Shipping Restrictions & Regulations
Important information for sending parcels internationally
Regulatory Overview
As an EU-based carrier operating from Finland, FinPost Express is required to comply with all applicable EU regulations that govern international shipments. All parcels are screened to ensure compliance. The following information outlines key rules you should be aware of before sending a parcel.
Customs Thresholds by Country
Each destination country sets its own duty-free import threshold. If the parcel value exceeds the threshold, the recipient will be required to pay customs duty and/or VAT.
| Country | Duty-Free Threshold | If Exceeded |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | €200 / 31 кг | 5% duty (min. €1/kg) + 22% VAT |
| Belarus | €200 / 31 кг | 5% duty (min. €1/kg) + 20% VAT |
| Kazakhstan | €200 / 31 кг | 5% duty (min. €1/kg) + 16% VAT |
| Armenia | €200 / 31 кг | 5% duty (min. €1/kg) + 20% VAT |
| Kyrgyzstan | €200 / 31 кг | 5% duty (min. €1/kg) + 12% VAT |
| Azerbaijan | $300/мес | 15% duty + 18% VAT (effective approx. 35.7% on excess) |
| Georgia | 300 GEL (~$110) | 18% VAT + 0–12% duty (depends on product category) |
| Uzbekistan | $200/мес | 30% unified customs duty on excess |
| Turkmenistan | $50 | 15% VAT + customs duty (rate depends on product category) |
Restricted Recipients & Destinations
Parcels cannot be delivered to individuals or entities listed on applicable sanctions or watch lists. Some geographic destinations are also restricted or require additional verification. It is the sender's responsibility to confirm that the recipient and destination comply with current regulations.
Prohibited Items
The following categories of items are fully prohibited from shipping. This list is not exhaustive — if in doubt, contact us before shipping.
🔫Weapons & Explosives
- All types of weapons (firearm, pneumatic, gas, edged)
- Ammunition and explosives
- Fireworks (sparklers, crackers, firecrackers)
💊Narcotics & Poisons
- Narcotic and psychotropic substances
- Poisons, toxic chemicals, pesticides
- Precursors of narcotic substances
☢️Dangerous Materials
- Radioactive substances
- Hazardous waste
- Ozone-depleting substances
🌿Animals & Plants
- Live animals (except bees, leeches, silkworms)
- Plants, seeds, seedlings, soil
- Rare animal and plant species (CITES)
🪖Military Equipment
- Military uniforms, camouflage clothing and insignia
- Body armor, helmets, tactical gear
- Weapon optics (scopes, collimators)
- Night vision devices
- Military electronics and communication equipment
- Any items that could be used for warfare
🚫Other
- Counterfeit goods and documents
- Extremist materials
- Copyright-infringing products
- Cash exceeding the limit
Allowed Items
The following categories of items are permitted for shipping. Please note country-specific restrictions.
👕Clothing & Shoes
- Jackets, coats, down jackets
- Dresses, shirts, trousers, jeans
- Shoes (sneakers, boots, formal shoes)
- Accessories (hats, scarves, gloves, bags)
📱Electronics
- Mobile phones and smartphones
- Laptops, tablets, e-readers
- Headphones, speakers, chargers
- Photo and video cameras
📚Books & Stationery
- Books, magazines, newspapers
- Notebooks, notepads, planners
- Pens, pencils, markers
- School supplies
🧸Children's Items
- Toys (soft, building blocks, board games)
- Children's clothing and shoes
- Strollers, car seats
- Diapers, hygiene products
💄Cosmetics & Hygiene
- Creams, lotions, serums
- Shampoos, hair conditioners
- Makeup products
- Personal hygiene products
🏠Home Goods
- Kitchenware (pots, pans, cutlery)
- Textiles (towels, bedding, curtains)
- Small furniture (disassembled)
- Household chemicals (cleaning products, laundry detergent)
⚽Sports Equipment
- Sports clothing and shoes
- Equipment (balls, rackets, jump ropes)
- Small fitness trainers
- Camping gear
🍫Food Products
- Chocolate, candies
- Snacks, chips, crackers
- Cookies, wafers
- Tea, coffee, spices
- Grains, pasta
- Vitamins, dietary supplements
💊Vitamins & Supplements
- Vitamin D, C, B12
- Omega-3, magnesium, calcium
- Probiotics, prebiotics
- Mineral complexes
🏥Medicines
- Medicines for personal use
- Over-the-counter medications
- Allergy and pain relief products
- Plasters, bandages
Customs Requirements
All parcels must include a completed CN23 customs declaration form. The form must accurately describe each item, its quantity, and its value in euros. We recommend using HS codes for accurate classification. The declared value must match the actual value of the goods — under-declaring to avoid duties is illegal and may result in seizure. Incomplete or inaccurate customs forms may cause delays or rejection at the border.
🇷🇺Russia-Specific Restrictions
💻Electronics & Microchips
Processors, semiconductors, computer equipment
📱Smartphones & Part of Home Appliances
Smartphones and certain home appliances of specific brands
⚙️Dual-Use Goods
May be used for military purposes
🏭Industrial & Technological Equipment
Equipment for industrial production and processing
🔭Optics & Navigation Devices
Optical and navigation systems
⌚Luxury Goods
Watches, jewelry, premium brand clothing above €300
✈️Aviation & Space Components
Components for aviation and space industry
💻Certain Software
Software of certain categories prohibited for export
Luxury Goods Export Restrictions
Export of luxury goods — items valued above €300 — is prohibited.
- Wires and cables
- Electronic components
- Household appliances and equipment
- Computers and digital devices
- Audio recording and playback devices
- Detergents
Exceptions to the €300 limit:
Electrical devices or smartphones up to €750; musical instruments up to €1,500.
More information at tulli.fiIf you have any doubts about the permissibility of an item — contact us before shipping.
Your Responsibilities as a Sender
By using FinPost Express, you confirm that: the recipient and destination are not subject to restrictions; the parcel contents are not prohibited; all customs declarations are complete and accurate; you have the legal right to export the items. You are responsible for the contents of your shipment and any consequences of non-compliance.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance may result in: seizure of the parcel by customs authorities, significant fines, and loss of shipping privileges with FinPost Express. FinPost Express reserves the right to refuse, hold, or return any shipment that may violate applicable regulations.