Director General’s review

 

In 2025, the operating environment of Finnish Customs was shaped especially by the massive cost-cutting measures in public administration, the continued strong growth of Chinese e-commerce, port security – which has become a national priority and for which Customs is the primary responsible authority – the continuation of Russia’s brutal war of aggression, and the rise of geoeconomics and the resulting ongoing turmoil in the global economy.

In other words, last year we found that the relatively steady national, European, and global development trends that had persisted for several decades seemed to falter in many respects and became difficult to predict. We have moved even further into a world where preparedness and adaptability determine whether an organisation can survive. In turn, internal cohesion, and the ability to collaborate across organisational boundaries strengthen preparedness and adaptability.

Value judgements are also strongly reflected in the work and priorities of Finnish Customs. We are active advocates, particularly when it comes to issues that have a wider impact on our society. Last year, our advocacy efforts focused on sustainability: sustainable supply chains, sustainable international trade, and sustainable consumption.

A level playing field and, consequently, a competitive business sector in our society, can be achieved through broad-based, sustainable action. Safe consumer products, clean and vibrant nature and environment and a society that is safe for everyone – these are some of the things we support at Finnish Customs through the diverse aspects of our work!

Internally, the past year at Finnish Customs has been marked by the planning and implementation of a major transformation, which has spanned the entire year. The organisation and management system have been revamped to align with Customs’ strategic objectives and priorities. At the same time, we aim to mobilise the entire organisation of Finnish Customs in support of our shared goals and priorities, as the reform has emphasised cooperation, working together and taking our colleagues and their goals into account in everyone’s individual work.

Integrating the rules and objectives of this change will continue to require active effort from all of us so that they become part of our daily practices and organisational culture.

To make this major change possible, we at Customs had to go through historic cooperation negotiations that proved our strength: we were able to address even the most difficult issues related to the change and found opportunities in them to build an even stronger Finnish Customs. The goal was to assign all Customs personnel a new role within Customs, which was achieved.

Our new organisation and revised management system will take effect on 1 April 2026. To ensure that we reach our goals, we are prepared to make clarifications and corrections as needed.
In closing, I would like to extend a special thank you to our dedicated professionals – Customs’ personnel – who have managed to keep the ship that is Finnish Customs on a steady course toward our goals, even when the seas have been rough. I would also like to thank all our partners, both in the private and the public sector, for their cooperation.

With sunny spring greetings,
Sami Rakshit, Director General of Finnish Customs