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Sell low-alcohol beverages, tobacco, or nicotine products
You must apply for a sales permit to sell low-alcohol beverages, tobacco products, nicotine products, or e-cigarettes in Sweden.
Updated:
Step-by-step guide
Please note that all forms and digital applications (e-services) are currently in Swedish. Contact Citizen Service if you need help in English.
1. Start early
1.1 Low-alcohol beverages (folköl)
You must notify the municipality if you want to sell or serve low-alcohol beverages (2.25–3.5% alcohol by volume). You must also have a self-inspection program.
You do not need to notify if you already have a permanent serving license or are applying for one.
If the shop closes or changes ownership, you must notify the Environment and Building Department.
1.2 Tobacco products
You need a permit to sell tobacco products, both in retail and wholesale. You must also have a self-inspection program.
The permit may be valid indefinitely or for a limited time.
If the shop closes or changes ownership, you must notify the Environment and Building Department.
1.3 Nicotine products without tobacco
You must notify the municipality if you want to sell nicotine products without tobacco. You must also have a self-inspection program.
1.4 E-cigarettes
You must notify the municipality if you want to sell e-cigarettes or refill containers. You must also have a self-inspection program.
An electronic cigarette is a product used to consume nicotine vapor. It is refilled with liquid from a refill container.
If the shop closes or changes ownership, you must notify the Environment and building unit.
2. costs
There is no fee for notifications, except for tobacco products which require an application fee. There is also an annual inspection fee.
3. Processing time
3.1 Low-alcohol beverages, nicotine products without tobacco, e-cigarettes
When we have received a complete notification, it will be processed within 10 days.
3.2 Tobacco products
When we have all documents, we begin processing the case. This takes about 6 weeks, sometimes longer.
4. Important to know
4.1 Low-alcohol beverages
You must not sell or serve low-alcohol beverages to anyone under 18 years of age. Put up clear signs showing the age limit.
As a seller, you must have a self-inspection program. It should describe how you and your staff follow the sales rules. A copy of the program must be submitted with your notification.
If you serve low-alcohol beverages, you must also serve food at the same time.
Sales and serving may only take place in permanent premises intended for food businesses and registered under the Food Act.
The shop must have a broad food range. A simple kiosk assortment is not enough.
4.2 Tobacco products, nicotine products without tobacco, e-cigarettes
You must not sell these products to anyone under 18 years of age. Put up signs in the shop showing the age limit.
You must have a self-inspection program. It should describe the routines that you and your staff follow to ensure that sales comply with the rules.
A copy of the program must be submitted with the application. For tobacco products, you must also submit other required documents.
4.3 Questions or more information
Contact Citizen Service at +46 921 62 000 or mob@boden.se.
5. Submit your application via form
5.1 Low-alcohol beverages
5.2 Tobacco products
5.3 Nicotine products without tobacco
5.4 E-cigarettes
6. What happens next
6.1 Low-alcohol beverages, nicotine products without tobacco, e-cigarettes
Once the Environment and Building Department has received your notification with all documents, you may start selling or serving the products. You will also receive a confirmation of the notification.
As a business owner, you are always responsible for ensuring that the rules are followed.
The municipality conducts annual inspections. These checks ensure that you have a functioning self-inspection program, that staff have the right training, that age limits are followed, and that products are correctly labeled.
If we suspect that the rules are not being followed, we may carry out extra inspections.
6.2 Tobacco products
When we have received your application with all documents, we begin processing the case. We assess whether you and your business are suitable. This includes financial checks and a review by the police.
The Environment and Building Committee then decides whether you will receive a tobacco sales permit.
After receiving the permit, the municipality carries out annual inspections. These checks ensure that you have a functioning self-inspection program, that staff have the right training, that age limits are followed, and that products are correctly labeled.
If we suspect that the rules are not being followed, we may carry out extra inspections.
7. Other things to consider
Examples of other permits you may also need:
- Permit to put up a sign
- Permit for certain hazardous chemical products – apply to Länsstyrelsen (the County Administrative Board)
Do you want to access a specific document? Contact Citizen Service, and we will help you retrieve and read the full document.
contact
Environment and building unit
E-mail: mob@boden.se
Phone: +46 921 620 00