CUSTOMS DUTIES: NORWAY TO UNITED STATES

Overview of Customs Duties from Norway to United States

Exporting goods from Norway to the United States involves navigating the U.S. customs framework, which is generally considered cross-border friendly with an "A" ease of importing score. The United States maintains 14 trade agreements and has an average duty rate of 5.63% on imported merchandise. As the world's second-largest ecommerce market with a population of 334.2 million and 92% internet penetration, the U.S. represents a significant opportunity for Norwegian exporters. However, all imports into the U.S. are subject to duty and tax regardless of value, as there is no de minimis exemption threshold.

General Duty Rates

Duty rates in the United States are determined by the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) and can be either Ad Valorem (calculated as a percentage of the item's value) or specific (charged per unit in dollars/cents). The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (HTSUS) to establish appropriate tariff rates for all imported goods.

Product Category	Duty Rate	Notes
Books, Music, Video	Varies by HS code	Contact our experts for specific rates
Computer and Consumer Electronics	Varies by HS code	Contact our experts for specific rates
Toys and Hobbies	Varies by HS code	Contact our experts for specific rates
Office Equipment and Supplies	Varies by HS code	Contact our experts for specific rates
Average Rate (All Products)	5.63%	Baseline average across all imported merchandise

Duty is calculated based on the FOB (Free on Board) value of the imported item, which includes only the cost of the goods sold and does not factor in shipping, insurance, or other fees. Additionally, a Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) applies to all non-postal shipments regardless of value, unless a specific exemption applies.

Required Documents

Norwegian exporters must prepare the following documentation for shipments to the United States:

• Commercial Invoice detailing the FOB value, product descriptions, and quantities
• Packing List identifying the contents and weight of each package
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill as proof of shipment
• Certificate of Origin confirming the country of manufacture
• Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code for each product
• Product-specific certifications or licenses (FDA, FCC, etc., depending on goods)
• Insurance documentation if applicable
• Import permits or licenses for regulated products (if required by destination state)

Important Regulations

• No Import Tax: The U.S. does not employ a traditional import tax. Instead, sales tax applies at the destination state level, with rates varying by state, county, city, or town.
• No De Minimis Exemption: All imports are subject to duty and tax regardless of shipment value, making the U.S. unique among major markets.
• Sales Tax Nexus: International SMBs typically are exempt from U.S. sales tax collection unless they have established nexus (physical presence or sales threshold) in a specific state.
• CBP Registration: Customs and Border Protection does not require sellers to register for import permits or licenses, though other government agencies (FDA, FCC, etc.) may require product-specific certifications.
• Product Classification: Accurate HTS code classification is critical, as duty rates are determined by specific product codes.
• Landed Cost Calculation: Total landed cost includes product price, shipping, duties, taxes, and any currency conversion or broker fees.

Trade Agreements

The United States maintains 14 active trade agreements that may provide preferential duty rates for eligible products. While Norway is not part of a comprehensive free trade agreement with the U.S., Norwegian exporters should verify whether their products qualify for any preferential treatment under existing bilateral or multilateral agreements. Certain products may benefit from reduced tariff rates depending on their classification and origin documentation. Exporters are advised to consult with customs brokers or trade specialists to determine eligibility for any applicable preferential rates and to ensure proper documentation of origin to claim such benefits.