Short answer. The technical rules for Swedish civil defence shelters are set by MCF's handbook Skyddsrum SR 15 (2025 edition, dated 15 December 2025) and the regulations SRVFS 1998:6 on design, equipment and use 32. Shelter components are tested and certified under SRVFS 1993:6, and inspections follow the handbook Skyddsrumskontroll SK 16 2. MCF also publishes standard technical solutions (typlösningar) and lists shelter experts 2.
Which documents set the rules?
| Document | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Skyddsrum SR 15 (2025), dated 251215 | Shelter regulations handbook 3 |
| SRVFS 1998:6 | Regulations on design, equipment and use of shelters 2 |
| SRVFS 1993:6 | Regulations on testing, certification and inspection of shelter components 2 |
| Skyddsrumskontroll SK 16 (2016-01-01) | Shelter inspection handbook 2 |
| Typlösningar (series T01 onward) | Standardised technical solutions for measures in shelters 2 |
These documents are written for shelters within the Swedish shelter system and the professionals who design, build and inspect them. They are in Swedish. The legal framework (Act 2026:440 and Ordinance 2026:443) is described on the build a shelter page.
How are shelter components certified?
Shelter components are tested and certified under SRVFS 1993:6 2. MCF's page on standard solutions also lists shelter experts who can be consulted 2.
What are Swedish shelters designed to protect against?
According to MCF, shelters protect against shockwaves, bomb fragments, and the blast and heat waves from a nuclear weapon. They give better protection than other spaces against radioactive fallout and chemical and biological weapons 1. They are designed for at least three days of continuous occupancy at full capacity, with water containers, heating, ventilation and toilets 1.
For the concepts behind these terms, see /guides/protection-factor, /guides/nbc-filtration, /guides/shelter-ventilation and /guides/fallout-7-10-rule.
Can a private builder use SR 15?
SR 15 and the typlösningar are public documents 32. Applying them is engineering work: Phaenyx does not summarise structural requirements, and any shelter design should be prepared by a qualified engineer, preferably one familiar with these Swedish rules. MCF's list of shelter experts is the official starting point 2.
Frequently asked questions
What is SR 15?
Skyddsrum SR 15 is MCF's shelter regulations handbook; the current edition is from 2025, dated 15 December 2025 3.
Who inspects Swedish shelters?
Inspections follow MCF's handbook Skyddsrumskontroll SK 16, dated 1 January 2016 2.
Do Swedish shelters protect against nuclear weapons?
MCF says they protect against shockwaves, bomb fragments, and blast and heat waves from a nuclear weapon, and give better protection than other spaces against fallout 1.
Sources
- Myndigheten för civilt försvar (MCF) — Good to know about civil defence shelters — https://www.mcf.se/en/advice-for-individuals/civil-defence-shelters-evacuation-and-warning-systems/good-to-know-about-civil-defence-shelters/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Myndigheten för civilt försvar (MCF) — Typlösningar, beräkningar och presentationer för skyddsrum — https://www.mcf.se/sv/amnesomraden/beredskap-for-kris-och-krig/befolkningsskydd/skyddsrum-och-andra-skyddade-platser/fastighetsagare/typlosningar-berakningar-och-presentationer-for-skyddsrum/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Myndigheten för civilt försvar (MCF) — Skyddsrum SR 15 (2025) — https://www.mcf.se/contentassets/f368c02e73db47ed88e8abae3932eabf/skyddsrum-sr-15-2025_251215.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Sweden, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- Myndigheten för civilt försvar (MCF) · Good to know about civil defence shelters checked 2026-10-20
- Myndigheten för civilt försvar (MCF) · Typlösningar, beräkningar och presentationer för skyddsrum checked 2026-10-20
- Myndigheten för civilt försvar (MCF) · Skyddsrum SR 15 (2025) checked 2026-10-20