Norway Import Restrictions

by countryaah · Published June 2, 2019 · Updated February 13, 2025

In order to enter Norway, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Norway government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Norway, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Norway.

Norway, a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), has a strong economy that relies heavily on imports of various goods, ranging from food products to machinery, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. As a member of the European Union’s Customs Union and various international trade organizations, Norway enforces a comprehensive system of import regulations that protect public health, the environment, and local industries. These import regulations ensure that goods entering the country comply with stringent safety, quality, and environmental standards.

The Norwegian Customs Authority, under the Ministry of Finance, is responsible for regulating and overseeing imports into the country. Other authorities such as the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet), the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection, and the Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljødirektoratet) play vital roles in regulating specific products that may have an impact on public health, food safety, and environmental protection. Given Norway’s location in Northern Europe, its unique environmental concerns, and its high standards for safety, it is important for businesses and individuals looking to engage in trade with the country to understand the various import restrictions and licensing requirements.

Prohibited Items for Import into Norway

Norway enforces strict import prohibitions to protect its population, natural environment, and national security. These prohibitions cover a range of goods that pose potential risks to public health, safety, and the environment. Some of these restrictions are also aligned with the European Union’s regulations, as Norway is part of the EEA and adheres to the same import policies as the EU.

Products Harmful to Public Health and Safety

One of the main priorities for Norway is the protection of public health. The government has established regulations that prevent the importation of goods that could harm the health and well-being of the population. These products are prohibited due to their potential to cause illness, injury, or other health-related concerns.

Illicit Drugs and Narcotics: Norway has a zero-tolerance policy for the importation of illicit drugs and narcotics. Under the Norwegian Narcotic Drugs Control Act, the importation of substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and synthetic drugs is strictly prohibited. The Norwegian Customs Authority, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, monitors shipments and works to prevent the entry of these controlled substances into the country. Norway is a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, and as such, it upholds the international community’s efforts to combat drug trafficking. Violating these laws can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines.
Counterfeit Medicines and Substandard Products: The importation of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and medical products is also prohibited in Norway. The Norwegian Medicines Agency (NoMA) regulates the importation of drugs and medical devices to ensure that only safe, effective, and properly labeled products enter the country. Counterfeit drugs, which can be ineffective, dangerous, or even deadly, pose a serious public health risk. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority ensures that all imported food products, cosmetics, and health-related goods meet the required safety and quality standards. Importing substandard or unapproved health products is illegal, and violators face significant fines and the confiscation of the goods. Additionally, medical devices that have not been tested or approved by relevant authorities, such as NoMA, are not allowed to enter the country.

Environmentally Harmful Goods

As part of its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, Norway enforces strict import regulations to safeguard its environment. These regulations are designed to prevent the introduction of harmful goods that could lead to pollution or environmental degradation.

Hazardous Waste and E-Waste: Norway is a signatory to the Basel Convention, which controls the international movement of hazardous waste. Consequently, the importation of hazardous waste, including medical waste, industrial waste, and electronic waste (e-waste), is prohibited. E-waste, which consists of discarded electronic products such as computers, mobile phones, and televisions, contains harmful substances like mercury, lead, and cadmium that can have a devastating effect on the environment if not disposed of properly. The Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljødirektoratet) oversees these regulations, ensuring that harmful waste does not enter the country. Importers attempting to bring hazardous waste or e-waste into Norway face significant penalties, including fines and the confiscation of the goods. The goal is to prevent the contamination of Norway’s pristine environments and to ensure that waste management practices comply with national and international standards.
Products Derived from Endangered Species: In accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Norway has placed restrictions on the importation of products derived from endangered species. These products include ivory, animal pelts, rare plants, and other items that contribute to the illegal wildlife trade. Norway is dedicated to preserving global biodiversity and enforces regulations that prevent the exploitation of endangered species. The Norwegian Environment Agency monitors the importation of wildlife products and ensures that any trade is in compliance with CITES agreements. The importation of goods made from endangered species is strictly prohibited, and violators face heavy fines and the confiscation of goods.

Products Requiring Import Licenses

While many goods are prohibited from entering Norway, several other products require import licenses. These goods are subject to additional scrutiny to ensure that they comply with Norwegian standards for safety, health, and the environment. The import license system helps Norwegian authorities track the entry of potentially hazardous goods or those that require careful regulation.

