What are pesticides?
Pesticides are products used to control pests, plants, or microorganisms. They are divided into two categories:
- Biocides – e.g., mosquito repellent, rat poison, and disinfectants
- Plant protection products – e.g., herbicides and slug pellets
Your obligations as a seller
Approval required
- All pesticides must be approved by the Swedish Chemicals Agency (Kemikalieinspektionen) to be sold or used in Sweden.
- Approved products have an SE number and Swedish labeling with information about contents, risks, and safe use.
- Products without Swedish approval may not be sold – even if they are allowed in other countries.
Check approval
You are responsible for verifying that your products are approved.
Search the Swedish Chemicals Agency’s register at www.kemi.se
Marketing requirements
Prohibited terms:
You may not use the following words in product descriptions or advertisements:
- “Non-toxic”
- “Natural”
- “Environmentally friendly”
- “Child-friendly”
- or other similar misleading expressions.
Mandatory text: All advertisements and product pages must include the following phrase:
“Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.”
Consequences of breaking the rules
If you sell unauthorized products, the Swedish Chemicals Agency may:
- Immediately stop the sale
- Impose an environmental sanction fee (fine)
- Report the matter to the Public Prosecutor’s Office
Selling to other Nordic countries?
Each country has its own approval requirements. A Swedish approval is not valid in other countries.
| Country | Authority | Website |
| Finland | Tukes | www.tukes.fi |
| Danmark | Miljøstyrelsen | www.mst.dk |
| Norge | Miljødirektoratet | www.miljodirektoratet.no |
Products must be approved in each country where they are sold.
Summary – remember this
✓ Check that the product has an SE number and Swedish approval
✓ Avoid misleading marketing
✓ Include the mandatory safety text in all advertisements
✓ Keep documentation proving the product’s approval
✓ When exporting: check approval requirements in the destination country
Questions? Contact the Swedish Chemicals Agency (Kemikalieinspektionen) via www.kemi.se