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Cosmetic products Cosmetic product legislation ensures that the products are safe for human health. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for the general guidance, monitoring and development of operations pursuant to the Act on ...

19.12.2025 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is requesting comments on a draft government proposal that would extend the right of small alcohol producers to sell their products for takeaway. In future, a larger number of domestic alcohol producers could sell alcoholic beverages produced by them directly to consumers at production premises. Comments on the draft proposal can be submitted between 19 December 2025 and 13 February 2026.

Actions to reduce the use of tobacco and nicotine products The key actions to reduce the use of tobacco and related products are: as high product prices as possible (price and tax policies) smoke-free environments banning tobacco product marketing...

8.1.2026 | Yhdessä syöpää vastaan – Ihmislähtöistä syövän ehkäisyä ja hoitoa Kansallinen syöpästrategia 2026–2035 Kansallinen syöpästrategia 2026–2035 Sisällys Yhteenveto 3 Strategiset tavoitteet 5 Nykytila ja toimintaympäristö 6 Syöpä Suomessa 6 Syövän ehkä...

EU regulation and cooperation in the tobacco policy The EU Directive concerning tobacco products and the EU Directive concerning advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products have been implemented in Finnish tobacco legislation. Directive 2014/4...

European cooperation on market surveillance Application of product legislation The Expert Group on Machinery (MD EG), which deals with issues related to the application of the Machinery Directive, operates under the Machinery Committee of the Euro...

Tobacco and nicotine policy The Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health directs and develops Finland’s tobacco and nicotine policy, the aim of which is ending the use of tobacco and other nicotine products. The goal has been confirmed in the...

Value chain for pharmacotherapy Pharmaceuticals-related development, research and innovations The facilitation of research and development of pharmaceuticals is a requirement for new pharmaceutical innovations. It is characteristic of the pharmace...

Creating a good working life together A good working life improves wellbeing, the economic sustainability of society and the competitiveness of companies. A good working life requires that wellbeing at work, work ability and productivity be streng...

3.5.2023 | An informal meeting of EU employment and social affairs ministers will take place in Stockholm on 3–4 May 2023 and an informal meeting of EU health ministers on 4–5 May 2023. Minister of Social Affairs and Health Hanna Sarkkinen and Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Krista Kiuru will represent Finland at the meetings.

Other authorities’ responsibilities in the tobacco and nicotine policy The Finnish Supervisory Agency (the market surveillance of the products and the surveillance of marketing bans), and municipalities (the surveillance of the entire Tobacco Act ...

Decision draft under section 45b, subsection of the chemicals act restricting marketing of products containing nicotine General notification to concerned parties of hearing concerning a decision on nicotine pouches (VN/20729/2023) The Government i...

9.3.2026 | EU ministers will convene for a meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council in Brussels on 9 March. Minister of Social Affairs and Health Wille Rydman will represent Finland at the meeting.

Safety of pharmacotherapy Pharmacotherapy is an integral part of comprehensive care. At its best, pharmacotherapy can cure illnesses, slow the progression of illnesses, reduce the symptoms of illnesses and prevent illnesses. Safe pharmacotherapy c...

Prevention of alcohol and drug related harm and addictions The aim of public authorities is to prevent and reduce the risks, harm and problems caused by the use of alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products as well as drug use and gambling. The Minist...

WORK2030 - Development programme for work and wellbeing at work The implementation of the WORK2030 programme has been based on the Programme of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government. The aims of the programme have been to reform operating practi...

Pharmacotherapy and pharmaceutical service The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for the development of pharmaceutical services and for preparation of legislation on pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical services are an integral part ...

Further information fi sv en Drug Development Centre to promote competitive development of drugs Finland has competitive basic medical research of high quality that has the potential of developing new medicinal products. However, so far commercial...

According to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Decree on the prescription of medicines (1088/2010), special attention must be given to the safety of pharmaceuticals.

Working life programmes Working life programmes The Government’s working life programmes produced concrete solutions for working life and the service system during the 2019–2023 government term. The implementation of the programmes was based on th...

Electronic services support the pharmacotherapy Medication list as a tool for healthcare professionals A national up-to-date medication list is under preparation. Its benefits will be based on a procedure where all essential structural medication ...

