Importing Personal Effects into Norway: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Norway Import Guide (PDF)

Used household goods and personal effects

• Prior to shipments ETA:
• Inventory list in duplicate (Norwegian or English language only).
• Copy passport (photo page only).
• B/L (Express or Original) or AWB. (Express BL or Sea Waybill is ok).
• Norwegian customs form RD-0030E (Customs Declaration) completed & signed by assignee.
• Norwegian ID# 11 characters.

• If you have lived abroad continuously for more than one year, you may bring most of your household effects to Norway free of duties and taxes, if:
• you have been abroad continuously for at least one year.
• you have owned and used the objects during your stay abroad, and you will continue to use them in Norway.
• you are importing the objects in connection with moving to Norway.

• Objects/effects referred to in this regard are normal household goods and personal effects.
• Norwegian Customs website for Moving to or from Norway: https://toll.no/en/movingto-or-out-of-norway/

Diplomatic shipments

• Provided the transferee in question is a holder of a valid Norwegian diplomatic ID card:
• A-2 form duly attested by Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Alcohol or tobacco annual quota may be in place by the Norwegian MFA for the respective embassy in Norway. It is the responsibility of the transferring diplomat to verify and comply with any such regulation.

• Informative leaflet - provide information to diplomats and their families on how the various privileges and immunities under the Vienna Conventions are implemented in Norway, and to offer other information: https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dep/ud/dep/f orbindelser/diplomat norway/id2354407/ _

Inherited Items

• Notarized letter from Solicitor stating that you are the rightful owner of the inherited items.
• Inventory list in duplicate (Norwegian or English language only).
• Copy passport (photo page only).
• B/L (Express or Original) or AWB.
• Customs Declaration will not be used regarding inherited goods - Customer needs
• to send an application to customs.
• Origin agents complete shipping advice.
• Norwegian ID# 11 characters.

• Inherited household items can be imported duty/VAT free provided before mentioned documentation is in place.
• For inherited motor vehicles and other items, please refer to relevant “GOODS” description in this document
• To import inherited items without taxes and duties, the customer needs to make an application to customs. More info on
• www.toll.no

Import of recreational boat

• You may bring your recreational boat to Norway without paying duties if the following conditions are met:
• You must have resided abroad continuously for at least five years immediately prior to arrival.
• The boat may not be larger than 15 meters in length.
• You must have owned the boat for at least 12 months before arrival and used it abroad for the same period (12 months).
• You must bring the boat to Norway within one year after arrival at the latest.
• You must remain in possession of the
• boat for at least two years following customs clearance before it can be sold or transferred.
• These conditions must be documented when you import the boat.
• The application must be submitted to the customs region to which you move.
• Norwegian VAT must be paid upon import of the boat. VAT is 25%. Calculated of the total value of the boat + shipping cost.
• All boats with a hull length from 2.5 to 24 meters and water scooters must be CE marked.
• Excluded are boats that were used in an EU/EEA country before 16 June 1998. The CE mark indicates that the boat meets the safety requirements for the boat type.
• Engines must initially be CE marked by the manufacturer.

• Norwegian Customs web site for more info: https://www.toll.no/en/goods/boat/importof-recreational-boats/
• Occupational equipment is not exempt from duties and taxes in connection with moving and must be declared.

Cats & dogs

• Import Licence.
• Approved ID Marking.
• Health certificate together with vaccination certificates.
• Certificate of deworming against echinococcosis.

• Rabies vaccination by means of an approved vaccine, together with an antibody test.
• Dogs must have been vaccinated against leptospirosis as well as distemper.
• The customs authorities at border crossings will check import licence, identification marking and vaccination certificates.
• These regulations apply only to the importation of dogs and cats from EEC/EFTA countries.
• Animals imported from non-EEC/EFTA countries must go into quarantine for 4 to 6
• months.

• Norwegian Food Safety Authority guide to import animals to Norway: http://www.mattilsynet.no/language/english /animals/import of animals/ _ _

Alcoholic beverages - spirits, wine, etc. Tobacco

• Special clearance required.
• A detailed list is required, including brand, volume, alcohol strength, purchase value.

• Extremely high taxes and duties will apply, even on small quantities. Separate import form must be arranged.
• If shipper insists on shipping tobacco and / or alcoholic beverages, place all boxes at the door of the container for easy access, and make a detailed list of brand, volume, year and alcoholic strength.

• Avoid including alcoholic beverages of any kind into the household goods shipment.
• There is NO duty-free allowance when these items are included in the shipment.
• See the Norwegian Customs website for details: https://www.toll.no/en/goods/alcohol-andtobacco/private-import/

Weapons

• Permit from local police – preferably prior to the shipments arrival if you want to avoid expensive storage in transit.

• Local police must grant permits.
• The importer needs membership and sometimes recommendation from a hunting organisation or a shooting club.
• Normal weapons and ammunition generally admitted, subject to police permission.

