What is the customs value?

It is the base for duty, usually the goods price plus freight and insurance to the EU border.

Is customs clearance needed within the EU?

No, but intra-EU VAT rules apply.

Can I clear customs myself?

Yes, but errors in codes or values can lead to delays or extra assessments. A forwarder files the declaration for you under a power of attorney.

How long does clearance take?

It is usually quick if documents are ready before arrival. It takes longer if Customs selects the goods for inspection.

Customs Clearance Finland: Import Broker in Vantaa

Import customs clearance in Finland

We clear imports from outside the EU into Finland. We file the customs declaration, calculate duty and VAT, close transit and get your goods released from the terminal. Our team works on site in the Helsinki Airport cargo area (01530 Vantaa) and at Vuosaari Harbour (00980 Helsinki) every working day. We are close to the cargo terminals and the Finnish Customs air cargo service, so documents and inspections are handled in person. We clear air, sea and road shipments, including ones you have shipped yourself.

IATA 1947010Accredited cargo agent

WCA 106317Member of the WCA forwarder network

HELOn site daily at Helsinki Airport cargo area

VUOSAARIOn site daily at Vuosaari Harbour

2009Since 2009, Vantaa

What we do

Import declaration to Finnish Customs as your representative
Commodity code (CN) and duty rate check
Customs value calculation and a duty and VAT estimate before arrival
Closing T1 transit
Other authority requirements, such as food, chemicals and CE marking
Release from the terminal and delivery

EORI number

Any business importing from or exporting to outside the EU needs an EORI number. In Finland it is “FI” followed by the Business ID without the hyphen. Finnish Customs issues it free of charge online.

Customs value, duty and VAT

The customs value is usually the price of the goods plus freight and insurance to the EU border. Duty is a percentage of the customs value set by the commodity code, and it can be reduced under an EU trade agreement if you have proof of origin. Import VAT (general rate 25.5%) is charged on the customs value plus duty and transport to the first destination in Finland. VAT-registered businesses report import VAT to the Finnish Tax Administration and can normally deduct it in the same return.

Example with illustrative figures: goods EUR 10,000 + freight EUR 2,000 = customs value EUR 12,000. Duty at 4% is EUR 480, and VAT at 25.5% on EUR 12,480 is EUR 3,182.40.

T1 transit

T1 lets non-cleared goods move under customs control, for example from Hamburg to Finland, without paying duty or VAT on the way. It needs a guarantee and an electronic NCTS declaration, and it is closed at the office of destination, where we then clear the goods.

Documents

Commercial invoice, packing list, AWB / bill of lading / CMR, EORI number and a customs power of attorney, proof of origin if claiming preference, permits or certificates where required, and the T1 document if the goods arrive in transit.

Updated 12 October 2026