Bill approval
Tax exemption for small imported online purchases to be removed in July

Value-added tax (VAT) on online purchases will, in future, also be payable on consignments valued at EUR 22 or less that are imported from outside the European Union. The Government proposes that the applicable legislative amendments be approved by the President of the Republic for entry into force at the beginning of July.

VAT has not so far been collected on consignments valued at EUR 22 or less if the goods were imported from outside the EU. At the same time, VAT has been payable on small purchases made within the EU.

Under the legislative amendments, the tax exemption for consignments imported from outside the EU will be removed, which will improve the competitive position of companies within the EU by creating equal conditions for competition.

Changes will also be made to distance selling of goods within the EU. In addition, the administrative burden of VAT will be eased.

Inquiries:
Suvi Anttila, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 2955 30201, suvi.anttila(at)vm.fi
Risto Sakki, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 530 294, risto.sakki(at)vm.fi