G/LIC/N/3/NOR/9  
 
2 February 2018  
(18-0738) Page: 1/14 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
REPLIES TO QUESTIONN AIRE ON IMPORT LICEN SING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER A RTICLE 7.3 OF THE AG REEMENT  
ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES  - 2017 
NORWAY  
The following communication, dated 10 January  2018, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation  of Norway . 
 
_______________  
 
 
Table of contents              Page 
1   AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT S ................................ ................................ .........................  1 
1.1   Security Mechanism and Surveillance System for Duty – and Quota -Free Import 
Grains, Flour and Feed Products from Least developed countries (LDCs) and Lo w-Income 
Countries (LICs) with Less than 75 Million Inhabitants  ................................ .............................  1 
1.2   Import Licence for Certain Products which Might Be Used as  Feeding Stuff in 
Domestic Animal Production  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 4 
2   ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES  ................................ ................................ ..............................  5 
3   MEDICINAL PRODUCTS  ................................ ................................ ...............................  7 
4   FIREARMS, FIREA RM COMPONENTS AND AMM UNITION  ................................ ..............  8 
5   EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES  INCLUDING PYROTECHNI CAL ARTICLES  ...........................  10 
6   ENDANGERED SPECIES  ................................ ................................ ..............................  12 
 
 
1  AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT S 
1.1  Security Mechanism and Surveillance System for Duty – and Quota -Free Import 
Grains, Flour and Feed Products from Least developed countries (LDCs) and Low -Income 
Countries (LICs) with Less than 75 Million Inhabitants  
Outline of Systems  
1.  There are two automatic licensing systems present in Norway. This includes a licence for  
certain products which might be used as feed in domestic animal production. This is  introduced as 
part of the comprehensive price and market system in the grain and fe eding stuff sector.  
 
There is also an automatic licensing of certain agricultural products that are  substitutes to 
domestically produced grains, and are imported both duty -free and out of quota, from  
least-developed countries (LDCs) and low -income countrie s (LICs) with less  than 75 million 
inhabitants). This system aims at insuring that import from these countries will not  cause serious 
market disturbances in the domestic market. If the expected import volumes of grain  and 
                                                
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/NOR/9  
 
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  feed-products reach a level where the volumes threaten to cause market  disturbances, a 
safeguard mechanism might be brought into force. Another rationale behind this  system is to give 
priority to imports from the poorest developing countries.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  This li cence is required for all importers, and a licence is issued to all importers who have  
handed in an end -use statement to the Norwegian Agricultural Authority. (The Norwegian  
Agricultural Authority is administratively under the Ministry of Agriculture and F ood, and has been 
delegated the entire responsibility of administering the import regime for agricultural products.)  
The end -use statement shall confirm that the products covered will not be used as feeding  stuff in 
domestic animal production. The products  covered by this regulation were listed in Annex 1  to 
Norway's 2008 notification. The system is introduced as part of the comprehensive price and  
market system for grains, meals and feeding stuff in Norway. The purpose is to secure that 
products  suitable for use as feeding stuff are not imported under cover of another end -use, and 
therefore  withheld from the tariffs applicable for feeding stuff products. In the Uruguay Round, the 
tariff equivalents of the former quantitative import restrictions on feeding stuff (the State 
monopoly for  importation of feeding stuff) were calculated. This resulted in a system of dual tariffs 
on certain  products so that higher tariffs are levied on products meant for use in animal 
production, and lower  tariffs in case of other uses. 
 
3.  The system has a global application.  
 
4.  Imports are not regulated on a quantitative basis. The purpose is described under the reply to  
question 2.  
 
5.  The regulation of 9 June 1995, number 556 on import licences for certain products which can  
be used for animal feeding is introduced pursuant to the Act of 6 June 1997, number 32, 
concerning  import  - and export  - regulations. This Act may not be abolished without legislative 
approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. There are no restrictions as to the quantity o r value of imports.  
 
