Import restrictions

When you import goods to Finland, you must find out in advance if the import of the goods is restricted, if the import requires a licence or registration or if the import is completely prohibited. The import restriction or prohibition may be based on EU-wide or national regulations.

For example, there are restrictions on the import of weapons, plants, foodstuffs, waste and medicines.

In Finland, Customs is the supervising authority in matters concerning import restrictions. 

Proceed as follows

First, find the commodity for the goods in the commodity code service Fintaric. You can also see the national and EU-wide import restrictions concerning the commodity code. 

You can check the Customs restriction manual in Finnish Tullin rajoituskäsikirja, to find import restriction instructions for goods where Customs has been designated as the supervising authority. You can also call Customs’ General advice service for advice. 

For the import of certain goods, you may need an import licence or registration. Obtain it and receive more information from the authority administering the matter. Examples: 

The import restrictions are provided with codes in the import declaration. These codes can be

  • negation codes (i.e. the import goods are not covered by the restriction, even though they are classified with the same commodity code)
  • measure codes (the goods are subject to import restrictions) or
  • licence codes (providing the import licence)

Provide the import licence number in the import declaration with its own document codes. In addition, the licence must be presented when the goods are placed under a procedure if the authority orders it, or if it is required by Customs. If necessary, the imported quantities can be entered in the licence in accordance with the licence conditions.

Read more about declaring restrictions in the customs declaration

 

Imports of foods and consumer goods

Check the instructions here: Imports of foods and consumer goods.

Products subject to intensified controls by the EU

Some products are subject to intensified controls by the EU. For example fresh vegetables, fruits and berries, or live animals and foods of animal origin, can only be brought into the country via approved border control posts (BCP). In addition, a notification must be made to TRACES. Read more about bringing in products subject to intensified controls 

Goods subject to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM goods)

The import of CBAM goods requires a report and from the beginning of 2026, the importer must have the status of authorised CBAM declarant. CBAM goods are e.g. some iron and steel products, fertilisers, aluminium and cement products as well as hydrogen and electricity. Read more about CBAM goods 

Import bans and international sanctions

The UN and the EU have decided on certain regional import bans and sanctions that are valid until further notice on a case-by-case basis. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible for bringing into force, implementing and reporting the decisions. Read more about import bans and sanctions

Conformity of products

In order to ensure safety, health, environmental protection and consumer protection, products entering the EU market must meet certain requirements. The primary responsibility lies with manufacturers, importers and sellers. Customs has the right to stop the release of the products for free circulation if deficiencies are observed. Read more about the conformity of products

Counterfeit products

Customs controls that the goods entering, exiting and being transited through the country are not counterfeit goods or other products infringing on the intellectual property rights (IPR). Customs mainly controls goods for which the right holder has submitted an electronic application for operation (eAFA) to Customs in accordance with the regulation. Read more about counterfeit goods and intellectual property rights

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