WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
28 September 2018  
(18-5995) Page: 1/111 
Trade Policy Review Body  
18 and 20 June 2018  Original: English/Spanish  
anglais/espagnol  
inglés/español  
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
NORWAY  
MINUTES OF THE MEETI NG 
Addendum  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Eloi Laourou (Benin)  
This document contains the advance written questions and additional questions by WTO 
Members, and replies provided by  Norway .1 
 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
18 et 20 juin 2018  
EXAMEN DES POLITIQUE S COMMERCIALES  
NORVÈGE  
COMPTE RENDU DE LA R ÉUNION  
Addendum  
Président : S.E.  M. Eloi Laourou (Bénin)  
Le présent document contient les questions écrites communiquées à l'avance par les 
Membres de l'OMC, leurs questions additionnelles, et les réponses  fournies par  Norvège .1 
 
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
18 y 20 de junio de 2018  
EXAMEN DE LAS POLÍTICAS COMERC IALES  
NORUEGA  
ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN  
Addendum  
Presidente: Excmo.  Sr. Eloi Laourou (Benin)  
En el presente documento figuran las preguntas presentadas anticipadamente por escrito y 
las preguntas adicionales de los Miembros de la OMC, así como  las respuestas facilitadas por  
Noruega .1 
  
                                                
1 In English and Spanish only./En anglais et espagnol seulement./En inglés y español solamente.  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  SWITZERLAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  3 
UNITED STATES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  6 
ADDITIONAL AND F OLLOW -UP QUESTIONS F ROM THE UNITED STATE S ........................  13 
SINGAPORE  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  18 
AUSTRALIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  19 
MEXICO  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  25 
JAPAN  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  29 
EUROPEAN UNION  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  33 
CHINA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  38 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  FROM CHINA  ................................ ................................ .........  41 
CHILE  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  52 
BRAZIL  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  57 
COSTA RICA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  58 
UKRAINE  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  60 
NEW ZEALAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  66 
EL SALVADOR  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  70 
MOLDOVA, REPUBLIC OF  ................................ ................................ ................................  71 
INDONESIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  73 
THAILAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  77 
COLOMBIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  81 
ECUADOR  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  86 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  FROM ECUADOR  ................................ ................................ .... 88 
CANADA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  89 
ICELAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  94 
REPUBLIC OF KOREA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 96 
TURKEY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  97 
MALAYSIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  102  
 
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  SWITZERLAND  
1 ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
1.1 Main Features of the Economy  
 
Question 1  
Para. 1.1:  What is Norway's strategy to integrate immigrants into the  labour  market?  
 
Answer:  
The integration policies of immigrants into the labour market are mainly related to refugees and 
their families. The introduction program and the Norwegian Language Training and Social Studies 
are the Norwegian Government's main schemes to help newly arrived immigrants to participate in 
the labour market and t he society. The two schemes are designed to strengthen the chances of 
immigrants to find a job and participate in society. The aim of the Introduction Program is to provide 
each participant with fundamental skills in the Norwegian language, some insight in to Norwegian 
society, and prepare them for employment or further education. The Program is an individually 
adapted full -time program. Participants in the program are entitled to an Introduction Benefit, and 
the Program can last up to two years. The employm ent gap between immigrants and the whole of 
the Norwegian population is st ill significant. The Norwegian G overnment is now developing a new 
integration strategy. The purpose is to increase the immigrants' participation in the labour market 
and society.  
 
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.1 General Framework:  
 
Question 2  
Para. 2.8: What are the main drivers for the planned transformation of the 18 counties into 
approximately 11 larger regional counties?  
 
Answer:  
Norway has three levels of government: national,  regional and local. The transformation from 
18 counties to 11 counties is motivated by the need to geographically redraw and merge regions to 
make the county council stronger and more capable of pursuing the role as a main actor in regional 
policy and reg ional development.  
 
The remaking of 18 into 11 counties aims to reduce bureaucracy and create more efficient governing 
at the regional level. The ongoing reforms facilitate better correlation of administrative governmental 
structures on all governmental le vels, thus the regional reform should be seen in relation to the 
ongoing municipal reform  and the planned restructuring of the county governor institutions .  
 
The regional reform will contribute to strengthening the role of the county councils, and contrib ute 
to the possibilities for the regional level to successfully coordinate and mobilize other regional and 
sectorial actors, thus be a main driver for regional development.  
 
Stronger, larger and more efficient regional administrative and political bodies w ill have better 
preconditions for gaining new responsibilities in other areas, i.a. responsibilities for administrating 
financial instruments.  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.3.4.1 Competition policy  
Mergers and acquisitions  
 
Question 3  
Para. 3.160 : From an economic point of view the SLC and the SIEC test are considered to be largely 
congruent. What are your first experiences with the SIEC test compared to the SLC test? Has 
anything changed since 2016? If so, what?  
 
Answer:  
The change from the SLC to the SIEC test has had limited implications for the merger regulation in 
Norway. However, in 2016 the merger regulation changed from a total welfare standard to a 
consumer welfare standard, implying a full harmonisation  with the EU merger regulation.  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  This change has made a significant impact on the merger control in Norway, with a more strict view 
on which efficiency gains that can be claimed by the merging parties. Under the former regulation, 
fixed cost savings could be claimed as an efficiency gain  in the merger evaluation. Under the new 
regulation, only efficiency gains that will benefit consumers (which typically involve variable cost 
savings) are taken into account.  
 
Question 4  
Para. 3.158 and 3.162 :Turnovers are the criteria, if a merger has to be notified to the Competition 
Authority. However, there are more and more low turnover companies that are nevertheless relevant 
for the market (especially in the digital industry). Has Norway already considered extending the 
criteria to transaction values ? If so, are there any specific ideas about thresholds?  
 
Answer:  
Norway is aware of the recent discussion on extending the merger notification criteria to include 
transaction values. We are also aware that some countries have amended their legislation in order 
to cover mergers and acquisitions (M&As) that involve companies with limited (or even zero) 
turnover, but large transaction values. We agree that there can be anti -competitive concerns related 
to this type of M&As, and therefore that merger control s hould apply also in these cases.  
  
Norway has not considered extending its merger notification thresholds to also include transaction 
values. The main reason is that the merger regulation, as set out by the competition law, in Norway 
allows for interventi ons against M&As even below the notification (turnover) thresholds. In this case, 
the Norwegian Competition Authority will require a notification from the merging parties or the 
acquiring company, implying that the standard merger regulation (including the  stand -still 
obligation) applies. It is therefore not necessary for Norway to make amendments to the notification 
thresholds for the merger control to capture M&As involving large transaction values but limited (or 
even no) turnover. A remaining concern, t hough, is that this type of M&As may pass under the 
"radar" of the competition authority since they are not required to be notified.  
 
Question 5  
The report of the Secretariat mentions in para. 3.174  ten principles of corporate governance Norway 
is applying  in context of state -owned enterprises. What experiences has Norway gained with these 
principles so far? Are the principles sufficient to avoid cross -subsidies by state -owned enterprises?  
 
Answer:  
There is broad political consensus on the following main f ramework for the exercise of the Norwegian 
state ownership; the Norwegian state ownership shall be exercised professionally within (i) the 
constraints of Norwegian corporate law and other law; (ii) based on generally accepted principles of 
corporate govern ance, including that companies in which the State's  ownership is largely driven by 
commercial interests shall be operated in the same way and subject to the same constraints as 
well-run private -sector enterprises; and (iii) in observance of the strict separation of the role as 
owner from other roles assumed by the State .  
 
The above -mentioned framework forms the basis for the Norwegian state 's ten principles  of 
corporate governance ap plying to all enterprises in which the State  has a holding. The principles 
were developed in 2002 and have principally remained unchanged (minor amendments are made to 
ensure that the principles are aligned with current practices and generally accepted cor porate 
governance principles). These principles have provided transparency and predictability in the State's  
exercise of ownership that has been welcomed by participants in the Norwegian capital market.  
 
Furthermore, Norway is party to the EEA agreement. As part of the agreement, Norway has 
implemented the State  aid rules.  
 
If public authorities directly or indirectly carry out economic transactions in any form, the 
transactions are subject to the State  aid rules. It follows from the State  aid rules that c ommercial 
businesses should not receive an advantage from having public ownership, but be run in the same 
way as well -run private businesses. Transactions that these businesses enter into should also be on 
market terms to prevent any advantage to be passed  on contracting parties. The EU courts have 
developed a market economy operator test, that should be applied to make sure that public 
ownership of commercial businesses are subject to the same constraints as well -run private 
businesses.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  The principles together with the rules on state aid entail that state owned enterprises and enterprises 
in which the State  has a holding, should not receive any advantages or benefits from this.  
 
4.2 Mining and Energy  
 
Question 6  
According to para. 4.84  and 4.85 Norway is making significant progress in the area of energy 
efficiency and is increasingly supporting the consumption of renewable energy. What are the main 
policy tools to incentivise the consumption of renewable energy?  
 
Answer:  
Norway's energ y system  is dominated by renewables. 98 % of Norwegian production comes from 
hydropower plants and wind farms. Due to the abundance of hydropower, energy use in both 
industry and buildings is mainly renewable electricity. A predominantly hydro -based system,  coupled 
with electrical heating, makes the energy system vulnerable during dry and cold winters. In response 
to this, Norway has for decades had a focus on energy efficiency.  
 
Since the 1950s, Norway has had increasingly strict regulations for the energy efficiency of buildings. 
This includes strict energy efficiency requirements as well as strict energy supply requirements. The 
use of mineral oil in heating is almost completely phased out.   
 
In addition, Norway also has very strict regulation and heavy in centives to support the electrification 
of the carpark. Electric cars are exempt from transport related taxes, fuel taxes, vehicle tax and 
VAT. 
 
Norway today has a market -based approach to energy efficiency, and have correct pricing for all 
market players as a main principle. This is accompanied by support schemes that are generally 
available for all types of energy users, mainly through our state owned company, Enova. 
Development of new technology in all sectors is given priority for funding, including dem onstration 
projects, preparing for the future low emission society. The goal is to affect the market and make 
the energy efficient solutions the preferred option in the future, with a minimum of governmental 
interference.  
 
Question 7  
At the same time Norwegian exports heavily rely on petrol (see para. 4.90 ). With a view to the 
expected change in world energy consumption towards an increased share of renewable energy in 
the energy mix, what is the Norwegian policy for export diversifica tion? 
 
Answer:  
The petroleum industry will continue to be important to the Norwegian economy. However, lower 
demand for goods and services from the petroleum industry is a lasting, structural change. The 
Norwegian economy will therefore need additional gro wth drivers in the years ahead. Our foremost 
challenge is to bolster private businesses and facilitate growth and employment in sectors exposed 
to international competition.  The Government's policy is to facilitate businesses and industry through 
stable fr amew ork conditions, such as an efficient tax system, good infrastructure and a competent 
workforce. Economic stability is an important factor for creating new growth in businesses and 
industries exposed to foreign competition, and the Government takes this  into consideration when 
forming its economic policy. In the Government's strategy of export and internationalization of 2017, 
the Government states that it wants to increase exports from existing export industries and facilitate 
new export industries. Following the strategy, Innovation Norway implemented a new 
internationalization program in 2017 called Global Growth. The program is aimed at companies with 
solutions that can contribute towards global challenges.  
 
The Norwegian Export Credit Guarantee Agen cy (GIEK) and Export Credit Norway are open for 
applications to finance projects in any sector covered by the Arrangement on Officially Supported 
Export Credits (Arrangement), including renewable energy. The two organisations work actively to 
ensure that i nformation about the export credit system is available to renewable energy 
cooperations.  
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  UNITED STATES  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.1 General Framework  
 
Page 23, paragraph  2.4: Footnote 3 references a pending bill that makes the Oslo District Court 
the exclusive venue for copyright infringement actions.  
• Which venues currently have jurisdiction over copyright infringement actions?   
• Could Norway provide information on the rationale for giving exclusive jurisdiction over 
copyright claims to the Oslo District Court?   
• Could Norway provide any update on the status of that bill?  
Answer:  
Until now, all court districts have had jurisdiction over copyright infringement actions.  The rationale 
for giving exclusive jurisdiction to the Oslo District Court for copyright infringement actions is to 
gather all IPR infringement cases under one jurisdiction, because of the specialized nature of many 
IPR cases. Infringement actions regarding p atents, designs and registered trademarks have been 
under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Oslo District Court since 2013. This only applies to civil claims, 
i.e. criminal cases may still be adjudicated by other District Courts. The pending bill has now b een 
approved by Parliament.  
 
