Importers and transit customers: prepare to provide the import country of gas to Customs as of 18 March 2026

Publication date 17.3.2026 11.16 | Published in English on 30.3.2026 at 14.06
Type:Press release

In our previous customer notice of 11 February 2026, we informed you that imports of natural gas and liquified natural gas from Russia to the European Union are prohibited. The ban imposed with Regulation (EU) 2026/261 enters into force on 18 March 2026. In order to prevent circumventions of the import ban, the authority in the country of import must be presented with documents proving that the country of production of natural gas or liquified gas is not Russia.

More instructions for importers

Importers must note the following matters regarding imports of gas as of 18 March 2026: 

  • You should find out the gas production country from the seller, and see if the import requires authorisation from Customs.
    • If the gas is not subject to authorisation based on the country of import, be sure to submit the required documents to Customs no later than five days in advance. 
  • Provide the required additional information in the customs declaration.

Instructions for customs declarations, specifying the country of import and applying for import authorisation are available on our website at “Import bans and sanctions”.

Transit customers must submit advance information to Customs

If natural gas is transported from a non-EU country to another non-EU country using the transit procedure, Customs must be notified of this in advance. Submit the following information no later than five working days before the planned transit:

  • the country where the gas to be transported under the transit procedure, except when this information is not available
  • planned or actual declaration schedules, specifying the quantity of gas to be imported, the date and time, as well as the supply and intake locations and, when required, the specific daily quantity
  • quantities and supply locations laid down in gas delivery contracts
  • according to the situation, the contract between the buyer or an intermediary organisation and the relevant transmission network in the Union.

We will update the instructions on customs declarations if the EU Commission issues amendments or additions.

More information

Import bans and sanctions
Import ban on natural gas and liquified natural gas of Russian origin to the European Union
yritysneuvonta@tulli.fi
Customer notice Uudistuvan lainsäädännön ja tulli-ilmoittamisen tiedotteet