Finland Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Finland customs guide provides a detailed reference for international moving, overseas relocation and door-to-door shipping services to Finland. Regulations may change and differ by case. Always verify current rules directly with Finnish Customs (Tulli), Finnish Food Authority, and your mover.

Home To Home Relocations supports clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with end-to-end international relocations to Finland, including customs documentation, export packing, freight coordination, import clearance, and delivery to residence.

1. Moving to Finland – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Removal Goods

Used household goods and personal effects may be imported to Finland free of customs duty and VAT when classified as removal goods. Common eligibility conditions include:

You have lived outside the EU continuously for at least 12 months.
Your household goods have been owned and used by you for at least 6 months prior to relocation.
You are transferring your primary residence to Finland.
The goods are intended for personal use and not resale or commercial activity.
The shipment arrives within the time limits set by Finnish Customs for removal goods.

Important: If these conditions are not met—especially for new items, stored goods or items exceeding typical household quantities—customs duty and VAT may apply.

1.2 Shipments from EU and Non-EU countries

From EU countries: No customs duty or VAT, but restricted goods still apply.
From non-EU countries: Subject to customs clearance and potential import taxes unless exempt.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Documentation is essential for smooth processing. Expect to provide the following:

Copy of passport (photo page)
Customs Form 45 or electronic import declaration
Detailed inventory list in Finnish, Swedish, or English
Bill of lading / seaway bill / airway bill
Proof of residence abroad and proof of residence in Finland
Employment contract or residency permit, if applicable

2.2 Inventory Requirements

Each carton or liftvan must be numbered and correspond to the inventory list.
Use clear, non-generic descriptions such as “kitchen utensils”, “bed linens”, “books”, etc.
Pack electronics, antiques, and high-value items separately and document them in detail.

H-H Relocations Tip: A precise, customs-friendly inventory prevents delays and additional inspections. Our team prepares compliant inventories and coordinates with Finnish agents for expedited clearance.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles to Finland

3.1 Rules for Vehicles

You may import a vehicle as removal goods, but Finnish car tax (Autovero) may apply. Relief may exist if:

You have owned and used the vehicle abroad for at least 6 months.
The vehicle is for personal-use only.
You have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months.

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original vehicle registration/title
Proof of ownership and insurance
Customs declarations
Proof of residence in Finland

Important: Car tax may be significant. Research whether purchasing a vehicle in Finland is more cost-effective.

4. Bringing Pets to Finland

4.1 Import Rules

Pets must be microchipped according to ISO standards
Valid rabies vaccination required
EU pet passport or health certificate required
Tapeworm treatment required for dogs (non-EU origin)

Pet Relocation Tip: Begin pet import preparations 3–4 months prior to travel to align vaccination timelines.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Other Restricted Items

5.1 Alcohol and tobacco

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are restricted and dutiable. Duty-free traveller allowances do not typically apply to household goods shipments. If alcohol or tobacco is packed with your household goods, it must be declared separately, and Finnish authorities may charge full customs duty, excise duty and VAT.

Avoid including alcohol and tobacco in your household goods shipment where possible.
If included, provide a separate detailed list showing type, quantity and alcohol strength.
Expect additional inspection and charges for any declared alcohol or tobacco.

5.2 Food, plants and animal-origin products

To protect public health, agriculture and the environment, Finland enforces strict rules on food, plants and products of animal origin:

Do not pack fresh meat, meat products or large quantities of dairy products.
Many foods of animal origin coming from outside the EU are prohibited or require special certification.
Plants, seeds, soil and certain wooden items may require phytosanitary certificates or may be completely prohibited.
Hunting trophies and products made from protected species may require CITES permits or may be banned.

5.3 Medicines, firearms and other controlled goods

Some goods are not prohibited but require licences, permits or strict limitations:

Medicines: Limited quantities of medicines for personal use may be allowed, but controlled substances are heavily regulated. Always carry prescriptions and original packaging.
Firearms, ammunition and certain knives: Usually require advance permits from Finnish authorities and must never be packed without proper authorisation and documentation.
Chemicals, aerosols and flammable materials: Often restricted for transport safety and may be refused by carriers and customs.

Do not pack: illegal drugs, unlicensed weapons, explosives, fireworks or counterfeit goods. Possession or import of these items can lead to fines, seizure of goods and criminal penalties.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Finland

The following examples of prohibited items must never be included in your shipment to Finland:

Illegal drugs and narcotics.
Unlicensed firearms, certain types of knives, ammunition and explosives.
Counterfeit currency, branded goods or pirated media.
Obscene or prohibited publications and materials.
Items made from endangered or protected wildlife species without the required CITES permits.

If in doubt, consult your move coordinator before packing questionable items. When necessary, obtain written clarification from Finnish Customs or other relevant authorities.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Finland

7.1 Planning your move from Toronto or the GTA

When organising an international move from Toronto to Finland, early planning and accurate documentation are essential. Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Scheduling a pre-move consultation to review volume, timelines and customs requirements.
Confirming your eligibility for removal goods duty and VAT relief before shipping.
Discussing any special items (vehicles, art, collections, musical instruments) in advance.
Allowing extra lead time around peak seasons, school start dates and Finnish public holidays.
Keeping important documents (passports, visas, work contracts, pet papers) with you, not in the shipment.

7.2 Why work with a specialist international mover

Finland has specific customs rules, climate conditions and logistical considerations. Working with a specialist Toronto international mover such as Home To Home Relocations helps you:

Receive expert advice on packing standards, transit options and customs documentation.
Coordinate door-to-door overseas moving services, including packing, shipping, clearance and delivery.
Benefit from established partnerships with vetted destination agents in Finland.
Reduce stress, minimise risk of delays, and have a single point of contact throughout your relocation.

Relocation Tip: The earlier you involve your international mover, the more options you will have for sailing dates, routing, transit times and pricing.

8. Useful Official Links – Finland

Regulations change and may differ depending on your personal situation, origin country and type of goods. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official websites below before shipping:

This guide is intended to support your planning and conversations with your professional mover. Final decisions about customs clearance, duty and taxes always rest with Finnish Customs and other relevant authorities.