Exporting to Norway

There are advantages and also potential challenges for Northern Ireland companies doing business in Norway.

Advantages of exporting to Norway

Norway can offers numerous benefits to companies looking to do business in the region including:

• efficient business culture
• low levels of corruption
• English widely used as business language
• high living standards
• stable economy
• an open market

Challenges of exporting to Norway

You should also be aware of some challenges you could face when exporting to Norway including:

• Norway is not a member of the European Union (EU), but is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA). There are certain challenges regarding import and customs restrictions.

There is a demand for UK-manufactured products and services across many sectors in Norway. This ranges from consumer products and environmental technologies, to e-vehicles and finance. There is also demand for medical and pharmaceutical products and physical and cyber security products.

Energy

Electricity is generated almost entirely from hydropower with around 10% from onshore wind. Norway enjoys a surplus of green electricity that is traded through interconnectors. An increasing demand for more electricity gives emerging opportunities for offshore wind, energy efficiency and storage technologies. The hydrogen value chain is a growing sector.

Infrastructure

The Norwegian Government is investing heavily in infrastructure, including airport developments, rail network upgrades, track and road construction. The government, and companies, are looking at developing integrated intelligent transport systems and autonomous transport. These will be integral for Norway to deliver on communicated emission reduction targets.

Security

The UK is well known for advanced, innovative and specialised physical and cyber security equipment and solutions. Therefore, Norway frequently looks to the UK for its expertise and experience in the security sector.

Food and drink

The demand for, and interest in, international food and drink products in Norway continues to grow. Important factors to consider include a health aspect, traceability, strong branding, quality and value for money. Plant-based products, vegan and vegetarian sectors continue to grow, and environmental packaging is becoming a strong selling point.

Technology

Norway is an early adaptor of technology across many sectors and is open to looking at new technological solutions.

There are a lot of things to consider before you start exporting to Norway. It's essential to find out about local rules and regulations on tax and duty in your intended market.

Taxes and duties

Foreign businesses operating in Norway must comply with Norwegian VAT rules, and must be VAT registered if sales or withdrawals liable for VAT exceed 50,000 kroner over 12 months.

There are essentially three types of taxes on the import of goods from abroad – customs duty, VAT and special taxes. What a Norwegian customer or consumer must pay or report to the tax authorities depends on the type of goods and where they come from.

VAT rate (2024) in Norway is 25%, with exemptions including:

• 15% for food and drink
• 6% for certain cultural and sporting activities

Find for further information on customs duties, VAT and special taxes:

• calculating customs duty and taxes
• VAT - specific information for foreign companies
• business and organisation
• VAT and duties

Regulations

The Norwegian Standards Authority is responsible for standardisation, certification and assessment of product standards.
Norway has adopted the EU’s CE mark for many products. View further information about product regulations in Norway.

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority, Mattilsynet is responsible for regulating:

• food and water
• animals
• fish and Aquaculture
• cosmetics
• plants

Direktoratet for Byggkvalitet is responsible for building regulations.

Services regulations

Read more about selling services and business travel to Norway.

Intellectual property

As a first step, you should speak to an intellectual property lawyer if you think you need patent protection when exporting.

All trademark and patent applications for Norway must be registered with Norway’s Patent Office Patentstyret.

Free trade agreement

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, Norway and the UK have negotiated a new free trade agreement (FTA) together with Iceland and Liechtenstein. The UK-EEA EFTA FTA was implemented for Norway on 1 December 2021, and replaced the Agreement on Trade in Goods.

You can use online tools Trade with the UK and Check how to export goods to check product-specific and country-specific information on tariffs and regulations that currently apply to UK trade in goods.

Trade barriers

You can check for any reported barriers to trading with Norway.

You can report any trade barriers that are affecting your business.

Operating in Norway

Norway is a sophisticated, established market with a long, trusted trading relationship with the UK. It has an educated, technologically advanced society looking for high-quality products and services. Regular meetings/visits are important to build relationships with customers. The market is competitive, and a strong unique selling point is essential.

Read more about researching export markets.

Routes to market

Having local Norwegian speaking representatives and local knowledge is necessary in certain sectors:

• importer/distributors/agents – are necessary in many sectors including food and drink, security, sales to public sector (where procurement is by tender), industrial supply chains
• direct sales – are possible, and more normally an option for services

Payment terms

Norwegian companies are used to dealing in GBP, EUR and NOK. Payment terms are often (but not always) 21-28 days.

Developing exports to Norway could be a part of growing your business. But breaking into the market can be challenging. The right support and advice can significantly improve your prospects.

Invest NI offers a range of advice, plus additional support services for businesses trading with Norway.

• Explore international markets – get support with market research and market visits.
• Exhibitions and trade missions - join trade missions and exhibitions to access new opportunities, strengthen relationships, and accelerate your business’s global growth.
• Export and capability development – access export and capability solutions to get the knowledge and skills to structure and build on your export activity.
• Export Health Check - assesses your business's readiness for exporting and get a tailored report sent to you, detailing your journey, next steps, practical tips, templates, and support available.
• Invest NI offers advice and support to help businesses maximise dual market access.
• Invest NI can advise on how to use digitalisation solutions to support your exports
• Invest NI can advise on financing your export business and may be able to provide financial support directly to businesses.

As well as Invest NI, there are other sources of support to assist with trading with Norway.

• The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce (NICC) provides members with a range of opportunities and services to learn, up-skill and connect as they grow locally and internationally.
• Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in-market support - eligible UK businesses can access trade expertise and knowledge on exporting to specific countries from the DBT global network of international market hubs.
• A freight forwarder can organise delivery and customs clearance, minimising the logistical problems you deal with directly.
• Your bank can advise you on the most appropriate form of financing and how to protect yourself against foreign exchange risks and non-payment.