Introduction

Sustainability was developed according to Finnish Customs’ strategy for 2020–2023. Key themes during the strategy period included social responsibility, developing stakeholder and network cooperation, leveraging information and technology, developing staff and competences, supporting leadership and reinventing the work culture. Progress in these areas underpinned the successful and effective implementation of Finnish Customs’ duties and the achievement of the United Nations (UN) Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals to expand Finnish Customs’ positive handprint.

When implementing its strategy, Finnish Customs focused on strengthening the effectiveness of customs operations in line with the principles of sustainable development while promoting equality, non-discrimination and workplace diversity in its operations.

Finnish Customs is also involved in the promotion of actions that boost sustainability internationally. Finnish Customs is involved in the joint efforts of European Union Member States to promote sustainable development and combat climate change. As a member of the World Customs Organisation, Finnish Customs works with other customs authorities around the world to promote the responsible and environmentally sustainable implementation of foreign trade transportation and customs processes. The World Customs Organisation has also identified the role of customs authorities in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This 2023 sustainability report describes how Finnish Customs has increased its handprint (its positive impact) and reduced its footprint (its negative impact) in its operating environment through its actions. The actions to advance the goals are divided into four entities: 

  • Action 1: Efficient interactions and fair competitive conditions
  • Action 2: Protecting society
  • Action 3: Protecting health and the environment
  • Action 4: Sustainable and reliable Finnish Customs

In the chapter Support at the workplace and Finnish Customs’ environmental efforts, we discuss how we can reduce the ecological and social consequences of our operations – in other words, reduce our footprint.

We have identified the six SDGs on which we have the greatest impact through our actions:
 

Goal 3: Good health and well-being   Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth   Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production   Goal 15: Life on land   Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions

These are the same as in the sustainability reports for 2021 and 2022. In this sustainability report, we provide more information abou our actions in Finnish Customs’ various areas of responsibility. We welcome you to learn about Finnish Customs’ wide range of sustainability actions through many practical examples.

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Efficiency and security through knowledge and technology

Tullin vastuullisuusraportti 2021 (in Finnish)

Tullin vastuullisuusraportti 2022 (in Finnish)