I. Information on imports is given in the form of public announcements. The Agricultural  
Authority also sends information on changes in tariffs and related matters to enterprises and  
others who have asked to be put on an e -mailing list. Information is also provided on 
request.   
 
II. It is not a quantitative measure.  
 
III. Import licences apply to the applicant.  
 
IV. N/A. 
 
V. The normal processing time is one week.  
 
VI. The licence is valid from the date of issuing.  
 
VII. The Agricultural Authority has been delegated the entire responsibility of administering the  
import regime for agricultural products, including the issuing of licences. This body is under  
the Ministry of Agriculture.  
 
VIII. N/A. 
 
IX.  There are no special arrangements for products subject to export licensing in the exporting  
country.  
 
X. N/A. 
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  XI. This is not an arrangement under which import licences are issued on condition that the 
goods  should be re -exported.  
 
7. Under the system there is no quantitative  limit on importation of a product or from a  particular 
country.  
 
(a) Licence is automatically issued to all importers who have handed in an end -use statement.  
The end -use statement must be submitted to the Norwegian Agricultural Authority before  
import li cence is granted.  
 
(b) Import applications must be written. The application will be handled without unnecessary  
delay.  
 
(c) Applications for licences are not limited to any particular time of year.  
 
(d) The Norwegian Agricultural Authority issues the licen ce. 
 
8. If the applications meet the criteria, a licence is granted.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9. All applications are granted irrespective of the firm which makes the application.  
 
Documentational  and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10.  The following information is required in the application: Name and address of applicant, item  
number according to the Norwegian customs tariff, description of goods, end -use statement, 
country  of origin, and other relevant information (such as date, signature, telephone number, 
reference).  
 
11.  At the actual time of importation, the original invoice must be presented along with a plant  
disease certificate and/or a veterinary certificated where this is required.  
 
12.  There are no charged levies or other licensing fees.  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required for licensing.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  The end -use statement required for the issuing of import licences is time -limited, and a ne w 
statement must be handed in after the expiry date.  
 
15.  There is no penalty on licences which have not been used or on licences which have only  been 
used partially.  
 
16. Licences cannot be transferred between importers.  
 
17. There are no other condition s attached to the issuing of licences except the  above -mentioned.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. There are no other administrative procedures required prior to importation apart from  
veterinary, phytosanitary and quality regulations.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is automatically provided.  
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  1.2  Import Licence for Certain Products which Might Be Used as Feeding Stuff in 
Domestic Animal Production  
Outline of System  
1.  Please refer to "Outline of System" under  1.1 Security Mechanism and Surveillance System for 
Duty – and Quota -Free Import Grains, Flour and Feed Products from Least developed countries 
(LDCs) and Low -Income Countries (LICs) with Less than 75 Million Inhabitants . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensin g 
2.  This automatic licensing system covers imports of grains, flour and feed products from the  
least-developed countries (LDCs) and low -income countries (LICs) with less than 75 million  
inhabitants. The products covered by this regulation were listed in Annex 2 to Norway's 2008  
notification.  
 
3.  The licensing system for grains, flour and feed  products originating in LDCs and LICs with  less 
than 75 million inhabitants applies only to products originating in these countries.  
 
4.  The intention of the system is, as described under the outline of the system, to prevent serious  
market disturbances. In case of an expected serious market disturbance caused by a major 
increase in  import of grains, flour or feed -products from LDCs and LICs with less than 75 m illion 
inhabitants, the  duty- and quota -free import of such products from these countries might be 
suspended.  
 
5.  Regulations pursuant to the introductory provisions to the customs tariff lay down provisions  
for the security mechanism and surveillance sys tem for duty  - and quota  - free import of grains, 
flour and feed  products from least -developed countries (LDCs) and low -income countries with less 
than 75 million inhabitants. The General System of Preferences is adopted by the Parliament 
(Stortinget).  
 
Procedures  
6. There are no quantity or value restrictions, as the licence is issued at the volume applied for,  as 
long as the security mechanism is not activated.  
 
