Personal Effects Customs Clearance Finland
Important Information
- Duty Free Clearance not applicable to all shipments
Duty relief may only be granted to shipments considered as permanent imports for one year or more such as for relocation or study, where the relevant evidence is also provided.
Unlike most other countries, Finnish customs do not always consider temporary imports such as those for a holiday or business trip, or the import of goods by returning residents who have been outside of Finland for less than one year, as tax exempt, customs will assess shipments on a case by case basis.
If Finnish customs assesses that duty and taxes are due, these will need to be paid by the receiver directly to our courier partner in Finland.
- Further information may be requested
In order to complete customs clearance, Finnish customs may also request further information, and our courier partner in Finland will contact the consignee directly to request this if required. If they are unable to reach the consignee or do not receive the additional information required immediately, storage charges may be incurred. The consignee should therefore ensure they provide a local Finnish contact number that they can be reached on.
Documents Required (All customers)
All customers will be required to provide the documents below. If the consignee is moving / relocating to Finland , or going there to study, they will also need to provide the relevant documents in those sections.
- Passport Copy
A copy of the consignee’s passport details page is required for customs clearance.
and if applicable
Studying, relocating or moving to Finland to live (one year or more)
- Moving Goods Form
Customers who are relocating to Finland to live should ensure they submit a 'Notification to move' to the relevant authorities in Finland prior to shipping to ensure their shipments can quickly clear through customs. This notification can be submitted up to one month prior to arrival in Finland. Further information can be found here.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 2 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Personal Effects Customs Clearance Finland
Important Information
- Duty Free Clearance not applicable to all shipments
Duty relief may only be granted to shipments considered as permanent imports for one year or more such as for relocation or study, where the relevant evidence is also provided.
Unlike most other countries, Finnish customs do not always consider temporary imports such as those for a holiday or business trip, or the import of goods by returning residents who have been outside of Finland for less than one year, as tax exempt, customs will assess shipments on a case by case basis.
If Finnish customs assesses that duty and taxes are due, these will need to be paid by the receiver directly to our courier partner in Finland.
- Further information may be requested
In order to complete customs clearance, Finnish customs may also request further information, and our courier partner in Finland will contact the consignee directly to request this if required. If they are unable to reach the consignee or do not receive the additional information required immediately, storage charges may be incurred. The consignee should therefore ensure they provide a local Finnish contact number that they can be reached on.
Documents Required (All customers)
All customers will be required to provide the documents below. If the consignee is moving / relocating to Finland , or going there to study, they will also need to provide the relevant documents in those sections.
- Passport Copy
A copy of the consignee’s passport details page is required for customs clearance.
and if applicable
Studying, relocating or moving to Finland to live (one year or more)
- Moving Goods Form
Customers who are relocating to Finland to live should ensure they submit a 'Notification to move' to the relevant authorities in Finland prior to shipping to ensure their shipments can quickly clear through customs. This notification can be submitted up to one month prior to arrival in Finland. Further information can be found here.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 2 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Finland
- Jewellery;
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Finland
- Jewellery;
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Finland
- Jewellery;
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Finland
- Jewellery;
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
Why Ship to Finland?
Whether you’re heading to Helsinki for an extended city break to do a spot of shopping or you’re planning a trip to see the sights of Northern Finland and participate in a few winter sports, there’s always the possibility that your luggage might be overweight, outsized or difficult to take with you. Fitting everything you need into a single luggage quota can be difficult, especially when you consider all the warm clothing you will need when visiting Finland in winter.
Send My Bag can help. Whether it’s your own pair of cross-country skis, bulky camera equipment for capturing the spectacle of the Northern Lights, or simply a suitcase that’s packed full and you don’t want to leave behind, we can pick up your bags right from your home and transport them to your accommodation anywhere in Finland. Even if you simply don’t want the hassle of waiting around at the check-in desk or the baggage carousel, Send My Bag can help you out.
Our service is also great for students who are relocating for their studies and want to take daily necessities and home comforts with them. We can send all sorts – clothing, books, DVDs, writing materials, and much more.
Send Luggage to Finland
Sending your luggage and boxes to Finland with Send My Bag is an excellent option if you are going on holiday to Finland and you need to bring lots of clothing or sporting equipment with you. It’s also a great solution for students relocating to Finland who need to bring enough of their possessions with them to set up home in Finland for a term, or longer. Sending your luggage to Finland with Send My Bag means you can bring many more of your favourite things with you than you could on the plane. To find out more about sending luggage to Finland, visit our ‘How it works’ page, or our ‘FAQs’.
Removals to Finland
If you are relocating to Finland to live there permanently, you will have to consider international removals to Finland to bring all of your possessions with you. Make sure you choose a reputable removal company and pack everything up well before you hand your items over to the movers.
Student Shipping to Finland
Finland is an attractive location to spend time studying, whether as part of a year abroad or for a full degree programme. Finland has a number of good universities to choose from, such as the University of Helsinki, Aalto University and the University of Turku. If you are a student moving to Finland, you will need to bring a lot of things with you, such as your course textbooks and many other everyday items, like fiction books, clothes and DVDs, so shipping your possessions is a handy option. Read more about student shipping on our student removals page and find out how to receive your student discount.