Assessment of risks associated with gambling Assessing the risks and harm caused by gambling is statutory work conducted by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The Ministry started to assess the risks and harm related to the running of gamb...

Mental Health at Work Programme Mental wellbeing is a success factor in working life and a driver of employment. The Mental Health at Work Programme emphasises the importance of adopting preventive measures and promoting mental health in working l...

Whistleblower protection Whistleblower protection safeguards people who report certain types of misconduct. In this case, a ‘whistleblower’ is a person who, in the course of their work, discovers a breach of European Union or national law concerni...

Advisory Board on Biotechnology The Advisory Board on Biotechnology is an expert body providing advice on matters related to biotechnology and gene technology. It promotes cooperation between public authorities and researchers and operators in the...

Alcohol Act The provisions on the production, import, sale, marketing and use of alcoholic beverages have been compiled in the Alcohol Act that entered into force in 2018. Alcohol Act 1102/2017 (Finlex), in Finnish and Swedish Government proposal ...

Healthcare and social welfare system and responsibilities Finland’s healthcare and social welfare system is founded on public healthcare and social welfare services funded from tax revenue. Alongside the public sector, private companies provide he...

Amended legislation on health checks for children and young adults Categories: Publication date: 22.12.2025 The timing and content of health checks at child health clinics and schools, and in student healthcare and oral healthcare will be regulate...

Drug policy Finland makes use of social policy, national legislation and international agreements to prevent the demand and supply of drugs reduce the harm caused by drugs ensure that people with drug problems receive treatment as early as possibl...

Healthcare and social welfare system and responsibilities Finland’s healthcare and social welfare system is founded on public healthcare and social welfare services funded from tax revenue. Alongside the public sector, private companies provide he...

Supervising OSH The Finnish Supervisory Agency oversees compliance with workplace OSH in Finland. Occupational safety and health Administration in Finland The MSAH and the four-year framework agreements concerning The Finnish Supervisory Agency de...

Welfare and health promotion The Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health supports the welfare of people in Finland via social and health services and by ensuring income security. Legislation » Many areas of health legislation enhance welfare...

Insurance The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for developing and drafting the legislation on statutory insurance, insurance companies and pension institutions. The goal is a sustainable social security and private insurance, b...

Gender equality The MSAH plays a key role in promoting gender equality by preparing legislation, monitoring the situation of gender equality nationwide, coordinating the development of activities on gender equality and promoting the implementation...

Alcohol policy The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for the guidance and development of alcohol policy. Alcohol policy refers to the public authorities’ measures to prevent negative health, social and societal effects of alcoho...

Occupational health and safety legislation is crucial to promoting employees' physical and mental health, as well as conditions of employment.

Kosmetiikkavalmisteet Kosmeettisia valmisteita koskevalla lainsäädännöllä varmistetaan, että tuotteet ovat turvallisia ihmisen terveydelle. Sosiaali- ja terveysministeriö vastaa kosmetiikkalain mukaisen toiminnan yleisestä ohjauksesta, seurannasta...

Vera Inspection ICT System The Finnish ICT application Vera is in use in the occupational safety and health administration. In the Vera Inspection ICT System, the inspection report and other enforcement documents are compiled as structured documen...

fi sv en Improving health through the use of genomic data In the next few years, the use of genomic data in healthcare will rapidly increase. In the future, decisions regarding the prevention and treatment of diseases will be increasingly based on...

Development of working life Thriving staff and work communities, together with safe work environments, form the basis for a sustainable working life and productivity. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is developing working life in accordan...

Strategic and Financial Management Unit The Strategic and Financial Management Unit assists and supports the Permanent Secretary and is in charge of developing the Ministry’s strategic leadership. The Unit is responsible for advancing and developi...

Narcotics control The central framework for narcotics legislation in Finland is based on the Narcotics Act (373/2008). In the Narcotics Act two types of substances are defined that are listed in corresponding Government degrees. ‘Narcotics’ are li...

Communications Unit of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health The Communications Unit is in charge of the internal and external information and communications of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the related work with stakeholders. ...

