Skip to content

Electronic cigarettes and nicotine liquids can be ordered to Finland from abroad until the end of 2016

Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
Publication date 25.8.2016 12.55
Press release 115

Private individuals could order electronic cigarettes and nicotine liquids from outside Finland until the end of 2016. The Government is proposing this transitional provision to the new Tobacco Act which entered into force on 15 August. According to the proposal, the amendment should enter into force as soon as possible.

The transitional provision will correct a paragraph of the Tobacco Act prohibiting the receipt of electronic cigarettes or nicotine liquids which private individuals have ordered from outside Finland. The prohibition entered into force, along with the Act, on 15 August 2016. This timetable is in contrast with the provisions prohibiting distance selling of electronic cigarettes and nicotine liquids from the beginning of 2017. The amendment to the Tobacco Act would correct the timetable both regarding the prohibition of distance selling and the receipt of electronic cigarettes and nicotine liquids.

There are no electronic cigarettes and nicotine liquids on sale in Finland yet. The new transitional provision in the Act will enable individuals to order them until the end of 2016.

If Customs has, due to the earlier contradictory transitional provision, seized and detained electronic cigarettes or nicotine liquids ordered by private individuals, the products will be returned to their owners. Customs has informed of this last week: Transitional regulations concerning electronic cigarettes and nicotine liquids (updated 19 August 2016) 

Inquiries:

Director Kari Paaso, tel. +358 295 63340
Laura Terho, Lawyer, tel. +358 295 63550