Barriers to Trade

Did you or your company encounter trade barriers? We will help you.

Providing Swedish companies with support and advice concerning trade barriers is an important task of the Foreign Service.

What is a trade barrier?

A trade barrier refers to every action undertaken by a government to complicate trade with goods and services, or cases where existing regulation is applied arbitrarily.

Examples are:

  • Actions in conflict with current trade agreements
  • Vague regulations or unwieldy bureaucracy
  • Political involvement in business or legal processes

For trade barriers encountered outside the EU/EEA, the World Trade Organization (WTO) principle of non-discrimination applies, as well as free trade agreements between the EU and the third country. In some cases, bilateral agreements on investment protection may apply.

Did you or your company encounter trade barriers? In that case, you are welcome to contact us. Please, send an email to ambassaden.moskva@gov.se with a description of the problem or with a request to contact you. In that case, please, state the following:

  • Date
  • Name/company
  • Industry
  • Contact information

You will find more information:

Kommerskollegium (National Board of Trade Sweden)

Business Sweden

SOLVITis a network for EU members where countries cooperate with each other to practically solve problems due to incorrect application of internal market rules.

Your Europe - Practical guide to doing business in Europe

The Market Access Database (MADB)gives information to companies exporting from the EU about import conditions in third country markets.

Business Anti-Corruption Portal:s  purpose is to provide a comprehensive and practical business tool, and to offer targeted support to small and medium enterprises in order to help them avoid and fight corruption, thereby creating a better business environment.

Global Advice Network is responsible for the information on the Portal, which is financed by the Governments of Austria, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK.

Last updated 12 Nov 2020, 11.59 AM