Question 1

Is Norway part of the EU customs union?

Accepted Answer

No. Norway is part of the EEA but not the EU customs union. Goods crossing the border between Norway and an EU country, including Sweden, must be declared to customs.

Question 2

Is importing goods into Norway the same as trading within the EU?

Accepted Answer

No. Moving goods between EU member states generally follows different rules from importing goods into Norway. Goods entering Norway normally require customs clearance and an import declaration. Businesses used to selling only within the EU should check these requirements before accepting their first Norwegian order.

Question 3

Why do shipments from Poland to Norway need customs clearance?

Accepted Answer

Goods shipped from Poland leave the EU customs territory and enter Norway as imports. The shipment therefore needs the relevant export formalities, transport documentation and Norwegian import declaration. The parties must also agree who will act as the importer.

Question 4

How does customs clearance work when importing goods into Norway?

Accepted Answer

Customs clearance involves submitting a declaration to Norwegian Customs with details of the importer, goods, customs value, commodity code, country of origin, supporting documents and customs procedure. Prepare this information before the shipment reaches the border so that missing or inconsistent details can be resolved in advance.

Question 5

What documents are needed for customs clearance in Norway?

Accepted Answer

Typical requirements include a commercial invoice, a transport document and details of the importer and exporter. The declaration also needs an accurate goods description, commodity code, value, currency, country of origin, delivery terms and shipment details. Depending on the goods, additional permits, certificates, technical documentation or notifications may be required.

Question 6

Is a commercial invoice enough to import goods into Norway?

Accepted Answer

Not always. A commercial invoice is a key document, but it may not contain everything needed for customs clearance. The shipment also needs accurate product descriptions, commodity codes, origin information, delivery terms and transport details. Certain products require additional supporting documents.

Question 7

Can I ship goods to Norway and arrange customs clearance when they reach the border?

Accepted Answer

Leaving customs arrangements until the shipment reaches the border increases the risk of delays and additional costs. Agree the importer’s role, delivery terms and customs arrangements before dispatch, and make sure the documents are ready. Missing information is harder to resolve once the vehicle is already waiting at the border.

Question 8

Who should act as the importer when goods enter Norway?

Accepted Answer

The importer may be the Norwegian customer, a distributor or, in some arrangements, a foreign business that meets the relevant requirements. The importer’s role carries responsibilities for the information and documentation used in the import declaration. Agree who will take this role before shipping, rather than assuming that the buyer or seller will handle it.

Question 9

What are Incoterms, and why do they matter when exporting to Norway?

Accepted Answer

Incoterms are internationally recognised rules that allocate delivery obligations, costs and risks between the seller and buyer. They help establish who arranges transport and who handles export and import formalities. For shipments to Norway, the agreed rule should be consistent with the parties’ actual customs arrangements and the importer’s role.

Question 10

How do DAP, DDP and EXW affect responsibilities when importing into Norway?

Accepted Answer

DAP, DDP and EXW allocate transport costs, risks and customs obligations differently between the seller and buyer. The chosen rule affects who needs to arrange clearance and budget for import charges. Before accepting an order, check that both parties understand their obligations and that the proposed arrangements can be carried out in Norway.

Question 11

Who is responsible for errors in Norwegian import documents?

Accepted Answer

Responsibility depends on the parties’ roles, the customs representation arrangements and the nature of the error. Incorrect information can affect the importer, exporter, carrier and customs representative. Before dispatch, agree who supplies the information, who checks it and who is responsible for the customs declaration.

Question 12

Can I use an EU export HS code for an import declaration in Norway?

Accepted Answer

Do not assume that the complete EU export commodity code can be used unchanged in Norway. It can provide a starting point, but the goods must be classified under the Norwegian Customs Tariff. Check the Norwegian commodity code and the associated duty, VAT, documentation requirements and import restrictions.