2.3.2.2 European Free Trade Association (EFTA)  
 
Page 30, paragraph  2.32:  The Secretariat Report notes that the EFTA agreement with the Gulf 
Cooperation Council (GCC) has not yet been notified as required under WTO rules, despite having 
been implemented as of 1 July 2014.   
• Why ha s Norway not notified this agreement?   
• When will Norway properly notify the agreement under GATT Article XXIV?  
Answer:  
The agreement entered into force on 1 July 2014. GCC finalized  its implementati on 1 July 2015. The 
delayed implementation has caused delay in the notification process.  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1.1.1 – Trade Facilitation  
 
Page 38, paragraph  3.15:  Norway notes its support of the WTO's work on trade facilitation and  
ratification of the TFA. It is the United States' understanding that Norway has yet to submit its 
transparency notification to the WTO, which is called for in Article 1.4 of the TFA.   
• Could Norway clarify when it plans to submit its transparency notificat ion to the WTO?  
Answer:  
Norway submitted its transparency notification on 31 May 2018 to the WTO Secretariat, see 
document G/TFA/N/NOR/2, covering Articles 1.4, 10.4.3, 10.6.2, 11.17 and 12.2.2 of the Agreement 
on Trade Facilitation.  
 
3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  
 
Page 80, paragraph  3.131 : The Secretariat Report lists several government agencies that are 
responsible for policy, regulation, and legislation relating to SPS measures, and noting: 
"[r]esponsibility  for implementation of the legislation is delegated to the Norwegian Food Safety 
Authority (NFSA) which is the principal agency responsible for preparation, drafting and 
implementing food safety and other SPS regulations".  
• As a member of the EEA, does Nor way tailor its food safety or other SPS legislation and 
regulations to national circumstances?  
• If so, does Norway have a mechanism to make draft regulations available to stakeholders?  
• How are public comments taken into account before adoption of food saf ety measures?   
• How does Norway ensure that the appropriate risk assessments have taken into account 
domestic consumption patterns or other particular risks to human, animal, or plant health, 
as well as assessment techniques by relevant international organi zations?  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Answer:  
As an EEA member Norway is committed to apply EU -regulations on SPS and food safety issues, 
except regulations regarding plant health. Certain EU -regulations give room for national adaptations 
in any EU/EEA country and Norway, as other mem bers, implements such measures when needed. 
If no room for national adaptions is possible due to restrictions in the regulation itself, Norway seeks 
to influence the drafting of new legislation through the work of the Standing Committees and 
Working Groups  under the EU Commission, where Norway may participate with the right to speak 
and propose amendments to the draft in question. However, as a non -member of the EU, we do not 
have the right to vote.  
 
During the comitology proceedings Norwegian official participants are in continuous and close 
contact with businesses/private entities, scientific institutions and other stakeholders through 
meetings, public hearings, written comments etc., Proposals and c omments from these stakeholders 
are taken into account when we forward our positions to the Commission and other EU/EEA 
members.  
 
Page 80, paragraph  3.131 : The EU has shifted to a hazard -based approach for pesticide 
regulation.  
• Will Norway conduct risk a ssessments prior to establishing its national pesticide standards?  
• Will Norway base its maximum residue levels on risk assessments?  
Answer:  
Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market is 
part of the EEA -Agreement. The Regulation was implemented in Norwegian regulation on plant 
protection products in June 2015. Consequently, we follow the requirements and rules that are laid 
down in this Regulation.  
 
Regulation (EC) 396/2005 on maximum residue levels of pes ticides is also part of the EEA – 
Agreement, and we follow the requirements laid down in this Regulation as well.  
 
Page 80, paragraph  3.135 : The Secretariat Report states that during the period 2012 -17, several 
regulations were introduced, including regul ations on novel foods, pesticide residues, sampling and 
analysis for official controls, and contaminants in foods, among others. To our knowledge these 
measures were not notified to the WTO.  
• As a WTO and the EEA member, can Norway please explain the publi c notification process 
for amending legislation as part of the EEA?   
• Other than through notification of EEA measures to the WTO, how would a trading partner 
know that a change has occurred?  
• In terms of notifying trading partners on adoption dates and entry  into force dates, can 
Norway please clarify if they simply adopt the dates and requirements as printed in the EU 
Official Journal?  Is there a separate process for Norway to codify the regulation into their 
domestic law?  
Answer:  
As an EEA member Norway is bound by the adopted EU legislation in the field of SPS measures/food 
safety (except plant health) and also the proceedings leading up to the adoption of new rules. The 
draftings and proposals are drawn up by the EU and the draft s are notified to the WTO. The drafts 
contain a statement that they are "With EEA relevance".  
 
Norwegian national legislation is notified according to WTO/SPS procedures  
 
Apart from WTO notifications, Norway publicizes new regulations through the official  web-pages of 
the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) and also in the general official journal of Norwegian 
laws and regulations ("Norsk lovtidende"). Any matter regarding SPS issues may also be addressed 
to the Norwegian enquiry point for SPS, or direc tly to the NFSA.  
 
The basic rule for entry into force of new EU regulations is the same for Norway as for EU members. 
However, some regulations may be subject to negotiations between the EFTA/EEA countries and the 
EU regarding relevance and acceptability, special adaptations, transition periods etc, and 
consequently they will be adopted and implemented at a later stage. Thus, one has to look at the 
EEA addition to the Official Journal to confirm whether and when Norway has implemented the actual 
legal act.  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Page 81, paragraph  3.136 : The Secretariat Report stated that "Norwegian regulations relating to 
alien organisms under the Nature Diversity Act, is to prevent the import, release and spread of alien 
organisms that have or may have adverse impacts on biologi cal or landscape diversity. The 
regulations also include a prohibition against the import, release and placing on the market of [the 
American lobster (Homarus Americanus)]." Article 5 (6) of the World Trade Organization's Sanitary 
and Phytosanitary Agreeme nt states "when establishing or maintaining sanitary or phytosanitary 
measures to achieve the appropriate level of sanitary or phytosanitary protection, Members shall 
ensure that such measures are not more trade -restrictive than required to achieve their a ppropriate 
level of sanitary or phytosanitary protection, taking into account technical and economic feasibility."   
 
• Before deciding to ban American lobster as the means to achieve Norway's appropriate level 
of sanitary protection, what alternative measures that are less trade -restrictive than banning 
the American lobster did Norway consider?   
Answer:   
The alien organisms which it is prohibited to import, release and place on the market under the 
Norwegian regulations relating to alien organisms, rep resent such a high ecological risk that Norway 
at the time of adoption of the Regulations considered it as necessary to prohibit these species to 
achieve the appropriate level of protection. For American lobster however, Norway has proposed an 
amendment to  the Regulations which entails that the current prohibition against imports of live 
American lobsters should be replaced by the general requirement in the Regulations for a permit. A 
permit of this kind may be granted subject to strict conditions. The prop osal is based on an appeal 
case brought by a domestic importer which has demonstrated that live American lobster may in 
certain instances be imported at a low ecological risk provided that strict measures are put in place. 
Alternative measures are being co nsidered in Section 2.3 of the consultation paper for the proposal.  
https://www.regjeringen.no/contentassets/0a14d54b9f7d439db7028aa87f 5210f6/consultation_pa
per_proposal_for_amendments_to_the_regulations_relating_to_alien_organisms_171027.pdf  
 
• Did Norway review the other species of lobster to determine if they might also have an 
adverse impact?  
Answer:  
The Norwegian regulations relating t o alien organisms establish a general requirement to hold a 
permit for the import of organisms and for the release of alien organisms. It is prohibited to import, 
release and place on the market certain alien organisms. The prohibited organisms only includ e alien 
organisms which are assessed to have severe impact (in one case high impact) according to the 
scientific risk assessments performed by the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre, published 
in "Alien species in Norway – with the Norwegian Black L ist 2012.".  
  
For this publication, the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre impact -assessed all detected 
alien species in Norway that are able to reproduce in Norway, and hence pose a risk to Norway's 
native biodiversity (1,180 species in 2012), in addition to a selection of detected alien species in 
neighbouring countries which may establish in Norway (134 species in 2012). This did not apply to 
any other species of lobster that American lobster, and therefore, no other species of lobster than 
Ameri can lobster was impact -assessed.  
  
The Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre has recently published (5 June 2018) a new 
risk-assessment of alien species which, like the assessments from 2 012, does not include an 
impact -assessment of other species of lobster than American lobster.  
 
• What restrictions does Norway place on other lobster varieties?  
Answer:  
When it comes to restrictions in the Norwegian regulations relating to alien organisms under the 
Nature Diversity Act, other lobster varieties will be subject to the general requirement to hold a 
permit for the import of organisms and for the release of alien organisms (if none of the exceptions 
applies in the specific case).   
 
In the WTO notification G/SPS/N/NOR/33/Add.2, Norway outlined a range of fact ors leading to the 
need for a ban, as well as an assessment of various solutions, including boiling or treating the 
product in some way that ensures that the lobster is dead before it lea ves the premises of a business.  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  • Will Norway notify these changes relating to this consultation document to the WTO SPS 
Committee?  
Answer:  
Any changes in the Norwegian measures will be published according to the requirements of the WTO 
SPS Agreement Article 7 cf. Annex B.  
 
Page 81, paragraph  3.137:  The Secretariat Report states that EU plant health legislation is not 
part of the EEA agreement.  
• When developing plant health -related SPS measures, how does Norway determine the 
circumstances in which Norway would choose to promulgate SPS -related legisla tion or 
regulations that differ from those of the EU?  
• What mechanism does Norway use to notify stakeholders of draft plant health -related SPS 
measures?  
• What mechanisms, if any, allow Norway to take public comments into account before 
adoption of plant hea lth-related SPS measures?   
• How does Norway ensure that the appropriate risk assessments have taken into account 
Norway's particular risks to human, animal, or plant health?   
Answer:  
Since the EU plant health legislation is not implemented into the EEA agre ement, Norway needs to 
carry out its own risk assessments etc, draft and adopt new legislation in this field. In the drafting 
process such new regulation will be notified to the WTO according to the rules of WTO.  
 
The Norwegian regulations on plant health  are to a certain extent similar or equivalent to those of 
the EU, and due to the fact that EU is our closest trading partner, the EU regulations are taken into 
special consideration to facilitate trade. The assessment of the necessary general level of pro tection 
does not deviate very much between the partners.  
 
Notification to stakeholders in Norway is carried out as any other legislation, partly described in 
paragraph  3.131: Through written publication, public hearings, different kind of meetings, and the  
possibility for the public to send in written comments etc.  
 
All public comments are taken into serious consideration. Comments are taken into account  together 
with other relevant issues such as legitimate concerns, scientific justifications, political and practical 
implications as well as international commitments.  
 
Such preparatory actions are mandatory according to the Instructions for Official Stud ies of Central 
Government Measures.  
 
During drafting new or amended legislation, risk assessment is a vital part. Norway has scientific 
institutions that provide necessary risk assessment to the legislators in almost any field, but 
international resources may also be called upon and referred to.  
 
3.3.5 State trading, State -owned enterprises and privatization  
 
Page 86, paragraph  3.171: The Secretariat Report notes that state -owned enterprises in Norway 
are classified in four different categories, and that en terprises in categories 1 to 3 operate in markets 
in competition with private suppliers. Ownership ranges, according to Table 3.21, from 11.45% to 
100% of these enterprises.  
• Please identify the benefits and privileges, if any, that these enterprises have o ver private 
enterprises, such as in access to capital, based on the share of government ownership.  
• For instances where Norway owns less than 50% of an enterprise's capital, are there any 
provisions in Norwegian law that allow the Government of Norway to e xercise control over 
the activities of the enterprise?  
Answer:  
State owned enterprises that operate in markets in competiti on with private suppliers 
(i.e. enterprises in categories 1 to 3) shall not receive any benefits or privileges based on their 
government ownership.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  There is a broad political consensus on the main framework for the exercise of the Norwegian state 
ownership. Norwegian state ownership sh all be exercised professionally within (i) the constraints of 
Norwegian corporate law and other law; (ii) based on generally accepted principles of corporate 
governance, including that companies in which the State's  ownership is largely driven by commercia l 
interests shall be operated in the same way and subject to the same constraints as well -run 
private -sector enterprises; and (iii) in observance of the strict separation of the role as owner from 
other roles assumed by the State . This framework is aimed t o all enterprises in which the State  has 
a holding, whether wholly or jointly owned by the State . Hence, enterprises in which the State  has 
a holding shall not receive any benefits or privileges from the State  (or other enterprises owned by 
the State ), neither in access to capital or otherwise, which privately owned companies do not receive.  
 
