New procedure for Customs’ sampling pre inquiries may cause brief delays in import clearance

Finnish Customs will introduce a new procedure for pre‑inquiries related to import sampling starting on March 16, 2026.

As a result, information on potential sampling will be transmitted to Customs via the advance customs declaration instead of by email. During the initial implementation phase, this may cause slight delays in the import clearance of DHL Freight customers’ shipments.

Until now, pre‑inquiries could be sent to Customs by email, but from March 16, 2026 onwards, they must be submitted through the advance customs declaration.

The purpose of the new procedure is to speed up customs clearance. When the pre‑inquiry is submitted together with the customs declaration, Customs can decide—before the goods arrive in Finland and before they are placed under a customs procedure—whether a sample is required for regulatory control.

This change particularly affects the import of certain foodstuffs and consumer goods from which Customs may take samples for inspection when necessary.

It is important that customers provide all required customs clearance information in good time so the advance declaration can be completed smoothly. However, some minor delays may occur during the initial rollout of the new procedure.