Customs Laboratory

The Customs Laboratory is a national reference laboratory for food safety appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The purpose of the reference laboratory activities is to ensure that the results of the controls carried out by the authority are reliable and comparable, nationally, and internationally.

The duties of the Customs Laboratory as a national reference laboratory are to 

• collaborate with other reference laboratories in the EU territory and to participate in training course and inter-laboratory comparative tests organised by these laboratories
• organise training for staff of various official laboratories, when necessary
• coordinate the activities of various official laboratories with a view of harmonising and improving the laboratory methods and their use
• organise comparative testing or proficiency tests between various official laboratories, monitor the performance of the laboratories and to inform the competent authorities of the results
• ensure the transmission of information provided by EU reference laboratories to the competent authorities and various official laboratories
• providing scientific and technical assistance to the competent authorities for the implementation of multi-annual national control plans and of coordinated control programmes
• where relevant, validate reagents and batches of reagents, maintain up-to-date lists of available reference substances and reagents, and of manufacturers and suppliers of such substances and reagents

Scope of the reference laboratory sectors of the Customs Laboratory

• Foods of non-animal origin and composite products:
  • Mycotoxins and plant toxins
  • Metals and nitrogenous compounds
  • Processing contaminants
  • Food improvement agents
• Cereals, fruits and vegetables:
  • Pesticide residues
  • Single-residue methods
• Genetically modified foodstuffs
• Food contact materials
• Food improvement agents

At the Customs Laboratory, we examine foodstuffs for nutrients, food improvers, microbes, allergens, contaminants, heavy metals, and radioactivity, among other things.

Nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, and vitamins, are compounds in the nutrition that are necessary for the body. We examine nutrients in foods and check that their package markings are accurate.

Adding food improvement agents to foods affects the shelf life, taste, appearance, or texture of foods. Food improvement agents are additives, flavourings, and enzymes. The safety of additives is assessed before they are approved.

Mycotoxins, i.e. fungal toxins, are toxic compounds produced by moulds. Plant toxins are poisonous compounds produced by plants. Mycotoxins can cause sudden symptoms, but very often only a long-term exposure causes serious health hazards such as kidney damage and cancer. These are monitored especially for high-risk raw materials, such as grains, nuts, almonds, figs, raisins, spices, and coffee.

Microbes are harmful microorganisms that spoil food and can cause food poisoning. Such microbes are Bacillus Cereus, Clostridium Perfringens, Listeria and Salmonella, among others. Viruses, such as the norovirus and hepatitis A, are microbes that also can cause food poisoning.

Pesticides are compounds used to protect plants and plant products from pests and plant diseases, to combat weeds, and to influence plant properties. We examine vegetables, fruits, and berries to see if they contain pesticide residues. We examine organic products, or organic production products, to find out whether pesticides that are not allowed in organic production have been used on them.

Allergens are food ingredients that can cause an allergic hypersensitivity reaction in the body. The most common allergens are found in milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, grains, peanuts, and hazelnuts. The product label must indicate if the food is an allergen. Allergens can end up in foodstuffs also because of an error in the food manufacturing process.

Contaminants, such as PAHs, acrylamide and heavy metals are compounds that can form unintentionally in a food during its processing, production, or storage. They can also come from the environment. The toxicity of different contaminants and health risks caused by them may vary. 

Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic are toxic elements that are naturally present in the environment in very small quantities. Heavy metals accumulate in the body as a result of exposure and they leave the body very slowly.

Radioactive radiation releases ionising radiation, such as gamma radiation. For example, game, inland fish, wild mushrooms, and berries, may contain radioactivity that originates e.g. from nuclear power plant accidents.

Genetic modification means that the genome of a plant is modified by means of genetic engineering. Genetically modified plants are used as raw materials for genetically modified foods. The product label must indicate if the food is genetically modified.

Irradiation refers to the treatment of a food with ionising gamma and beta radiation, which improves the shelf life of the food by killing the foreign cells in it that originate from insects, bacteria, and larvae. Irradiation does not make foodstuffs radioactive, and irradiation has not been found to be harmful to the health of consumers. The product label must indicate whether the foodstuff has been irradiated.

Customs monitors food contact materials, such as food packages, cutlery, and kitchen utensils. Food contact materials are materials and articles that come into contact with food.

At the Customs Laboratory, we examine whether chemicals hazardous to health are transferred from the food contact material to food. Chemicals must not be transferred in quantities that could endanger human health, cause unsuitable changes in the composition of the food, or impair the organoleptic properties of the food. In examinations, foods or food simulants that mimic them, come into contact with food contact materials for a certain period of time at a certain temperature. The testing conditions are selected according to the intended use of the product. 