It also follows from the EU's state aid rules to which Norway is subject through the EEA agreement, 
that public ownership of a business should be market based, and tha t the business should not receive 
any advantage or benefit from having a public ownership.  
 
Almost all enterprises in which the Norwegian state has a minority shareholding are organized as 
public or private limited liability companies and subject to the No rwegian limited liability company 
acts (that apply to all limited liability companies).  There are no provisions in these acts that allow 
the Norwegian state (owning less than 50% of an enterprise's capital) to exercise control over the 
activities of the en terprises because of the G overnment ownership.  
 
3.3.6 Government Procurement  
 
Page 93, Table 3.24: In its table on public procurement procedures in Norway, the Secretariat 
notes that Norwegian procurement opportunities may be divided into lots, and if the combined value 
of all lots is above EEA thresholds, then EEA procurement rules apply.  
• Please confi rm that individual bidders may bid on multiple lots.  
• If an individual bidder bids on multiple lots, are they required to submit multiple bids, or can 
one bid cover any number of lots?  
• How does Norway determine whether or not it is beneficial to split a pro curement opportunity 
into lots, and how does Norway determine how many lots are beneficial?  
Answer:  
An individual bidder may bid on multiple lots, but the procuring entities can limit the number of lots 
awarded to one bidder. Procuring entities that choose  to limit the number of lots that can be awarded 
to one bidder, shall state the maximum number of lots per bidder in the contract notice (notice of 
intended procurement) or in the invitation to confirm interest. They shall also indicate in the 
procurement documents the objective and non -discriminatory criteria or rules they intend to apply 
for determining which lots will be awarded, where the application of the award criteria would result 
in one supplier being awarded more lots than the maximum number.  
 
The procuring entities can choose whether to require the submission of multiple bids or one bid 
covering several or all lots. If a procuring entity has allowed the bidder to bid on multiple lots, the 
entity may award contracts combining several or all lots wh ere it has specified in the contract notice 
or the invitation to confirm interest that it reserves the possibility of doing so and indicated the lots 
or group of lots that may be combined.  
 
It is the procuring entities themselves that determine whether or not to divide a procurement into 
separate lots. The procuring entities also determine the size and subject matter of such lots. If a 
procuring entity does not divide a procurement into separate lots, it shall provide an indication of 
the main reasons for i ts decision, which shall be included in the procurement documents or the 
individual report from the procurement.    
 
3.3.7 Intellectual property rights  
 
Page 95, paragraph  3.186:  The Secretariat Report  notes that "Norway remains outside some 
international IP treaties, including the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT), [and] the WIPO Performances 
and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT)," and states that "Norway is planning to join the WCT, the WPPT, 
and Beijing and Marrake sh treaties by 2020."   
• Could Norway provide additional information on the status of its efforts toward joining these 
treaties?   WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 11 - 
 
  • Are the treaties self -executing or will implementing legislation be required before Norway 
can join these treaties?  
Answer:  
Norway is planning to join these treaties by 2020. Except for the Marrakesh Treaty (which will require 
the implementation of the 2017 EU Marrakesh Directive) the treaties will not require new legislation, 
as Norwegian Law already is in line with the WPPT and t he WCT (wit h the implemenation of the 
2001 EU Infosoc directive). The same applies to the Beijing Treaty.  
 
Page 95, Table 3.27 : Section 8B and 8C of the Norwegian Patent Act provide that "breach of the 
duty to disclose information is subject to penalty in accordance with the General Civil Penal Code 
§ 221. The duty to disclose information is without prejudice to the processing of p atent applications 
or the validity of rights arising from granted patents." However, § 221 has been repealed.  
• Please describe Norway's recent experiences with its duty of disclosure requirement for 
biological material and traditional knowledge.  
• What is th e penalty for breaching the duty to disclose?  
• How many Applicants have been penalized for failure to disclose information?  
• Also, please elaborate on what "without prejudice" means.   
• Does an Applicant's breach of the duty to disclose ever result in invali dation of a patent or 
prevent an application from being examined?  
• If so, how many patents have been invalidated and/or applications not been examined as a 
result of this requirement?  
Answer:  
Section 221 of the General Civil Penal Code of 20 May 2005 No 28  replaced Section 166 of the Penal 
Code from 1902 with effect from 1 October 2015, when the 1902 Penal Code was repealed. Section 
221 of the new Penal Code is still in force, and concerns giving incorrect information to courts and 
public authorities. The p rovision applies to breaches of the duty to disclose information under Section 
8 b and 8 c of the Patents Act. The penalty is fines or imprisonment for up to two  years.  
 
The number of patent applications for which the disclosure requirements under Section  8 b and 8 c 
of the Patents Act apply is low, as the requirements do not apply to international or regional patent 
applications. The number of relevant applications received since the enactment of Section 8 b and 
8 c on 1 February 2004, is 32 applications concerning Section 8 b, and four applications concerning 
Section 8 c. 28 of these applications have been withdrawn or abandoned, six patents have been 
granted and two applications are still under processing. Generally, the number of withdrawn or 
abandoned applications is high within the field of biotechnology, however often this is also due to 
the Norwegian application being used as a basis for a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application.  
 
In view of the low number of relevant applications, the experienc e in Norway with the disclosure 
requirement concerning biological material and traditional knowledge is rather limited. All the 
applications to which the disclosure requirement has applied have concerned biological material, i.e. 
none have concerned tradit ional knowledge. Most of the biological material concerned has had its 
origin in Norway, where no legislation on access or benefit -sharing is currently in force. So far, no 
penal prosecution has been initiated against applicants for failure to disclose inf ormation. If 
information on origin of the biological material or traditional knowledge is unknown to the applicant, 
it suffices to state this fact in the application. Thus, if the applicant is unable to provide disclosure 
for reasons beyond his or her cont rol, this cannot lead to any penalty. Only wilful submission of 
incorrect information can lead to penalty under Section 221 of the General Penal Code.  
 
The disclosure requirements under Section 8 b and 8 c of the Patents Act are without prejudice to 
the processing of patent applications and the validity of granted patents. This means that failure to 
disclose information will not have any impact on the further examination and processing of the 
application, except that the applicant will be given the opport unity of submitting further information 
or correct given information, if the required information on origin or consent is lacking and the 
applicant has not stated already that the information is unknown. Further, failure to disclose the 
required informatio n does not have any impact on the validity of granted patent rights, and thus 
cannot be a basis for invalidation of a patent. Thus, no applications have been examined and no 
patents have been invalidated for failure to comply with the disclosure requiremen ts. WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Page 95, Table 3.27:  How many disclosures are made in Norwegian patent applications each year 
and how many of those applications have subsequently gone abandoned?  
 
Answer:  
The number of relevant applications received since the enactment of Section 8 b  and 8 c on 
1 February 2004, is 32 applications concerning Section 8 b, and four applications concerning Section 
8 c. This gives an average of 2.6 applications per year. 28 of the applications have later been 
withdrawn or abandoned.  
 
Page 95, Table 3.27:  How does Norway apply the duty of disclosure to international and regional 
patent applications?  
 
Answer:  
The disclosure requirements under Section 8 b and 8 c do not apply to international patent 
applications received through the PCT system, see Section 3 3 second subsection of the Patents Act. 
Further, such disclosure requirements do not apply to European patent applications as the European 
Patent Convention does not contain provisions on such requirements.  
 
Page 95, Table 3.27:  What happens if an Applica nt is unable to provide disclosure for reasons 
beyond his/her control?  
 
Answer:  
As Section 221 of the General Civil Penal Code only applies to wilful breaches of the disclosure 
requirement, penalty cannot be applied if the applicant is unable to provide th e required information 
under Section 8 b and 8 c of the Patents Act for reasons beyond his/her control. If the information 
is unknown to the applicant, it suffices to state this fact in the application.  
 
Page 98, paragraph  3.191:  The Secretariat Report references that Parliament is "expected to 
discuss the proposed" new Copyright Act this spring.  
• Does Norway have any updates on actions taken by Parliament?   
• Could Norway provide any particulars about the provisions in the new Copy right Act, and 
the issues covered?  
Answer:  
Parliament approved and passed the bill in May 2018. It will enter into force later this year.  
The goal of the new Copyright Act is to maintain the balance of copyright , (i.e. balance the interest 
of rightholders with society's interest in access to copyrighted works, such as in education) and 
improve the rights of artists. This has been done in several areas and includes the following 
amendments:  
• A new, unwaivable right to fair renumeration when rights are transf erred. This 
secures a fairer share of income for the artists that create copyrighted works and 
later decide to transfer the rights to others.  
• A new interpretative measure to ensure that when an artist transfers the rights of a 
copyrighted work or performance, that transfer should only include the rights clearly 
included in the agreement. This shall ensure that the agreement should be 
interpreted  in favor of the artist.  
• The copyright enforcement measures (sanctions and damages) are strengthened 
and there are new measures regarding streaming from an illegal source. Artists and 
other rightholders have asked for this reform.  
Page 99, paragraph  3.196 : The Secretariat Report refers to cases of serious infringement as 
warranting higher prison terms.  Infringement on a commercial scale is given as an example of a 
factor that would lead to a finding of serious infringement.   
• Has Norway ever imprisoned an i nfringer?   
• Are there instances where an infringer could face prison time even without commercial scale?   
• Has Norway ever imprisoned an infringer without a finding of infringement on a commercial 
scale?  
Answer:  
No general statistical information is available with respect to court decisions regarding imprisonment 
as a sanction against intellectual property rights infringement. In cases concerning industrial 
property rights, we are not aware that imprisonment has b een used as a sanction in recent years. WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 13 - 
 
  In cases concerning copyright infringement, there are examples of imprisonment being used, but 
then often in cases in which the copyright infringement is combined with other offenses under the 
General Civil Penal Cod e, such as data theft and financial crime. For a finding of serious infringement, 
it is not a requirement under the laws on intellectual property that there is infringement on a 
commercial scale, however this will typically be the case.  
 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1.1 Agriculture  
4.1.1.1 Main features  
 
Pages 101 -102, paragraph s 4.3 -4.4: The Secretariat Report notes that Norway's farm sizes are 
increasing. Given that larger farm sizes often allow for economies of scale and opportunities for 
equipment -related efficiency improvements, is Norway considering opening its agricultural sector up 
to more foreign competition by reducing its agricultural import tariff rates?  
 
Answer:  
Since the last TPR the Government has tabled White Papers to the Parl iament on both trade policy 
and agricultural policy, where the current policy has been debated.  
 
The Parliament has agreed on four primary goals for the Norwegian agriculture policy:  
- Food security  
- Agriculture all over the country  
- Increased value added  
- Sustainable agriculture with lower GHG -emissions  
Support measures are carefully designed with an aim of achieving these overall goals for Norway's 
agriculture and food policy as adopted by the Parliament. Agricultural import duties are a vital part 
of safeguarding Norwegian agriculture.  
 
Norway has given concessions for agricultural products in several trade agreements that improve 
market access, and is committed to further negotiations on agriculture at the WTO.  
 
ADDITIONAL AND FOLLO W-UP QUESTIONS FRO M THE UNITED STATES  
Questions based on the Secretariat Report (WT/TPR/S/373)  
 
2 TRADE  AND INVESTMENT  REGIMES  
2.3.22  European  Free Trade Association  (EFTA)  
 
Original US. Question – Page  30, paragraph  2.32:  The Secretariat  Report  notes  that the EFTA 
agreement  with the Gulf Cooperation  Council  (GCC)  has not yet been notified  as required  under  
WTO rules,  despite  having  been implemented  as of 1 July 2014.  
 
