The EU Services Directive
The Services Directive defines the rules and conditions that apply to entrepreneurs wishing to establish a business or perform temporary services on the EU internal market. To facilitate freedom of movement throughout the EU/EEA area (the 28 EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), member states must eliminate weighty and unnecessary bureaucracy, simplify administration for service providers and strengthen consumers' rights.
Permits, registrations and approvals
This is a compilation of the permits, registrations and approvals that are required according to the EC-directive 2006/123 regarding services on the internal market.
Note that this is not a complete list of permits etc. Other permits may be needed for your business.
Notification of registration of a food business establishment
Most of the establishments for food production only need to be notified to the competent control authority before the business opens.
The competent control authority is determined by the type of business and by the extent of its production volume. In most cases, the competent authority is the Municipal Health and Environmental Board or an office with corresponding functions.
However, in some cases the competent control authority is the Swedish National Food Agency, and for certain food business operators in primary production, the control authority is the County Administrative Board.
The competent control authority is specified in 23 § of the Swedish Food Decree (SFS 2006:813).
Application for approval of a food business establishment
Approval is needed to start certain food businesses where food of animal origin such as raw eggs, meat or fish is handled, and supplied to other food businesses. From 1 July 2013, establishments for the production of sprouts shall also be approved.
Provisions governing the establishments to be approved are found in EU Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin.
Application for approval of a food business (ship chandlers)
At ship chandlers, goods may be handled even if they do not fulfil the EU import conditions. This exception applies when goods are intended for consumption aboard vessels in cross-border traffic. A ship chandler's warehouse must be approved by the National Food Agency.
Application for permission to use alternative sampling and control procedures
Alternative assay, validated according to internationally accepted protocols, may be used by food business operators by permission of the competent authority at the establishment (either the National Food Agency or the Municipality). There is currently no specific application form available.
Application for permission to slaughter poultry at an agricultural holding
Food business operators may under certain conditions slaughter poultry at the agricultural holding. Permission for the slaughter at such establishment is granted by the National Food Agency upon application. There is currently no specific application form available.
Application for permission to slaughter enclosed game at the site of origin
Food business operators may under certain conditions slaughter enclosed ratite birds and enclosed deer and wild boar at the site of origin. Permission for the slaughter at such a location is granted by the National Food Agency upon application. There is currently no specific application form available.
Application for approval of wine producers for the labelling of vintage and grape variety
A wine producer who wishes to label wine with information about its vintage or grape variety must apply for approval from the National Food Agency. This pertains to wine produced in Sweden, without protected geographical indication or protected designation of origin. There is currently no specific application form available.
Where do I send my application?
Applications can be sent via e-mail to the Registrar's Office at the Swedish National Food Agency. If the form requests a handwritten signature, the application can be sent to the following address:
Livsmedelsverket
Box 622
751 26 Uppsala
SWEDEN
