Customs regulations and required documents
Personal effects import regulations
Norway
Customs regulations
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Passport
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Detailed inventory in Norwegian, English or German (2 copies)
- Customs Form RD 0030E (Importation of Removal Goods Declaration)
Drugs and drink driving laws are stricter in Norway than in the UK. Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even small quantities can lead to heavy fines and/or imprisonment.
Whale meat is available in Norway but importing it into the UK/EU is illegal under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Any importation of whale meat to the UK will result in seizure of the goods, possibly a fine of up to £5,000 and a custodial sentence.
Advance rulings on classification
Before signing a long-term contract or sending a shipment of considerable value, it may be prudent for the Norwegian importer or U.S. exporter to obtain an official ruling on customs treatment. Requests for advance information regarding the customs classification of products may be addressed directly to:
Toll og Avgiftsdirektoratet (Norwegian Customs and Excise Authority)
Tel: 011 (47) 22 86 03 00, E-mail: [email protected]
Taxation and Customs Union Directorate
The Union Customs Code (UCC) was adopted in 2013 and its substantive provisions apply from May 1, 2016. It replaces the Community Customs Code (CCC). In addition to the UCC, the European Commission has published delegated and implementing regulations on the actual procedural changes. These are included in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/341 and the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447.
There are a number of changes in the revised customs policy which also require an integrated IT system from the customs authorities. In April 2016, the European Commission published an implementing decision (number: 2016/578) on the work program relating to the development and deployment of the electronic systems of the UCC. The EC continues to evaluate the timeline by which the EU-wide integration of the customs IT system can be implemented. The current deadline of December 2020 may be extended until 2025 (draft proposal). It remains to be seen how this will affect Norway and other EEA countries.
Key link: Homepage of Customs and Taxation Union Directorate (TAXUD) Website
Customs Valuation
Most customs duties and value-added tax (VAT) are expressed as a percentage of the value of goods being declared for importation. Thus, it is necessary to dispose of a standard set of rules for establishing the goods’ value, which will then serve for calculating the customs duty.
Given the magnitude of EU/EEA imports every year, it is important that the value of such commerce is accurately measured for the purposes of:
- Economic and commercial policy analysis;
- Application of commercial policy measures;
- Proper collection of import duties and taxes; and
- Import and export statistics.
These objectives are met using a single instrument – the rules on customs value. The EU/EEA applies an internationally accepted concept of ‘customs value’.
The value of imported goods is one of three ‘elements of taxation’ that provides the basis for assessment of the customs debt, which is the technical term for the amount of duty that has to be paid, the other ones being the origin of the goods and the customs tariff.
Specific Information
- All shipments are subject to inspection.
- A used household goods shipment can be imported tax and duty free if the owner has lived abroad for at least 1 year and the shipment has been owned and used during that time prior to importation.
Free import:
1. residents of Norway who have been abroad for less than 24 hours: goods representing a total value of NOK 3,000.-. This does not include alcohol or tobacco products, unless it can be proven that they have been purchased with a price including tax (not duty free) in an EEA Member State ;
2. residents of Norway who have been abroad for 24 hours or more and visitors to Norway: goods representing a total value of NOK 6,000.-. Articles included in this limit (not for passengers under 18 years) are:
a. tobacco products (not for passengers under 18 years): 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of other tobacco products and 200 leaves of cigarette paper; and
b. alcoholic beverages (only persons over the age of 18 are allowed to import alcoholic beverages. For importing alcoholic beverages with more than 22 % alcohol per volume the minimum age is 20):
– 1 liter of spirits of 22% vol. or higher to a max. of 60% vol. and 1.5 liters of alcohol of 2.5% up to and incl. 22% vol.; or
– 3 liters of alcohol of up to and incl. 22% vol.; and
– 2 liters of beer with more than 2.5% up to/incl. 4.7 vol.
This means a max. of 5 liters of beer if no other alcoholic beverages are imported.
Meat and dairy products: A total of 10 kilograms of meat, meat products, cheese and foodstuffs (excl. dog and cat food) from EEA Member States .
The TARIC is available to help determine if a license is required for a particular product. Moreover, the European Commission maintains an export helpdesk with information on import restrictions of various products at Import Restrictions on Agricultural Products.
Many EU/EEA countries maintain their own list of goods that are subject to import licensing. The Norwegian Directorate of Customs’ list of goods with import restrictions can be found on the following website https://www.toll.no/en/corporate/import/goods-with-import-restrictions/.
