Shipping to Norway
If you want to start shipping to Norway, it is recommended to take a couple of important variables into account. Norway is not part of the EU, which means that selling and delivering goods there comes with customs procedures, VAT rules and some practical considerations that differ from selling within the EU.
About VAT and VOEC scheme
Norway is outside the EU VAT area, so EU-based merchants do not charge their local VAT on exports to Norway. In many cases, orders are sold tax-free, and Norwegian VAT is handled on import.
However, Norway has a system called VOEC (VAT On E-Commerce). If you register to VOEC scheme, you can collect Norwegian VAT at checkout for low-value goods and report it directly to Norwegian authorities. This creates a much smoother experience for customers, since they avoid additional fees and delays during delivery.
If you are not using VOEC, the customer will usually pay VAT and possible handling fees when the shipment arrives in Norway.
Customs handling
All shipments to Norway require customs clearance. This applies to both B2C and B2B shipments. You need to provide accurate information about the contents of the shipment, including product descriptions, values, country of origin, and HS tariff codes.
Depending on your shipping carriers you are using, customs can be handled electronically or with a physical customs declaration such as CN22 or CN23. Missing or incorrect information can lead to delays, extra costs or returned shipments. When creating shipments with Packrooster Shipping, the app will use electronic customs handling if it is possible. If electronic customs handling is not possible, the app will give you the physical customs document to print. Packrooster receives the required information of products like tariff codes directly from Shopify and the app will also prevent you from creating the shipment with missing customs information!
Duties and thresholds
For VOEC-eligible shipments, there is a value limit per item. If the value exceeds that limit, VOEC cannot be used and the shipment goes through normal import procedures, where customs duties and VAT are collected from the recipient.
It is important to clearly communicate to customers what they should expect. Unexpected import fees are one of the most common reasons for failed deliveries and unhappy customers.
Shipping carriers and delivery experience
Not all carriers handle Norway shipments in the same way. Some offer fully integrated customs handling and Delivered Duty Paid options, while others rely more on the recipient to complete the process.
Choosing the right carrier and service level has a direct impact on delivery times, costs, and customer satisfaction. It is worth testing a couple of options and seeing how they perform in practice.
Returns
Handling international returns can be challenging, but clear policies help build trust with Norwegian customers.
- Return Shipping Costs: Clearly define who will cover return shipping costs—whether you as the merchant or the customer.
- Local Return Address: Consider using a third-party logistics provider (3PL) with a Norwegian return address to simplify returns and reduce costs.
- Refund Processing: Ensure that your refund processing time aligns with Norwegian consumer protection laws.
Planning your return process in advance helps avoid confusion for both you and your customers.
To summarize
- Create a separate market for Norway in Shopify
- Decide whether to register for VOEC and collect Norwegian VAT at checkout
- Make sure your product data includes HS tariff codes and Country of Origin. Packrooster will not allow you to create a shipment if the information is missing.
- Choose the most suitable delivery methods for shipments
- Communicate clearly to customers about VAT, duties, and possible fees