• Ask for permit in due time to avoid they are retained by customs until permits granted.
• Without permission from the Police, weapons will be confiscated.
• Police web page: https://www.politi.no/tjenester/vapen/innfor sel og utforsel/ _ _

Food

• Prohibited to import as part of a household goods shipment
• Exceptions can be found here: http://www.mattilsynet.no/language/engl ish/food and water/personal import/exce _ _ _ ptions from the rules for personal impo _ _ _ _ _ _ rts.2343
• Food products are not exempt from duties and taxes in connection with moving and must be declared.

• There are separate rules for the import of certain food products.
• http://www.mattilsynet.no/language/english /food and water/personal import/ _ _ _

Wood

• According to the amendments imported wood packaging material and wood used to support cargo at import (“dunnage”) must be treated and marked according to ISPM No.15 (FAO International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 on
• Guidelines for regulating wood packaging material in international trade).

Live plants

• Certificate.

• There are restrictions on the import of plants.
• Must obtain certification from the Plant and Wildlife Department from country of origin that plants are healthy.

• Norwegian Food Safety Authority – on plants: http://www.mattilsynet.no/language/english /plants/plant health/ _

Prohibited items

• Narcotics,
• Fresh meat,
• Explosives, automatic guns,
• Spirits containing over 60% vol. alcohol,
• Prescription medicines,
• Some vitamins,
• Some “pets” (reptiles/threatened species).

Exporting Personal Effects from Norway: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Norway Export Guide (PDF)

Used household goods and personal effects

• Inventory list.
• Copy of passport (photo page).
• Norwegian ID number (11 digits).
• Export declaration.

• Consider if a temporary export declaration is relevant, in order to prepare for an early return to Norway.

Weapons, -parts and ammunition

• Proof of ownership.
• If it is a permanent export, export permit from the local police is required.

• See the Norwegian Customs website for more details: https://www.toll.no/no/varer/k ulturminner-og-kunst/eksport/

Object of cultural heritage and artworks

• Export permit is required.
• Application for export need to be sent to Ministry of Culture and Equality: https://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/kud/id545/

• See the Norwegian Customs website for more details: https://www.toll.no/no/varer/k ulturminner-og-kunst/eksport/

Used vehicles

• Registration card / title and proof of origin (EUR 1 or origin declaration)

• If exporter is other than importer:
• You must present a supplier’s declaration from the importer. Norwegian Customs may demand to undertake the necessary investigations concerning the product’s origin status before EUR 1 is endorsed. You are not entitled to have EUR 1 endorsed at the time of export if Norwegian Customs wishes to undertake such investigation.
• If the vehicle in question was imported more than 10 years ago, a supplier’s declaration or other sufficient documentation is acceptable.

• See the Norwegian Customs website for more details: https://www.toll.no/en/goods/ motor-vehicles/export-of-usedvehicles---proof-of-origin/

Norway Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Norway Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

Prior to or at the time of shipment ETA:

• Inventory list in duplicate, in Norwegian or English only
• Copy of passport (photo page only)
• Bill of Lading (OBL or Express/Sea Waybill) or Air Waybill (AWB). Express B/L or Sea Waybill is acceptable.
• Norwegian Customs Declaration Form RD-0030E (Importation of Removal Goods), completed and signed by the consignee
• Norwegian identification number (11 digits). If the importer does not yet have a Norwegian national identity number or D-number, they must apply to Norwegian Customs for a TRK number (Customs-registered customer number) before or at the time of declaration.

• A-2 form, duly attested by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A valid Norwegian diplomatic ID card must be held by the transferee.

• Notarised letter from solicitor stating the applicant is the rightful owner
• Inventory list in duplicate (Norwegian or English only)
• Copy of passport (photo page only)
• B/L or AWB
• Application to Customs (instead of the RD-0030E customs declaration)
• Origin agent's complete shipping advice
• Norwegian ID number (11 digits)

Specific Information

Diplomatic shipments are duty-free subject to the A-2 form attestation. An annual quota on alcohol and tobacco may be in place by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the respective embassy. It is the responsibility of the transferring diplomat to verify and comply with any such regulation.

Inherited items can be imported duty and VAT-free provided the notarised solicitor's letter is in place. For inherited motor vehicles, the standard vehicle import rules apply.

A used household goods shipment may be imported free of duties and taxes if all of the following conditions are met:

• The owner has lived abroad continuously for at least 1 year.
• The goods have been owned and used by the owner during that stay abroad and will continue to be used in Norway.
• The goods are being imported in connection with the move to Norway.

Any item owned and used for less than 12 months is considered new and is subject to import duties and taxes.

The value of the household goods is not relevant to the determination of duty-free status.

If more than 1 year has passed since the owner arrived in Norway, a separate application to Customs is required before the goods can be admitted duty-free. Similarly, a separate application is required if the owner wishes Customs to assess whether goods already brought to Norway can be classified as duty-free moving goods.