For information relevant to member state import licenses, please consult the relevant member state Country Commercial Guide: EU/EEA Country Commercial Guides EU/EEA Country Commercial Guides or conduct a search on the Commerce Department’s Market Research Library, available from Market Intelligence.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Cigarettes – persons over 18 years or older (200), tobacco leaves (200), other tobacco products (250 g)
- Television sets (Customs will report television imports to the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK), which will forward an annual license invoice to the owner.)
- New items (any item owned and used less than 12 months are considered new and subject to import tax and duty)
- Vitamins (milligram dosage allowed in Norway is very low. It is advised not to include them in the shipment.)
- Medications (must be hand carried by the owner of the goods and a prescription shown to Customs upon arrival)
- Weapons (a permit from the local police is required)
- Food items (only canned food, dried food, and spices can be imported and in small quantities for personal consumption – not recommended for import)
- Outboard engines (charges of approximately NOK 285,- per horsepower + 25% VAT calculated from purchase price/invoice apply)
- Wood packaging materials must be treated and marked according to ISPM-15 regulations.
- Live plants (a certificate from the Plant and Wildlife Department at origin is required)
- Alcohol:
- An import permit from the Ministry of Drugs is required and must be obtained prior to import.
- The import of alcohol is strongly discouraged as high duties and taxes will apply.
- A detailed list including brand, volume, year and strength must be presented to Customs.
- Spirits containing over 60% alcohol by volume cannot be imported.
Prohibited Items
The Tarif Intégré de la Communauté (TARIC) is designed to show various rules applying to specific products being imported into the customs territory of the EU or, in some cases, when exported from it. To determine if a product is prohibited or subject to restriction, check the TARIC for the following codes:
- CITES Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species
- PROHI Import Suspension
- RSTR Import Restriction
For information on how to access the TARIC, see the Import Requirements and Documentation Section.
- Drugs
- Poisons
- Explosives
- Potatoes
- Endangered animal and plant species
Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others.)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Title / registration
- Status report
- OBL
Specific Information
- For vehicles more than 30 years old, antique vehicle rules apply (no duties, only 25% VAT).
- For all others, extreme charges will apply based on a very complicated calculation of ccm3, horsepower, weight, equipment etc.
- The owner of the goods should contact Customs to determine the import charges on specific vehicles.
- All taxes and duties must be paid to Customs before a shipment with a vehicle is released.
- Vehicles must be registered in Norway and are subject to a yearly road tax.
- Import taxes and duties are approximately 105% of the current value of the vehicle.
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Import license
- Identification marking (tattoo or approved microchip)
- Certificate of de-worming against echinococcos
Specific Information
- Cats and dogs must be treated for fox tapeworm within the 48 hours prior to importation by a licensed veterinarian.
- After the first treatment, cats and dogs that regularly travel to Norway from Sweden may subsequently be treated a minimum of every 28 days instead of just before each border crossing.
- No earlier than 120 days after the vaccination, a blood sample must be taken for antibody testing.
- Vaccinations against distemper and leptospirosis must be done at least 1 month prior to import.
- Contact agent for additional information regarding the importation of pets.
IAM Note: Cats and dogs older than 3 months imported from Sweden must be treated for fox tapeworm (echinococcosis). The spread of the parasite can occur through direct contact with cats and dogs of through ingestion of mushrooms, berries, etc. from areas where the parasite exists.
Arms and Ammunition regulations:
An import/export permit is required for transport of firearms and ammunition.
Crew members customs regulations:
Free import allowed up to 40 cigarettes and goods up to a total value of NOK 250.-. Alcohol is not allowed.
Pets:
Cats and dogs:
1. imported from Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican City or an EU Member State must have:
a. EU passport or national passport;
b. ID microchip or, if applied before 3 July 2011, a readable tattoo;
c. vaccination against rabies;
d. for dogs only: anti-echinococcus treatment (tapeworm). Tapeworm treatment not required for dogs arriving directly from Finland, Ireland (Rep.), Malta or United Kingdom.
2. imported from other countries, must also:
a. have a valid rabies antibody test. Not required if:
– imported from the countries listed above or from Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Ascension Isl., Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Bermuda, Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Cayman Isl., Chile, Chinese Taipei, Curacao, Falkland Isl., Fiji, French Polynesia, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, North Macedonia (Rep.), Russian Fed., Singapore, St. Helena, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Pierre and Miquelon, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, United Arab Emirates, USA, Vanuatu, Virgin Isl. (British) or Wallis and Futuna Isl.; or
– if transited through not listed third countries above, provided that the owner or authorized person provides a signed declaration that during such transit the pet animals have had no contact with animals susceptible to rabies and remain secured within a means of transport or within the perimeter of an international airport.
b. enter Norway via Oslo (OSL) and notify 48 hours before arrival. Tel: 4722777900.