Kosmetiska produkter Genom lagstiftningen om kosmetiska produkter säkerställer man att produkterna inte medför hälsorisker för människan. Social- och hälsovårdsministeriet ansvarar för den allmänna styrningen, uppföljningen och utvecklingen av den...

Information management to support rational pharmacotherapy Information management solutions and digital services can support the safety, quality, economy and equality of pharmacotherapy and, in the long term, the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy. ...

Department for Insurance and Social Security The Department for Insurance and Social Security directs and steers insurance policy and is responsible for drafting social insurance and other insurance legislation. The Department handles issues that ...

Chemical oversight Chemicals legislation prevents harm caused by chemicals Chemicals legislation prevents harm caused by chemicals to health and the environment. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for the general guidance, mo...

Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health contributes to coordinating the Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland, which is funded from the one-off EU recovery instrument ‘NextGenerationEU’. The Sustainabl...

9.5.2022 | 1 Asiakassegmentointi ja päihteitä ongelmallisesti käyttävien palvelut - paraneeko vaikuttavuus? PI: Katja Kuusisto Sosiaalityön dosentti, apulaisprofessori (1.8.2021 lähtien) Tampereen yliopisto (TAU) Yhteiskuntatieteiden tiedekunta (SOC) 14.5.20...

Client charges in healthcare and social welfare The Government guides and directs the policy on client charges in healthcare and social welfare through legislation. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that the charges are kept at a reasonable l...

Occupational safety and wellbeing at work Shortly The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for legislation, policies and international cooperation related to occupational safety and wellbeing at work in Finland. The aim is to ensur...

18.8.2020 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has decided to temporarily restrict the sale and release for consumption of medicinal products containing paracetamol or dexamethasone. The restrictions will enter into force on 18 August 2020 and will remain in force until 15 January 2021.

Occupational safety and health (OSH) The MSAH prepares and develops legislation and policies on OSH and deals with international cooperation in this field. The ministry also guides the occupational safety and health work of the The Finnish Supervi...

Finances and operations This page provides information about the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health’s operational and financial planning, budget, performance guidance process, operating plans and financial statements. The Ministry is responsibl...

RDI Growth Programme for Health and Wellbeing The aim of the RDI Growth Programme for Health and Wellbeing is to support the wellbeing services counties in renewing themselves in order for them to better promote people’s health and wellbeing and i...

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health steers and develops chemicals legislation, which also covers colourants and auxiliary ingredients used in tattoos and permanent pigmentations.

Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen The National Coalition Party Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen is responsible for matters covered by the Department for Insurance and Social Secu...

EHDS Regulation The EHDS Regulation is an EU regulation that improves citizens’ control over their personal health data and provides healthcare professionals with access to patient data, regardless of where patients live or receive treatment. The ...

Guidance of information management in healthcare and social welfare The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for the general planning, guidance and monitoring of information management within its administrative branch and for the f...

Amended legislation on health checks for children and young adults Type: Press release Categories: Publication date: 22.12.2025 Request for comments: Legislative amendment would extend right of small alcohol producers to sell their products direct...

27.3.2019 | The Minister of Social Affairs and Health has selected the Slovakian company Allexis s.r.o. as the issuer of the mandatory identifiers associated with the traceability system for tobacco products

Legislation on termination on pregnancy

1.12.2025 | The EU ministers will attend the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council in Brussels on 1 and 2 December 2025. On both days, Finland will be represented by Minister of Social Affairs and Health Kaisa Juuso.

International examples to help Finland create governance model for wellbeing economy 4.12.2025 8.46 The economy of wellbeing offers tools for policy makers to secure the preconditions for a good life both for the current population and future gene...

6.10.2025 | Preparedness and data-driven decision-making in the field of pharmaceuticals were the key topics of discussion at a conference organised by Finland in Helsinki on 30 September–1 October 2025 as part of its Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

4.11.2025 | The Second UN World Summit for Social Development will be organised on 4–6 2025 November in Doha, Qatar. The summit will strengthen the global commitment to social development. Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen will represent Finland at the summit.

5.12.2025 | Country report: ECDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessment for Finland, 2024 Under Article 8 of the Regulation (EU) 2022/2371 ASSESSMENT ECDC ASSESSMENT Country report: ECDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessment for Finland, 20...

