Can you bring fruit, vegetables or plants into Finland from outside the EU?
The EU plant health rule and the five fruits that are exceptions.
Short answer
From outside the EU, all live plants, seeds, cut flowers and almost all fresh fruit and vegetables need a phytosanitary certificate from the country of departure. In practice this means not even one apple or orange can be brought in. Pineapples, bananas, coconuts, dates and durians are the exceptions and need no certificate.
Why
- The Finnish Food Authority says live plants, seeds, cut flowers and almost all fresh vegetables from outside the EU need a phytosanitary certificate.
- Finnish Customs warned that a person cannot bring even one apple or orange from outside the EU without the certificate.
- According to Customs, it is almost impossible for a private person to obtain such a certificate.
Details
The rule protects Finnish and European plants from pests and diseases. Processed plant foods such as coffee, tea, spices, dried herbs and canned fruit can be brought in.
Tip
Eat the fruit you bought for the journey before landing, and buy fresh berries and apples in Finland instead.
What may differ
Inside the EU there are no such limits for fruit and vegetables for your own use. Switzerland and Liechtenstein are also exceptions.
Common misconception
A few apples in your bag are fine because the rule is only for large amounts.
What actually happens
The certificate requirement applies to small amounts too, down to a single piece of fruit.
People also ask
- Can I bring seeds to Finland?
- Can I bring flowers to Finland from outside the EU?
- Can I bring bananas to Finland?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Import rules can change, so check Finnish Customs (Tulli) and the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) before you travel.
Visas and Entry Regulations (Schengen)Related questions
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How much money do you need to show to enter Finland?
For a Finnish Schengen visa, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs sets the minimum funds at 50 euros per day of stay.
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Do you need travel insurance for Finland?
For visa applicants it is mandatory.
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Are there border checks between Finland, Sweden and Norway?
Normally there are no checks.
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Do you need a passport for the ferry between Helsinki and Tallinn?
Yes, you need a valid travel document even though there is usually no border check.