Why has Norway  not notified  this agreement?  
When  will Norway  properly  notify  the agreement  under  GATT  Article  XXIV?  
 
Norway's Answer:  
The agreement  entered  into force on 1 July 2014.  GCC finalized  its implementation  1 July 2015.  
The delayed  implementation  has caused  delay  in the notification  process  
 
---> Follow -Up US. Question:  
Can Norway please provide a specific date of when the agreement will be notified?  Under the WTO 
Transparency Mechanism, the agreement should have been notified at entry into force or not later 
than the entry into force of any preferences between the Parties.   
 
Answer: The a greement will be notified as soon as possible.  
 
3.3.2 Standards and other technical requirements  
 
New US. Question – Page 75, paragraph  3.113:  The report states that the "alternative methods 
of demonstrating compliance with the regulatory requirements are the same in Norway as in the 
European Union and they are set out in the Blue Guide. " As we understand the Blue Guide, it provides WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 14 - 
 
  that "if a manufacturer chooses not to follow the harmonized standard, he has the obligation to 
demonstrate that his products are in conformity with essential requirements by the use of other 
means of his own choice that provide for the level of safety or protection of other interests required 
by the applicable legislation, " but that these other methods do not benefit from the pr esumption of 
conformity.  As a practical matter, we understand that a Notified Body must assess whether a product 
not built to a harmonized standard meets the essential requirements of the applicable legislation.    
 
Can Norway provide an example of an insta nce in which a Notified Body has determined that a 
product regulated under "New Approach " legislation and built to a standard other than the specified 
European harmonized standard meets Norwegian regulatory requirements?  
 
Answer:  We are not aware that there have been any such instances . 
 
Does Norway consider European harmonized standards to be international standards?  
 
Answer:  Norway considers standards developed by international standard setting bodies, such as 
ISO, IEC, ITU and CODEX, to be internati onal standards. Thus, Norway does not consider European 
harmonized standards to be international standards. Norway encourages European and national 
standards  organiz ations to develop standards based on international standards in areas where 
international s tandards already exist.  
 
If a manufacturer uses a standard other than the European harmonized standard to demonstrate 
compliance with the essential requirements and a Notified Body accepts that it meets the essential 
requirements, what is the status of tha t standard? Can other manufacturers assume that the 
standard is thereafter presumed to meet the essential requirements against which it was assessed?  
 
Answer : In the case described above, the standard does not acquire a different status, and it does 
not g ive presumption of conformity. Only standards that are cited in relevant national legislation 
give presumption of conform ity, including European harmoniz ed standards cited in the EEA 
supplement to the official journal.  
 
Do other Notified Bodies then also a ccept the standard as a means to meet the essential 
requirements?  
 
Answer : No, the standard does not acquire presumption of conformity with other Notified Bodies  
Only standards cited in relevant legislation benefits from presumption of conformity. As a mem ber 
of CEN, Standards Norway has to implement standards published by CEN as national standards. This 
does not mean that the standards give presumption of conformity, unless they are cited in national 
legislation or harmoni zed standards published in the EEA  supplement to the official journal, even 
though they are accepted to meet essential requirements by a Notified Body.  
 
Does Norway make public a list of non -European harmonized standards assessed as meeting 
particular essential requirements?  
 
Answer : Norway does not publish lists of other standards or technical specifications that may meet 
particular essential requirements.  
 
Based on our reading of the Blue Guide, we understand that it provides for a process by which 
Member States can request that ad ditional standards be added to the list of harmonized standards.  
Please describe how a manufacturer or non -Member State would seek that another standard be 
added to the list of harmonized standards.  
 
Answer: This question should be directed to the Europe an Commission.  
 
New US. Question  – Page 76, paragraph  3.115:  The report notes that Norway has transposed 17 
regulations and directives into national legislation.  
 
What is the process by which regulations and directives are transposed?  
 
Answer: When a new  legislative act is incorporated into the EEA -agreement, it must also be 
transposed into Norwegian legislation to be applicable. It is the content of the act which decides 
whether it must be transposed by a Parliamentary act or by regulations adopted by Mi nistries or WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 15 - 
 
  authorities based on delegated powers. EEA regulations are transposed in national legislation via a 
provision stating a reference to the relevant regulation. Directives must be transposed by drafting a 
full Norwegian text that covers the conten t of the provisions of the directive.   
 
During this process, are stakeholders provided an opportunity to comment on the changes to the 
requirements in Norway, including the standards that are to be given a presumption of conformity 
under these legislative acts? 
 
Answer: Most national legislative acts are sent on a public consultation before adoption. This also 
applies to national legislative acts transposing EEA acts. A public consultation is only omitted if it is 
evident that it is superfluous, which is ra rely the case. The standards that are to be given a 
presumption of conformity under legislative acts are not specifically consulted on in this process. 
Standards are adopted by the procedures described in point 3.3.2.2.  
 
New US. Question – Page 76, paragraph  3.117:  The report notes that the EEA Joint Committee 
"may decide to adopt technical regulations before adoption. "  
While the report notes this has not happened, has the EEA Joint Committee established procedures 
for how this process would work?  If so, please describe those procedures.  Do those procedures 
provide for transparency, including notice and comment?  
 
Answer: The EEA Joint Committee takes note of (not adopts) technical regulations that are subject 
to the simplified procedure. The simplifi ed procedure is a procedure that allows EU legislation to be 
adopted simultaneously across the EEA. As a general rule legal acts have to be incorporated into the 
EEA agreement by a decision of the EEA Joint Committee. The simplified procedure is a derogati on 
from the general procedure and EEA EFTA members states are obliged to implement and apply the 
measures adopted by the Community. The type of legislation that is subject to the simplified 
procedure is mainly technical , e.g. veterinary legislation that co ntain safeguard and/or protective 
measure. Records of the acts that are subject to simplified procedure are kept by the EFTA 
Secretariat. The EEA Joint Committee takes note of these acts for transparency purposes. The list is 
available on the website of th e EFTA Secretariat.   
For all acts that are not technical regulations subject to the simplified procedure, adaption texts are 
made in order to enabling the legislation to become incorporated into the EEA see:  
http://www.efta.int/media/documents/eea/1113623 -How-EU-acts-become -EEA-acts.pdf   
 
New US Question – Page 79, paragraph  3.128 : The report notes that "When the European Union 
negotiates mutual recognition agreements, it does so on the basis that the third country will conclude 
a parallel MRA with the EEA, " and that Norway, through the EEA, has mutual recognition agreements 
(MRAs) with six countries.  
 
Does Norway have the competence to negotiate MRAs indepe ndent of the EU?  
 
Answer: Yes. Norway and the other EEA/EFTA -states  negotiate independently of the EU. However, 
please note the close link to the EU as stated in protocol 12 to the EEA agreement: "Mutual 
recognition agreements with third countries concern ing conformity assessment for products where 
the use of a mark is provided for in EC legislation will be negotiated on the initiative of the 
Community. The Community will negotiate on the basis that the third countries concerned will 
conclude with the EFTA  States parallel mutual recognition agreements equivalent to those to be 
concluded with the Community. ".  
 
Were any legislative changes required in order for Norway to implement the six MRAs referenced in 
the report?  
 
Answer: No. The legislation is alrea dy implemented through the procedures governing how EU law 
is integrated into Norwegian law. The MRAs in themselves do not entail legislative requirements, but 
lay down procedures and conditions for demonstrating compliance with the other party`s 
requireme nts. 
 
Absent an MRA, are any conformity assessment bodies established outside of the EEA able to test 
to the essential requirements of Norwegian product legislation?  
 
Answer: The rules governing conformity assessment bodies (CAB) are the same in Norway as  for 
the EU (EEA law). This means that a CAB must be designated by the relevant authority in the EEA –WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 16 - 
 
  state and must as a general rule be established on the territory of the designating authority. 
However, it may have activities or personnel outside the ter ritory, for further guidelines on this, 
please consult the Blue Guide chapter 5.2.5.  
 
Are there any technical or legislative impediments that would prevent Norwegian Accreditation from 
accrediting a third -party conformity assessment body established outsi de of the EEA?  
 
Answer: We are not aware of any technical or legislative impediments that would prevent this. 
However, such accreditation does not mean that the body would be a designated CAB. Accreditation  
would in other words not enable the body to perf orm the role of a designated CAB in EEA -law. 
 
Does Norwegian legislation provide for the possibility that conformity assessment bodies established 
outside of the EEA test to the essential requirements of Norwegian regulation?  
 
Answer: If a product is covered by harmonized EU legislation, please see reply under question 
starting with "absent an MRA". If a product is not covered by harmonized EU legislation, but 
regulated by national law in Norway, then compliance with the relevant legislation does not h ave to 
be demonstrated through testing by a CAB.   
 
New US Question – Page 79, ppragraph  3.129:  The report notes that Norway has made 
five notifications to the TBT Committee since 2012, but that these cover only national measures.  In 
paragraph  3.119 on page 77, however, Norway indicates that it has made 95 notifications to the EU 
TRIS database.  We understand that the TRIS notifications are to "allow time for comments from 
other EEA members. "  
 
Please explain the large difference between the not ifications made to the WTO TBT Committee and 
those made to TRIS.  
 
Answer: The scope of TRIS -notifications is much wider than the scope of TBT -notifications.  The 
obligation to send a "TRIS notification" is based on the following : 
 
Directive (EU) 2015/1535 applies to all draft technical regulations. Technical regulations include 
technical specifications, other requirements, rules on services and regulations prohibiting the 
manufacture, importation, marketing or use of a product or prohibiting the provision o r use of a 
service, or establishment as a service provider.  
 
In the meaning of the Directive, 'product' concerns any industrially manufactured product and any 
agricultural product, including fish products.  
 
As regards services, the Directive applies only t o Information Society services defined as any service 
provided for remuneration, at a distance, by electronic means and at the individual request of a 
recipient of services.  
 
A 'technical specification' is a specification contained in a document which lays down the 
characteristics of a product such as dimension, labelling, packaging, level of quality, conformity 
assessment procedures etc. This term also covers production method s and processes.  
 
'Other requirements' cover requirements imposed on a product for the purpose of protecting for 
instance consumers or the environment and which affects its life cycle once placed on the market, 
such as conditions of use, reuse or recycling . These conditions have however to influence significantly 
the composition or nature of the product or its marketing.  
 
Sanitary  and phytosanitary  requirements  
 
Original US Question – Page  80, paragraph  3.135 : The Secretariat  Report  states  that during  
the period  2012-17, several  regulations  were introduced,  including  regulations  on novel  foods,  
pesticide  residues,  sampling  and analysis  for official  controls,  and contaminants  in foods,  among  
others.  To our knowledge  these  measures  were not notified  to the WTO.  
 
As a WTO and the EEA member,  can Norway  please  explain  the public  notification  process  for 
amending  legislation  as part of the EEA? 
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 17 - 
 
  Other  than through  notification  of EEA measures  to the WTO,  how would  a trading  partner  know that 
a change  has occurred?  
 
In terms  of notifying  trading  partners  on adoption  dates  and entry into force dates,  can Norway  please  
clarify  if they simply  adopt  the dates  and requirements  as printed  in the EU Official  Journal?  Is there 
a separate  process  for Norway  to codify  the regulation  into their domestic  law? 
 
Norway's Answer:  
As an EEA member  Norway  is bound  by the adopted  EU legislation  in the field of SPS measures/food  
safety  (except  plant health)  and also the proceedings  leading  up to the adoption  of new rules.  The 
drafting  and proposals  are drawn  up by the EU and the drafts  are notified  to the WTO.  The drafts  
contain  a statement  that they are "With  EEA relevance".  
 
Norwegian  national  legislation  is notified  according  to WTO/SPS  procedures  
Apart  from WTO notifications,  Norway  publicizes  new regulations  through  the official  web-pages  of 
the Norwegian  Food Safety  Authority  (NFSA)  and also in the general  official  journal  of Norwegian  
laws and regulations  ("Norsk  lovtidende").  Any matter  regarding  SPS issues  may also be addressed  
to the Norwegian  enquiry  point for SPS, or directly  to the NFSA.  
 
