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What Is LOU, the Swedish Public Procurement Act?
LOU (lagen om offentlig upphandling, SFS 2016:1145) is Swedish law. It is the main act governing how Swedish public authorities buy goods, services and works, and it implements the EU’s Public Procurement Directive 2014/24/EU.
LOU covers procurement both above and below the EU thresholds, sets out the available procedures, and gives suppliers the right to request a review in the administrative court. Utilities, defence and concessions are covered by separate acts (LUF, LUFS and LUK).
Who is covered by LOU?
Contracting authorities: government and municipal authorities, decision-making assemblies in municipalities and regions, bodies governed by public law such as many municipal companies, and associations of these.
What is the difference between LOU and LUF?
LUF covers procurement in the utilities sectors — water, energy, transport and postal services — and has somewhat more flexible rules. LOU covers all other contracting authorities.
Does LOU also apply below the thresholds?
Yes. Procurements below the thresholds are mainly governed by Chapter 19 of LOU, with simpler procedures.
