Norway Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Norway customs guide provides essential information for individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation or import of personal effects into Norway. Import regulations are administered by the Norwegian Customs Authority (Tolletaten) and must be followed carefully to avoid delays.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients relocating from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada with international moves to Norway, providing expert export packing, sea/air freight, customs documentation and delivery to Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Tromsø and other cities.

1. Moving to Norway – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Household Goods

Norway permits duty-free import of used household goods for individuals relocating if:

You are taking up residence or returning after residence abroad
Goods were owned and used for at least 6 months prior to shipment
Items are for personal use and not resale
Goods arrive within a reasonable time of your arrival

Important: New goods, large appliances and high-value electronics may attract VAT regardless of residency status.

1.2 Norway vs EU Import Rules

Although Norway is part of the EEA, it is not an EU member. Import duties differ from EU rules, and customs inspections are stricter on alcohol, electronics and vehicles.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Passport copy with arrival details
Bill of lading / air waybill
Norwegian Customs Declaration Form RD 0030
Detailed packing list with item descriptions
Proof of relocation (employment contract, residence permit)

2.2 Inventory Requirements

List electronics with make, model and serial numbers
Avoid vague descriptions such as “miscellaneous goods”
Goods less than 6 months old may incur VAT
Multiple identical items risk being flagged as commercial

H-H Relocations Tip: Norway frequently inspects electronics, tools, and outdoor equipment. Keep receipts for anything purchased recently.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Norway

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Vehicle importation into Norway can be costly due to environmental taxes and registration fees. Duties depend on vehicle age, emissions and market value.

Vehicles must be approved for Norwegian road standards
Right-hand-drive vehicles are generally prohibited
Electric vehicles receive reduced duties in some cases

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original registration/title document
Bill of lading
Evidence of ownership
Vehicle compliance approvals

Important: Import taxes on combustion vehicles can be high. Verify cost before shipping.

4. Bringing Pets to Norway

Pets can be imported into Norway under strict veterinary and identification rules. Dogs and cats are the most commonly permitted animals.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

ISO microchip identification
Valid rabies vaccination
EU Pet Passport or health certificate
Treatment for tapeworm (dogs only)

Pet Travel Tip: Norway requires timing precision for vaccinations and treatments—plan early to avoid delays at entry.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Norway enforces some of Europe’s strictest alcohol import rules. Duties, excise taxes and quantity limits apply, and undeclared alcohol may be seized. Commercial quantities require special permits.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products are subject to declaration and duties. Commercial volumes without licenses are prohibited.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

Norway regulates food imports to protect public health and maintain agricultural standards:

Meat, dairy and animal-based food products require veterinary clearance
Plant-based imports may require phytosanitary certificates
Non-compliant food goods may be confiscated or destroyed

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicine requires documentation and may require pre-authorization
Chemicals, hazardous goods and specialized equipment require import permits
Weapons, ammunition and explosives are strictly regulated

Important: Failure to declare restricted goods may lead to fines, confiscation or prosecution. Norwegian Customs is rigorous and performs regular inspections.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Norway

Norway prohibits the import of the following goods:

Narcotics and illegal drugs
Weapons, ammunition and explosives without authorization
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials
Products from endangered species listed in CITES
Meat and dairy products without certification
Right-hand-drive vehicles (restricted)
Commercial quantities of tobacco or alcohol without permits

Violations can result in fines, seizure or criminal action. Always declare questionable items to avoid penalties.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Norway

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a smooth international move from Toronto to Norway, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Prepare detailed inventories and keep receipts for recently purchased goods
Confirm residency or employment documentation before shipping
Plan for customs inspections of electronics and outdoor equipment
Check building access for large items, especially in historic or urban properties

7.2 Why choose a Norway relocation specialist

Norway’s customs standards are higher than many European countries. Partnering with a qualified international moving company ensures:

Accurate documentation and customs declarations
Reduced clearance delays and inspection risks
Door-to-door delivery coordination in Norway
Knowledge of prohibited goods and controlled imports

Relocation Tip: Norway’s VAT on new items can significantly increase import costs. Avoid shipping recently purchased goods when possible.

8. Useful Official Links – Norway

Use these official resources for updated regulations and entry conditions:

This guide supports planning an international relocation to Norway. Final customs decisions rest with the Norwegian Customs Authority and relevant agencies.