Finnish Customs – security and competitiveness through cooperation
Changes in geopolitics and trade policy as well as changes in the flow and routes of goods have shaped the role of Finnish Customs. The importance of Finnish Customs as a security authority and enabler of the competitiveness of enterprises has grown.
We supervise goods and passenger traffic at the external and internal borders of the EU and the Schengen Area on behalf of ministries and other agencies. We are responsible for our part in ensuring society’s safety and security of supply.
We make sure that customs clearances are correct, taxes are collected efficiently and enforcement is targeted appropriately. We ensure fair competition and smooth customs services for companies.
Strategy for 2025–2029
We combat illegal international traffic and enable the legitimate trade in goods to run smoothly.
Our key objectives for the 2025–2029 strategy period are as follows:
- We know the operators and structures of international trade.
- We identify risks and protect society.
- We ensure fair competition and smooth customs services.
The implementation of our new strategy began with measures that were launched immediately at the beginning of 2025. In 2025, an organisational reform was initiated, among other things. Recommendations for new operating models were drawn up for management approval based on examination and preparatory work.
The Act on the Administration of Finnish Customs entered into force on 1 January 2026, and the new organisation will come into effect on 1 April 2026. You can find out more about the structure of Finnish Customs as an organisation on our website.
Cooperation in Finland and internationally
We participate actively in the EU customs union and are committed to promoting EU customs reform. We enforce the restrictions and prohibitions imposed by both the EU and 11 national ministries on the import and export of goods. We also carry out the tasks of other authorities at Finland’s borders and work closely with foreign authorities.
We cooperate with the business sector to ensure competitive international trade.
Finnish Customs’ key partners also include countries bordering the EU–Russia land border, the Nordic countries, ocean-port countries with maritime traffic to Finland, and Finland’s main trading partners.
