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International convention and customs procedures of Norway

International Conventions
Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Party to the Kyoto Protocol
Party to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Party to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
Party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer
Party to the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls For Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies
Party to the International Coffee Agreement
International Economic Cooperation
Norway is a member of the following international economic organisations:  IMF, European Union, ICC, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC), WTO, OECD, among others. For the full list of economic and other international organisations in which participates Norway click here. International organisation membership of Norway is also outlined here.
Non Tariff Barriers
Norway is a member of the European Economic Area and applies the European Union trade policy rules, except for agriculture and fisheries. Norway does not have many import restrictions, except for agricultural sector, which remains highly protected with high tariffs, quantitative restrictions and technical barriers. Goods containing animal products require a certificate from the competent authority in the country of origin. A sanitary or health certificate is required for animal products, live animals and plants. For most vegetables, fruit and plant material a phytosanitary certificate is required. Fishery products need to show a catch certificate.

A number of products require an import license, for example clothes and textiles. Genetically modified products and biotech products face more restrictive legislation than in EU countries.

Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports
Norwegian tariffs for industrial goods are low, usually between 3% and 6%. Goods imported from an EEA country are free from import duty. Any import of products is subject to Value Added Tax, which is currently levied at 25% (standard rate, though four other rates are in place). The VAT is deductible if the goods are intended for use in a VAT chargeable business. Before sending a shipment of considerable value, it might be wise to obtain an official ruling on customs treatment from the Norwegian Customs and Excise Authority.
More information can be found in the WTO Tariff profile of Norway.
Customs Classification
Harmonized custom system.
Import Procedures
Norway is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and an EFTA (European Free Trade Association) state. Through the EEA Agreement, Norway, is equal partner in the internal market, on the same terms as the EU member states. This includes having access to the internal market’s four freedoms, the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital.

The Norwegian Customs Authority collects import duties and taxes on foreign goods. A commercial invoice plus a bill of lading or an airway bill are the required general import documentation. A certificate of origin is not required unless specified. For long-term contracts or expensive shipments, an official ruling is needed.

The official model for written declarations to customs is the Single Administrative Document (SAD).  The SAD serves as the EU/EEA importer's declaration.  It encompasses both customs duties and VAT and is valid in all EU/EEA countries.

Non-agricultural goods entering into the territory must adhere to customs formalities. This declaration must be carried out by the person bringing the goods to the territory. In the case of non-EU goods this procedure could take:

  • 45 days in the case of goods carried by sea;
  • 20 days in the case of goods carried other than by sea.

For more information, please contact the Norwegian Excise and Customs Authority. Check the EU’s Customs Union website periodically for updates.

Importing Samples
Norway is a member of the international convention to facilitate the importation of commercial samples and advertising matter. Samples and advertising materials without commercial value are duty and tax free if they are useless for sale (accompanied by a ATA Carnet) . These samples must be used in the country for demonstration purposes only. They must also be declared on arrival in the country. Samples for obtaining orders in Norway may be temporarily exempted customs fees if a bond is posted upon entry. Upon re-exportation, this bond is cancelled.
 

To go further, check out our service Import controls and Export controls.

 
For Further Information
Customs and Excise Service
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Norway Trade Portal

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Latest Update: March 2024

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