A Canadian visiting Finland would feel at home amongst its rugged boreal forests dotted with thousands of lakes filled with pike and perch.
And like Canada, Finland has hewn a modern industrial economy from its rich reserves of wood and minerals producing some notable products: Nokia, Linux, and Angry Birds.
That has made Finland like its nordic neighbours - rich, internet savvy, and big spenders on e-commerce. In fact, Finns buy 50% of their internet purchases overseas.
Maybe we could trade goods for some of their notable hockey players?
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Finland through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Finland. in case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Finland
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 1, 2023
8:49 am
Mariehamn, MA, FL
Delivered
May 31, 2023
7:18 am
Porvoo, PO, FL
In transit
May 30, 2023
9:03 pm
Savonlinna, SA, FL
International Clearance
May 30, 2023
8:14 am
Rovaniemi, RO, FL
In transit
May 30, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 29, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Finland before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
A private individual in Canada may ship a gift to a private individual in Finland exempt from duty and taxes up to a value of €45 (about $65 CAD).
The following conditions apply for a gift tax exemption:
There has been no payment for the gift
The shipment is for the personal use of the recipient or their family
TThe shipment is an occasional event
The amount and nature of the goods in the shipment is clearly for a household and not for a commercial purpose
NOTE: Neither medicines nor snus (snuff) is permitted to be shipped as a gift.
Restrictions
Foodstuffs such as chocolate, sweets, cookies, bread, and cakes may be shipped duty and VAT free up to a value of €45 (about $65 CAD) providing they do not contain meat products.
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, perfumes and toilet waters, and coffee and tea products may be shipped as gifts tax and duty-free up to the value of €45 (about $65 CAD); however, there are quantity restrictions and excise duty and VAT may be charged
Details are shown in the table below.
Item
Quantity Limits for Duty-free Entry
Other Taxes
Alcoholic beverages
1 L of distilled spirits (>22% alcohol); or
1 L of distilled spirits (22% alcohol or less); or
2 L of still wines (red, white, rosé); or
Beer up to €45 in value
Excise and VAT
Tobacco products
50 cigarettes; or
25 cigarillos (maximum of 3 g each); or
10 cigars; or
50 grams of pipe and cigarette tobacco
Excise and VAT
Perfume and toilet waters
50 g perfume; or
250 mL toilet waters
VAT if value greater than €45
Coffee and tea
500 g coffee or 200 g coffee extract and essence
100 g tea or 40 g tea extract and essence
VAT if value greater than €45
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
An individual in Canada may send a gift to an individual in Finland duty and tax free up to the value of €45 (about $65 CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipped from a business in Canada to a business in Finland will incur duty and taxes. There are no exemptions.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
Gifts shipped from a business in Canada to an individual in Finland will incur duty and taxes. There are no exemptions.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Jean Sibelius Hallituskatu 11 13100 Hämeenlinna Finland
Phone: +358 3 62 12755
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If you are shipping more than one gift in a parcel, wrap and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Jean Sibelius Hallituskatu 11 13100 Hämeenlinna Finland
Phone: +358 3 62 12755
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Personal effects can be shipped to Finland from Canada exempt from duty and VAT providing:
You have lived in Canada for at least 12 continuous months
You have owned and used the goods for a minimum of 6 months
Your personal goods will be used for the same purposes in Finland as they were in Canada
The goods are cleared from customs within 12 months of their arrival in Finland
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students moving to Finland to study may ship their personal effects from Canada exempt from duty charges.
To be eligible for duty exemption, the following conditions apply:
You will engage in full-time studies at a school in Finland
You have official status as a student in Finland
You are shipping only your property
The goods are required for your studies
Personal effects are to be used with the exception of clothing. Allowed goods for students include:
Items specifically required for studying, for e.g., books and computer
Furniture, bed linen
Clothes, coats, and shoes
Personal items
NOTE: You will be required to present a residence permit or a document such as an entry certificate from the educational institution.
Non-Students
There is no information at this time regarding non-students shipping personal effects for a temporary move to Finland.
Moving Permanently
If you are moving permanently to Finland from Canada, you may ship your personal effects exempt from duty and VAT
To be eligible for duty and tax exemption on personal effects, the conditions below apply:
You have lived in Canada for at least 12 continuous months
The goods have been owned by you for a minimum of 6 months
Durable goods - computers, televisions, furniture - have been in use for a minimum of 6 months before leaving Canada (small value items are exempt from this condition)
The items will be used for the same purposes in Finland as they were in Canada
The shipment DOES NOT contain professional tools and instruments
The goods are cleared from customs within 12 months of their arrival in Finland
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Jean Sibelius Hallituskatu 11 13100 Hämeenlinna Finland
Phone: +358 3 62 12755
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Samples can be shipped to Finland from Canada duty and VAT free providing they are of negligible value.