The basic rule for entry into force of new EU regulations  is the same  for Norway  as for EU 
members.  However,  some  regulations  may be subject  to negotiations  between  the EFTA/EEA  
countries  and the EU regarding  relevance  and acceptability,  special  adaptations,  transition  periods  
etc, and consequently  they will be adopted  and implemented  at a later stage.  Thus,  one has to 
look at the EEA addition  to the Official  Journal  to confirm  whether  and when  Norway  has 
implemented  the actual  legal act. 
 
---> Follow -Up US Question:  
Does Norway intend to notify its trading partners of changes to regulation in a more explicit way than 
publishing on its internal site?  
 
Answer:  Norway wants to clarify that regulations that are not EU -harmonised are notified according 
to WTO notification procedures, and in addition to  (not: "Apart from…") such notification, they are 
published internally.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 18 - 
 
  SINGAPORE  
2.2 Trade Policy Formulation an d Objectives  
 
Page 26 ( paragraph  2.13.)  
 
We would like to seek further information on the progress made, and next steps for, Norway's 
maritime strategy entitled "Blue Growth for a Green Future".  In particular, could  Norway elaborate 
on the details and regulatory framework for the "high requirements for maritime safety, 
environment, and social standards in international forums"?  
 
Answer:  
Norway has a long tradition of promoting quality shipping and maritime industries  through global 
regulation. Therefore, we strongly support the aims of IMO, and will continue to work for our common 
objectives of high safety, environmental and social standards.  
 
Through the development of international rules, the IMO plays a significant  role in establishing a 
level playing field for the maritime industry.  Rapid technology developments are changing our 
societies and exciting developments are taking place within the shipping industry. We see new ship 
designs and equipment, technological to ols to improve the information flow, and progress in the 
development of alternative fuels.   
 
Safety  
Norway is pleased to see that the IMO is working towards greater flexibility in order to  facilitate 
development and implementation of new technologies to enhance ship safety and protection of the 
marine environment.  
  
Autonomous shipping  
We see great environmental gains through the use of autonomous ships, such as the transfer of 
freight tra nsport by road to sea. We will continue to need seafarer competence, both for developing 
and operating remote controlled ships and to oversee the operation of autonomous ship.  
 
Norway has so far established three test areas for autonomous ships, and we hav e more test areas 
in progress. In the test area Horten, the ship Yara Birkeland will start operation in 2018 with a high 
degree of automatization, and move to remote control until a full operation as autonomous ship in 
2020. It is estimated that Yara Birke land alone might replace up to 40,000 lorries a year between 
Yara's fertilizer factory at Herøya at Porsgrunn and the port of shipment.  
 
Environment  
In our view, a green maritime sector is a competitive maritime sector – and environmentally friendly 
shippi ng is therefore a central part of the Norwegian Government's Maritime Strategy (from 2015).  
The maritime industry is undergoing rapid change. Two trends are especially relevant: the use of 
new technology and increasing environmental demands.  
 
The Norwegia n Maritime industry is on the forefront in using new technology and adopting new, 
environmentally friendly solutions. There are approximately 120 LNG -fuelled ships in the world today 
and about 50 of them are registered under the Norwegian flag. The use of ferries running on electric 
power is increasing rapidly in Norway. The world's first fully battery driven ferry, "Ampere", has been 
operating in Norwegian waters for around two years, while several other projects are either 
completed or underway. By 2021, there will be more than 60 battery driven ferries in Norwegian 
waters. We also have several ongoing projects looking at using hydrogen as fuel, ranging from small 
fishing vessels to larger cruise ships.  
 
The Norwegian Government is facilitating the development through several policy measures: tax 
incentives, R&D funding and support specifically for green technologies, environmental requirements 
in public tenders for the operation of ferry routes, as well t he development of international 
regulations.  
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 19 - 
 
  AUSTRALIA  
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/373)  
1 Economic Development  
1.2 Recent Economic Developments  
 
Page 14, paragraph  [Box 1.1]  
The report states that the Government Pension Fund – Global (GPFG) is n ot to be used as a tool to 
further foreign policy or climate policy objectives, although climate issues are relevant for the 
management of the Fund. The Ministry of Finance has also adopted ethically motivated guidelines 
guiding the exclusion of companies from the Fund.  
 
Question 1  
Can Norway provide further information on how ethical guidelines inform the investments of the 
Government Pension Fund – Global, particularly in relation to climate issues?  
 
Answer:  
The Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) is managed with an objective to achieve the highest 
possible return with an acceptable level of risk. There is a broad political consensus that the Fund 
should not be used as a foreign policy or climate policy inst rument.  
 
The mandate for the management of the GPFG given by the Ministry of Finance to Norges Bank is 
based on the premise that favourable long -term financial returns depend on sustainable 
development and well -functioning markets. This applies, in particular , to a large, diversified, 
long-term investor whose returns primarily follow value added in the global economy.  
 
Climate is an important financial risk factor for the Fund in the long run. Climate risk is an integral 
part of the management of th e GPFG. Climate change is one of the focus areas of Norges Bank. The 
Bank has issued a set of expectations towards companies on how they address climate change, 
further the bank is involved in standard setting and research related to climate change risk, a nd 
analyses, exercises ownership rights and engages on climate risk at the company level. Norges Bank 
presents its work on responsible investment in a supplementary report to the annual report. The 
fund report submitted to the Storting (the Norwegian parli ament) in the spring of 2017 included a 
comprehensive discussion of climate risk and this year's report discussed a climate risk reporting 
framework, based on the recommendations of the international working group TCFD, and how such 
recommendations can be implemented by Norges Bank.  
 
The Ministry of Finance has adopted ethically motivated guidelines for the observation and exclusion 
of companies from the GPFG, based on criteria endorsed by the Storting.  The guidelines include 
criteria that are based on what  the companies produce (products) or on their conduct. The Executive 
Board of Norges Bank decides on the observation and exclusion of individual companies following a 
recommendation from the independent Council on Ethics.  
 
In 2016, two new criteria were i ncluded in the guidelines for observation and exclusion. One criterion 
is conduct -based and related to acts or omissions that on an aggregate company level lead to 
unacceptable greenhouse gas emissions. Thus far, no company has been excluded under this 
criterion. The other criterion is product -based, and targets mining companies and energy producers 
that derive 30 % or more of their revenues from thermal coal or base 30 % or more of their operations 
on thermal coal. For this criterion, Norges Bank may itself propose observation or exclusion. At 
year-end 2017, in total 69 companies were excluded and 13 companies were placed under 
observation under this criterion.  
 
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/373)  
3 Trade Policies and Practices by Measure  
3.1 Measures Di rectly Affecting Imports  
3.1.3 Tariffs  
3.1.3.2 Agricultural tariff quotas  
 
Page 44, paragraph  3.36 
The report states that Norway's bound rates have not undergone significant modification since the 
Uruguay Round. The bound rates provide significant tariff protection, for agriculture in particular, 
where many rates exceed 50% or even 600%, and averages in  certain sectors such as meat and WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 20 - 
 
  dairy are above 300% and cereals above 200% (Table 3.2). The report noted that the bound rates 
provide a lot of flexibility as a significant gap, of about 100% or more on average, exists between 
applied and bound rates in many sectors, i.e. meat, dairy, cereals, coffee, tea, and cocoa.  
 
Question 1  
The gap between Norway's average agricultural bound and applied MFN tariff rates is considerable. 
Given the significant binding overhang, has Norway considered how it could play a  more constructive 
role in future WTO agricultural market access negotiations?  
 
Answer:  
Norway has always played a constructive role in WTO negotiations. We have, and will continue to, 
play a constructive role in negotiations in agricultural market access negotiation and in other fields.  
 
Question 2  
Does Norway anticipate future increases in its applied tariffs, given the significant policy flexibility 
in existing bound tariffs and Norway's history of high levels of agricultural protectionism?   
 
Answer:  
As mentioned in paragraph  3.36 Norway has both ad valorem  and specific import duties for more 
than 50% of bound agricultural tariff lines. In general, these are important tariff lines for Norwegian 
agriculture. With a few exceptions, Norway has decided to use the bound specific duties, which in 
most cases give l ess protection than the bound ad valorem  duties. However, the applied specific 
duty in most cases is the same as the bound specific duty. The White paper on trade policy makes 
clear that the Government will not propose increases to applied tariffs.  
 
Report  by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/373)  
3 Trade Policies and Practices by Measure  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.3 Tariffs  
3.1.3.3 Applied rates  
 
Page 45, paragraph  3.39 
The report states that tariffs of over 100% are not unusual in many agricultur e sub -sectors i.e. 
meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, cereals, beverages and oilseeds, and other agricultural products. 
Certain sectors such as meat and dairy also stand out for their very high tariff averages for the 
sector, i.e. 101% and 105% respective ly. The cereals and fruit and vegetable sectors have relatively 
high averages as well of 43% and 32% respectively (Chart 3.1). The products with the highest tariffs 
are those that are produced in Norway, whereas those not produced in Norway are often duty -free, 
i.e. bananas, citrus fruits, and coffee.  
 
Question 1  
Norway's average applied rate for certain agriculture products remains a significant barrier to trade. 
What, if any, plans does  Norway have to reduce tariff peaks for agricultural products? Have there 
been domestic debates since Norway's last TPR about the merits of long -term reforms to Norway's 
agricultural sector?  
 
Answer:  
For sensitive products the average import duty remains h igh in order to protect and maintain 
Norwegian agricultural production. There is concensus in the Parliament to maintain a viable 
agricultural sector, and the customs tariffs are one of the tools to achieve this. For some sectors, 
like dairy and meat, the tariffs are at a high level to reach this goal. The recent debates in the 
Parliament on agricultural policy have shown that there is broad concensus regarding the need for 
protection of sensitive products. Since the last TPR the Government has tabled White  Papers to the 
Parliament on both trade policy and agricultural policy, where the current policy has been debated. 
Norway is committed to further negotiations on agriculture at the WTO and will continue to play a 
constructive role in negotiations in agricu lture and other fields.  
 
Question 2  
Has Norway assessed the economic impact of high tariffs on agricultural products imported into 
Norway, in particular the impact on consumer prices and the economic cost on Norwegian 
consumers?  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 21 - 
 
  Answer:  
The economic impac t of high tariffs on the consumer prices has been a part of the discussion when 
forming the current agricultural policy, together with other goals for the sector. All agricultural policy 
goals are taken into consideration when forming our policies.  
 
Report  by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/373)  
3 Trade Policies and Practices by Measure  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.3 Tariffs  
3.1.3.4 Tariff quotas (TQs)  
 
Page 49, paragraph  3.45 
The report states Norway maintains 29 MFN quotas open to all importers, most of these pursuant to 
WTO commitments (Table 3.4). Many of the quotas have high fill rates, i.e. beef, deer and elk meat, 
pears, and fruit preserves; but others such as eggs, chick en meat, red cabbage, and pork are 
underutilized.  
 
Question 1  
Fill rates for tariff -rate quotas continue to remain uneven. What steps is Norway taking to improve 
quota fill rates on quotas that are consistently under filled? Does Norway believe all 29 MFN  quotas 
are still warranted, particularly in light of the under fill?  
 
Answer:  
Certain tariff -rate quotas have low fill rate. This is in general due to the market situation and the 
lack of attraction in the Norwegian market for some of the quotas. The quot as are allocated in due 
time before the respective quota period. The quotas can be traded between operators. If the quotas 
are not fully allocated before the start of the quota period, the remaining quotas will be allocated 
throughout the quota period. The  allocation system is transparent, and names of operators with  
quota shares are published by the Norwegian Agricultural Agency. Most of the MFN quotas are on 
sensitive products. 22 of the 29 MFN quotas are WTO bound quotas.  
 
Report by the Secretariat (WT/T PR/S/373)  
3 Trade Policies and Practices by Measure  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.3 Tariffs  
3.1.3.6 Preferential tariffs  
 
Page 53, paragraph  3.53 
Pursuant to Norway's reciprocal or unilateral preferential agreements, the percentage of duty-free 
lines varies from 89% to 100% of total tariff lines (Table 3.8). As also reflected in the MFN tariff 
profile, significantly greater tariff protection remains in the agricultur al sector compared with the 
non-agricultural sector in preferential agr eements. Generally, less than 50% of agricultural tariff 
lines are duty free, except for a few FTAs and a few GSP categories. Nearly all non -agricultural tariff 
lines are duty free under Norway's preferential regimes.  
 
