Importing clothing & fashion from Sweden — 2026 rules
When you import clothing & fashion (HS heading 6204.62) — for example dresses, jackets, t-shirts and other fashion items — from Sweden to Iceland, you owe 12% general duty and 24% VAT on the full customs value (CIF price).
Clothing generally carries 12% duty on top of 24% VAT, making fashion imports notably more expensive than electronics.
Swedish online retailers ship widely to Iceland and rely on the EEA agreement to simplify customs paperwork.
Worked examples
Here's how the total cost builds up for three sample item prices from Sweden, using an exchange rate of 13.42 ISK per SEK.
| Item price | Customs value (CIF) | Duty | VAT | Total landed cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 SEK | 138,700 ISK | 16,644 ISK | 37,283 ISK | 194,577 ISK |
| 35,000 SEK | 474,200 ISK | 56,904 ISK | 127,465 ISK | 660,519 ISK |
| 100,000 SEK | 1,346,500 ISK | 161,580 ISK | 361,939 ISK | 1,871,969 ISK |
Step by step: customs clearance
- 1.The seller in Sweden attaches shipping documents (invoice, customs value and HS heading 6204.62) to the carrier's booking.
- 2.The carrier (post, FedEx, UPS or DHL) files an electronic customs declaration with Icelandic customs before the shipment arrives.
- 3.Duty and VAT are calculated on the customs value (CIF), and you receive a payment request, often before the item is released.
- 4.Once fees are paid, the shipment is released — for home delivery or pickup at the carrier's depot.
Frequently asked questions
Is there duty on clothing & fashion from Sweden?+
Yes — clothing & fashion carries 12% general duty under HS heading 6204.62, plus 24% VAT charged on the customs value including that duty.
What is the customs value and how is it calculated?+
The customs value (CIF price) is the item price in Icelandic krónur plus freight and insurance to the Icelandic border. Both duty and VAT are calculated on this combined figure, not just the item's price.
Does the EEA/EFTA agreement with Sweden help?+
Sweden is covered by an EEA or EFTA free-trade agreement with Iceland. With a valid proof of origin (e.g. an EUR.1 certificate or an origin declaration on the invoice), duty on qualifying goods can be reduced or removed — VAT is still always charged regardless of origin.
Do I have to pay VAT on small shipments?+
Yes. Unlike many other countries, Iceland has no de-minimis threshold exempting low-value parcels — 24% VAT is charged on almost all incoming shipments, regardless of how small the declared value is.
How long does customs clearance from Sweden take?+
Swedish online retailers ship widely to Iceland and rely on the EEA agreement to simplify customs paperwork.
Other categories from Sweden
| Category | Duty | VAT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Electronics | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Smartphones & Mobile Devices | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Laptops & Notebooks | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Shoes & Footwear | 10% | 24% | View → |
| Cameras & Optics | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Drones & UAVs | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Tools & Hardware | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Safety Gear & Protective Equipment | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Sports Equipment | 0% | 24% | View → |
| Leather Goods | 12% | 24% | View → |
| Audio Gear & Headphones | 0% | 24% | View → |