13.5.2020 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has decided to extend the validity of decisions made under section 87 of the Emergency Powers Act. The aim is to ensure the availability of medicinal products and the functioning of the pharmaceutical supply chain in Finland. The content of the decisions is the same as of the decisions issued by the Ministry on 19 March 2020 and on 9 April 2020.

9.4.2020 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has decided to extend the validity of a decision made under section 87 of the Emergency Powers Act. The aim is to ensure the availability of medicinal products and the functioning of the distribution chain in Finland in the emergency conditions caused by the novel coronavirus. The content of the decision is the same as of the decision issued by the Ministry on 19 March 2020.

5.12.2025 | 1 Classified as ECDC NORMAL Appendix 10 - Country follow-up to ECDC PHEPA recommendations Following the PHEPA mission conducted in your country, the final ECDC assessment report includes a series of recommendations aiming at supporting your countr...

13.2.2026 | Together Against Cancer – Human-Centred Cancer Prevention and Care National Cancer Strategy 2026–2035 Finland National Cancer Strategy 2026–2035 Contents Summary 3 Strategic objectives 5 Current situation and operating environment 6 Cancer in Finl...

22.9.2025 | The Finnish Government proposes EUR 14.8 billion in appropriations for the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and its branch of government for 2026. This is about EUR 0.5 billion less than in the 2025 Budget.

3.12.2024 | Resilience and the report on the future of European competitiveness are on the agenda at the Health Council meeting in Brussels on 3 December 2024. On Finland's initiative, the meeting will also discuss the health sector’s role as part of the preparedness union strategy. Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen will represent Finland at the meeting.

3.10.2024 | According to a working group appointed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the sale of some over-the-counter medicines could be expanded outside pharmacies if the change is made in a controlled manner, ensuring medication safety. The change could improve the availability of over-the-counter medicines and reduce the costs of medicines for consumers and society.

29.12.2016 | Provisions on smoke-free tobacco products in the Tobacco Act are amended. In accordance with a decision of the European Commission, the prohibitions against sale and import of smoke-free tobacco products are restricted to apply to chewing tobacco, nasal tobacco and tobacco for oral use. There will be no particular prohibitions concerning other smoke-free tobacco products.

31.10.2025 | Healthcare and social welfare 2040 vision Views and proposals of Ministry of Social Affairs and Health officials regarding needs for changes to the healthcare and social welfare service system Permanent Secretary Veli-Mikko Niemi In “Healthcare an...

8.8.2025 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health proposes appropriations of EUR 14.8 billion for the Ministry and its branch of government for 2026. This is about EUR 475 million less than in the 2025 Budget. The funding of wellbeing services counties is not included in the appropriations for the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and its branch of government. Instead, it falls under the main title of the Ministry of Finance.

19.6.2024 | The EU ministers will meet at the Employment, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 20 and 21 June 2024. The items of the ministers' agenda include the social dimension of the single market, the revision of pharmaceutical legislation, the health sector's role in crisis preparedness, and the possibility of adopting a Council Recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers.

16.9.2024 | A good working life is the cornerstone of society. Ensuring health and safety at work is an important prerequisite for a good working life. The policy for the work environment and wellbeing at work until 2030 entitled ‘Safe and healthy working conditions and work ability for everyone’ defines the objectives and priorities concerning health and safety at work in Finland.

23.9.2024 | The Finnish Government proposes about EUR 15.2 billion in appropriations for the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and its administrative branch for 2025. This is about EUR 1.1 billion less than in 2024.

23.4.2024 | The health ministers of the EU Member States will discuss the availability of healthcare personnel and medicines at their informal meeting in Brussels on 23–24 April. 

6.9.2024 | 15 April 2024 Ministry of Social Affairs and Health policy on international and EU cooperation for 2024–2027 The policies of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health on international and EU coopera- tion for 2024–2027 guide the Ministry and its a...

13.9.2023 | On Wednesday 13 September, the Government appointed Eija Pelkonen as Director General of the Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea). Pelkonen has served as Director General of Fimea since 2018.

12.1.2024 | The European Commission has adopted the EU4Health work programme for 2024. The programme aims to deliver the key priorities of EU health policy as part of the European Health Union. 