Question 13

Can any product sold in the EU also be imported and sold in Norway?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. A product’s availability on the EU market does not, by itself, confirm that all Norwegian import and sales requirements have been met. Depending on the product, additional labelling, documentation, permits, notifications or checks by the relevant Norwegian authority may be needed.

Question 14

How can I check whether a product needs permits or certificates in Norway?

Accepted Answer

Start with the product type, commodity code, intended use and technical documentation. These help identify the relevant authority and any applicable product, labelling, health, environmental or sector-specific requirements. Check what applies before shipping so that missing approvals or documents can be addressed in advance.

Question 15

What is MVA, and how does it affect imports into Norway?

Accepted Answer

MVA is the Norwegian term for value added tax (VAT). Import VAT affects how an import is accounted for and may also affect cash flow. The importer’s VAT registration and entitlement to deduct VAT determine how it is reported and whether it becomes a final cost to the business.

Question 16

Can Norwegian import costs affect my sales margin?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Customs duty, customs clearance fees, transport, storage, delays and corrections can reduce the margin on a sale. The commodity code and customs value can also affect the charges due. Import VAT needs separate consideration because its cash-flow and final cost implications depend on the importer’s VAT position. Review these factors before agreeing your selling price.

Question 17

Can AIM help estimate the costs of importing goods into Norway?

Accepted Answer

AIM helps identify customs and operational factors that affect import costs, including classification, customs value, import VAT, documentation, product requirements and the importer’s role. We can also highlight potential costs arising from missing information or unsuitable arrangements. A complete financial or tax assessment may require an accountant or tax adviser.

Question 18

What is Digitoll in Norway?

Accepted Answer

Digitoll is Norwegian Customs’ digital system for receiving information about goods and transport entering Norway. It requires coordination between the carrier, importer, exporter and customs representative so that the relevant information and references are available for the border crossing. Digitoll reporting and the customs declaration are related requirements, but they are not the same submission.

Question 19

When should information for Digitoll be prepared?

Accepted Answer

Prepare the information before dispatch wherever possible, allowing time to resolve missing details and link the relevant references. The carrier and customs representative need consistent information about the shipment and transport. Agree who provides each item and when it must be available, taking account of the requirements for the transport concerned.

Question 20

What should I do if my shipment is held at the Norwegian border?

Accepted Answer

First, establish why the shipment has been stopped and what information or action is required. The issue may involve a missing document, incorrect reference, customs procedure, importer details or an unresolved instruction. Send AIM the available documents, references, location and any message received from the carrier or Norwegian Customs so that we can assess how to help.

Question 21

Can AIM check my documents before I ship goods to Norway?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can review the shipment documents, product information and transport details before dispatch, and identify issues that could affect customs clearance. Reviewing the information early gives the parties more time to correct errors and obtain missing documents.

Question 22

Does AIM only handle customs clearance?

Accepted Answer

No. Alongside customs clearance, AIM supports import, export, transit arrangements, Digitoll preparation and customs-related document checks. We also help businesses clarify responsibilities and prepare their Norwegian import arrangements through Entry Norway.

Question 23

Does AIM work with freight forwarders and carriers shipping to Norway?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with freight forwarders and carriers to coordinate customs documents, shipment information, references and instructions. AIM handles the customs side of the shipment while the transport company manages the transport. Where needed, we can also help put customers in contact with suitable transport partners.

Question 24

What is Entry Norway?

Accepted Answer

Entry Norway is AIM’s service for businesses preparing to sell and ship goods to Norway. We review importer responsibilities, customs requirements, documentation, import VAT considerations and operational arrangements before the first shipments. The aim is to clarify what needs to be in place before you commit to a price or delivery date. Specialist tax or legal advice may be needed for matters outside the agreed scope.

Questions about customs in Norway? Start here.

Norway and the EU

Customs clearance and documents

Importer responsibilities and delivery terms

HS codes and product requirements

Import VAT, costs and margins

Digitoll and transport

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