Sending a Parcel to Finland
Sending a parcel to Finland with Send My Bag is very useful if you realise you have left some items at home. You can just ask a friend or family member to put the forgotten items in a box and send them on to you in Finland. Or, friends can send you care packages and gifts. Just make sure they are aware of any restrictions on sending brand new items. When sending a parcel to Finland, choose a sturdy box and tape it up well so nothing gets damaged in transit. Find out more about sending a parcel and learn what you can send with Send My Bag and how to package your items.
Ways of Shipping to Finland
If you are going on an activity holiday to Finland, or if you are moving to Finland to study or to live, you will need to transport numerous possessions. To make a decision about the most appropriate way to do this, you should be aware of the various options available for shipping items to Finland. You can choose between several different options for international shipping to Finland.
Send Golf Clubs to Finland
You can enjoy golfing in Finland between May and September. There are around 100 courses for golfers to choose from, including Kytäjä, Linna and Viipurin. If you want to try out some of these courses, it’s easy to do so using your own clubs by sending them to Finland with Send My Bag. This way, you can also avoid oversized baggage fees from your airline. Read more about how to send golf clubs with Send My Bag, including how best to package your golf clubs.
About Finland
Finland is a Nordic Scandinavian country located in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden, Norway, Russia and Estonia. The currency used is the Euro and the country has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish. The country is frequently described as thoroughly modern with several well-planned towns and cities, but it also has large expanses of unspoiled countryside. The climate in Finland is surprisingly mild for its Northern location as it is influenced by the Gulf Stream. However, temperatures during winter can still drop far below freezing, averaging between -22°C (-8°F) and -3°C (27°F), with snow covering the ground between December and April throughout the country.
In the North of Finland you can experience continuous darkness during winter, with around 2 months where the sun never rises above the horizon. In the same regions during the summer, you’ll find midnight sun. And, Finland is renowned as one of the best and most accessible countries to view the Northern Lights.
The main cities for tourism in Finland are Helsinki ‒ the capital and largest city, which receives visitors year round ‒, as well as Jyvaskyla, Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Rovaniemi and Porvoo. Helsinki is a maritime city and is a popular place to visit around Christmas to see the sparkling lights and to attempt to walk on the frozen sea, with caution!
The countryside of Finland is famed for its beauty and numerous activities to take part in. Aside from seeing the Northern Lights, during the winter tourists can visit the large snowcastle and Ice Hotel in Kemi, enjoy reindeer sleigh trips, and ride on dog sleighs. Winter sports are, of course, very popular in Finland and most visitors enjoy both downhill and cross-country skiing, as well as ice hockey, ice yachting, ice skating and ice fishing.
Please explore this page further to find out about Send My Bag’s shipping service to Finland.
Send your Bike to Finland
Finland is a great location for a cycling holiday. It has six major cycling routes, varying from 253 km to 955 km. You can enjoy your break all the more by using your own bike, rather than renting one. You can send your bicycle to Finland with Send My Bag. This is much easier than checking your bike into the hold of your plane. You will avoid oversized baggage fees and won't have to carry the bike to and from the airport. You can then have you bike picked up again from your final hotel. Your bike will need to be taken apart and properly packaged before being sent to Finland. Check out our information on bike shipping to learn more.
Send Skis to Finland
Finland is a popular ski destination, with well-loved resorts including Iso-Syote, Levi, Pyha and Ruka. If you are going to Finland for a skiing trip, you don’t have to hire skis once you get there. Instead, you can bring your own skis with you by sending them with Send My Bag. This way you will avoid oversized baggage fees and will save yourself the hassle of dragging your skis on to public transport. You can read more about ski shipping and find out how to safely package your skis for transit.
Air Freight to Finland
To send large bulky items you could try air freight. This type of service normally takes one to two days, making it a speedy option. But, it can be quite expensive, depending on the size of your item(s). You will likely have to pay for the services of a customs agent to handle customs clearance for you, and you will need to consider how to get your items to and from the airport. The price could, therefore, quickly mount up. If you send internationally by air freight to Finland your items will likely arrive at one of the major airports, such as Helsinki (Vantaa) Airport, Turku Airport or Vaasa Airport.
Sea Freight and Container Shipping to Finland
Instead of air freight, you could choose sea freight, or container shipping, to move large items like a cooker or an armchair to Finland. Since sea freight can take a number of weeks, it is a good option if you don’t need to receive your items immediately.This option can be less expensive than air freight, but you will still need to pay for the services of a customs agent and will need to arrange how to get your items to and from the ports. When using container shipping to Finland, your items will arrive at one of the major ports, such as Helsinki or Kotka.
Shipping Goods to Finland
If you wish to ship goods to Finland, you need to be aware of any customs duties and taxes you need to pay, due to your items being brand new and not used personal effects. Also make sure you know what items are restricted and which are entirely forbidden from being shipped to Finland. Take a look at the prohibited items and customs sections on this page for more information.