Import rules and regulations for Japanese used vehicles in Norway



Japan a pioneer of automobile industry is known for exportation of vehicles. Large numbers of new as well as used vehicles are exported from Japan every year. Popularity of Japanese vehicles is not confined to few places, but almost all countries across the world import them. The reason for popularity of Japanese used vehicles is their reliability, longevity and durability. Nowadays, due to presence of various online portals, importation of used vehicles is an easy process now. Like other countries, Norway import large numbers of used vehicles from Japan. However, there are certain rules and regulations associated with the vehicle importation.


According to Norwegian laws and regulations, tax-free and duty-free importation of vehicle is allowed in Norway if one is planning to stay in Norway for a period of one year or less. The time period starts when the importer enters in Norway, not when the vehicle arrives in the country. In case one stays for a period more than a year, then required taxes and duties are to be paid. Although, if one plans to settle in Norway, then there are certain duties that one have to pay on the vehicle. Vehicles arriving in Norway must comply with safety and regulation standards. Within three months of owner’s arrival in Norway, the vehicle should also get imported.

It is allowed to import only one vehicle per person to Norway. Used vehicles imported in Norway should pass an inspection and must be approved by Norwegian authorities before they can be registered. The test can be done at any of the Local Traffic Services Offices. Once the vehicle pass the required test, then necessary taxes should be paid at the Customs and Excise Office. Taxes can’t be paid, unless the vehicle gets approved from the authorities.

Documents required at the time of vehicle clearance-

  • Original Bill of Lading (BoL)
  • Norwegian Customs paperwork
  • Original Passport
  • Vehicle Registration and Title
  • Bill of Sale or Proof of Purchase
  • Vehicle insurance information
  • Residence proof outside EU of at least a year before moving to Norway.
  • Tax receipt
  • Information regarding person’s residence in Norway.

Customs Clearance-

After the vehicle enters Norway and all paperwork is done. One has to take the vehicle to the Customs and Excise Office to get the temporary number plates. There the importer has to pay the VAT, Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and Perfluorocarbon (PFC) taxes. Taxes are to be paid within 3 days of vehicle arrival. Following documents are required to be produce at the time of payment-

  • Transit Document paperwork
  • Original foreign registration documents
  • Insurance proof
  • Commercial Invoice showing vehicle charges, transportation fees

Registration-

Once the vehicle gets approval from the Customs and all taxes are paid, then the vehicle should get registered. Customs will endorse the registration card and then the importer can register the vehicle at one of the Public Roads Administration’s Traffic Services Offices.

While importing a vehicle in Norway, used vehicle importer has to pay certain duties. However, duty free importation of vehicle is allowed in the country if:

  • Foreign customer moving to Norway on a two year visa and auto is re-exported at the end of the two years. The vehicle will be re-exported at the end of this period.
  • Returning residents must have resided outside Norway for a period of at least five continuous years.
  • The vehicle is owned by the customer and has been registered in owner's name for at least one year with a minimum of 5000km/3200 miles prior to importation.
  • Customer has had possession of a driver's license for a minimum of one year.
  • The vehicle imported must be used and should show sign of wear.
  • Vehicle will not be allowed to sold or dispose off within two years after its arrival in Norway.

Shipping Ports-

Popular Ports for shipment of used vehicles in Norway are Port of Oslo, Port of Stavenger, Port of Borg, Port of Bergen, and Port of Drammen. Generally RoRo(Roll-on Roll-off) shipment method is used for vehicle shipment. However, a more expensive method called container method is used on request of customers.

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