Norwegian Customs Relief for Personal and Household Goods
Norway is outside the European Union customs union. Household goods moving from Great Britain therefore require a UK export declaration and Norwegian import declaration.
Norwegian Customs allows most used personal and household goods to be imported free of customs duty and other taxes when the customer meets the moving-goods conditions.
Continuous residence abroad for at least one year
The customer must generally have been registered as a resident and lived abroad continuously for at least one year before moving to Norway.
The signed RD-0030 declaration includes a confirmation that this condition has been met. Incorrect information or documents can have legal consequences.
Ownership, use and continued use
The goods should have been owned and used by the customer during the stay abroad, and the customer should intend to continue using them in Norway.
Norwegian Customs does not publish a separate six-month minimum for ordinary household goods on its main moving-goods page. The relevant question is whether the belongings are genuinely used household effects connected with the move.
Connection with the move
The goods must be imported in connection with the customer's move to Norway and must be for personal use rather than resale or commercial activity.
The value of eligible used household goods is not relevant to the customs and tax exemption, although high-value items should still be listed accurately for customs and insurance purposes.
The one-year import deadline
Household goods must be imported within a reasonable time and no later than one year after moving to Norway.
Special application procedures can apply when the customer moved more than one year ago, wants a retrospective assessment of goods already imported or is importing a recreational boat.
No published general retention deadline
Norwegian Customs states that there is no specific deadline for how long ordinary exempt household goods must be kept before they can be sold without losing the exemption.
This differs from the twelve-month non-disposal rules used by several EU countries. Vehicles and other special goods remain subject to their own rules.
Declaration form RD-0030
The customer must complete and sign form RD-0030, “Importation of removal goods – declaration”.
The declaration is presented to Norwegian Customs when the household goods arrive. When a moving company, friend or another person transports the goods, that person must be able to present the signed declaration.
Professional customs clearance
A professional moving company normally arranges customs clearance through a customs broker or agent. The carrier should have a power of attorney where required.
The goods will not be processed until the signed declaration has been submitted and completed correctly.
Norwegian identification number or TRK number
To declare moving goods, the customer needs a Norwegian identification number. This can be a national identity number or D-number.
A customer who does not yet have either number must apply to Norwegian Customs for a TRK number, which is a customs-registered customer number used for the declaration.
Inventory requirements
The customer must prepare an inventory list. Norwegian Customs states that it does not need to be extremely detailed.
Useful examples include “Box 1 – Clothing”, “Box 2 – Kitchenware”, “Box 3 – Toys”, “1 Sofa” and “1 TV”. Capital goods and expensive goods should be specified clearly.
New goods and excluded categories
The RD-0030 guidance states that the household exemption does not apply to new goods, vehicles, aircraft, work equipment, food, alcohol or tobacco products.
These goods must be declared through the ordinary import process and can be subject to VAT, customs duty, excise duty or other charges.
Vehicles
Vehicles do not qualify for duty and tax exemption as moving goods. A car, motorcycle or other vehicle must be declared separately and can be subject to import VAT, greenhouse-gas tax and registration charges.
Occupational equipment
Trade, professional and occupational equipment is excluded from the normal household exemption and must be declared separately.
Tell Easy Moving London about tools, machinery, business computers, specialist instruments or commercial equipment before collection so the correct customs route can be reviewed.
Food, alcohol and tobacco
Food is not exempt as household moving goods and is subject to separate food-import rules. Alcohol and tobacco are also excluded.
Traveller allowances can apply to goods carried personally when entering Norway, but they are separate from the removals shipment.
Weapons, plants and animals
Weapons require a police permit. Plants are subject to import restrictions, and animals must satisfy the Norwegian Food Safety Authority's rules.
Other restricted categories can include medicines, herbs, protected species, cultural objects and art treasures.
Customs inspection
Norwegian Customs can review the documents and inspect the vehicle or selected packages. Customs can request further information about new, high-value, restricted or excluded goods.
Accurate records and early disclosure can support the process, but no moving company can guarantee that a shipment will not be examined.
This information is general guidance rather than legal or tax advice. Norwegian Customs and other relevant authorities make all final decisions.