Complexes of Sm(III), Eu(III) and Dy(III) ions with six monosaccharides (D-glucose, D-galactose, D -mannose, D-arabinose, D-ribose and D-xylose) and two disaccharides (D-maltose and D-lactose) have been synthesised. These are characterised by means of various analytical, spectral and electrochemical techniques. Based on the data, appropriate structures are assigned for these complexes.