Change: Advance enquiries on taking samples done with pre-lodged customs declarations as of March 2026
To speed up the import clearance, an importer can submit an advance inquiry for some foodstuffs and consumer goods to Customs. With the advance enquiry, Customs can decide if samples should be taken of goods even before they arrive in Finland and are placed under a customs procedure.
For the time being, Customs has received advance enquiries on sampling by email. In the future, it is no longer possible to submit advance enquiries by email. Instead, customs declarations submitted in advance are to be used. This change will take effect in March 2026. We will specify the starting date for the new procedure later.
Advance enquiries on taking samples can only be submitted on customs declarations
In the future, advance enquiries on sampling can only be done with customs declarations submitted in advance (additional declaration types D, E and F). You can submit such a customs declaration in advance even when, for example, information on the previous document is not available. We will release more specific instructions for declarations on the Customs website before we deploy the new procedure.
Customs considers taking samples based on information and attachments provided with the customs declaration, and asks declarants to submit further information if necessary. Customs replies to declarants in the Customs Clearance Service or with a notification message (FI470). In the reply, you will be informed if Customs will take samples from the goods.
No changes to submitting pre-lodged declarations
It is mandatory for importers to submit advance notifications to Customs for some foodstuffs and consumer goods before goods can be imported to Finland.
As a rule, pre-lodged declarations are TRACES declarations. If a TRACES declaration is not required for importing goods but an pre-lodged declaration is required, you can submit an pre-lodged declaration in connection with the advance enquiry with a customs declaration or by email.
More information
- Advance notifications and advance inquiries on taking samples
- Pre-lodged declarations
- yritysneuvonta@tulli.fi