Quick answer: Because Sweden and France are both EU member states, moving candy between them isn't really an "import" in the customs sense — there are no duties or border declarations. The real requirement is French-language labeling and EU-compliant allergen and nutrition information.
The EU single market removes the customs headache entirely. What's left is a labeling and compliance question, and France enforces it strictly.
1. No Customs Declarations Needed
Goods move freely between EU member states under the single market, so candy shipped from Sweden to France doesn't go through customs, duties, or border checks the way a shipment from outside the EU would.
2. French Law Requires Labeling in French
EU Regulation 1169/2011 requires mandatory food information in a language consumers easily understand, and France enforces this strictly: labeling must be in French, with no unauthorized abbreviations. Swedish-only packaging won't meet this bar on its own.
Did you know? The EU's 14 major allergens must be declared under Regulation 1169/2011 regardless of which member state you're selling in — so a Swedish product already compliant for the EU market usually just needs the French translation layer, not a full label redesign.
3. Handle VAT for Cross-Border Sales
For online cross-border sales within the EU, the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) VAT scheme lets businesses report and remit VAT for EU sales through a single registration rather than registering separately in each country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a customs broker to bring candy from Sweden to France?
No. Since both countries are in the EU single market, there's no customs process for this route.
Is English labeling ever acceptable in France?
No, mandatory food information must be in French for products sold in France, regardless of other languages also present on the pack.
Is Nutri-Score mandatory in France?
Nutri-Score remains voluntary in France, though many retailers and consumers expect to see it on packaged food.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current labeling rules with a compliance specialist before selling into the French market.
