Finland's reputation for high-quality, well-designed footwear has made its shoes highly sought after worldwide. However, the final hurdle of international shipping can present challenges. This comprehensive guide provides all necessary information for successfully shipping Finnish shoes to your home country.
1. Posti: Finland's Official Postal Service
Posti, Finland's national postal service, offers reliable international shipping options comparable to domestic postal services in other countries. For footwear shipments, Posti provides several international parcel services:
- Economy Mail: Most budget-friendly option with longer delivery times
- Airmail: Balanced option offering moderate speed and pricing
- Express Delivery: Fastest available service for time-sensitive shipments
2. Packaging: Ensuring Safe Transit
Proper packaging is essential to protect footwear during international transit:
- Use rigid cardboard boxes or reinforced shipping bags
- Wrap shoes individually in bubble wrap or packing paper
- Fill all empty spaces in the package with cushioning material
- Clearly label the package with complete sender and recipient information
3. Customs Declaration Requirements
Finnish customs regulations require declaration for parcels valued over €22. The customs form must accurately include:
- Detailed item description (e.g., "leather women's shoes")
- Exact quantity
- Declared value
- Purpose (personal use or gift)
Inaccurate declarations may result in package delays or penalties.
4. Understanding Import Duties and Taxes
Recipients should be aware of potential import charges:
- Customs duties vary based on materials and declared value
- Standard VAT rate of 24% applies to most shipments
Finland's customs website provides online calculators for estimating potential charges.
5. Shipping Method Comparison
Each Posti international shipping option presents distinct advantages:
- Economy Mail: Most economical choice with extended delivery periods
- Airmail: Middle-ground option balancing cost and speed
- Express Delivery: Premium service for urgent shipments
6. Package Tracking
All Posti shipments include tracking numbers, allowing customers to monitor delivery progress through the postal service's website.
7. Important Considerations
- Reinforce packaging, particularly for shoe boxes prone to damage
- Accurate customs declarations prevent potential issues
- Account for customs clearance time when estimating delivery
- Select shipping methods based on individual priorities and budget
Frequently Asked Questions
What international shipping options does Posti offer?
Posti provides Economy Mail, Airmail, and Express Delivery services.
Are customs declarations required for shoe shipments?
Yes, for all parcels exceeding €22 in declared value.
What taxes apply to imported footwear?
Import duties and VAT apply, with rates depending on materials and value.