Finnish Customs (Tulli) issued a stern notice on 16 September 2026 after a six-month audit revealed widespread shortcomings in the sealing of transit consignments. The authority found multiple cases where containers subject to EU transit procedures left ports unsealed, making them vulnerable to theft, cargo tampering and contraband insertion. Seals are a cornerstone of the EU’s Common Transit Convention, providing visual evidence of cargo integrity from origin to destination. Tulli reports that unsealed or improperly sealed units trigger extra inspections, slowing supply chains and raising costs for compliant shippers. In the worst scenarios, lax sealing facilitates the entry of narcotics and counterfeit goods into the Schengen area, undermining both security and legitimate trade. The alert advises logistics firms to reinforce driver training, invest in ISO-compliant bolt seals and digital seal-tracking technologies, and update standard-operating procedures. Companies holding AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) status risk losing their simplifications if repeated breaches occur. For mobility managers, the warning underscores the need to brief relocating employees who ship household goods under transit arrangements— customs delays or secondary inspections could impact assignment start dates. Customs also reminded operators that serious or repeated non-compliance can lead to suspension of transit guarantees and even criminal investigations. Tulli is considering random roadside checks focusing on high-risk corridors between Finnish ports and the Russian border, as well as the E18 highway towards Norway and Sweden. Industry groups welcome the guidance but call for harmonised enforcement across the Nordic region to prevent diversion of cargo flows. The notice forms part of Finland’s broader risk-management strategy following EU sanctions on Russia, which have shifted large volumes of cargo to alternate routes and increased the attractiveness of Finland as a transit gateway. Enhanced seal integrity is viewed as essential to maintaining the country’s reputation as a secure logistics hub.
Source: Tulli (Finnish Customs)
