Shipping from USA to Norway

Importing household effects and vehicles to Norway from the USA isn’t that difficult. However, there are important notes you must remember. The fees and the documents mostly depend on whether the item has been used by the importer abroad, or if it’s brand new. Brand new items are more difficult to import (and more expensive). To know more about this in detail, read on.

For used household goods

Used household goods need to be listed in detail. The inventory has to be either in Norwegian or English. The shipment must also come with these documents:
i. Norwegian Customs Decal. RG124 or RG 124A
ii. OBL or AWB
Customer presence is not necessary during clearance. However, inspection and clearance can take at least 24 hours. Among the two documents mentioned above, the form RG124 or RG124A is vital. Otherwise, the goods won’t be released to the customer. For the items to be considered used, the customer needs to have been abroad (in the USA) for at least 12 months prior to the shipment. Used items are duty-free.

For new household goods

There are less documents to worry about when one is importing new household effects from the USA to Norway. Sales invoices may help to speed up the process, but they’re usually not required by the Norway customs. A complete list of the goods and a detailing of their true value are necessary, though. When brand new items are imported from the USA to Norway, duties must be paid. Customer appearance during the clearance process is also not necessary. The processing time is the same: at least 24 hours if there are no problems.

Importation of vehicles

If you’re importing a used vehicle from the USA to Norway, you must prepare the registration documents. This must prove your ownership of the vehicle. Accompanying the registration form is a declaration form of your employer, proving the length of your stay abroad Norway. A copy of your passport and the original (which you must present when you arrive at the customs bay) are necessary.

By definition, a used vehicle is only considered a used vehicle when it has been owned by the importer for 12 whole months before his/her arrival at Norway. The importer must also have documents showing that s/he has been living outside of Norway for at least five years. The vehicle must also be imported to Norway at most three months after the owner’s arrival to the country. The presence of the customer is necessary during clearance.

Duties and permits for Imported Vehicles

For the vehicle to be imported duty-free, the importer needs to prove that s/he is only temporarily staying in Norway. Usually the purpose of the stay must also be declared. The duties are hefty for importers who are planning to stay in the country permanently.

Temporary driving permit is granted to the importer on the clearance day. This time must be used to fix importation documents and mechanical changes to the vehicle to suit Norway’s traffic rules. Importers who are staying for 12 months or shorter may be given permission, duty-free, to use and drive the car on foreign vehicle plates. Extensions may be granted for up to a year.

Importers must also note that the issuance date on the vehicle’s title is also considered as the purchase date.

Industrial machinery and boats

Industrial machinery and vehicles may also be imported to Norway provided that they come with all the pertinent papers. Permits for their use in the country need to be acquired by the owner. The same goes with boats imported into the country. Duties and taxes apply unless otherwise stated by the Customs Law. This tends to change without warning, so to be on the safe side, consignees are advised to contact the Norway Embassy in the USA before the shipment is made.