Ukrainian Customs Officers Study Finnish Practices to Improve Efficiency
March 07, 2025
With online shopping on the rise, customs officers are under growing pressure to process international parcels quickly and securely. Delays don’t just slow down deliveries. They disrupt businesses, frustrate consumers, and create bottlenecks in trade. As Ukraine moves towards EU integration, modernising customs procedures is a priority.
To support this, last week EUAM Ukraine facilitated a study visit for officers from the State Customs Service of Ukraine to Helsinki, Finland. Over the course of a week, they gained first-hand experience of how Finland streamlines postal clearance through technology, risk management, and strong cooperation with logistics partners.
The delegation examined key customs procedures, including declarations, inspections, and risk-based controls. They observed how Finnish customs officers use advanced scanners, K9 units, and digital tools to speed up clearance while maintaining strict security measures.
A major takeaway was the importance of close cooperation between customs authorities and shipping companies. Finnish experts demonstrated how clearly defined roles for all parties help reduce delays and improve efficiency. Stronger collaboration leads to smoother trade flows and better risk management.
“Seeing these processes in action was invaluable,” said Fedir Semenyuta, Head of the Ukrainian State Customs Service delegation who participated in the visit. “It gave us practical insights we can apply to improve postal clearance back home.”
The visit built on a series of online workshops that EUAM Ukraine organised in partnership with the Finnish Customs Service in December 2024. Observing the system in practice gave Ukrainian customs officers a clearer understanding of how to apply the theory in real-world operations.
“This kind of exchange is essential for institutional capacity building of our Ukrainian partners, especially as the country moves towards EU integration,” said Juergen Illig, Head of IBM Unit. “First-hand experience helps bridge the gap between theory and implementation. We are committed to supporting Ukraine in building a modern, effective and efficient customs service system that aligns with EU standards.”
The Ukrainian officers returned with concrete strategies to improve customs operations, strengthen professional networks, and modernise postal clearance in Ukraine. Faster, more transparent procedures benefit not only customs authorities but also businesses, consumers, and Ukraine’s broader trade integration with the EU.
