Shipping to Norway: the complete guide

Norwegians are among Europe's keenest online shoppers, which makes it a great time for retailers who want to ship their products to Norway. This guide covers everything you need: why it's worth it, how to address and cost your parcels, what's allowed, how long delivery takes, and the customs rules to get right.

Why it's worth shipping to Norway

Norway is one of the ten wealthiest countries in the world, and that shows in its e-commerce market. A few key figures:

• Market penetration: around 81%

• Average revenue per user: roughly €1,288

• Growth: steady annual growth, with penetration expected to keep rising

Average revenue per user is well above many other markets, and the penetration rate is considerably higher than in larger e-commerce nations. In short, Norway is a small but affluent and highly connected market worth serving.

How to address a parcel to Norway

Write the address like this:

Sigrid Ødegaard
Markveien 53
0554 OSLO
NORWAY

How much does shipping to Norway cost?

Several factors determine the cost, so it's worth comparing carriers to find the best fit for your goods. Factors include:

• The carrier you choose

• Parcel versus small packet

• The size and weight of your parcel

• Special packaging (for example for perishable goods)

• Standard versus express

• Additional shipping insurance

• Delivery options (to the customer's address or a parcel shop)

• Customs fees and charges

Note: parcels to Norway's outlying territories (such as Bouvet Island, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen) have different shipping conditions and prices, and much longer transit times.

What's allowed in my parcel?

Since Norway, unlike Scandinavian neighbors such as Denmark or Sweden, isn't an EU member, much stricter rules apply to importing goods. This overview is a first orientation; for binding information, contact Norwegian customs or the relevant authority.

How long does delivery to Norway take?

With standard shipping by UPS, DPD, or GLS, delivery meets the roughly 3 to 4.5 days European shoppers are typically willing to wait. To stay competitive with local retailers, express is worth considering:

With express, a parcel arrives about two days faster on average. It's wise not to rely on a single carrier: offering several at checkout matters to customers, and our research found that for over 47% of European shoppers the carrier plays a role in the purchase decision.

How parcels are transported to Norway

Depending on whether you use standard or express, your parcel is delivered differently. Express services usually use their own express networks for speed, while standard shipments are often handed to a local partner in Norway. Once a parcel arrives, it's typically passed to the Norwegian postal service, Posten Norge, and if delivery isn't possible it's forwarded to the nearest parcel shop for collection.

What customs rules apply for Norway?

As Norway isn't an EU member, similar rules apply as when shipping outside Europe: you need the right customs documents so your parcel clears Norwegian customs smoothly.

Customs declaration. A customs declaration tells customs what's in your parcel so they can check what's allowed and what charges apply. Use a CN22 for a small packet below roughly €350 in value; use a CN23 for parcels, or for packets above that value. Attach one copy visibly on the outside in a clear pouch, and place a second copy inside.

Commercial invoice. A commercial invoice, summarizing the sender and the shipment, is always required, ideally in triplicate (at least in duplicate), with at least one copy on the outside and one inside.

Export declaration. If the total value exceeds €1,000, you'll also need an export declaration, submitted electronically, which generates a Movement Reference Number (MRN) to keep on file.

You'll also be asked for the HS (tariff) code, which classifies your goods precisely.

Good to know: goods with a total value under about 3,000 Norwegian kroner (roughly €270) are duty-free, meaning no customs duty applies, though taxes still do.

Is my parcel to Norway insured?

With millions of parcels in transit, even the greatest care can't rule out damage or loss. In that case, most European shoppers expect either a refund or a replacement, and either way it's a financial loss for you. Fortunately, most carriers insure parcels up to a set amount as standard:

If you ship more valuable goods, add extra shipping insurance through Sendcloud, in €100 steps up to €5,000.

The main carriers for shipping to Norway

DHL

DHL is one of the most popular and reliable carriers, and DHL Express ships to Norway at record speed. General parcel limits: minimum 15 x 11 x 1 cm, maximum 120 x 60 x 60 cm, girth up to 300 cm, and weight up to 30 kg (up to 31.5 kg with DHL Express).

DPD

DPD offers standard (DPD Classic) and express, with sizes from XS (up to 35 cm) to XL (up to 300 cm girth), each up to 31.5 kg.

GLS

GLS gives you one of the densest networks in Europe, with EuroBusinessParcel (up to 40 kg; 200 x 80 x 60 cm; girth up to 300 cm) and EuroExpressParcel (up to 50 kg), ideal for heavier goods.

UPS

UPS handles larger, heavier goods well: length up to 274 cm, girth up to 400 cm, and weight up to 70 kg, with UPS Standard, UPS Express, UPS Express Saver, and UPS Worldwide Express Freight for B2B.

How Sendcloud helps you ship to Norway

With Sendcloud you can integrate the most popular carriers at checkout and ship flexibly and automatically, with smart shipping rules, personalized tracking, and a returns portal for your international returns. Questions about shipping to Norway? Get in touch with us.