7.(a) The licences are given for the following periods: 1 August–7 November, 
8 November -24 April and 25 April –31 July. The application must be made at least 10 days 
before the  period starts.  
 
(b) See 7(a).  
 
(c) See 7(a).  
 
(d) The application is considered by the Norwegian Agricultural Authority.  
 
8.  N/A. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licences as long as they are  registered 
in the Register of Business Enterprises in Norway.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  The following information is required in the application: Name and address of applicant, item  
number according to the Norwegian customs tariff, description of goods, expected import date,  
country of origin, and other relevant information (such as date, signature, teleph one number,  
reference). In addition the agricultural authority might require a contract (or a confirmation) as to  
ensure that the import materializes.  
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  11. At the actual time of importation, the original invoice must be presented along with a plant  
disease  certificate and/or a veterinary certificated where this is required.  
 
12.  There are no charged levies or other licensing fees.  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required for licensing.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  The licences are given for the fol lowing periods: 1 August –7 November, 8 November -24 April 
and 25 April–31 July.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16.  The licence is not transferable.  
 
17.  There are no other conditions attached to the issue of a licence except as described in replies  
two to nineteen.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. There are no other administrative procedures required prior to importation apart from  
veterinary, phytosanit ary and quality regulations.  
 
19.  Foreign exchange is automatically provided.  
 
2  ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES  
Outline of System  
1.  Alcoholic beverages may only be imported by parties who hold an import licence, an extended 
retail licence or a serving licence  extended to cover imports. Alcoholic beverages may also be 
imported by Vinmonopolet. Private persons may, for their personal use, import alcoholic beverages 
without a licence. This is regulated by Act No. 27 of2 June 1989 on the Sale of Alcoholic Beverage s 
(Alcohol Act).  
 
When a private person imports alcoholic beverages the Directorate of Health and the Customs  and 
Excise Authorities may require documentation that the alcoholic beverage is for personal use, if  
the quantity, or other circumstances, give re ason to believe that it is not. If such documentation 
cannot  be submitted, the goods cannot be imported without authorization or licence mentioned 
above. This is  regulated by Regulation No. 538 of 8 June 2005 on the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages 
(Alcohol  Regulation).  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Alcoholic beverages covered by the import provisions in the Alcoholic Act are beverages 
containing more than 2.5% alcohol by volume. Alcoholic beverages containing more than 60% 
alcohol by volume can only b e imported by undertakings holding an import licence in Norway (to 
be used in production).  
 
The types of licensing systems that gives the right to import alcoholic beverages:  
 
Trading activity  
 
(a)  Import licence in Norway . 
 
(b)  An extended retail licence in Norway.  
 
(c)  A serving licence extended to cover imports in Norway.  
 
(d)  Imports by Vinmonopolet.  
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  Private imports for personal use require no licensing, but documentation that the alcoholic  
beverage is for personal use may be required.  
 
3.  The systems apply to alcoholic beverages from all countries.  
 
4.  The purpose is to curb the harm to the society and the individual that may result from the  
consumption of alcoholic beverages.  
 
5.  Trading activities under letters (a) –(e) in answer 2 are regulated by Act No. 27 of 2 June 1989  
on the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages (Alcohol Act), Chapter 2. Authori zation to engage in wholesaling  
is also regulated by Regulation No. 1451 of 11 December 2001 on special duties.  Private imports 
for personal use are regulated by Regulation No. 538 of 8 June 2005 on the  Sale of Alcoholic 
Beverages (Alcohol Regulation), Chapter 15, § 2 -1, paragraph 3.  
 
Procedures  
6. There are no restrictions regarding quantities or value of alcoholic beverages imported to  
Norway. Howeve r, authoriz ation/licence to import is required if the alcoholic beverage is not for  
personal use, cf. answer to question 1.  
 
7.a) Applications for authorization  to be engaged in wholesaling one month in advance.  
 
b) Import licence  is not required as long as the alcoholic beverage is for personal use.  
 
c) No. 
 
d) To obtain an authorization  to be engaged in wholesaling, approaches have to be made to the  
Tax Assessment Office.  
 
