanctions Act). There is no liability for minor offences.
Breach against an international sanction can lead to that at corporate fine is issued against the corporation.
Profits from or property used to assist when committing an offence, may be forfeited (Sec. 11-12 of the Sanctions Act).
9. Who are the relevant regulators in Sweden and what are their contact details?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates Swedish sanctions. W: www.ud.se Other authorities include: – Financial Supervisory Authority www.fi.se – The Social Insurance Agency www.forsakringskassan.se – The National Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP) www.isp.se – National Board of Trade www.kommers.se – Migration Agency www.migrationsverket.se – National Police Agency; Rikspolisstyrelsen www.polisen.se – Swedish Customs www.tullverket.se
Contributor law firm
Michael Nyman,
Partner
Mathilda Andersson,
Associate
Eversheds Advokatbyrå AB,
Box 14055,
Strandvägen 1,
SE-104,
40 Stockholm,
Sweden
T: (+46) 8 545 322 00
Explore other countries
© Eversheds Sutherland. All rights reserved. Eversheds Sutherland is a global provider of legal and other services operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. Eversheds Sutherland is the name and brand under which the members of Eversheds Sutherland Limited (Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP and Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP) and their respective controlled, managed and affiliated firms and the members of Eversheds Sutherland (Europe) Limited (each an "Eversheds Sutherland Entity" and together the "Eversheds Sutherland Entities") provide legal or other services to clients around the world. Eversheds Sutherland Entities are constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local regulatory and legal requirements and operate in accordance with their locally registered names. The use of the name Eversheds Sutherland, is for description purposes only and does not imply that the Eversheds Sutherland Entities are in a partnership or are part of a global LLP. The responsibility for the provision of services to the client is defined in the terms of engagement between the instructed firm and the client.
Share this page
The information contained on this site is intended as a guide only. Whilst the information it contains is believed to be correct, it is not a substitute for appropriate legal advice. Eversheds Sutherland can take no responsibility for actions taken based on the information contained in this document.