1.1. Import and export of goods within the European Union

1.1.1. Within the EU customs territory (see definition 12.), Community goods may be transported freely, unless their movement has been prohibited or restricted by Article 30 of the Amsterdam Treaty. Import, export and transit of goods from/to those areas that are within the EU customs territory but outside the tax area (see definition), such as the Canaries, the Channel Islands and the Åland Islands, is subject to declaration.

1.2. Entry and departure of cargo outside EU

1.2.1. The following documents are required for the clearance of goods arriving outside EU through customs: Customs Declaration, invoice, Valuation Declaration for Imports, release Certificate and in certain cases Import Permit, Import Licence and Health Certificate. For preferential customs treatment an appropriate Declaration of Origin or Goods Declaration is required.

1.2.2. Import Permit as well as Import Licence or Health Certificate are normally required for importation outside EU of such goods as animals, animal products, plants, weapons and ammunition, medicines, narcotics, defence equipment and dangerous materials.

Note: Veterinary border inspection post is located at Helsinki- Vantaa airport. More detailed information about restrictions is available from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

1.2.3. For exportation of goods outside EU the following documents are required: Customs Declaration, invoice and in certain cases Export Permit and Export Licence.

1.2.4. Export Licence or Health Certificate are normally required for exportation outside EU of such goods as animals, animal products, plants, weapons and ammunition, medicines, narcotics, defence equipment and dangerous materials.

1.3. Transit of cargo

1.3.1. In case of air cargo arriving from outside EU and being transshipped from one flight to another flight at the same airport, and to be forwarded to international airport of another EU Member State, no specific documents are required provided the transfer takes place under customs control and the goods are described as transit goods in the Cargo Manifests of both aircraft.

1.3.2. In case of air cargo arriving outside EU and being transshipped from other international aerodrome located within EU and from which to be forwarded outside EU, can be transshipped provided the customs authority are informed and the transfer takes place under customs control.

1.3.3. Normally no specific documents are required with respect to goods retained on board an aircraft for on-carriage to another country within EU provided the goods are described in the Cargo Manifest of the aircraft. The valid import and export restrictions normally applies to transit of cargo also.

1.4. Security checks of cargo etc.

1.4.1. Air cargo, mail and any goods intended to be sold or used on board an aircraft are security checked in accordance with EC regulation (300/2008).