8.  None. The applicant may appeal in accordance with Ac t 27 May 2016 on Tax Administration.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. All persons over 18 years old (over 20 years old for alcoholic beverages containing more than  
22 per cent alcohol by volume) are eligible to import alcoholic beverages f or personal use.  To be 
authorized  to engage in wholesaling you must be a registered firm (at your current  Tax 
Assessment Office) of good repute in relation to several acts. There is no registration fee.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for applicatio n for licence  
10.  To be authoriz ed to engage in wholesaling you have to provide the information required by 
the Tax Authorities in the form used for registration, on basis of the Act 27 May 2016 on Tax 
Administration section 8 -15 (2), including information about the stock, the warehouse, the account 
routines and turnovers.  
 
11. When wholesalers import the registration number must follow the imported goods.  
 
12.  No administrative charges.  
 
13.  No deposit required, however Section 14 -21 second pa ragraph of the Tax Payment Act  
provides that, at the time of registration or later, the Tax Assessment Office may require the 
undertaking to  furnish security for excise duties that the entity becomes liable for in the future.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  There is no validity period for the registration as liable for excise duties (wholesalers).  
 
15.  There is no penalty for non -utilization.  
 
16.  The licence is not transferable.  
 
17.  There are no other conditions.  G/LIC/N/3/NOR/9  
 
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Other procedural requirements  
18. No. 
 
19. N/A.      
 
3  MEDICINAL PRODUCTS  
Outline of System  
1.  A licence is necessary for companies who want to import medicinal products for (whole)sale.  
Personal imports from outside the EU/EEA -area are prohibited. However, the Norwegian  Medicines 
Agency can permit an exception under special circumstances. In these cases a licence is  
necessary. An import licence has to be applied for. In practice such licences are given when a  
shipment is stopped by the Customs, not in advance.  
 
Purposes a nd coverage of licensing  
2.  The licensing systems are the two mentioned above. The products covered are all medicinal  
products.  
 
3.  Companies' imports: from all countries inside EU/EEA -area an import license is necessary.  
From countries outside this area  a manufacturing –licence is necessary. Imports of medicinal 
product  not intended for medical use can be imported from all countries. Personal imports: a 
licence after  exception is needed from countries outside EU/EEA -area. 
 
4.  The overall purpose of the l icensing system is to ensure that medicines sold on the Norwegian  
market have good quality, are effective and safe to use.  
 
5.  Medicinal Product Act (04/12/92 No. 132) §12 and §13, Regulation (21/12/93 No. 1219)  
regarding wholesaling, Regulation (02/11/04  No. 1441) regarding production and imports of  
medicinal products. The notion of a medicinal product is defined by the above regulation. A  
legislative approval is necessary to abolish the system.  
 
Procedures  
6. There are no such restrictions.  
 
7.(a) Applications from companies shall be handled within 90 days, but there is usually a much  
shorter time -limit. The 90 -days deadline follows from the EU directive 2001/83/EC, art.78, 
which in incorporated into the Wholesale Regulation § 2. Goods arriving at t he port without 
licence can under special circumstances be imported for the one case if it later will be given 
an import licence.  
 
Applications from persons will be handled within one or a few days.  
 
(b) Usually not, see 7(a).  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) No, the licence  is given by the Norwegian Medicines Agency. The Customs control the  
imports.  
 
8.  If the company is not registered in Norway, the application will be refused. The reason for a  
refusal will be given to the applicant. It is possible to appeal the decision to the Ministry of Health 
and Care Services under an administrative procedure. The applicant may also refer the matter to a 
court of  law. 
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  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Everyone, both companies and individuals, are eligible to apply for an import licence.  
Companies have to be registered in Norway. There is no registration fee. The Norwegian Medicines  
Agency publishes a list containing the companies which have an import li cence, see 
https://legemiddelverket.no/english/import -wholesaling -and-retailing . 
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  An application form  is submitted at request. The company has to fill in the application form  
and eventually give additional information, if required.  
 
