Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormCanned/Tinned
Industry PositionProcessed Food Product
Market
Peeled tomato products sold in Sweden are primarily import-supplied shelf-stable tomato preserves (commonly captured under HS 200210: tomatoes, whole or in pieces, prepared/preserved otherwise than by vinegar). UN Comtrade data via WITS shows Sweden importing significant volumes in this category in 2024, with Italy the largest supplier by value, followed by Greece and Spain. Swedish retail listings show both branded and private-label peeled tomatoes typically packed in tomato juice, sometimes with citric acid (E330) as an acidity regulator, and sold through grocery retail including online channels. For extra-EU sourcing, Sweden applies EU rules on official controls and (for certain origin/product risk profiles) CHED-D pre-notification in TRACES NT and border control measures may apply.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied mainly by imports; limited re-export activity
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by shelf-stable packaging and continuous import supply rather than domestic harvest seasonality.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFor extra-EU origins, some food of non-animal origin consignments are subject to increased official controls/emergency measures (e.g., Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793). If a peeled-tomato consignment falls under such measures (by CN/TARIC code and origin), failure to pre-notify via CHED-D in TRACES NT and provide required supporting documents can block entry, cause detention, or trigger rejection/cost escalation.Before contracting, verify CN/TARIC classification and whether the specific origin/product combination is listed in the current consolidated version of Regulation (EU) 2019/1793; where applicable, submit CHED-D in TRACES NT in time, attach required documents/analysis reports, and coordinate with the first-EU-entry Border Control Post.
Labor & Human Rights HighIf Sweden’s supply is sourced from Italy (a dominant supplier for HS 200210), buyers may face material human-rights due-diligence and reputational risk linked to documented labor exploitation in parts of the Italian processed tomato sector (including caporalato). This can lead to delisting by retailers, tightened supplier requirements, and procurement disruption even without a formal import ban.Require supplier transparency on labor recruitment/transport, use credible third-party social audits beyond paper compliance, prioritize suppliers participating in robust remediation/worker-voice programs, and align sourcing checks with recognized human-rights impact assessment findings for Italian processed tomato supply chains.
Logistics MediumPeeled tomatoes are freight-intensive relative to value and commonly move in bulk packaging; container/road-freight volatility or port/route disruption can raise landed cost and create availability gaps in Sweden’s import-dependent market.Use multi-origin sourcing (e.g., diversify within EU suppliers), maintain safety stock for key SKUs, and contract freight with flexibility across multimodal routes.
Packaging & Food Contact Materials MediumCanned foods depend on compliant food-contact materials and packaging specifications. Regulatory changes (e.g., EU rules on food-contact materials and tightening packaging-waste requirements) can force packaging reformulation/re-specification or require additional declarations, creating compliance and continuity risk for Sweden-bound product.Maintain up-to-date declarations of compliance for food-contact materials, monitor EU packaging/FCM regulatory updates, and validate label/pack changes before shipment to Swedish retail.
Sustainability- Packaging waste and recyclability compliance risk as EU packaging rules tighten (PPWR entered into force in February 2025 and is generally set to apply from August 2026).
- Water-stress exposure in upstream Mediterranean tomato cultivation can translate into yield/price volatility for Sweden’s import-dependent supply (risk is upstream, impact is downstream).
Labor & Social- Documented labor exploitation risks in parts of the Italian processed-tomato supply chain (including 'caporalato' gangmastering concerns), which can trigger buyer due-diligence failures and reputational risk for Sweden-bound procurement.
- Migrant-worker vulnerability in agricultural labor markets is a recurring human-rights due diligence theme for processed tomato sourcing into Northern European retail.
Standards- BRCGS Global Standard Food Safety
- IFS Food Standard
FAQ
Which trade classification code is commonly used as a proxy for peeled tomatoes imported into Sweden?A common proxy is HS 200210 (tomatoes, whole or in pieces, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid). Peeled tomatoes typically fall within this broader category, though exact CN/TARIC sub-codes depend on product specifics and packaging.
Do peeled tomato products sold in Sweden commonly contain additives?Some Swedish retail peeled-tomato SKUs list an acidity regulator such as citric acid (E330), while others list only tomatoes and tomato juice. The exact formulation varies by brand and private label product.
When do imports of peeled tomato products from outside the EU require CHED-D and border control steps?It depends on the product’s CN/TARIC code and country of origin. If the origin/product combination is listed under EU increased-control or safeguard measures (such as those in Regulation (EU) 2019/1793), the importer must pre-notify the consignment with a CHED-D in TRACES NT to the Border Control Post where the consignment first enters the EU and comply with the applicable checks and document requirements.
What VAT context applies to importing food products into Sweden?Swedish Customs’ guidance states that import VAT applies to imported goods and indicates a reduced VAT rate for foodstuffs in its current import VAT information. Importers should confirm the current applicable rate and reporting method with Swedish Customs and the Swedish Tax Agency based on their VAT-registration status.