Export to Norway

Norway is a small but wealthy market. It is not in the EU, but as a member of the European Economic Area it applies most EU rules on food safety, chemicals and product safety. TEPA removes or cuts duty on most Indian industrial goods, while farm products stay heavily protected.

What it buys from India

• Garments, home textiles and other textile products
• Machinery, electrical equipment and metal products
• Organic chemicals and medicines
• Rice, spices, tea and processed food for South Asian and mainstream shops

Import rules on their side

• Food must meet EU-level rules on pesticide residues, contaminants and labelling; the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) checks imports, and labels must be in Norwegian.
• Consumer goods such as toys, electrical items and machinery must carry CE marking and meet EEA product-safety and chemicals (REACH) rules.
• Norwegian Customs (Tolletaten) collects duty and 25% general VAT at import; the importer must be registered with customs.

Practical tips

• Buyers expect proof of social and environmental compliance (factory audits, chemical test reports). Keep these ready before the first meeting.
• Much Norwegian trade passes through Swedish, Danish or German importers; an EU distributor can be a practical first step.
• Payment on open account is common with established buyers; for a new buyer ask for an advance or an LC and take ECGC cover.