11. The importer has to present the import licence to the Customs.  
 
12.  No. 
 
13.  No. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  Normall y the validity of a licence is five years. In certain cases the period can be shorter. The  
period of validity may be extended after an application for extension.  
 
15.  No. 
 
16.  No. 
 
17.  No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  No. 
 
19.  N/A. 
 
4  FIREARMS, FIREA RM COMPONENTS AND AMM UNITION  
Outline of System  
1.  Act No. 1 of 9 June 1961 relating to firearms and ammunition etc. and Regulation No. 904 of  
25 June 2009 on Firearms, Firearm Components and Ammunition require a permit granted by the  
Chief of Police for commercial and non -commercial imports of firearms, firearm components and  
ammunition (not covered by Act No. 39 of 14 June 1974 relating to Explosive Goods (applies only 
to Svalbard) or the Fire and Explosion Prevention Act).  
 
Commercial imports of amm unition from a member state covered by the EEA Agreement  may only 
occur pursuant to Directive 93/15/EEC of 5 April 1993 on the harmonization of the  provisions 
relating to the placing on the market and supervision of explosives for civil uses.  
 
Purposes and  coverage of licensing  
2.  Civil permits for commercial and non -commercial imports of firearms, firearm components 
(barrels, receivers, frames) and ammunition.   
 
3.  The system regarding import licensing of firearms, firearm components and ammunition  
regulates imports from all countries.  
 
4.  The purpose of the permit is to ensure that only suitable persons imports firearms, firearm  
components and ammunition.  
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  5.  Act No. 1 of 9 June 1961 relating to firearms and ammunition etc. and Regulation No. 904 of 
25 June 2009 on Firearms, Firearm Components and Ammunition. The permit is statutorily 
required.  It is not possible for the government or the executive branch to abolish the system 
without legislative  approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) A person needs a permit granted by the Police for commercial and non -commercial imports 
of firearms, firearm components and ammunition before importation.  
 
(b) No. 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Yes, the Chief of Police.  
 
8.  Police supervision of applications for commercial import permits:  
 
In addition to check that a person who seeks an import permit is licensed to trade in firearms,  
firearm components and ammunition, and that the application meets the requisite formalities, the  
police evaluates whether the type and number o f weapons the application concerns are defensible  
from policing, security and social points of view.  
 
The reasons for any refusal shall be given to the applicant.  
 
The applicant has a right to appeal to the National Police Directorate. The procedures are  pursuant 
to Norwegian administrative law.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Everyone is eligible to apply for a permit. A permit for commercial import will normally only be 
given to licenced firearms dealers or manufacturers.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  The application for commercial imports of firearms, firearm components or ammunition and  
non-commercial imports of ammunition must contain information on:  
 
-  the applicant's (the firm's) full name an d address;  
-  the number, nature or type, trademark, name of model, mechanism (type) and calibre, 
barrel length and firearms total length, for imports of firearms/firearm components;  
-  the quantity and weight, for imports of ammunition;  
-  the name and address of the supplier;  
-  whether the consignment is expected to arrive in several consignments; and  
-  who has granted the applicant a permit to conduct trade in firearms etc.  
 
The importer must also supply a copy of the document showing the p urchase price.  The application 
for non -commercial imports of firearms, firearm components or ammunition  must contain 
information on:  
 
- the applicant's full name and address, date of birth and birthplace, and job or profession;  
-  mechanism (type) and cali bre of firearms/firearm components;  
-  the applicant's potential use of the weapon; and  
-  the applicant's firearms permit, if he has one.  
 
11.  A permission granted by the Chief of police.  
 
12.  The fee for commercial imports of firearms, firearm components or ammunition is one per  
cent of the value, but minimum NOK 125 and maximum NOK 6150 (the court fee multiplied by 
six). G/LIC/N/3/NOR/9  
 
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  The fee for non -commercial imports of firearms, firearm components or ammunition is minimum  
NOK 512 and maximum NOK 1025.  
 
