Page 66 - DIPLOMATIC PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES IN FINLAND

4 IMPORT AND EXPORT OF GOODS
Information on customs clearance is available on the website of the Customs at www. tulli.fi. As regards the exemption from customs duties see also section 3.11.
4.1 The Diplomatic Bag
Diplomatic courier consignments (the diplomatic bag) must be sealed and the diplomatic status of the consignment must be clearly visible. Diplomatic courier consignments may contain only documents and articles that are intended for the official use of the mission. The contents of the diplomatic bag can include only items whose import is not prohibited by the customs regulations of Finland. Import of firearms is not allowed by the diplomatic bag (please note also chapter 7).
The diplomatic courier must carry an official document indicating his/her status and the number of packages which constitute the diplomatic bag.
If there is an intention to transport the diplomatic bag in the cabin of an aircraft the mission needs to check with the airline company whether this is allowed.
Diplomatic courier consignments are not subject to security checks.
4.2 Other Consignments
Finland uses electronic customs declarations for arriving goods. The parties primarily responsible for submitting these declarations are the transport companies. The application form for a tax and duty exempt import and purchase (Annex 4) which has been confirmed by the Protocol Services will be attached to the documents concerning the customs clearance.
The import of firearms is subject to a separate procedure (please note chapter 7). Import of medicines is, as a rule, not allowed. It is advisable to contact the Customs in advance if a need to import medicines for the use of the members of the mission will arise. Please note also section 3.11.1 (the temporary customs clearance concerning exhibition items).
Other consignments than the diplomatic bag are subject to normal security checks.
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