For further information contact the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NSFA) www.mattilsynet.no/language/english/animals/
Note: only cats and dogs may travel in the cabin on Scandinavian Airlines (SAS).
Baggage Clearance regulations:
Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in Norway.
Exempt: baggage of transit passengers traveling to a destination outside of Norway or on a direct flight to Svalbard/Longyearbyen (LYR).
Currency
Currency Import regulations:
Allowed:
Local currency (Norwegian Krone-NOK) and foreign currencies: up to NOK 25,000.- (or equivalent). Amounts more than this must be declared on a form available at Customs. There are no limits on traveler’s cheques.
Currency Export regulations:
Allowed:
Local currency (Norwegian Krone-NOK) and foreign currencies: up to NOK 25,000.- (or equivalent). Amounts more than this must be declared on a form available at Customs. There are no limits on traveler’s cheques.
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Airport Tax
No airport tax is levied on passengers upon embarkation at the airport.
Entry requirements
The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.
The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Entry rules in response to coronavirus
From 1 January 2021 UK nationals are no longer classified as EU/EEA nationals and will not be allowed to visit Norway unless they meet certain exceptions. You may be exempted if for example you are resident in another EEA/EU country or if you are a close family member of a Norwegian resident. Please see the UDI website for more detail on these exceptions.
In addition, to these restrictions will also not apply to UK nationals who were legally resident in Norway by 31 December 2020. Those who are legally resident in Norway will be allowed to re-enter the country when travelling but may need to show evidence of residency. This could happen at the Norwegian border or at an airport outside of Norway. The Norwegian authorities are introducing a residency card for eligible UK nationals living in Norway to help prove their status when travelling. The application process opens on 4 January 2021.
UK nationals residing in Norway and under the scope of the Separation Agreement, can use one of the following documents to prove their residence status on entry into Norway:
- certificate of application under sections 19-33 to 19-35 of the Immigration Regulations
- certificate for job seeker
- registration certificate or proof of permanent residence issued under the registration scheme for EEA nationals
- residence card
- residence certificate from the National Population Register
- receipt for registration under the registration scheme for EEA nationals, dated prior to 1 January 2021
For more information contact the EU Settlement Resolution Centre online here or ring 0044 300 123 7379.
Testing and quarantine requirements
All travellers who arrive in Norway from a red country must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate upon arrival in Norway. The test must have been taken within the 24 hours prior to departure and be in English, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, French or German. The approved testing methods are PCR or Rapid antigen test. You may be denied entry at the Norwegian border, or boarding at the airport, if you do not produce a valid test certificate when required. You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.
All travellers from red countries must spend the first ten days in Norway in quarantine and must complete a self-declaration form confirming where you will be completing your quarantine period. This period must be spent in a quarantine hotel, unless you meet one of the exemptions as outlined by UDI Those exempt from hotel quarantine are required to travel directly to an appropriate place of quarantine, preferably using private transportation. If you must use public transport, you should use a facemask during the journey. These requirements do not apply to those transiting the country. For more details, read the information from the Norwegian government
In addition to these requirements, all travellers arriving in Norway from the UK, South Africa, Ireland, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Brazil will need to:
- Take a coronavirus PCR test at the border and a second test no earlier than 7 days after arrival
- Register your arrival and notify your local municipality where you are staying
A free coronavirus testing service is available at many international airports in Norway
Further updates will be published when available. Check our advice on things to consider, and be prepared to stay overseas longer than planned.
For more information, contact the Norwegian Embassy in London. Detailed guidance is available on the UDI website
Transiting Norway
Non-residents are still able to transit via Norwegian airports as long as the final destination is not within Norway, but please check with your airline before departing.
Cruises
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against cruise ship travel at this time. This is due to the ongoing pandemic and is based on medical advice from Public Health England.
A number of Norwegian ports are restricting passenger embarkation and disembarkation. The situation can change rapidly so check with your cruise provider for the latest information.
Visas
The Norwegian authorities have confirmed that if your visa has expired or is at risk of expiring, you will be not punished if you overstay as a result of COVID-19 or airline cancellations.. You are not required to notify UDI or the police, but are asked to try to leave as quickly as possible.