13.  For commercial imports of firearms, firearm components and ammunition the importer have  
to pay the fee either when an application is made or within 14 days after a permission is granted. 
There is no specific requirement to pay in advance or to deposit m oney for acquiring a licence.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  The permit for commercial imports of firearms, firearm components or ammunition is valid  for 
a period of three months. It may on application be extended for further three months.  
 
The permit for non-commercial imports of firearms, firearm components or ammunition is  valid for 
a period of six months. It may on application be extended for further six months.  
 
15.  No. 
 
16.  Transfer of an import permit is prohibited.  
 
17.  No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  No. 
 
19.  N/A. 
 
5  EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES  INCLUDING PYROTECHNI CAL ARTICLES  
Outline of System  
1.  Import of explosive substances, including pyrotechnical articles, requires an import license. The 
products are mainly listed in Norwegian customs tariff, chapter 36 (HS 36.01 -36.04) but not 
restricted to.  
 
Explosives produced in conformity with international agreements are only subject to transfer 
approval.  
 
Both import license and transfer approval are regulated by Act no. 20 of 14 June 2002 on th e 
Prevention of Fire, Explosion and Accidents involving Hazardous Substances and the Fire Services' 
duties in Rescue Operations. In detail, pyrotechnical articles are regulated by the Reg ulation 
no. 922 of 26 June 2002 on handling Explosive Substances and Regulation no 1199 of 
3 October  2013 on Pyrotechnical Articles.  
 
Explosives substances are regulated in the Regulation no 844 of 15 June 2017 on Civil Handling of 
Explosives Substances.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Explosives covered by Directive 2014/28/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 
26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making 
available on the market and supervision of explosives for civil uses , transferred from a country 
within the EEA is regulated by the Regulation on Civil handling Explosive Substances chapter 4, 
and according to Article 29 requires a t ransfer approval.  
 
Imports of explosives, ammunition for technical use from a country outside of the EEA is subject to 
import authorization, cf. Regulation on Civil handling Explosive Substances Article 31.  
 
Explosives covered by the Regulation on Civil handling Explosive Substances are the materials and 
articles considered to be explosives in the United Nations recommendations on the transport of 
dangerous goods and falling within Class 1 of those recommendat ions.  
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  Pyrotechnical articles covered by Directive 2007/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the 
Council of 23 May 2007  on the placing on the market of pyrotechnic articles , transferred from a 
country within the EEA is regulated by the Regulation no. 922 of 26 June 2002 on handling 
Explosive Substances, chapter 5, and according to Article 5 -1 requires a transfer approval.  
 
Import of pyrotechnical articles  from a country outside of the EEA is subject to import 
authorization; cf. Regulation on handling Explosive Substances, chapter 5, Article 5 -1. 
 
Pyrotechnic articles are categorised as follows:  
 
Fireworks : 
Category 1:  fireworks whi ch present a very low hazard and negligible noise level and which 
are intended for use in confined areas, including fireworks which are intended 
for use inside domestic buildings;  
Category 2:  fireworks which present a low hazard and low noise level and wh ich are 
intended for outdoor use in confined areas;  
Category 3:  fireworks which present a medium hazard, which are intended for outdoor use 
in large open areas and whose noise level is not harmful to human health;  
Category 4:  fireworks which present a hi gh hazard which are intended for use only by 
persons  with specialist knowledge (commonly known as fireworks for 
professional use)and whose noise  level is not harmful to human health.  
 
Theatrical pyrotechnic articles : 
Category T1:  pyrotechnic articles for stage use which present a low hazard;  
Category T2:  pyrotechnic articles for stage use which are intended for use only by persons 
with specia list knowledge.   
 
