Container Shipping to Finland — Get Instant Quotes
Why Choose iContainers for Shipping to Finland?
- Two hubs, one fast network. Port of Helsinki moved ≈ 444 000 TEU in 2024 while HaminaKotka handled 571 000 TEU, giving shippers frequent feeder calls and steady equipment even in peak season. (portofhelsinki.fi, baltictransportjournal.com)
- Rail-barge reach to all Scandinavia. Daily block-trains link the ports to Tampere and Kouvola, and ro-ro/feeder loops run to Stockholm and Tallinn within 24 h.
- All-digital paperwork. We pre-file the EU’s ICS 2 Entry Summary Declaration and apply Finland’s new 25.5 % VAT (since 1 Sept 2024) right in the quote, so nothing stalls in customs. (vero.fi)
- Air-freight fallback. Helsinki Airport (HEL) lifted ≈ 182 000 t of cargo in 2024, so urgent parts reach Finland in 3-5 days door-to-door. (finavia.fi)
Our Container Shipping Services to Finland
Full Container Load (FCL)
Most importers choose FCL to move autos, machinery and bulk chemicals straight into Helsinki (FIHEL) or HaminaKotka (FIHMN). Both ports accept 20′, 40′, 40′HC and reefers, and ice-class tugs keep channels open through winter.
Less-than-Container Load (LCL)
SMEs and e-commerce brands ship < 15 m³ via weekly LCL consolidations that devan in bonded depots at Vuosaari (Helsinki), typically saving 40-60 % over unused FCL space.
Popular mode: FCL dominates automotive & forest-product supply chains; LCL is booming for Amazon EU and Shopify restocks.
Major ports / airport: Helsinki, HaminaKotka; urgent air via HEL.
Typical cargo: Cars, electronics, machinery, crude & refined oil, packaged medicaments. (oec.world)
Transit-time references:
- Rotterdam → Helsinki: ≈ 3–4 days feeder service.
- Shanghai → Helsinki: ≈ 38–46 days ocean (LCL vs FCL).
Country-specific challenges / opportunities:
- Baltic ice from January–March can slow pilotage—book ice-class slots early.
- VAT deferment is available for Finnish-registered importers, improving cash-flow.
Alternative option: Air freight via HEL cuts door-to-door to 3-5 days for high-value electronics or pharma. (finavia.fi)
Container shipping rates to Finland
How much does it cost to ship a container to Finland?
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Container to Finland?
- North Europe → Helsinki / HaminaKotka: 3–7 days feeder
- East Asia → Finland: 38–46 days ocean
- US East Coast → Finland (via Antwerp feeder): ≈ 18–25 days
Air freight door-to-door: 3–5 days via HEL.
Popular Routes and Ports for Shipping to Finland
Asia-North Europe loops discharge at Rotterdam or Hamburg, then feeders sail to Helsinki & HaminaKotka almost daily. Short-sea routes from Antwerp and Lübeck supply Finnish retail in under a week.
Steps to Book Your Container Shipment with iContainers
- Quote & compare origins in seconds.
- Upload documents (commercial invoice, packing list, HS codes).
- Book & pay securely online.
- Track vessel, feeder and customs milestones 24/7.
- Clear—EU duty (0–5 %) + 25.5 % Finnish VAT debited or deferred. (vero.fi)
- Deliver by road or rail to Tampere, Turku or any Nordic location.
What Can You Ship in a Container to Finland?
- Cars & parts
- Electronics
- Industrial machinery
- Chemicals
- Packaged medicaments
- Forestry products
Restricted / Prohibited:
Counterfeit brands, certain dual-use electronics without license, hazardous chemicals lacking Tukes permit.
FAQs About Shipping Containers to Finland
Yes—under 15 m³ you avoid paying for unused FCL space, typically saving 40–60 %.
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended—add door-to-door cover at checkout.
Secure space 6–8 weeks ahead of October-December to avoid roll-overs and winter ice delays.