31.1.2023 | A working group appointed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health proposes measures to end the use of tobacco and nicotine products in Finland by 2030. The group submitted its report to State Secretary Eila Mäkipää on Tuesday, 31 January 2023.

24.6.2024 | C O P E N H A G E N I N S T I T U T E F O R F U T U R E S S T U D I E S Future trends & opportunities in the health and well-being sector J U N E 2 0 2 4 P E T E R A A D A L N I E L S E N The Institute at a glance P A G E 3 CIFS is an independent,...

11.12.2023 | A project at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) is working on a proposal for a well-being economy steering model for Finland that would strengthen wellbeing-oriented policymaking in Finland. A workshop, organized by THL and the OECD WISE Centre on 21–22 November 2023, brought together officials from pioneering countries to discuss the functionality and application of governance practices for a well-being framework.

3.7.2023 | Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency Helsinki PO Box 66 (Opastinsilta 12 B) FI-00521 Helsinki Tampere Yliopistonkatu 38 FI-33100 Tampere Rovaniemi Valtakatu 2 FI-96100 Rovaniemi Switchboard / Tel. +358 29 505 2000 www.tukes.fi [email protected] Bus...

3.7.2023 | 1 (4) Decision (Draft) 30.6.2023 VN/20729/2023 VN/20729/2023-STM-2 Postiosoite Käyntiosoite Puhelin Faksi s-posti, internet Postadress Besöksadress Telefon Fax e-post, internet Postal Address Office Telephone Fax e-mail, internet Sosiaali- ja terv...

3.7.2023 | 1 (2) Hearing 30.6.2023 VN/20729/2023 VN/20729/2023-STM-2 Postiosoite Käyntiosoite Puhelin Faksi s-posti, internet Postadress Besöksadress Telefon Fax e-post, internet Postal Address Office Telephone Fax e-mail, internet Sosiaali- ja terveysminist...

23.11.2023 | The minimum staffing level for care personnel in units providing 24-hour care for older people will rise from the current minimum level of 0.65 employees per client to 0.7 employees per client on 1 January 2028. During the transition period, the service structure will be developed and a number of measures will be taken to improve the availability of healthcare and social welfare personnel. 

24.2.2026 | Sosiaali -ja terveysministeriö, Helsinki 2026 Lääkkeiden ehdollisen korvattavuuden sääntelyn kehittämistarpeet Sisältö 1 Johdanto .................................................................................................... 4 1.1 Työryhmän ...

1.2.2023 | The National Genome Strategy responds to the challenges of a rapidly changing operating environment. The strategy brings together actions to utilise genomic data for the benefit of citizens’ health.

9.12.2022 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health requests comments on a proposal for amending the Government Decree on Voluntary COVID-19 Vaccinations. The amendment would make it possible to offer COVID-19 vaccines to children aged six months or over. Under the Decree currently in force, the minimum age for children to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is five years. The deadline for submitting comments is 5 January 2023.

11.10.2022 | Report of the working group on the use of iodine in the event of a radiation hazard situation STM 2022 Contents Introduction .............................................................................................................................

8.3.2023 | Genome strategy Content Introduction........................................................................................................................................... 3 STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Finland makes use of its unique prerequisites in re...

29.5.2020 | This year the World Health Organization (WHO) has presented the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health with the World No Tobacco Day Award. The Award was granted on the basis of the Ministry’s long-term commitment to work on tobacco control and its exemplary actions to protect particularly young people from tobacco.

22.12.2023 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is requesting comments on the recommendation for the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of symptoms associated with poor indoor air quality. The basis for successful rehabilitation is that people feel they are heard, the doctor-patient relationship works well and people receive individual support.

30.11.2023 | The EU health ministers will meet in Brussels on Thursday 30 November 2023. The ministers will exchange views on safeguarding the EU’s open strategic autonomy in the field of health, particularly on how to ensure the availability of medicines in Europe. They will also approve conclusions on mental health. Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen will represent Finland at the meeting.

18.1.2023 | The revised EU Drinking Water Directive has been implemented in Finnish national legislation through statutory amendments that took effect on 12 January 2023. These amendments concern a wide range of laws and regulations. The main goal of the reform is to safeguard the quality of water intended for human consumption and to provide more information on water quality.