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25.5.2026 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications is inviting comments on a draft government proposal and draft decrees concerning maritime regulation. The aim of the proposed amendments is to clarify and harmonise the regulation of maritime safety, qualifications and supervision. The deadline for submitting comments is 18 June 2026.

21.5.2026 | The Government has appointed Anna-Mari Ahonen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, as the Saimaa Canal Delegate for a term of five years, from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2031.

Processing of personal data in the Ministry of Transport and Communications The Ministry of Transport and Communications must process personal data for various purposes in order to carry out the work falling within its mandate. The processing is n...

18.2.2021 | The Government is proposing that the validity of fixed-term ships' crew certificates of competency and certificates of proficiency be extended due to the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic. A derogation permitting a special dispensation from certificates of proficiency required on a vessel would also be extended. The derogations would be temporary.

28.12.2023 | The President of the Republic has approved the amendments to the Vessel Traffic Service Act, the Ship Safety Control Act and the Act on the Enforcement of a Fine. Most of the amendments will enter into force on 1 January 2024.

18.2.2021 | The Government is proposing that the validity of fixed-term ships' crew certificates of competency and certificates of proficiency be extended due to the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic. A derogation permitting a special dispensation from certificates of proficiency required on a vessel would also be extended. The derogations would be temporary.

5.3.2026 | On 5 March 2026, the Government submitted to Parliament a proposal to amend the Act on Transport Services, Driving Licence Act, Act on the Organisation of Driver Examinations and Act on the Enforcement of a Fine.

28.1.2020 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications submitted for comments proposals for amending the Driving Licence Act and the professional qualification requirements for lorry and bus drivers in the Act on Transport Services.

28.1.2020 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications submitted for comments proposals for amending the Driving Licence Act and the professional qualification requirements for lorry and bus drivers in the Act on Transport Services.

16.11.2023 | On 16 November 2023, the Government submitted to Parliament a proposal to amend the Vessel Traffic Service Act, the Ship Safety Control Act and the Act on the Enforcement of a Fine.

24.5.2024 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications requests comments on a memorandum assessing necessary changes to the legislation on taxi operations to rectify the shortcomings. Comments on the memorandum can be submitted until 21 June 2024.

13.7.2023 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications requests comments on the draft government proposal for acts amending the Vessel Traffic Service Act and certain related acts.

22.1.2025 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications requests comments on a draft government proposal that would amend the regulation concerning rail transport. The legislative amendments would enhance the safety and security of urban rail transport and give an extension of time to the forest and chemicals industries for procuring rolling stock that meets the EU requirements. The deadline for submitting comments is 5 March 2025. 

12.11.2020 | In future, it will be possible to pass the initial qualification requirements for lorry, bus and coach drivers by completing a qualification examination only. Further provisions on the completion of the examination will be laid down in a decree that will enter into force on 16 November 2020. The decree also lays down further provisions on, for example, the organisers and evaluators of the examination as well as on the requirements for simulators to be used in the examination.

12.11.2020 | In future, it will be possible to pass the initial qualification requirements for lorry, bus and coach drivers by completing a qualification examination only. Further provisions on the completion of the examination will be laid down in a decree that will enter into force on 16 November 2020. The decree also lays down further provisions on, for example, the organisers and evaluators of the examination as well as on the requirements for simulators to be used in the examination.

9.7.2020 | The professional qualification requirements for lorry, bus and coach drivers set out in the Driving Licence Act and the Act on Transport Services have been updated to meet the requirements in EU legislation. The President of the Republic approved the amendments on 9 July 2020, and they entered into force on 13 July 2020.

9.7.2020 | The professional qualification requirements for lorry, bus and coach drivers set out in the Driving Licence Act and the Act on Transport Services have been updated to meet the requirements in EU legislation. The President of the Republic approved the amendments on 9 July 2020, and they entered into force on 13 July 2020.

6.5.2021 | Minna Kivimäki, Master of Laws, was appointed by the Government as the Saimaa Canal Delegate for a term of office from 1 June 2021 to 31 May 2026.

6.5.2021 | Minna Kivimäki, Master of Laws, was appointed by the Government as the Saimaa Canal Delegate for a term of office from 1 June 2021 to 31 May 2026.

18.11.2021 | The Government proposes that the Act on the Transport of Dangerous Goods be comprehensively reformed. The purpose is to harmonise the requirements on transport of dangerous goods by road, rail, vessel and air and to streamline legislation.  The aim of the reform is to improve the safety of transport and, in particular, to prevent possible environmental damage.