Public procurement in Sweden
Procurement legislation is intended to facilitate the free movement of goods and services within the European Union. It offers Swedish companies new business opportunities. By using competition between companies, the public sector can create added value for tax revenues.
Procurement must be free from discrimination and equal
Swedish procurement legislation is based on EU directives and basic principles of Union law. The directives and principles forbid discrimination of suppliers on the grounds of nationality and stipulate that all suppliers are to be treated equally.
On the basis of these principles, the procurement process must be characterised by transparency and predictability. The requirements in the procurement must have a natural link to what is being procured and be reasonable.
Contracting agencies must accept certificates issued by agencies in another EU country.
Advertising and submitting tenders
Normally a procurement must be advertised and the suppliers given reasonable time in which to submit a tender. The procurement procedure is in writing.
Provisions regulate that suppliers who feel they have been wrongly treated have the opportunity to have their case heard in a court of law.
The Public Procurement Act, the Act on procurement of water, energy, transport and postal services and the Defence and Security Procurement Act regulate how the procurement of goods, services and public works contracts is to be dealt with.
Relevant rules and documents
- Public Procurement Act (2007:1091)
- Act on procurement of water, energy, transport and postal services (2007:1092)
- Defence and Security Procurement Act (2011:1029)