Other pyrotechnic articles : 
Category P1:  pyrotechnic articles other than fireworks and theatric al pyrotechnic articles, 
which  present a low hazard;  
Category P2:  pyrotechnic articles other than fireworks and theatric al pyrotechnic articles 
which are intended for handling or use only by persons with specialist 
knowledge.  
 
3.  The import licensing system applies to explosives coming from countries outside the EEA, and 
pyrotechnic articles from all countries. The system with transfer approval applies to explosives, but 
not to pyrotechnical articles, coming from countries within the EEA.  
 
4.  The purp ose of the import licensing procedure is to ensure public safety and security, and not 
to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  
 
5.  See point no. 1 on under which law and regulation the licensing is maintained.  
 
The above -mentioned licensing is statu torily required, and it is not possible for the government to 
abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
Designation of products to be subject to licensing is not left to administrative discretion, but 
follows directly from the law. For certain reas ons, exemption may be given for provisions in the  
Regulation on handling Explosive Substances, provided there is no conflict with international 
agreements entered into by Norway, cf. Article 17 -3. 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (No quantity or value restric tions).  
 
7.(a) Application for a license must be made in time for the license to be granted before actual 
importation. The treatment of applications for import licenses are normally done within one 
to two weeks. As an exception, a license may be obtained w ithin a shorter frequency, 
provided that all the general conditions, i.e. documentation, are complied with, and the 
necessary administrative resources are available.  
 
(b) No. G/LIC/N/3/NOR/9  
 
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(c) No. 
(d) Applications for an import license are considered only by a single administrative organ, the  
Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning. Appeals, on the other hand, are 
passed on to a higher administrative organ.  
 
8.  There are no circumstances for an application to be refused other than failure to meet the 
general provisions. The reasons for a refusal are communicated to the applicant. Applicants have a 
right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a license. Appeals are passed on to a higher 
administrative organ, the Ministry of Justice and Public Securit y. Appeals are sent to the first 
instance for a preliminary assessment, and are then passed on to the higher instance for final 
judgement.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Only firms registered as an Explosives company may be granted an im port license. Companies 
are registered in the National register of business enterprises; "Brønnøysund registeret".There is a 
registration fee. There is not a published list of authorized importers. The Regulation on handling 
Explosive Substances Article 5 -3 requires importer course for companies that import fireworks in 
class II, III, and IV, and theatrical pyrotechnics.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  Sample form was made available, as part of Norway's 2008 notificati on. The importer is also 
required to attach to the application the following information:  
 
-  Documentation on storage;  
-  Documentation on area for destruction;  
-  Documentation test area for initial inspection (applies only to pyrotechnical articles).  
 
11. The import license/transfer approval.  
 
12.  There is no licensing fee or administrative charge for imports, only value added tax.  
 
13.  No. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  Import authorization is valid for maximum three years, but only until the granted amount of 
explosives actually is imported. The validity of a license is not extended.  
 
15.  No. 
 
16.  No. 
 
17.  No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  No. 
 
19.  N/A.     
 
6  ENDANGERED SPECIES  
Outline of System  
1.  By virtue of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and  
Flora (CITES), of which Norway is a member, import of such species that are covered by the  
Convention are subject to licensing. CITES aims to ensure that no species are threatened with  
extinction as a result of non -sustainable international trade. Species covered by the Convention G/LIC/N/3/NOR/9  
 
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  are listed in Appendices I, II or III, according to how threatened each species are by international 
trade.  
 
Relevant for the purpose of this questionnaire are import of species listed under Appendix I of the  
Convention, as import of such species require an import licence.  
 
