Traveller imports of plants and seeds
Importing plants or seeds from an EU country
For your personal use you can import seeds, saplings, potted plants, herbs and cut flowers, usually without any restrictions.
Read more about importing plants on the website of the Food Safety Authority.
Importing plants or seeds from outside the EU
You cannot bring in plants or plant products to Finland from outside the EU without a phytosanitary certificate.
A phytosanitary certificate is required for
- plant seeds
- seedlings, potted plants, houseplants
- cuttings, tubers, rhizomes, scions and similar propagation materials
- cut flowers and branches.
Since it is almost impossible for a private person to get a phytosanitary certificate, it means that in practice these products cannot be brought to Finland from outside the EU.
The same restrictions apply to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Read more about importing plants on the website of the Food Safety Authority.
Customs monitors passenger imports at the border crossing points. On border crossing points on the eastern border, you can place prohibited plants and plant products in waste bins. At airports, you can hand them over to a customs officer.
No sanctions will be imposed for handing over goods voluntarily. Repeated or serious violation of an import prohibition is punishable.
Read more
The concise instructions on this page are meant to answer only the most frequently asked questions. Always check the Finnish Food Authority’s website for detailed instructions.
Importing plants and fresh plant products as personal luggage (Food Authority)