Regional Transport Aid (Regionalt transportbidrag)

Regional Transport Aid — H1

Supports northern Swedish manufacturers with transport-cost reimbursement for long-distance distribution competitiveness.

Regional Transport Aid (Regionalt transportstöd) is a freight-cost subsidy programme administered by Tillväxtverket that compensates manufacturers in northern Sweden for the cost disadvantage of long distances to national and international markets. The programme is available exclusively to manufacturing businesses with production sites in the counties of Norrbotten, Västerbotten, Jämtland, and Västernorrland. Only transport journeys exceeding 401 kilometres are eligible — shorter routes do not qualify for any reimbursement.

The programme operates on a calendar-half cycle: applicants submit claims for transport costs incurred during each six-month period within three months of the period's end. For the first half of 2026 (January–June), applications are due by approximately the end of September 2026. For the second half of 2025, applications were due by the end of March 2026. The grant amount is calculated based on the distance transported and a percentage rate tied to the specific production site, as published in the annual programme announcement; specific per-kilometre rates are not published in English-language documentation. Eligible modes of transport include road, rail, and sea freight.

Applications are submitted to Tillväxtverket with documentation of actual transport costs incurred during the claim period; the grant is paid in arrears after cost verification. Eligible applicants are for-profit manufacturing businesses only — non-profits, universities, and research organisations are excluded. To maximise recovery, businesses should retain all freight invoices and shipping documentation throughout the year and submit consolidated claims promptly after each half ends. Contact Tillväxtverket regional offices in affected counties for guidance on qualifying cost categories and the current rate schedule.