Europe
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Export and Import to Finland
Finland, with its open economy and strategic position in the Nordic region, is a key player in global trade. As part of the European Union (EU), Finland maintains a robust system for both importing and exporting goods.
Tax
Up to 24%
Duties
Up to 5%
Lead Times
4-5 Weeks
Restricted Items
N/A
Best Carrier Option
Courier or Freight Forwarder
Non-Working Days
Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays
Prominent Languages
Finnish and Swedish
Importing to Finland
Finland’s economy is heavily reliant on international trade, with the EU accounting for nearly 60% of its total trade. Despite the ease of access to the European market, importing goods into Finland can still pose challenges.
The country is ranked as one of the most expensive destinations in Europe, which can make in-country procurement costly. As a result, it is often more economical to import goods, especially tech products, directly from other markets rather than buying them locally.
While Finnish customs regulations are relatively straightforward for most goods, there are exceptions. Certain products, especially those with high value or specific origins, may require special permits. One key requirement for businesses involved in international trade within the EU is the Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. Without an EORI number, businesses cannot submit customs declarations or engage in legal international transactions.
In addition to obtaining the correct documentation, businesses should be aware that Finnish customs regulations are stringent. Complex administrative processes can create delays, which can result in increased operational costs.
Exporting from Finland
Finland is also an important exporter, with significant trade relationships with countries like Germany, Sweden, China, and the United States. When exporting from Finland, businesses must submit an export declaration to customs and ensure compliance with EU export regulations. Importantly, no customs duty or VAT is applied to export goods, but exporters must verify the VAT-free nature of the sale with the relevant authorities.
As with importing, export restrictions can present challenges. Certain items, such as dual-use goods may require an export license. These restrictions are in place to protect national security and comply with international agreements, and obtaining the necessary licenses in advance is crucial to ensuring the smooth transit of goods.
Population
5.62M
Biggest Industry by Export
Refined Petroleum
Capital City
Helsinki
Biggest Industry by Import
Crude Petroleum
Import Trade Challenges in Finland
One of the major pain points businesses face when importing goods to Finland is the complexity of customs clearance. The country operates under EU customs law, and each import requires detailed declarations to ensure goods are accurately classified, valued, and taxed. Additionally, some goods, such as high-tech products or items of cultural significance, may face stricter regulations or export restrictions.
Cross-Boarder Trade with the Åland Islands
Finland has specific rules for importing goods from the Åland Islands, a part of Finland that is treated as a non-EU area in terms of taxation. Goods imported from the Åland Islands are subject to VAT, though no customs duties are levied. This nuanced distinction can complicate trade for businesses that source goods from or to this region.
Moreover, there are specific requirements for labeling and documentation. Products must display the country of origin, and in some cases, manufacturers must provide user guides in both Finnish and Swedish. This ensures that imports meet Finnish consumer protection standards, but it also adds an extra layer of administrative work for businesses looking to trade in Finland.
Top Trade Partners with Finland
North America
United States of America (USA)
Europe
Sweden
How TecEx Can Simplify Your Finnish Imports and Exports
At TecEx, we offer tailored solutions to help with the challenges of importing and exporting in Finland. We ensure all paperwork is correctly completed, and that your goods are classified according to Finnish and EU standards. Our services also include assistance with obtaining EORI numbers, managing VAT, and handling import duties, so you can avoid delays and stay compliant with Finnish laws.
With our in-depth knowledge of Finnish trade regulations, we help businesses avoid common mistakes, from managing customs declarations to complying with complex import/export controls. Whether you’re importing tech products or expanding export operations, we simplify the process, reduce delays, and help you stay competitive in Finland’s trade market.
Finland’s Compliance Regulations
When importing or exporting to Finland, compliance with both EU and national regulations is essential. Finland’s customs authorities require businesses to submit a detailed customs declaration for all goods entering or leaving the country. This includes providing a valuation declaration for high-value items, a commercial invoice, and an EORI number for businesses established outside the EU.
Additionally, businesses must adhere to specific product labeling requirements. The country of origin must be clearly marked on all goods, and retail packaging must include important details such as the manufacturer’s name and product contents. Finland also emphasizes environmental sustainability, with products labeled with the Swan Label (Nordic Swan Ecolabel) being recognized for their reduced environmental impact.
Your global import solution for Finland
Fill in the form to get in touch, and our expert team will contact you with a comprehensive customs compliance solution to suit your Finnish import and export needs.