Do I pay customs on goods ordered from Sweden or other EU countries?
Norwegian VAT, customs duty and VOEC for EU orders.
Short answer
Goods ordered from Sweden or other EU countries are imports to Norway, so you pay Norwegian VAT and possibly customs duty, which applies only to clothing and food. VOEC-registered shops add the VAT at checkout for items under NOK 3,000. Otherwise VAT of 25 percent, or 15 percent on food, and a carrier fee are charged on arrival.
Why
- PostNord notes that Norway operates outside the EU customs union, so customs duties and Norwegian VAT apply to imported goods.
- Tolletaten says only clothing, food and other foodstuffs carry customs duty, and the rate depends on the type of product and where it was made.
- Skatteetaten says VAT and any customs duty have applied to all purchases from foreign online shops since 1 January 2024.
Details
In 2026 Posten charges NOK 46 for clearing a parcel worth up to NOK 500, NOK 78 for NOK 500–3,000 and NOK 278 above that. Shoes carry no customs duty, but VAT still applies. If a shop charged Norwegian VAT at checkout and you are asked to pay it again, the refund has to come from the shop.
Tip
Use Tolletaten's import calculator on toll.no to estimate VAT and duty before you order.
What may differ
Gifts sent by a private person in Sweden or another country to a private person in Norway are free of VAT and duty up to NOK 1,000.
Common misconception
Because Norway is in the EEA, goods from EU countries arrive without VAT or customs.
What actually happens
Norway is outside the EU customs union, and Norwegian VAT is due on all goods bought from abroad, EU countries included.
People also ask
- Do I pay VAT on orders from Sweden?
- Do I pay customs on parcels from the EU to Norway?
Sources
- PostNord: Send parcels to NorwayChecked at:
- Norwegian Customs: Shopping from online shops not registered in VOECChecked at:
- Norwegian Tax Administration: VAT on all online shopping from abroadChecked at:
- Posten: Prices 2026Checked at:
- Norwegian Customs: GiftsChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Tolletaten before you order.
Tax free and duty free in NorwayRelated questions
-
Where are Posten's own post offices in Oslo?
Posten runs three post offices of its own in Oslo: Vika in Klingenberggata 7, Majorstuen in Kirkeveien 61 and Nydalen in Kristoffer Aamots gate 5.
-
How do I forward my mail when I move in Norway?
When you move in Norway, order a permanent address change from Posten, which forwards letters to your new address free of charge for 12 months.
-
What should I do if my parcel is lost or delayed?
If a parcel is delayed, check the tracking, since new events can take 1–4 days to appear, and then contact the sender, who normally files any claim with Posten.
-
Does Posten deliver mail and parcels every day?
Posten delivers letters every other weekday, three days one week and two the next, while parcels to the mailbox come every weekday.