We mainly examine ceramic, metal, glass, plastic and silicone food packaging, cutlery and kitchen utensils, and small household appliances. For example, we examine the migration of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel into food. From goods made of melamine and polyamide (i.e. nylon), we examine for example the migration of substances that predispose to cancer. In silicone materials, we examine the quantities of volatile compounds, such as solvent residues. Importers, sellers, and manufacturers must be able to demonstrate that food contact materials are fit for contact with food.

The labelling, advertising, presentation, and packaging of the food must not mislead the consumer. Food fraud is deliberately aimed at financial gain.

Food fraud can be, for example, changing the composition of a foodstuff, for example by replacing or diluting a more expensive raw material with a cheaper raw material, such as selling horse meat as beef or diluting extra virgin olive oil with other oils. The properties of the food may also have been improved, for example by adding colour to spices. False information may also have been provided about the production method, origin, or shelf life, which increases the value of the product.

Toys

Customs especially monitors the safety of toys for children under three years. In accordance with European safety standards, we test the mechanical, physical, chemical, and electrical properties of toys, the flammability of toys, and the hazards associated with hygiene.

Examples of properties monitored in toys:

• Toys must have a CE marking with which the manufacturer proves that the toy is compliant. However, non-compliant products may also be found among CE-marked toys. Other necessary markings include warning markings and markings for battery and transformer toys and radio-controlled toys.
• Toys for children under three years of age must not contain small parts that come off, posing a choking hazard.
• For example, toys must not have sharp parts or operating mechanisms that could injure the child. Such mechanisms may include, for example, folding and sliding mechanisms, hinges, springs, and swelling materials.
• In projectile toys, the kinetic energy of the projectiles must not be so high that the projectile causes eye damage, for example.
• The size and intensity of the magnets in the toys are limited so that they do not cause bowel obstruction or bowel perforation if the child swallows the magnet.
• We test the flammability, burning time and flame propagation speed of certain toys, such as wigs and costumes.
• Toys must not pose any danger to the child. Dangerous situations can be caused, for example, by water toys and toys that allow the child to move around or go inside. Toy carts or toy tents are examples of such toys. 
• The sound volume of the toys is limited to prevent hearing damage.
• Elements should not be released from toys if the child puts the toy in their mouth. Children are particularly susceptible to heavy metals such as lead, which affects the central nervous system and neurological development.
• The use of certain phthalates is prohibited in toys. Phthalates are used as plasticisers in plastic. Phthalates are substances that are toxic to reproduction and disrupt the endocrine system. The plastic and rubber parts of toys must also not contain carcinogenic PAHs. 
• For toys that contain liquids, such as soap bubble solutions, we perform microbiological examinations.

Childcare products

We test the mechanical and chemical properties of childcare products, such as pacifiers, baby bottles and pacifier chains, dining and drinking utensils and high chairs, in accordance with European safety standards. 

For example, the use of certain phthalates is prohibited in childcare products. Phthalates are used as plasticisers in plastics. Phthalates are substances that are toxic to reproduction and disrupt the endocrine system. Plastic and rubber parts in childcare products must also not contain more than 0.5 mg/kg of PAH’s.

At the Customs Laboratory, we examine textile and leather products, such as clothing and household textiles, for chemicals such as formaldehyde, chromium (VI) compounds, nickel, lead, and phthalates that are hazardous to health. In addition, we make sure that the laces and drawstrings of children's clothing do not pose a choking hazard, and that small parts that may come loose from the clothes of children under the age of three do not pose a choking hazard.

Chemicals in textile and leather products

Formaldehyde is used as a surface treatment agent for textiles. Clothing may contain no more than 75 mg/kg of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is an allergenic compound that irritates the skin, the eyes, and the airways. Formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogenic CMR substance, which is mutagenic or toxic for reproduction.

In leather products, we examine chromium (VI) compounds, which can cause sensitisation and allergies. Chromium (VI) compounds are formed from chromium (III) compounds used in leather tanning. The amount of chromium (VI) should be less than 3 mg/kg.

Snap fasteners, buttons, zippers and plastic parts in textile and leather products

From snap fasteners, buttons, and zippers, we examine the amount of lead and nickel released in skin contact. Nickel can cause an allergy in skin contact and the amount must not exceed 0,5 µg/cm2/week. The lead content in the product must be under 0.05 per cent by weight. 

From plastic parts of textiles, we examine prohibited phthalates, which are used as plasticisers. Phthalates are substances that are toxic to reproduction and disrupt the endocrine system.

Cosmetics

Cosmetics are substances and mixtures that are in contact with body parts such as skin, hair, and nails. 

In the Customs Laboratory, we examine cosmetic products to ensure that they don’t contain ingredients that are prohibited in the EU Cosmetics Regulation. For example, dyes, sunscreens, and preservatives, such as parabens, must be approved for use. In addition, we check that cosmetic products have the required package markings, such as shelf life and possible warnings.