The samples must also follow the rules below:
The samples are shipped strictly for the purpose of soliciting sales
The number of items is no more than required to obtain orders
Samples are labelled to indicate their quality and nature
The goods are torn, defaced, or marked permanently to make them unusable
NOTE: Several samples of the same item may be shipped duty and VAT free if it can be shown that they are for the use of several different sales representatives
Samples of high value, for example electronics and durable goods, may not enter Finland duty and VAT free if they cannot be rendered unusable.
Commercial Sample Checklist
A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Jean Sibelius Hallituskatu 11 13100 Hämeenlinna Finland
Phone: +358 3 62 12755
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Advertising Material
Printed advertising material may be shipped to Finland from Canada duty-free providing they concern:
Goods for sale or rent
Commercial banking or insurance services
Transportation services
Printed advertising material eligible for duty exemption include:
Catalogues
Price lists
Brochures
Directions for use
NOTE: A parcel containing multiple copies of the same document must weigh no more than 1 kg to qualify for duty exemption
For a parcel with different documents, only 1 copy of each type is allowed.
Non-print advertising materials that are sent free of charge to Finland are also duty-free providing they have no monetary value and have been rendered unusable.
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
A detailed description of each item is provided
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Jean Sibelius Hallituskatu 11 13100 Hämeenlinna Finland
Phone: +358 3 62 12755
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Equipment repaired in Canada under warranty will be exempt from duty and VAT when it returns to Finland providing the work was done at no charge.
Items Under Warranty
If equipment is repaired in Canada under warranty, it will be exempt from duty and VAT when it returns to Finland providing the work was done at no charge.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
If equipment is repaired in Canada and is no longer under warranty, it will incur duty and VAT when it is returned to Finland
Sending Product for Repair to Finland
Equipment that is sent to Finland from Canada for repair will be exempt from duty and other taxes providing that it is returned to Canada once the work is completed.
Returning Repaired Product to Finland
Equipment repaired in Canada and returned to Finland requires a commercial invoice indicating that repair work was done and whether new parts were incorporated into the product.
Duty and VAT will be incurred if the work was done outside of a warranty.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Finland or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Jean Sibelius Hallituskatu 11 13100 Hämeenlinna Finland
Phone: +358 3 62 12755
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods may be shipped to Finland as a temporary import exempt from duty charges and VAT.
Usually, Customs requires a guarantee in the amount of the import duty.
Goods accepted for temporary admission to Finland include:
Sports equipment
Professional, scientific, and laboratory equipment
Teaching materials
Special instruments and tools, for example for conducting tests
Items to be tested
Equipment used to store and carry data, images, or sounds
Samples and materials for events
NOTE: When goods are returned to Canada, they are to be in the same condition as upon their entry.
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Finland, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details are shown in the table
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently
travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 1 year in Finland
NOTES:
If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods of temporary nature)
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Jean Sibelius Hallituskatu 11 13100 Hämeenlinna Finland
Phone: +358 3 62 12755
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
Goods imported permanently to Finland will incur VAT if their value is more than €22 (about $33 CAD). Duty will be charged on imports of €150 or more (about $225 CAD).
Occasional Shipper
All sold goods, including those bought over the internet, will incur VAT.
Regular Shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Finland, we recommend the use of a licenced Finnish customs broker.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Jean Sibelius Hallituskatu 11 13100 Hämeenlinna Finland
Phone: +358 3 62 12755
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Finland. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Finland, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
Duty and tax charges on shipments to Finland are calculated using the CIF value of the shipment, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus insurance plus freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By knowing the CIF value, you will be able to estimate the duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
Shipments with a value of €150 CIF or less (about $225 CAD), it will be exempt from duty. This is the threshold value, also known as the
de minimis values for duty. The de minimis value for VAT is zero, i.e. all imports will incur VAT regardless of their value.
NOTE: Alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and eau de toilette are always subject to VAT, duties, and excise taxes.
Currency
Euro (EUR) - €
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value
€150 (about $225 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
24%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€0 - effective July 1st, 2021
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Excise Duties
Excise taxes are applied to certain goods, such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, soft drinks, and sugary drinks.
Canada has signed the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) with the EU thus a reduced or zero rate of duty may apply to goods shipped to Finland.
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Finland from Canada can take between 2-3 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.
