Going through Customs

When you arrive in Finland, you provide a customs declaration for your luggage by selecting the green or red channel. You can also notify Customs that you have goods to declare.

Are you unsure about what you are allowed to bring in?

If you’re not sure what the import restrictions are, choose the red channel. In the red channel, you can ask the customs officers for advice – we are happy to help you.

Bear in mind that if you’ve chosen the green channel, and taxable goods are found in your possession in an inspection, the duties and taxes may be increased by one hundred per cent, or you may be charged for a customs offence. In addition, the goods that you carry may be seized, if prohibitions or restrictions apply to importing such goods.

Choose the appropriate channel at Customs – your choice of channel is also a customs declaration

Arriving from the EU I’m arriving from outside the EU

I’m arriving from the EU

  • Choose the blue channel when you arrive by air from the EU territory and you have nothing to declare or to notify Customs of.
  • Choose the red channel if you are carrying goods that need to be declared, taxed or are subject to restrictions.
  • Likewise, choose the red channel if you are unsure of what regulations apply – we are happy to help.

I’m arriving from outside the EU

  • Declare all goods that are subject to customs duty, excise duty, VAT or other taxes or charges, and goods that are subject to import restrictions.
  • Also, if you carry 10 000 euros or more in cash, you must notify Customs. 
  • More information about cash

Also select by what mode of transport you’ll be arriving

I arrive by air I arrive by road I arrive by train

I arrive by air

  • Choose the green channel if you have nothing to declare or to notify Customs of
  • Choose the red channel if you are carrying goods that need to be declared, taxed or are subject to restrictions
  • Likewise, choose the red channel if you are unsure of what regulations apply – we are happy to help.

 

I arrive by road

The green channel at the border crossing point is usually the lane or area where the Border Guard checks the passports. If you choose the green channel, you do not have to get out of the car or enter the customs office to present your goods.

Customs may inspect the luggage of bus passengers on the bus. If the inspection is not done on the bus, the passengers must go through the customs inspection point with their luggage.

Choose the green channel when

  • you have no goods to declare or goods subject to restrictions
  • the amount of goods you're bringing in does not go over the allowances and you are entitled to import them 
  • the insurance for the car you use is valid throughout your stay in Finland.

Choose the red channel if

  • you carry goods to declare or goods subject to restrictions
  • you have no valid insurance for the car you use (you can buy insurance at the customs office)
  • you are unsure of what regulations apply – we are happy to help.

I arrive by train

The same prohibitions and restrictions apply to train passengers as to other travellers. You are allowed to bring in goods worth no more than 300 euros without paying customs duties or taxes.

Customs clearance on the train

  • The clearance of goods subject to customs clearance and restrictions is carried out on the moving train. 
  • Travellers can make an oral declaration for the goods they bring in.
  • For goods intended for sale, a customs declaration must be submitted in writing. This is also done on the moving train.
  • When goods are cleared on the moving train, the customs duties can also be paid on the train in cash. After the payment, the goods are handed over to the passenger.
  • Note that Customs cannot release the goods unless the import duties and taxes are paid in cash.
  • When using account transfer, the payment must show in Customs’ system before the goods can be released. After this, the passenger can retrieve the goods from Vainikkala customs office.

Customs inspection on the train
The Finnish and Russian customs authorities will check the luggage either when the train is stopping at the border station or when the train is moving (Allegro). Passengers selected for inspection must themselves unpack their luggage for the inspection and repack it afterwards. Passengers must show their travel documents at the request of a customs officer.

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