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    Do parcels from the Åland Islands need a customs declaration?

    Why a parcel from inside Finland can still need a declaration.

    Answered at: Checked at:

    Short answer

    The Åland Islands are part of Finland and the EU but outside the EU fiscal territory. Info Norden explains that a parcel ordered from there must be declared and VAT paid on it, but no customs duty is due. For gifts from Åland, Finnish Customs says VAT is charged if the value is over 45 euros, and excise duty applies to alcohol and tobacco.

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    Why

    1. Info Norden says parcels from EU areas outside the fiscal territory owe VAT but no duty.
    2. Finnish Customs lists Åland as outside the EU fiscal territory.
    3. Finnish Customs gives the 45 euro VAT limit for gifts from Åland.

    Details

    The same rules apply to parcels from the Canary Islands and other EU areas outside the fiscal territory.

    Tip

    Before ordering from a shop that ships from Åland, check whether its prices include Finnish VAT.

    What may differ

    Finnish Customs says the recipient, not the sender, is responsible for declaring the parcel.

    Common misconception

    Åland is part of Finland, so there is no customs procedure.

    What actually happens

    Åland is outside the EU fiscal territory, so a tax border applies.

    People also ask

    • Does the Åland Islands have a different VAT?
    • Do gifts from EU countries need a customs declaration?
    • Can you clear a parcel through customs yourself?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Customs rules for online purchases are changing in stages, so check Finnish Customs before you order.

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