ISPM 15: All wooden packaging materials and dunnage must be treated and marked according to ISPM 15 standards. Non-compliant wood will be refused entry.

Norwegian ID / TRK number: A Norwegian identification number is required to file the customs declaration. Importers who do not yet have their national identity number or D-number must apply for a TRK number from Norwegian Customs. Allow time for this before the shipment arrives.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

The following items are prohibited from import into Norway:

• Narcotics and controlled substances
• Explosives and automatic weapons
• Spirits containing more than 60% alcohol by volume
• Prescription medicines (in shipments; must be hand-carried with a prescription)
• Potatoes
• Fresh meat
• Some vitamins (above Norwegian regulatory dosage limits)
• Reptiles and CITES-listed threatened species *(CITES)*
• Endangered animal and plant species *(CITES)*
• Poisons
• Counterfeit and pirated goods

Alcohol: Extremely high Norwegian excise duties and taxes apply to all alcoholic beverages, even in small quantities. There is no duty-free allowance when alcohol is included in a household goods shipment. Separate import arrangements are required (special clearance and a detailed list including brand, volume, alcohol strength, and purchase value). Spirits containing more than 60% alcohol by volume cannot be imported. Including alcohol in a household goods shipment is strongly discouraged. Place any alcohol boxes at the door of the container for easy customs access and list them in full detail.

Tobacco: Subject to the same high duties as alcohol when included in a household goods shipment. No duty-free concession applies.

Weapons: A permit from the local police is required, preferably before the shipment arrives in Norway to avoid expensive transit storage. The importer typically needs membership in a hunting organisation or shooting club. Without police permission, weapons will be confiscated. Automatic weapons are prohibited.

Food: Food is prohibited in household goods shipments. Limited exceptions exist for canned food, dried food, and small personal quantities of spices. See the Mattilsynet website for current exceptions. Food products are not exempt from duties and taxes and must be declared. Fresh meat is prohibited.

Television sets: Customs will report television imports to the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK), which will send an annual licence invoice to the owner.

Vitamins and supplements: Dosage allowances are strictly regulated in Norway. It is advised not to include vitamins or supplements in shipments.

Prescription medicines: Must be hand-carried by the owner of the goods with a prescription available for presentation to Customs on arrival. Not to be included in shipments.

Live plants: A phytosanitary certificate from the Plant and Wildlife Department in the country of origin is required. Import restrictions on certain species apply.

Cigarettes / tobacco (traveller allowance): For persons 18 years of age or older: 200 cigarettes, 200 grams of tobacco leaves, or 250 grams of other tobacco products.

Special Categories

A recreational boat may be imported duty-free (VAT of 25% on total value plus shipping still applies) if all of the following conditions are met:

• The owner has resided abroad continuously for at least 5 years immediately before arrival in Norway.
• The boat is no longer than 15 metres.
• The owner has owned the boat for at least 12 months and used it abroad during that period.
• The boat is imported within 1 year of arrival in Norway.
• The owner retains possession for at least 2 years after customs clearance before selling or transferring.
• All these conditions are documented in a formal application submitted to the regional Customs office where the owner resides.

All boats with a hull length from 2.5 to 24 metres and water scooters must be CE marked. Outboard engines are subject to import charges of approximately NOK 285 per horsepower plus 25% VAT calculated on the purchase price or invoice. Occupational equipment is not exempt from duties and taxes and must be declared.

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Norwegian ID / TRK number: This is required before customs clearance can be processed. If the owner does not yet have a national identity number or D-number, a TRK number must be applied for from Norwegian Customs. This should be done as early as possible in the relocation process.

RD-0030E form: The Customs Declaration Form RD-0030E must be completed, signed by the owner, and submitted to Norwegian Customs. If a professional moving company or agent handles the clearance, they will process this via a licensed customs broker. If a third-party carrier is used, they must be equipped with a signed Power of Attorney from the owner.

Inventory language: All inventory lists must be in Norwegian or English only. Inventories in other languages are not accepted.

12-month rule for goods: Any item owned and used for less than 12 months at the time of import is considered new and dutiable. Items acquired just before departure should be listed separately with their purchase value.

Alcohol and tobacco in shipments: Place all alcohol and tobacco boxes at the container door for easy access and prepare a fully detailed list (brand, volume, year, alcohol percentage). High duties will apply. These items should ideally not be included in the shipment.

Vehicles: Contact the Norwegian Tax Administration (skatteetaten.no) to calculate vehicle taxes before committing to shipping. All taxes and duties must be paid before the vehicle is released by Customs.

Late arrival: If more than 12 months have passed since the owner arrived in Norway, a separate pre-clearance application to Customs is required before the goods can be admitted duty-free.

Principal ports of entry: Oslo (Oslo Port and Oslo Airport Gardermoen), Bergen, Stavanger, and Tromsø are the main entry points. Confirmation of routing and port clearance procedures should be done with the destination agent.