Regular entry requirements
Visas
The rules for travelling or working in European countries changed on 1 January 2021:
- you can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
- if you are travelling to Norway and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
- to stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you will need to meet the Norwegian government’s entry requirements. Check with the Norwegian Embassy what type of visa and/or work permit, you may need.
- if you stay in Norway with a visa or permit, this does not count towards the 90-day visa-free limit
Any time you spent in Norway or other Schengen countries before 1 January 2021 does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
At Norwegian border control, you may need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. You may also need to:
- show a return or onward ticket
- show you have enough money for your stay
There are separate requirements for those who are resident in Norway. If you are resident in Norway, you should carry proof of residence as well as your valid passport when you travel. For further information on these requirements, see our Living in Norway guide.
Passport validity
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip, and renew your passport if you do not have enough time left on it.
You must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).
If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.
Svalbard
You’ll need your passport with you to travel to and enter Svalbard.
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs)
UK ETDs are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Norway.
Pets
Check with the Norwegian Embassy in London before travelling with pets.
Safety and security
Crime
Crime levels are low, but there’s a risk of petty theft, particularly at airports and railway stations in and around Oslo. Take sensible precautions to protect your belongings, particularly your passport, money and credit cards.
Remain alert when walking home alone at night, and stick to main roads and well lit areas. Avoid shortcuts and quiet roads with no other pedestrians.
Road travel
In 2019 there were 108 road deaths in Norway (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 2.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2019.
Licences and documents
Visitors can drive in Norway using a valid UK or other EU/EEA driving licence. There is no need for an International Driving Permit (IDP). Make sure you have the correct vehicle insurance cover before you arrive.
If you’re living in Norway or planning to stay for longer than 90 days, check the Living in Norway guide for information on requirements for residents.
Road safety
Distances are great, speed limits generally lower than in the UK, and driving takes longer than you might think. Narrow and winding roads may be hazardous and impassable, especially in winter.
Driving regulations
Car drivers must use winter tyres if there is snow or ice covering the roads. When winter tyres are used, they must be fitted on all wheels and must have a minimum tread depth of 3mm. You may also need to use studded tyres or snow chains for extra grip in icy conditions when permitted. You can find more information on the use of tyres and snow chains on the State Highways website.
Keep headlights on at all times. Fines for exceeding the speed limit are high. On roads which are not marked with a priority sign (a yellow diamond), drivers must give way to traffic coming from the right.
Alcohol limits for drivers are far stricter than UK levels. There are frequent roadside checks for alcohol. Penalties for driving under the influence are severe and can lead to a prison sentence.
See the European Commission, AA and RAC guides to driving in Norway.
Road hauliers
Winter tyres are mandatory for heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes from 15 November to 31 March. These vehicles must also be equipped with tyres with a tread depth of at least 5mm and a sufficient number of snow chains. A truckers’ guide in English issued by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration can be found at Donna Diesel.
Svalbard
Follow the advice of the Governor of Svalbard, including on how to protect yourself from possible polar bear attack, the risks of glaciers, avalanches and other dangers outside the main town of Longyearbyen.
Extreme weather and crises
Extreme weather, floods and landslides can occur. The Norwegian government’s website provides information and advice to the public before, during and after a crisis.
Visiting in summer
Mosquitoes and midges can be a problem in forest, lake and mountainous regions. Bans on campfires are strictly enforced in many areas during the summer months. If you plan to go off the beaten track or out to sea, seek local advice about weather conditions and have suitable specialist equipment. The weather can change rapidly, producing Arctic conditions even in summer on exposed mountain tops.
Visiting in winter
The winter is long (it can last well into April) and temperatures can drop to -25°C and below. There is also a high wind chill factor, particularly in unsheltered areas and mountain ranges. Weather conditions can worsen quickly.
Bring warm clothes and practical footwear to cope with icy roads and pavements. You can buy special clamp-on grips (brodder) locally to give extra security in icy conditions. If you are taking part in skiing, hiking or other off road activities use the correct equipment. You can get advice at local information centres, which in smaller places tend to be connected with skiing equipment rental shops. You can also find safety advice for outdoor activities, including skiing, on the Visit Norway website.
Off-piste skiing is highly dangerous. You should follow all safety instructions carefully given the danger of avalanches in some areas and in particular in times of heavy snow. Always check with the local tourist offices on current snow and weather conditions on arrival. You can get information about the risk of an avalanche by visiting the websites of the Norwegian Avalanche Warning Service or the European Avalanche Warning Service.
Read more about how to Ski Safe.