Question 1  
Australia notes that Norwa y's participation in regional and preferential trade agreements is based 
on the principle of free trade in industrial goods and the mutual exchange of concessions in the area 
of agriculture and food. Australia also notes that in Table 3.8 – Tariffs under p referential agreements, 
2018 – the average tariff on agriculture remains very high and is generally over 30 %. Given the 
exclusion of significant amounts of agriculture for these preferential and regional agreements, can 
Norway explain how the agreements me et the 'substantially all the trade' provisions in Article XXIV 
of GATT 1994?  
 
Answer:  
Norway considers its FTAs to be fully consistent with the rights and obligations in Article XXIV of the 
GATT 1994. This provision requires, in paragraph  8 (b), that duti es and other restrictive regulations 
of commerce (ORRC) are eliminated on substantially all the trade (SAT) in originating products 
between the parties. The requirement is not to eliminate duties and ORRCs for all the trade or in all 
sectors. Thus, the req uirement is linked to coverage of "substantially all the trade" and not to 
coverage of "trade in substantially all the products or sectors". Furthermore the trade liberalisation 
established through the FTAs is the result of negotiations between parties, wi th due consideration WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  given to the requirements of GATT Article XXIV. The tariff treatments, and notably exclusions from 
tariff elimination, thus reflect what the parties of each FTA consider to be an appropriate balance 
between their specific interests and  respective sensitivities.  
 
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/373)  
4 Trade Policies by Sector  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.1 Agriculture  
4.1.1.2 Policy framework  
 
Page 103, paragraph  4.10 
The Basic Agricultural Agreements set target prices for fresh milk, pork, grain, oilseeds, potatoes, 
and apples and various vegetables.  
 
Question 1  
Has Norway assessed the economic impact of its extensive intervention in agriculture, in particular 
the impact on retail food prices and the economic cos t on domestic consumers?  
 
Answer:  
The economic impact, including on consumer prices, has been a part of the discussion when forming 
the current agricultural policy, together with other goals for the sector. All agricultural policy goals 
are taken into consideration when forming our policies.  
 
Question 2  
Australia notes that target prices were abolished for beef in 2009, and for sheep meat, lamb, and 
eggs from 1 July 2013 and replaced by volume -based regulation. What has been the effect of this 
change o n production of these commodities? Are similar changes being considered for other 
products?  
 
Answer:  
The following figure shows the development of the production of beef, sheep meat and eggs in the 
period 2000 -2017.  
 
 
 
There is no common effect on product ion level following the transition to the volume -based 
regulation. Longer trends in consumption patterns explain the development in production. The 
Parliament has discussed the same transition for pork, but no decision has been made.  
 0100002000030000400005000060000700008000090000100000
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017Production of beef, sheep meat and eggs, tonns, 2000 -2017
Beef Sheep meat EggsWT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Report by the Secret ariat (WT/TPR/S/373)  
4 Trade Policies by Sector  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries  
4.1.1 Agriculture  
4.1.1.2 Policy Framework  
 
Page 107, paragraph  4.18 
The report states that general tariff reductions are triggered automatically when the domestic market 
price exceeds the upper price limit for two consecutive weeks on goods subject to target pricing. It 
also states that tariff reductions may be granted individually to importers and that quotas may be 
allocated to importers based on their import hist ory. The report states that in 2017, 264 general 
tariff reductions and 3,811 individual tariff reductions were granted.  
 
Question 1  
For how long does Norway leave the tariff reductions in place once they have been triggered?  
 
Answer:  
To ensure consumer int erests, general tariff reductions are triggered when the domestic market 
price exceeds an upper price limit. The tariff reductions in question have different durations 
depending on the kind of goods and their trade patterns. Tariff reductions will normally  last 
two weeks or more, depending on the availability of Norwegian commodities (i.e. for beef the tariff 
reduction has lasted for more than six  months).  
 
Question 2  
What is the criteria that Norway utilizes  for granting individual tariff reductions to sp ecific importers?  
 
Answer:  
The criteria are linked only to the product and the use of it. Individual tariff reductions are granted 
based on either characteristics of the product to be imported or the end use criteria for the products 
(e.g. fish feed).  
 
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/373)  
4 Trade Policies by Sector  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.1 Agriculture  
4.1.1.4 Domestic support levels  
 
Page 108, paragraph  4.23 
The report notes that most of Norway's agricultural domestic support continues to be provided 
through the Amber Box.  
 
Question 1  
Has Norway considered restructuring its domestic support prog rammes to shift away from 
trade -distorting support (i.e. Amber Box) to achieve its desired policy outcomes through alternative 
measures  that are de -coupled from production, may be more effective and not distort trade (i.e. 
Green Box)?  
 
Answer:  
Since the last TPR the Government has tabled White Papers to the Parliament on both trade policy 
and agricultural policy, where the current policy has been debated.  
 
The Parliament has agreed on four primary goals for the Norwegian agriculture policy:  
- Food security  
- Agriculture all over the country  
- Increased value added  
- Sustainable agriculture with lower GHG -emissions  
Support measures are carefully d esigned with an aim of achieving these overall goals for Norway's 
agriculture and food polic y as adopted by the Parliament.  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Question 2  
Does Norway consider that their domestic support policies have a significant impact on other 
agriculture exporters, parti cularly developing countries? What s teps has Norway taken to minimiz e 
the possible harmful impacts on global agricultural markets from its agricultural support?  
 
Answer:  
Norway is a large net importer of agricultural products, and the self -sufficiency on a  calorie basis is 
lower than 50%. Norway has very limited agricultural exports.   
 
In Norway's view our limited agricultural production does not have a significant impact on agricultural 
exporters. Norway will phase out all export subsidies by the end of 2020 and has given duty free 
market access to all Least Developed Countries since 20 02. Imports from other developing countries 
benefit from reduced tariffs through Norway's generalized system of preferences (GSP) and free 
trade agreements.  
 
The import of agricultural products into Norway is considerable, included products produced in 
developing countries. For products like sugar, rice, coffee, tobacco, tropical fruits and cotton, Norway 
has duty free access for all countries.  
 
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/373)  
4 Trade Policies by Sector  
4.3 Services  
4.3.1 Financial Services  
 
Page 137, paragraph  4.105  
The report describes a new financial activity tax, levied at the rate of 5% on the payroll of enterprises 
in the financial services industry, which came into effect on 1 Jan uary 2017. The tax may be 
fine-tuned in light of an initi al review to be completed by 1 January 2018.  
 
Question 1  
Is Norway able to share any preliminary information on the effect of the financial activity tax for 
Norway's financial services industry?   
 
Answer:  
According to Government accounts, paid -in financia l activity tax on  wages was NOK 1,563 million 
in 2017. Taxes paid in 2017 relates to financial activity tax accrued i n the period of 
January -October  2017. Accrued financial activity tax during the period of November -December  2017 
was paid in 2018. The total accrued financial activity tax on profits in 2017 will be known in the 
fourth quarter of 2018, when tax returns for corporations are processed in the Tax Authority's 
database.  
  
The Ministry of Finance has not analy sed economic effects of the financi al activity tax, and is not 
aware of analysis done by others. The tax still is quite new and that relevant data might not yet be 
available for meaningful analysis.  
  
We expect that the financial activity tax will reduce profits in the financial industry es tablished in 
Norway, and that the tax to some extent will increase prices for financial services and reduce wages 
in the industry, see Prop. 1 LS (2016 –2017) Chapter 6.  
  
Question 2  
Is Norway able to provide any updates on plans to alter the financial acti vity tax in light of the initial 
review?  
 
Answer:  
The assessment of potential changes to the design of the financial activity tax is currently ongoing 
in the Ministry of Finance and has not been finalized . 
 
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  MEXICO  
2. TRADE AND INVESTMENT  REGIME  
2.2 Trade Policy Formulation and Objectives  
2.10 
 
Question  
En el recuadro 2.1, Política comercial agraria indica que "…el Gobierno reducirá progresivamente 
todas las subvenciones a las exportaciones hasta que dejen de existir, como máximo, a finales de 
2020…"  
¿De acuerdo con  lo anterior, podría el Gobierno de Noruega dar mayores detalles sobre 
las acciones que está realizando para dar cumplimiento al Acuerdo de Nairobi, en lo 
referente a las subvenciones a la exportación?  
Answer:  
Norway is committed to phasing out export subsidies by 2020, and has started to amend our 
regulations to fulfill this commitment. A revised Norwegian schedule for export subsidies is already 
certified.  
 
In the dairy sector, rates for export subsidies for cheese are already reduced by 50 %. A decision 
has been made to phase out all export subsidies for cheese from 1 July 2020.  
 
3. TRADE POLICIES AND P RACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measure Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.3  Tariffs  
3.1.3.3 Applied rates  
3.37 y 3.38  
 
Question  
"3.37 Cerca del 85% de las líneas arancelarias están exentas de derechos. Solo las líneas 
correspondientes a algunos sectores (la agricultura, los textiles y las prendas de vestir) y a algunos 
productos pesqueros están gravadas con aranceles. No obstante, entre el 15% de las líneas sujetas 
a aranceles hay muchas gravadas con tipos muy elevados. Además, son muy frecuentes los tipos 
no ad valorem , que representan alrededor del 10% de todas las líneas arancelarias y cerca del 50% 
de las correspondientes a prod uctos agropecuarios…"  
"3.38 Durante el período objeto de examen, el promedio aritmético de los tipos arancelarios 
disminuyó ligeramente (del 7 .5% al 6. 9%) debido a la reducción de los tipos aplicados a los 
productos agropecuarios (el tipo medio aplicado a los productos no a gropecuarios se mantuvo en el 
0.5%) (cuadro 3.3). Esa reducción se explica en parte por la liberalización unilateral de 114  líneas 
arancelarias agropecuarias durante el período examinado. Los tipos aplicados a los productos 
agropecuarios que se recogen en el Arancel pueden considerarse límites máximos ya que en la 
práctica, y debido a las numerosas reducciones arancelarias, muchos de los tipos publicados no se 
aplican"  
México reconoce el esfuerzo realizado por Noruega para reducir sus prom edios aritméticos aplicados. 
Sin embargo, se continúan aplicando altos niveles arancelarios para productos agropecuarios, cuyo 
promedio aritmético es de 37.1%.   
¿El Gobierno de Noruega tiene planes en el corto plazo para continuar con la política de 
reducc ión de aranceles para productos agropecuarios? Si fuera el caso ¿podría dar 
mayores detalles?   
Answer:  
The Norwegian Government is continuously considering our import regime. Amendments of the 
tariffs have to  be adopted by the Parliament on an annual basis.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  3. TRADE POLICIES AND P RACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measure Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.3  Tariffs  
3.1.3.5 Duty reductions or suspensions  
3.47 a 3.52  
Question  
En los párrafos  3.47 a 3.52, se da a conocer las  reducciones o suspensiones arancelarias que otorga 
Noruega a ciertos productos agropecuarios, así como un método para calcular las tasas a aplicar y 
las reglamentaciones mediante las cuales se amparan.  
Considerando la complejidad del régimen de reduccione s arancelarias de Noruega, el Gobierno de 
México consulta si dicho  Gobierno está contemplando simplificar en un futuro cercano este régimen, 
tanto para productos agrícolas como para productos agrícolas procesados.   
Answer:  
The Government and the Norwegian Agricultural Agency are continuously trying to improve and 
simplify the import regime. Large improvements have been made the last years both relating to 
customs handling and electronic applications. All applications for tariff reductions are applied for, 
and processed electronically, and there has been almost no complaints from importers regarding 
how the import regime is operated.  
 
The imports of both basic and processed agricultural products to Norway have increased steadily for 
many decades.  
 
4. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.1.3 Border measures  
4.21 
 
Question  
"4.21 El Protocolo 3 del Acuerdo sobre el EEE regula el comercio bilateral de productos agropecuarios 
elaborados, tales como el yogur aromatizado, el chocolate, la pizza congelada, las sopas y las salsas. 
El Protocolo 3 está diseñado para garantizar unas condiciones equitativas para el "componente 
industrial" del producto final, y con este fin autoriza a Noruega y a la Unión Europea a compensar 
las dife rencias de precios de las materias primas agropecuarias mediante un complejo sistema de 
derechos de importación basado en fórmulas de productos, rebajas de precios internos y 
restituciones a la exportación…"  
¿Podría el Gobierno de Noruega brindar mayores detalles sobre su sistema de derechos 
de importación basado en fórmulas de productos, rebajas de precios internos y 
restituciones a la exportación aplicado con la Unión Europea?  
Answer:  
For processed agricultural products (PAPs) listed in Protocol 3 to the  EEA agreement, Norway may 
in addition to import duties also use export refunds, or price compensation for products sold 
domestically.  
 
The rates used in the PAPs scheme take into account the differences in commodity prices between 
the world market and th e Norwegian market. The aim is to create a level playing field between the 
contracting parties. The export refunds for PAPs are to be phased out by the end of 2020.  
 
Norway and the European Commission have regular meetings, where the prices used for calcu lating 
the price compensation rates are presented.  
 
The import duty is calculated based on the content of sensitive agricultural raw materials in the 
imported processed product . 
 
This system is also applied in Norway's free trade agreements with other cou ntries.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 27 - 
 
  4. TRADE POLICIES BY SE CTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.1.3 Border measures  
4.18 
 
Questions  
Tema: Precios indicativos, "precios medios al por mayor previstos", precios de referencia.  
"4.18…Los derechos de importación tienen como principal objetivo garantizar que se alcancen, sin 
superarse, los precios indicativos fijados en los acuerdos agrícolas básicos…"  
¿Podría el Gobierno de Noruega explicar con mayor detalle cuáles son los acuerdos básicos 
a los que se refiere y sobre qué pro ductos se aplican? ¿Cuáles son los criterios que 
Noruega aplica para establecer los precios indicativos a que hace referencia los acuerdos 
agrícolas básicos?  
Answer:  
The annual Agricultural Agreement is negotiated between the Government and the two farmer 
organizations with regard to pricing of certain commodities and forms and levels of support. Norway 
has established a target price system for pork, grains, potatoes, milk and some vegetables and 
fruits. The target price system is also linked to the market regulation system.  
 
Target prices are defined as the average annual prices the agricultural sector is permitted to obtain 
given balanced market conditions, current import restrictions and the available market regulation 
measures. Target prices are set at d ifferent levels, but should in principle be as close to farm gate 
prices as possible. The agricultural cooperatives commit to keeping average prices for the different 
product groups at, or below, the target price for the period of the Agricultural Agreemen t (one  year 
from 1 July to 30 June) through market regulation measures. The target prices are  negotiated based 
on relevant market prognosis from the agricultural cooperatives.  
 
"4.18…Los topes de precios van desde el 5% (leche) al 12% (frutas, hortalizas y  legumbres), y se 
estipulan para todos los productos sujetos a precios indicativos, a "precios medios al por mayor 
previstos" o a precios de referencia…"  
 
¿Podría explicar con mayor detalle la diferencia entre un precio indicativo, precio medio 
al por mayo r previstos y precios de referencia y como operan cada uno de ellos y sobre 
qué productos aplican?  
 
Answer : 
Norway has established a target price system for pork, grains, potatoes, milk and some vegetables 
and fruits. These target prices are negotiated in the annual Agricultural Agreement. Target prices 
are defined as the average annual prices the agricultural sector are permitted to obtain given 
balanced market conditions, current import restrictions and the available market regulation 
measures. Target pri ces are set at different levels, but should in principle be as close to farm gate 
prices as possible.  
 
Planned average wholesale prices are set by the agricultural cooperative with regard to beef, 
sheep/lamb meat and eggs.  
 
Reference prices are calculated  by the Norwegian Agricultural Agency based on the wholesale market 
prices registered the former year. Reference prices are calculated for poultry only.  
 
For any of these three types of prices, upper price limits are set as a percentage. If market prices 
exceed the upper price limit, temporary general tariff reductions are triggered.  
 
"4.18…Cuando el precio del mercado interno supera el tope durante dos semanas consecutivas se 
activan automáticamente reducciones arancelarias generales temporales…"  
¿Podría confirmar el Gobierno de Noruega si su régimen arancelario aplicable a productos 
agropecuarios está sujeto a niveles diferenciados de precios de entrada? Si fuera el caso 
¿podría explicar los argumentos que sustentan una política de precios de entrada de e ste 
tipo?  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 28 - 
 
  Answer:  
Norway does not apply a system with entry prices at the border. To protect domestic consumers 
from increasing prices, general tariff reductions are triggered when the domestic  market price 
exceeds an upper price limit. This is to allow fo r imports and to ensure that the domestic price is not 
increased above the agreed level.  
 
¿Noruega ha negociado la modificación de este régimen de precios indicativos, precios de 
referencia o precios de entrada en algún acuerdo comercial bilateral?  
Answer:  
No, these domestic prices and their upper limits are calculated and set domestically. These prices 
are not linked to the customs duties or bilateral trade agreements.  
 
4. TRADE POLICIES BY SE CTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.1.3 Border measures  
4.22 
 
Question  
"4.22. El régimen general de importación de productos agropecuarios elaborados se complementa 
con regímenes de perfeccionamiento activo y pasivo. Los contingentes anuales regulan el 
perfeccionamiento pasivo de la carne y los productos lácteos. El régimen de perfeccionamiento activo 
permite que las industrias alimentarias noruegas optimicen el uso de sus plantas de producción"  
¿Podría explicar con más detalle su régimen de perfeccionamiento activo y pasivo?  
Answer:  
The regime o f outward processing (active improvement), is a possibility for food industry in Norway 
to process Norwegian commodities abroad, for consumption in Norway. The purpose of this scheme 
is to test new products, or to produce smaller quantities of a product wh ere the domestic market 
potential does not defend larger investments.  
 
Products produced under the outward processing scheme, are only charged with duties for the 
commodities that are added abroad. If the commodities added abroad are duty free, the processed 
product will not be charged any duties.  
 
The regime of inward processing (passive improvement), is the opposite of outward processing. 
Commodities are imported duty free, under the condition that the processed product is reexported. 
If the import ed commodity is not reexported, the commodity will be charged with ordinary duties.  
 
The purpose of the scheme is to utilize production capacity and/or special skills of the Norwegian 
processing industry. This can contribute to increase the competitivenes s of the Norwegian food 
industry.  
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  JAPAN  
1. ECONOMIC ENVIROME NT 
1.1 Main Features of the Economy  
 
Questions  
 
1. What are the regulations on MVNOs? Also, how are they different from regulations on MNOs?  
 
The regulatory framework for MVNOs and MNOs are the same when it comes to registration and 
licensing procedures. However if an MNO has significant market power (SMP) it may be subjected 
to further regulations. See the answer to Japan's question 1 to sectio n 2.3.  
 
Because of SMP regulation, access products for MVNOs and MNOs might be regulated differently.  
 
2. When new competitors enter the telecommunications market, based on what laws and 
regulations, what kind of requirements exist?  
 
In Norway, new entrant s who want to provide electronic communications network or an public 
electronic communications service must register with The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications 
Authority (Nkom). There are no licences required to provide these services.  
 
This is in accordance with Act No. 83 of 04 July 2003: Act relating to electronic communications (The 
Electronic Communications Act) and Regulation No. 401 of 16 February 2004: Regulations on 
Electronic Communications Networks and Services (The Electronic Communications Regulations).  
 
3. What sort of classification for telecommunications operators do you have? (e.g. possession of 
facilities, types of services)  
 
We do not use classifications for the different types of telecommunications operators in Norway, but 
The Electronic Communications Act has defined electronic communications service and public 
electronic communications service differently. There are some other requirements in the law when 
supplying services to the public.  
 
4. How is radio frequency all ocation done? (Comparative examination method / auction / others)  
 
When allocating frequencies, efficient use of society's resources through sustainable competition, 
free movement of services and harmonised use of the frequencies shall be taken into consid eration. 
In connection with the advertisement of a limited number of spectrum licences, the selection criteria 
shall be objective, transparent, non -discriminatory and proportionate.  
 
Frequency licences are granted either as general frequency licences  (Free Use Regulations) or as 
spectrum licences/transmitter licences. The method for allocation is normally money auction.  
 
5. Do you have any universal service system in your telecommunications laws and regulations? 
If yes, what services are included in the universal service? How do you finance providing 
universal service?  
 
The Universal service obligations for electronic communications are regulated in the The Electronic 
Communications Act section 5 -1 and the The Electronic Communications Regulations cha pter 5.  
 
The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority may enter into an agreement with or 
designate by order one or more providers of electronic communications networks and services to 
secure provision of the following services under the universal service obligation;  access to public 
telephone services and digital electronic communications networks throughout the country and 
special services for the disabled and other end -users with special needs.  
 
When a provider pursuant to Section 5 -1 incurs an unreasonable burden by meeting a universal 
service obligation and the provider so requests, the costs may be met by a financing fund. Together 
with the requirement for costs recovery the provider must forward a statement of the net costs 
connected with mee ting the universal service obligation. The Norwegian Post and WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 30 - 
 
  Telecommunications Authority may order the provider to help to fund a financing fund. Competitive 
tendering shall be carried out if obligatory universal service is funded by a financing fund.  
 
6. What type of domestic broadcasting exists? (e.g. terrestrial broadcast / multimedia broadcast/ 
satellite broadcast / cable TV / pay -broadcasting) . 
 
Broadcasting in Norway is distributed via the following distribution platforms: DTT (Digital terrestrial 
broadcast), cable -TV, IPTV, satellite and the Internet.  
 
Access to broadcasting is as a main rule conditioned by payment. Free to air (i.e. without us er 
payment/subscription fees etc) broadcasting exists only in the DTT -network, and is limited to the 
State -owned public service channels from the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation. Access to other 
TV channels in the DTT network requires user payment to th e DTT operator.  
 
7. How do you define "broadcasting" in your domestic laws and regulations? Video -casting 
services (e.g. Hulu and Netflix) are defined as "broadcasting"?  
 
"Broadcasting" is defined in Act no. 127 of 4 December 1992 relating to Broadcasting Section 1 -1 
a). According to this provision, broadcasting "means the transmission of speech, music, images and 
the like by wire or over the air, intended or suitable for direct and simultaneous reception by the 
public".  
 
Video on demand services such as Hu lu and Netflix are defined as follows in Act no. 127 of 
4 December  1992 relating to Broadcasting S ection 1 -1 d): Audiovisual on -demand video service 
means a service provided by a media service provider which has the principal purpose to offer 
programmes th at can be seen at the moment chosen by the user and at the user's  individual request 
on the basis of a catalogue and which is distributed to the general public via electronic 
communication networks.   
 
2. TRADE AND INVESTMENT  REGIME  
2.3 Trade Agreements and  Arrangements  
 
Questions  
 
1. Do you have a concept of "Major Supplier" based on WTO rules or FTAs? If yes, how do you 
regard major suppliers in your domestic laws and regulations? (e.g. Possession of essential 
facilities, presence of market power)  
 
The answer is yes. The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority ( Nkom)'s market 
regulation is based on six directives passed by the EU, and incorporated in the EEA Agreement. The 
foundation for Nkom's market regulation is implemented in the Norwegian la w through chapter  3 
and 4 in the Electronic Communications Act.  
 
Nkom assesses the relevant markets to decide upon the issue of significant market power (SMP), 
similar to the concept of "Major Supplier". If a provider has SMP, Nkom must impose one or more  
obligations for those undertakings found to have significant market power. Which obligations to 
impose are decided after an assessment of the various available remedies, based on the market 
analysis, with a limited forward looking period. Nkom will, when imposing obligations, pay particular 
attention to ensure that the adopted remedies contributes to increased competition  
 
All providers of voice services have, by definition, SMP in the market of terminating calls to their 
own subscribers. Interconnection a greements are negotiated on a commercial basis between the 
providers. The SMP providers have standard offers, but also offer flexible and customised solutions.  
 
