New customs duty linked to 77% fall in low-cost imports

The number of low-cost goods consignments ordered by Finns from outside the EU and cleared in Finland fell 77% in July to September compared with the same period last year, Finnish Customs said, Yle reports.

The total value of the consignments also fell, dropping 53% year on year. Both measures declined sharply after a new customs duty took effect in the summer on online purchases worth up to 150 euros from outside the EU.

Customs senior inspector Antti Hästbacka said in a statement that figures for the whole EU would give a clearer picture of how much the new duty has reduced Finns’ orders from outside the bloc.