What are the rules for dropshipping from Norway?
Registration, VAT and the seller's duties to customers.
Short answer
Dropshipping is legal in Norway, but the online shop must follow Norwegian consumer rules, including the 14-day right of withdrawal and clear seller details. Shops must show an organisation number, which you get by registering the business in Altinn. A business must register for VAT once its VAT-liable sales pass NOK 50,000 in 12 months.
Why
- Forbrukertilsynet says dropshipping is not prohibited, but it often causes problems for customers because the supplier is usually outside the EU and EEA.
- According to Forbrukertilsynet, the Right of Withdrawal Act requires online shops to state their geographical address, email address and organisation number.
- Skatteetaten says a business must register in the VAT Register once it has sold VAT-liable goods and services for more than NOK 50,000, excluding VAT, within 12 months.
Details
The withdrawal period is normally two weeks from the day the customer receives the item, and the customer only pays the return cost if told so in advance. Forbrukertilsynet points out that dropshipping shops have no control over delivery times and that return costs can exceed the price of the product. A sole proprietorship (enkeltpersonforetak) is registered with the Coordinated Register Notification in Altinn, and the owner is personally liable for all claims arising from the business.
Tip
State the real delivery time and who pays for returns on the website before customers order, since these are exactly the points Forbrukertilsynet tells buyers to check.
What may differ
Goods shipped straight from a supplier abroad are imported into Norway, so VAT and any customs duty are due when they arrive. Ask Skatteetaten how the VAT rules apply to your own set-up.
Common misconception
Dropshipping is illegal in Norway.
What actually happens
Forbrukertilsynet says dropshipping is not prohibited, but the shop must give customers the information the Right of Withdrawal Act requires.
People also ask
- Is dropshipping legal in Norway?
- Do I need a registered business to dropship in Norway?
Sources
- Norwegian Consumer Authority: DropshippingChecked at:
- Norwegian Consumer Authority: Questions and answers on online shoppingChecked at:
- Altinn: Sole proprietorshipChecked at:
- Norwegian Tax Administration: Registering in the VAT RegisterChecked at:
- Norwegian Customs: Shopping from online shops not registered in VOECChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Skatteetaten and Forbrukertilsynet before you start selling.
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