The CITES convention is implemented in the Norwegian legal system through administrative  order 
of November 15th 2002 No. 1276, with statutory authority  by Law of June 6th 1997 No. 32 §§1  
and 3 (act relating to the regulation of imports and exports, see 
https://lovdata.no/cgiwift/%20wiftldles?doc=/app/gratis/www/docroot/all/nl -19970606 -
032.html&emne=innf%F8rsle*&&)   
 
Law of May 29th 1981 No. 38 § 26 No. 9  (act relating to wildlife and wildlife habitats, see  
http://lovdata.no/cgi -wift/wiftldles?doc=/app/gratis/www/docroot/all/nl -19810529 - 
038.html&emne=vilt*&&)   
 
Law of June 15th 2001 No. 79 § 26 (2) (Svalbard Environmental Act, see http://lovdata.no/cgiwif t/ 
wiftldles?doc=/app/gratis/www/docroot/all/nl -20010615 -079.html&emne=svalbardmilj%F8*&&,  
 
Law of July 17th 1925 No. 11 § 4 (Act relating to Svalbard, see 
https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/1925 -07-17-11/§%20and#§  and  
 
Law of February 27th 1930 No. 2 § 2  (Act relating to Jan Mayen, see 
http://lovdata.no/cgiwift/wiftldles?doc=/app/gratis/www/docroot/all/nl -19300227 -
002.html&emne=jan*%20%2b%20mayen*&&    
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  The Convention establishes a system for cooperation between all State parties to the  
Convention with regards to all import, export, re -export and introduction from the sea of species  
covered by the Convention to be authorized through a licensing system. Products included in the  
licensing system are the species (and the ir by-products) listed in one of the three Appendices. The  
purpose of this coverage is:  
 
(a)  To place a strict limitation on trade in wild specimens and by -products of species classified 
as endangered, cf. Appendix I;  
 
(b)  To establish a system of monito ring of specimens and by -products susceptible to becoming  
endangered through a licensing mechanism, cf. Appendices I and II;  
 
(c)  To allow individual countries to exercise surveillance on importation in other countries  
specimens and by -products of species  which are considered endangered by the exporting  
country only, cf. Appendix III.  
 
3.  The system applies to endangered species originating in and exported from all countries.  
 
4.  See point 1 above. The licensing system allows importation in endangered sp ecies and their  
by-products in internationally agreed circumstances.  
 
5.  See point 1 above law and administrative order under which the licensing is maintained.  
Endangered species are placed in Appendices I, II and III. It is not possible either to make t he 
regime  more flexible or to modify the legal bases.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable (i.e. no quantitative restrictions).  
 
7.(a) An individual import permit is normally granted after a review period of 1 -4 weeks provided  
the criteria for issuing a permit are met. Therefore it is recommended that an application is  
submitted giving the CITES authorities reasonable time before the expected date of  
importation to review the application. Import licences are usually not granted 
retrospectively.  G/LIC/N/3/NOR/9  
 
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  (b) See point 7 (a) above.  
 
(c) N/A. 
 
(d) Permit applications are processed by the Norwegian Environment Agency, which is the single 
administrative organ that the applicant needs to contact.  
 
8.  An applicant for a licence may only be refused when the application fails to  meet the ordinary  
criteria set out in the Convention. If the criteria have not been met, the applicant will be informed 
of the reasons for refusal. In such event, an appeal may be forwarded to the Ministry of Climate 
and Environment.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Citizenship and residency are not criteria.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  The applicant is required to provide information about the specific specimen of the species  
requested for i mport such as the origin of the specimen and the purpose for the request of import. 
The application form is to be found at http://www.miljodirektoratet.no/no/Tjenester -og-
verktoy/Skjema/CITES -import -og-eksportskjema . 
 
Documentation issued by the appropriat e CITES authorities in the country of origin or in any  
subsequent re -exporting country authorizing export, must accompany all applications. A product  
arriving in Norway without a duly authentic CITES export permit will not be cleared by Norway  
Customs and is subject to seizure.  
 
11. Documents required upon actual importation are both authentic CITES documents issued by  
the appropriate CITES authorities in the country of origin or in any subsequent re -exporting 
country  authorizing export, and authentic CITES  documentation issued by the Norwegian 
Environment Agency  
 
12.  No fees.  
 
13.  N/A. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  The validity of the CITES import permits is not subject to regulation.  
 
15.  No.  
 
16.  No. 
 
17.  No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  No. 
 
19.  N/A. 
 
 
__________