Ordering from Norway: shipping, VAT and customs

25 October 2026

Norway is in Europe and in the European Economic Area, and shares a lot with its EU neighbours, but it is not a member of the European Union and not part of the EU customs union. For a parcel this makes one important difference: when a piece travels from Lillehammer to Berlin, Lyon or Stockholm, it crosses a customs border. Here is what that means for you, in plain words.

If you live in Norway

Nothing to worry about: there are no customs checks within Norway. You receive your parcel like any other domestic delivery.

If you live in the EU: import VAT

Goods that come into the EU from outside are subject to import VAT in the country where you live. Since July 2021 there is no lower limit: VAT is due even on very cheap items. The rate is your country’s normal VAT rate — for example 19% in Germany, 20% in France or 25% in Sweden — and it is calculated on the price of the item plus shipping and any customs duty.

An example: a wrap for €145 with €25 shipping, sent to Germany. Import VAT at 19% of €170 is about €32. If the new €3 duty described below applies, it is added too, and VAT is charged on it as well. Usually your postal service or courier pays these amounts to customs and then collects them from you before or on delivery.

Customs duty and handling fees

Customs duty is a separate charge from VAT. The EU is changing the rules for small parcels right now:

On 1 July 2026 it ended the duty exemption for online purchases worth up to €150 and introduced a temporary flat customs duty of €3 per type of item, planned until July 2028.
An EU handling fee of around €2 for small parcels is expected from November 2026.

How these charges apply to a parcel from a small private maker in Norway is not yet fully clear, and the rules may still change. If they apply, the carrier will show them on the bill.

In addition, the company that delivers your parcel — the national post or a courier — often charges its own fee for handling customs clearance. The amount depends on the country and the carrier.

We would rather not quote exact figures that may soon be out of date. Instead, before you pay, we tell you what we know for your country, and we recommend checking your postal service’s website if you want to be sure.

What we do to avoid surprises

Honest declaration. Every parcel is declared correctly, with the real value and a clear description, so it moves through customs without delay.
Invoice inside. An invoice travels with the parcel, so customs and the carrier have everything they need.
Tracking. You receive a tracking number for every parcel.
No payment before confirmation. You send a request, we confirm the piece, shipping and the total, and only then do you pay. You can ask any question about customs before deciding.

How a parcel travels

You send an order request — nothing is charged.
We confirm the details by email or WhatsApp.
After payment, a ready piece is packed and sent within 2–3 days. Made-to-order pieces are sent when finished; we agree the timing with you.
The parcel goes through customs in your country.
Your postal service or courier delivers it and, if VAT or fees are due, collects them.

What if I refuse to pay the VAT?

Then the parcel is usually sent back to Norway (or in some cases held or destroyed by customs), and we normally have to pay the return shipping and charges. That is why we explain all this before you order — it is much nicer for everyone when a piece arrives with no surprises.

Buying for a shop or gallery

Business orders follow different rules for VAT and paperwork. If you buy for a shop or gallery, please write to us first and we will agree on the details.

Worth the wait

A parcel from Norway takes a few extra days and sometimes costs a little more on arrival — in return you get a piece made by hand, one at a time, that you will not find in a shop.

In stock Wearable art

This article explains the general rules as we understand them in October 2026. It is not legal or tax advice; the rules of your country and your carrier always apply.