Goods Subject to Import Licensing

Import licenses are required for a range of goods that may pose risks to public health, the environment, or the economy. These goods are carefully regulated to ensure they meet Norwegian standards before entering the market.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment: The importation of pharmaceuticals and medical devices requires an import license from the Norwegian Medicines Agency (NoMA). This ensures that all medical products entering the country have been tested for safety and efficacy. Medicines, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter products, must meet stringent health standards before they are allowed to enter the market. NoMA ensures that all pharmaceuticals imported into Norway are compliant with EU and international standards, including approval from recognized regulatory bodies such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the World Health Organization (WHO). Medical devices, such as diagnostic equipment, surgical tools, and therapeutic products, must also meet regulatory standards to ensure they are safe for use. The licensing process ensures that counterfeit or substandard medical products do not reach the Norwegian market, protecting public health.
Agricultural Products and Livestock: The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) regulates the importation of agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, livestock, and animal products. An import license is required for these products to ensure they meet Norwegian and European health standards. The country has strict phytosanitary regulations to protect local agriculture from pests and diseases. Livestock imports, for example, must meet veterinary health standards to ensure that animals are free from diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease or avian influenza. Agricultural products must also meet standards for pest control and disease-free status before being allowed entry. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are subject to special licensing procedures to ensure that they are safe for consumption and environmental release.

Environmentally Regulated Goods

Norway enforces environmental protection laws that require certain goods to obtain an import license before entering the country. These goods may have a significant impact on the environment, and the licensing process helps ensure that they are handled in a manner consistent with Norwegian environmental standards.

Chemicals and Hazardous Substances: The importation of chemicals and hazardous substances, including industrial chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers, requires an import license from the Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljødirektoratet). The Agency monitors the importation of chemicals to ensure they do not pose risks to the environment or public health. Chemicals that are toxic, persistent, or bioaccumulative require careful management, and the licensing process ensures that they are handled and disposed of according to Norwegian regulations. For example, pesticides must be proven safe for both human health and the environment before they can be sold in the country. Importers must submit detailed information about the chemical composition of the substances and their potential risks. The goal of these regulations is to prevent environmental damage and promote safe usage of chemicals in Norway.
Plastic and Packaging Materials: Given the growing concerns about plastic pollution, Norway has implemented regulations to control the importation of plastic products, particularly those that are non-biodegradable or contribute to waste. The Norwegian Environment Agency regulates plastic products to ensure they meet recycling standards and environmental impact assessments. Non-recyclable plastics or single-use plastics are subject to additional scrutiny and may require a special import license. The country encourages the importation of products made from biodegradable, recyclable, or sustainable materials. Importers must demonstrate that their plastic products comply with Norway’s waste management laws, which aim to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling. Products that do not meet the country’s environmental standards are subject to penalties or may be rejected at customs.

Regulated Consumer Goods

In addition to health and safety regulations, Norway also requires an import license for certain consumer goods to ensure that they comply with local safety standards. These products typically include electronics, motor vehicles, and household appliances, which must meet specific regulations before they can be sold on the market.

Motor Vehicles and Spare Parts: The importation of motor vehicles, including used cars, is regulated by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen). Vehicles must meet safety and emissions standards before they can be sold in Norway. Used vehicles are subject to stricter scrutiny to ensure that they comply with Norwegian road safety and environmental regulations. Importers must provide documentation that proves the vehicles comply with local regulations, including the EU’s emission standards. The importation of vehicle spare parts is also regulated to ensure that they are safe for use and meet the required standards. Vehicles that fail to meet these criteria cannot be legally sold in Norway.
Electronics and Household Appliances: The Norwegian Consumer Authority and the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection regulate the importation of electronics and household appliances to ensure they meet safety and energy efficiency standards. Electronic goods such as refrigerators, air conditioners, televisions, and washing machines must pass safety inspections and meet energy efficiency requirements before they can be sold in the country. The licensing process ensures that all imported electronics are safe for use, pose no electrical hazards, and contribute to Norway’s sustainability goals. Importers must submit documentation proving that their products comply with safety standards and are energy-efficient. Products that fail to meet these standards may be rejected at customs or face significant penalties.