In addition, we monitor the compliance of cosmetic packaging with the list of ingredients, and that cosmetic ingredients are listed in the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI).

Jewellery

Jewellery is for example rings, necklaces, piercings, hair decorations, cufflinks, and wristwatches. At the Customs Laboratory, we examine the safety of fake jewellery. Jewellery can be divided into genuine and fake jewellery. Fake jewellery is not made of precious metals, such as gold or silver. We examine the amount of cadmium and lead in fake jewellery, as well as the amount of nickel released in contact with the skin.

Lead is a toxic and environmentally hazardous substance that can be found in jewellery as impurities or as part of metal alloys. Children are particularly susceptible to lead, which affects the central nervous system and neurological development. The amount of lead in the metal parts of jewellery must be less than 0.05 per cent by weight. 

Cadmium is a toxic and environmentally hazardous substance that can be present in jewellery solders and as an alloy. Cadmium accumulates in the internal organs, especially the kidneys and liver. The amount of cadmium in the metal parts of jewellery must be less than 0.01 per cent by weight. The amount of cadmium is also restricted in certain plastics and paints. 

Nickel can cause allergy when in contact with skin. For example, initial piercing jewellery intended for a new piercing hole must not cause allergies, because the purpose of initial piercing jewellery is to prevent the possible adverse effects of piercing. In jewellery used in initial piercings, the amount of nickel released in contact with skin must be under 0.2 µg/cm2 per week. The amount of nickel released in other jewellery must not exceed 0.5 μg/cm2 per week.

In plastic products, we examine for example lead, cadmium, PAHs, and phthalates. For example, we examine packaging bags and plastic products for school, office, and interior decoration. Plastic or rubber parts may be found in sports equipment, household utensils, tools, clothing, footwear, watchbands, wristbands, masks, and headbands, among others.

Lead is a toxic and environmentally hazardous substance that is used for example in PVC plastic. Children are particularly susceptible to lead, which affects the central nervous system and neurological development. The amount of lead in the object must not exceed 0.05 per cent by weight if the child can put the object in their mouth.

Cadmium is a toxic and environmentally hazardous substance that is used for example in PVC plastic. The amount of cadmium in certain plastics must be under 0.01 per cent by weight.

PAHs can be found as impurities in the raw materials of plastic or rubber parts of products and can cause cancer. Plastic or rubber parts that come into contact with the skin or mouth must not contain more than 1 mg/kg of PAHs.

Phthalates are used as plasticizers in plastics. Plasticised plastic products must not contain prohibited phthalates. Phthalates are substances that are toxic to reproduction and disrupt the endocrine system. The phthalates must be less than 0.1 per cent.

We test the fire safety of candles and candle products in accordance with European safety standards. Further, we examine that the products have the required safety markings.

We also test decorative oil lamps to find out their structural qualities such as leakage, stability, and impact toughness. The goal is to reduce the danger that lamp oil can pose to young children. Even a small amount of lamp oil can cause life-threatening lung damage.

At the Customs Laboratory, we examine various illegal substances. For example, we examine narcotics, pharmaceuticals, doping substances, and explosives, when Customs suspects illegal import or a customs offence. We have state-of-the-art technology at our disposal to identify illegal substances. In addition, we continuously develop laboratory analytics to ensure the most reliable and accurate examination results possible.

We work closely with the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) and its laboratories. We are part of the EUDA’s monitoring system, to which we report new drugs and other drug-related phenomena, among other things.

In Finland, we also cooperate with the National Bureau of Investigation and with the Finnish Medicine Agency Fimea, to ensure that the exchange of information is effective and our expertise is up-to-date. Our goal is to support Customs’ control duties and to and promote the safety of society through high-quality laboratory analytics. 

The tariff treatment of goods is determined by commodity codes. The commodity code determines the VAT and excise duty payable on the goods. The international customs nomenclature comprises nearly two hundred thousand different commodity codes.

The classification of commodity codes is affected by, the composition, properties, structure, manufacturing method and use of the product, among other things. Therefore, examinations by the Customs Laboratory are often needed to determine the correct commodity code. The Customs Laboratory also provides expert assistance in choosing a suitable determination method.

The products to be examined are typically foodstuffs, consumer goods and industrial products. The tests to be carried out include, for example, the determination of the sugar, cocoa and starch content of foodstuffs, the identification of the material and structure of textiles, the identification of porcelain, and the determination of the composition of various chemicals.

At the Customs Laboratory, we examine fuel samples that Customs takes from distribution points, warehouses, and vehicle tanks.

Through analyses, we ensure that the fuels used in transport and heating meet the requirements of the legislation and cause as few emissions as possible. By monitoring the quality of fuels, we protect the environment from fuel emissions. 

The analysis results of the Customs Laboratory are also used in the classification of fuels. The correct classification ensures that the fuels are taxed correctly.