China is Norway’s largest trading partner outside of Europe. Key imports from Norway include cars, refined petroleum, nickel mattes, broadcasting equipment, and electricity. Importing from China presents both challenges and opportunities, and this guide aims to provide valuable insights for Norwegian importers, including those already sourcing from China and those exploring new market opportunities.
Shipping from China to Norway
Norway Customs Fees
Anyone importing goods into Norway must declare the items to Norwegian Customs, including those for personal use. Certain goods may be prohibited or restricted, including:
- Alcohol
- Cultural monuments, antiques
- Endangered animal and plant species
- Explosives, fireworks, and hazardous substances
- Foodstuffs, plants, seeds, animals
- Medicines
- Tobacco
- Waste
- Weapons, weapon parts, and ammunition
General shipments can be handled by a forwarding agent like TCF, which manages customs clearance electronically via Norway’s customs system, TVINN.
Norway Imports De Minimis – NOK 350
Shipments valued at less than NOK 350 (including freight and insurance) are exempt from customs declaration requirements.
Norway Customs Duty
Goods are classified using a commodity code based on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). This code, which consists of eight digits, determines customs duty rates, ranging from 0% to 25%, with an average rate of 1.06%.
For example, if you import paper boxes with an HS code of 481910, you can check if it is duty-free on the Tolltariffen page.
Norway Customs VAT – 25%
VAT is generally applicable to all imports into Norway, even if customs duty is not levied. The current VAT rate is 25%, with a reduced rate of 15% for foodstuffs.
Sea Freight to Norway
The Port of Oslo is Norway’s largest cargo port and a key logistics hub. Other significant ports include Bergen, Narvik, Trondheim, Stavanger, Fredrikstad, Drammen, Porsgrunn, and Kristiansand.
Sea Freight Costs
| Cost Type | FCL (Full Container Load) | LCL (Less-than-Container Load) |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo dues | NOK 750 per container | NOK 125 per ton |
| Customs | NOK 350 per shipment | NOK 350 per shipment |
| D/O from carrier | NOK 675 per shipment | NOK 750 per shipment |
| Handling | NOK 425 per shipment | NOK 575 per shipment |
| ISPS | EUR 20 per container | EUR 20 per shipment |
| NOX | EUR 20 per container | EUR 20 per shipment |
| THC | NOK 1,350 per container | NOK 475 per cbm or NOK 750 per ton |
| LCL service charge | – | NOK 350 per ton |
Sea Freight Transit Time
Direct ocean routes from China to Norway are not available, requiring transit through ports like Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Bremen. For instance, a shipment from Shenzhen to Oslo typically takes at least 35 days, averaging around 45 days.
Air Freight to Norway
Air freight is the fastest shipping method, though it is more expensive. Oslo Airport (OSL) is Norway’s primary international airport, with direct flights available through major carriers.
Air Freight Costs
| Cost Type | Air Freight |
|---|---|
| Airport security | NOK 240 |
| Customs clearance | NOK 300 |
| Handling | NOK 425 |
| Invoice fee | NOK 75 |
| Terminal transfer | NOK 1.25/KG, Min NOK 165 |
Terminal Handling Charge
| Weight Range | Charge |
|---|---|
| 1-50 kgs | NOK 360 |
| 51-75 kgs | NOK 390 |
| 76-100 kgs | NOK 485 |
| 100 kgs + | NOK 485 + NOK 1.85/KG above 100 |
Air Freight Transit Time
A direct flight from China to Norway, such as the newly established Nanchang-Oslo route, takes about 14 hours. Alternatively, economical routes generally require 6-8 days. Express services from FedEx, DHL, or UPS typically deliver within 3-5 business days.
Working with TCF
Shipping from China to Norway efficiently involves understanding shipping costs, customs duties, delivery times, and Norwegian regulations. Our expert team guides you through the entire process, offering tailored solutions in air freight, sea freight, rail freight, and truck freight. We prioritize safe and timely delivery to meet your specific needs.
Start shipping today and focus on your business objectives with confidence!