Tulli (Customs)
Finnish Customs authority responsible for controlling imports, exports, and collecting customs duties.
The Finnish Customs authority that regulates the import and export of goods and collects customs duties and taxes.
What it means
Tulli is the Finnish Customs service, operating under the Ministry of Finance. It controls the flow of goods across Finland's borders, collects customs duties and import VAT, and enforces regulations on restricted and prohibited items. Tulli operates at airports, harbors, and border crossings, and also handles online customs declarations for postal and courier shipments. As an EU member state, Finland applies the EU's common customs tariff on goods imported from outside the EU, while goods moving within the EU are generally free of customs duties.
Why it matters for internationals
When moving to Finland, you may bring personal belongings duty-free under certain conditions, but the rules differ depending on whether you are moving from within or outside the EU. Ordering goods online from non-EU countries triggers import VAT on all commercial shipments, plus customs duties (a flat 3 euros per goods item on parcels up to 150 euros since 1 July 2026, and normal duty rates above that). Understanding Tulli's rules helps you avoid unexpected charges and delays when receiving packages or bringing items into Finland.
Key details
- Moving to Finland: Personal household goods can be imported duty-free if you have used them for at least six months and register your move
- EU imports: No customs duties on goods purchased within the EU
- Non-EU online orders: Import VAT (25.5%) applies to all non-EU commercial shipments. Since 1 July 2026, parcels up to 150 euros also pay a 3 euro customs duty per goods item (IOSS sellers declare and pay it); normal customs duty rates apply above 150 euros
- Restricted items: Certain items require permits (firearms, medicines, endangered species products); some are prohibited entirely
- Customs declaration: Required for non-EU shipments; can be done online at tulli.fi or through a customs broker
Related terms
- Arvonlisavero: VAT collected by Tulli on imports
- Viisumi: visa, processed at border crossings where Tulli also operates
- Oleskelulupa: residence permit checked at border control