The Tarif Intégré de la Communauté (TARIC) database is available to help determine if a license is required for a product. Certain items such as alcoholic beverages, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, firearms, and other articles that could pose a potential threat to health, welfare, or spread animal and plant diseases are subject to restrictions. These import/export items need to meet special requirements and certifications set by EU or Finnish standards.

Import Documentation

The Single Administrative Document

It is the responsibility of the importer or the authorized agent to declare imported goods to Finnish Customs. This can be done through the official model for written declarations Single Administrative Document (SAD). The SAD form is an import declaration form for all EU Member States. The SAD describes goods and their movement around the world and is essential for trade outside the EU or trade of non-EU goods. The declaration is made by whoever is clearing the goods, normally the importer of record or their agent. More information on the SAD can be found on the European Commission’s Website.

The following documents should be presented for imports into Finland: 

• A customs declaration form endorsed by the National Board of Customs in Finland 
• A valuation declaration for imports exceeding the value of EUR 5,045.64 ($5,299.11 in 2022) 
• A copy of the commercial invoice 

More information on the SAD can be found on the European Commission’s website. 

The Union Customs Code

Exporting to Finland is subject not only to Finnish but also EU legislation. The EU’s Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 October 2013 laying down the Union Customs Code) aims to complete the shift by Customs to a paperless and fully electronic and interoperable environment. The Union Customs Code came into force on May 1, 2016. This transition period currently lasts until 31 December 2025. In 2018 the Commission proposed that the transitional period be extended by additional 5 years, to 2025, for a small number of customs formalities managed by electronic systems that may not be fully completed until 2025.

For further information, please visit the Union Customs Code. 

Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI)

Since July 1, 2009, all companies established outside of the European Union are required to have an Economic Operator Identification and Registration (EORI) number if they wish to lodge a customs declaration or a Summary Declaration.  All U.S. companies should use the EORI number for their customs clearances, which must be formally requested from the customs authorities of the specific Member State to which the company first exports.  Member State customs authorities may request additional documents to be submitted alongside a formal request for an EORI number.  Once a company has received an EORI number, it can use it for exports to any Member State.  There is no single format for the EORI number.  Once an operator holds an EORI number, they can request Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status, which can give quicker access to certain simplified customs procedures.

U.S. – EU Customs Cooperation

Since 1997, the United States and the European Union have had a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement in place.  In 2012, the United States and the European Union signed a decision recognizing the compatibility of AEO and Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) programs, thereby facilitating faster and more secure trade between transatlantic operators.  AEO certification is issued by a national customs authority and is recognized by all Member States’ customs agencies.  An AEO can consist of two different types of authorization: customs simplification or security and safety.  The former allows for an AEO to benefit from simplification related to customs legislation, while the latter allows for facilitation through security and safety procedures.  Shipping to a trader with AEO status could facilitate an exporter’s trade, with benefits such as expedited processing of shipments, reduced thefts and losses, reduced data requirements, lower inspection costs, and enhanced loyalty and recognition.  Under the revised Union Customs Code, for an operator to make use of certain customs simplifications, the authorization of AEO becomes mandatory.

Since 2012, the United States and the European Union have recognized each other’s security-certified operators and will take the respective membership status of certified trusted traders favorably into account.  Furthermore, Customs and Border Protection identification numbers for foreign manufacturers are therefore recognized by customs authorities in the European Union.