Who can declare a parcel?

You are responsible for clearing your parcel and paying the import duties and taxes due for it, such as value added tax. In certain cases, Posti or another transport company may declare your parcel automatically on your behalf. 

Posti or another transport company will state in the parcel’s arrival notice if the parcel you ordered must be declared. You are responsible for clearing your parcel and paying the import duties and taxes due for it, such as value added tax. However, in certain cases, Posti or another transport company may declare your parcel automatically on your behalf. 

Purchases worth 150 euros or less, if the seller has an IOSS number

If the value of your goods is 150 euros or less excluding transport costs and the online store has an IOSS number, you can pay Finnish VAT at the same time when you make your online purchase.  In this case, Posti or another transport company will usually declare your parcel automatically on your behalf. Ask the online store whether it has an IOSS number. Read more on the IOSS number

However, please note, that you must see to the customs declaration yourself in the following cases:

  • You have ordered goods to which restrictions apply.
  • You have ordered goods for which excise duty has to be paid, such as alcohol. These products do not have IOSS number.
  • You will receive a notice of arrival where you will be asked to declare the parcel. For example, some transport companies cannot declare parcels on your behalf. Due to this, you may have to declare your parcel and pay the VAT again in connection with the customs clearance. In this case, the online store will refund you the VAT that you have already paid. Read more on exceptions.

Purchases worth 150 euros or less, if the seller does not have an IOSS number

If the value of your goods is 150 euros or less excluding transport costs and the online store does not have an IOSS number, you cannot usually pay Finnish VAT at the same time when you make your online purchase. In this case, you must see to the customs declaration and payment of VAT yourself. Ask the online store whether it has an IOSS number. Read more on the IOSS number. 

Please note that some online stores do not have an IOSS number, but you can still pay Finnish VAT at the same time when you make your online purchase. Then your invoice may, for example, have the abbreviation “DDP” or the text “Delivered duty paid” written on it. Ask the online store if your parcel will be declared by Posti or another transport company on your behalf. 

Purchases over 150 euros

If the value of the goods is more than 150 euros excluding transport costs, you must see to the customs declaration and payment of import taxes yourself.

Please note that you may be able to pay Finnish VAT to some online stores at the same time when you make your online purchase. Then the invoice may, for example, have the abbreviation “DDP” or the text “Delivered duty paid” written on it. Ask the online store if your parcel will be declared by Posti or another transport company on your behalf. 


Any questions?

Contact Customs Information Mon–Fri 8 am–4.15 pm

Please have a look at the frequently asked questions.

If you have a question about the arrival of parcels, its contents or the handling fee, please contact Posti.

Customs Information Service