Now all packages of countries outside the EU must be destroyed by customs – at the responsibility of the taxpayer buyer

From Thursday, all goods coming from countries outside the EU will be cleared by customs. This means higher costs and more work for the customer.

From today, July 1, there will be a lot more to think about when ordering goods from non-EU countries such as China, USA or UK.

Previously, if the value was more than 22 euros from countries outside the EU, they had to be sent through customs. Some items worth a maximum of 22 euros must be cleared by customs if the post office asks for a separate arrival notice.

Now all exports from outside the EU must be wiped out by customs. In addition, the recipient must pay VAT on them. VAT is usually 24 percent.

This change applies to all orders arriving in Finland from July 1, even if the order has been placed in advance.

Subscription newspapers from outside the EU must also be cleared through customs. In some cases, this can be done by newspaper houses, but this will vary for each subject.

The change in customs clearance also applies to Aland.

While no major changes have been made, the gifts have yet to be cleared through customs. So far, small gifts are generally exempt from VAT.

If the seller calls the IOS number, a maximum of 150 euros worth of goods can be cleared through customs in connection with the purchase. Expensive items must be disposed of by the buyer or the buyer’s hired transportation company.

Information on the new rules is available on the Customs website.