2. What international agreements regarding international roaming do you have?  
 
Regulation (EU) No 531/2012 (the EU Roaming Regulation) as amended by Regulation (EU) 
2015/2120 and Regulation (EU) No 2017/920 are incorporated in the EEA Agreement and is 
therefore applicable in the three EEA/EFTA states Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. This means 
that retail roaming surcharges are abolished from 15 June 2017.  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  2. TRADE AND INVESTMENT  REGIME  
2.4 Investment Regime  
 
1. Do you have any restrictions on foreign direct investment on telecommunications market?  
 
The telecommunications market is fully liberalised in accordance with EU law, and the only remaining 
restrictions are licensing regimes with regards to frequency spectrum, names and numbers. Foreign 
and domestic operators are treated in a non -discriminatory way and there are no special 
requirem ents for foreign investors.  
 
2. Are there requirements for foreign investors such as preliminary examination?  
 
There are no special requirements for foreign investors.  
 
3. Trade Policies And Practices By Measure  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.5 State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  
 
Do state -owned broadcasting / public broadcasting enterprises exist? If so, how is the Government 
involved with those broadcasters?  
 
Norway has one state -owned public service broadcaster, the  Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation 
(NRK). The NRK is 100 % owned by the State . The Broadcasting Act authorises NRK to engage in 
broadcast activiti es financed by means of a licenc e fee. The NRK is obliged to offer public service 
broadcasting via radio, TV and the Internet. The NRK has been give n a special mandate to be a 
non-commercial, politically independent public broadcaster. The NRK's public service remit is set out 
in the NRK placard, decided by the Storting (the Parliament), which is incorporated into NRK's articles 
of association. The Government has no influence on the editorial decisions taken by the NRK. The 
NRK has editorial independence and freedom as regards the Norwegia n State.  
 
3. Trade Policies And Practices By Measure  
3.1 Measure Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.5 Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
 
Do you have any reservations for broadcasting service in your FTAs? If yes, what kind of reservations 
do you  have?  
 
Regarding audiovisual services, Norway's commitments are maintained on the same level as the 
GATS agreement, and this is reflected in the FTAs.  
 
3. Trade Policies And Practices By Measure  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.4 Competition policy and price controls  
 
1. Which companies are telecommunications operators with Significant Market Power?  
 
Every fixed and mobile voice telephony supplier has monopoly and by definition SMP on terminating 
calls in its own network.  
 
In the m arket for call termination on individual public telephone networks provided at a fixed 
location, the SMP operators are: Telenor, Altibox, InTelecom, Intelligent telecom services, 
NextGenTel, Orange, Phonero, TDC Get, TeliaSonera, Verizon.  
 
In the market for voice call termination on individual mobile networks , the SMP operators are: Com4, 
Lycamobile, Network Norway, Phonero, TDC, Telenor, Tele2, TeliaSonera.  
 
In the markets for wholesale (physical) network infrastructure access (including shared or fully 
unbundled access) at a fixed location, wholesale broadband access, wholesale terminating segments 
of leased lines and access and call origination on mobile networks, the only SMP operator is Telenor.  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 32 - 
 
  2. Do you have regulations which focus on operators with  Significant Market Power?  
If any, what are the criteria for the designation of telecommunications operators with Significant 
Market Power?  
 
The answer is yes. The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority ( Nkom )'s market 
regulation is based on six directives passed by the EU, and incorporated in the EEA Agreement. The 
foundation for Nkom's market regulation is implemented in the Norwegian law through chapter 3 
and 4 in the Electronic Communications Act.  
 
A prov ider has significant market power when the provider individually or jointly with others has 
economic strength in a relevant market affording the provider the power to behave independently 
of competitors, customers and consumers to an appreciable extent. Si gnificant market power in one 
market may result in a provider having significant market power in a closely related market.  
 
3. What are the difference of laws and regulations between operators with Significant Market 
Power and other telecommunications operators  
 
If an operator has SMP, The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority  must impose one or 
more obligations from the six directives passed by the EU for those undertakings. These obligations 
can be to provide access, non -discrimination, tran sparency, price regulation, accounting separation 
and cost accounting.  
 
Which obligations to impose are decided after an assessment of the various available remedies, 
based on the market analysis, with a limited forward looking period. See the answer to Ja pan's 
question 1 to Section 2.3 for more information on SMP -regulation.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 33 - 
 
  EUROPEAN UNION  
WT/TPR/S /373 (Secretariat report)  
 
2.2 Trade Policy Formulation and Objectives  
The report describes Norway's overall trade policy objectives which are to "maintain a trade 
framework that maximizes Norwegian value creation while at the same time contributing to global 
growth and sustainable development". It is mentioned in the report that separate chapters on trade 
and sustainable development will be included in Norway´s FTAs as an instrument to promote 
sustainable development. One of the most urgent issues when it comes to sustainable development 
is the fight against antimicrobial res istance. Norway is highly engaged in this issue and is among the 
leading countries in the world when it comes to low use of antibiotics in animal production.  
 
EU question No 1: Bearing the above in mind, has the Norwegian Government considered using 
FTAs as an instrument to promote dialogue and cooperation on reduced use of antibiotics in animal 
production?  
 
Answer : 
Chapters addressing issues related to trade and sustainable development and SPS are an integral 
part of Norway's free trade agreements. Although reduction of the use of antibiotics in animal 
production is of great importance to Norway, we have not yet used  the cooperation provisions in our 
free trade agreements to address this issue. We are however, presently looking into whether we 
want to address this important issue in future agreements, and in case how we can do it . 
 
Page 30 para 2.32:  
During the revie w period, EFTA concluded new agreements that have entered into force for Norway 
with respect to Bosnia and Herzegovina; some Central American States (Costa Rica, Guatemala, and 
Panama); the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); Georgia; Hong Kong, China; and Mon tenegro.  
EU question No 2: This wording seems to suggest that an FTA was signed between EFTA and China, 
while it is our understanding that bilateral FTAs were signed with Iceland and Switzerland and not 
with Norway that has recently relaunched negotiation s with China. Could you please clarify?  
Answer:  
It is correct that some individual EFTA States have concluded bilateral FTAs with China and that 
Norway has relaunched bilateral negotiations with China. The wording in para 2.32 refers to EFTAs 
FTA with "Hong Kong, China".  
 
Page 30 para 2.32: Trade in unprocessed agricultural products is not fully covered in the EFTA 
agreements.  
EU question No 3: Could you please clarify why this is so and what is the situation with processed 
agricultural products?   
Answ er: 
Processed agricultural products are fully covered in almost all the EFTA agreements.  
 
Unprocessed agricultural products are negotiated on a "request – offer" basis and with focus in 
particular on the specific products where there are trade interests. Less sensitive products are 
liberalized.  
 
3.1.3.3 Applied rates  
Page 45  
 
EU question No 4 : This S ection does not describe two reclassification issues, on Hortensia in 2012 
and more recently on Kalanchoe. Could you please explain the reason for this?  
Answer:  
The issues related to Hortensia and Kalanchoe are technical issues related to classification of 
products within the Harmonized System, and they are not related to chan ges in level of customs 
duties.  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 34 - 
 
  3.3.5 State trading, state -owned enterprises, and  privatization  
Page 90, paragraph  3.173  
According to the report, the current Government has been reluctant to extend state ownership 
through acquisitions. It has not requested Parliament to grant authorizations to attain or increase 
stakes in existing companies. However, new companies have been created, notably to speed up the 
construction of motorways and major highways (Nye Veier AS) and as part of ongoing reforms in 
the railway sector.  
EU question No 5: Could Norway please clarify what are the ongoing reforms in the railway sector?  
Answer:  
The reform in the railway sector can be described in two groups of measures: 1) A re -organisation 
of the infrastructure manager and the incumbent railway undertaking, in order to create a more 
efficient and business -like structure. 2) Transition to competit ive tendering for rail passenger public 
service contracts, according to the provisions in the PSO regulation (Regulation (EU) 1370/2007). 
The establishment of an independent government agency responsible for long -term planning, 
awarding of public service c ontracts and contracting of infrastructure investment and operations was 
also part of the reform. More information on the railway reform can be found on the website: 
https://www.jernbanedirektorate t.no/en/  
 
The main re -organisation took effect from 1 January 2017 and partly 1 April 2017. The State -owned 
railway undertaking operating the airport express train, Flytoget AS, was not affected by the reform 
as such. Neither was the national safety author ity and regulatory body, Statens jernbanetilsyn.  
 
The undertakings affected by the changes are the following:  
- Bane NOR SF, which is a state -owned limited company. Bane NOR SF has the role of infrastructure 
manager as described in the railway legislation.  
 
- NSB, which is the incumbent railway undertaking.  
 
The following three undertakings are former parts of N SB:  
- Mantena AS, which is the State -owned rolling stock maintenance service provider, formerly owned 
by NSB. It is now directly owned by the State , competing with other maintenance service providers 
on an equal basis.  
 
- Norske tog AS, which is the Stat e-owned rail rolling stock owner. Norske tog provides rolling stock 
to the railway undertakings awarded PSO contracts on a non -discriminatory basis, contributing to 
low entry barriers.  
 
- Entur AS, which is the State -owned provider (on a non -discriminator y basis) of basic infrastructure 
and data for providers of travel planning and ticketing services for all land -based transport modes 
and operators. Entur AS also issues rail tickets on a non -discriminatory basis, contributing to low 
entry barriers to the m arket.  
 
EU question No 6: Are there any monopolies in the railway sector? If yes, could Norway clarify the 
nature and scope of application of possible restrictions that apply to private investors who wish to 
participate in the railway sector?  
Answer:  
For the moment, only Norske tog AS may provide passenger rolling stock for operating under new 
PSO contracts. In later stages, new entrants to the market may bring their own vehicles if they are 
able to operate according to the conditions on the Norwegian rail way network.  
 
Only Entur AS runs the basic IT infrastructure for collecting an d providing information on time tables, 
prices etc for public transport. All providers of travel -planning services etc. have non -discriminatory 
access to this information.  
 
EU question No 7: Could Norway please clarify the plans as to the transposition of both the Recast 
(Directive 2012/34/EU establishing the Single European Rail Area) and the 4th Railway package 
adopted in 2016 (being a set of six  legislative texts designed to complete the Single European 
Railway Area)?  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 35 - 
 
  Answer:  
Directive 2012/34/EU is awaiting clarification for being taken into the EEA Agreement. Norwegian 
law has since 1 January 2017 been in line with the Directive.  
 
The fourth railway package is awaiting the processing of Directive 2012/34/EU before the procedures 
for taking the legal acts into the EEA Agreement may continue. Norwegian authorities are currently 
preparing implementation within the deadlines prescribed in the legal acts .  
 
4.1.1.2 Policy framework  
Paragraph  4.10 
According to paragraph  4.10, beef, sheep and lamb meat as well as eggs "are subject to 
volume -based regulation, for which the market regulator is obliged to announce "planned average 
wholesale prices" for consecutive six -month peri ods". 
 
EU question No 8: Is the obligation for the market regulator to announce "planned average 
wholesale prices" regulated in Norwegian legislation? If so, in what way?  
Answer:  
As mentioned in table 4.4 the volume model comprises discontinuation of expor t subsidies and a 
limited seasonal storage of products. The obligation for the producer cooperative to announce 
planned average wholesale prices for six months is an effort to increase competition and 
transparency in the meat market. The obligation is spec ified in the annual agricultural agreements.  
 
EU question No 9: What determines the levels of the planned average wholesale prices?  
In paragraph 4.10, it is also stated that for poultry, "a reference price, determined at the wholesale 
level, is used for calculation of the applied tariff". According to the Norwegian Custom Tariffs for 
2016, 2017 and 2018, there has not been any fluctuations in applied tariffs for poultry during the 
2016-2018 period at least.  
 
Answer:  
Planned average wholesale prices are se t by the agricultural cooperative on beef, sheep/lamb and 
eggs. When setting the prices, the cooperative emphasizes  the current market situation for the 
different commodities, and the prospects for the coming year. Market prices for beef, sheep/lamb 
and eg gs are no longer supported by a target price. The volume model comprises discontinuation of 
export subsidies and a limited seasonal storage of products.  
 
Reference prices are calculated by the Norwegian Agricultural Agency based on the wholesale market 
prices registered the former year. Reference prices are calculated for poultry only.  
 
For any of these types of prices, upper price limits are set in percent. If market prices exceed the 
upper price limit, temporary general tariff reductions are triggered. Fo r poultry the upper price limit 
has not been exceeded in the period mentioned.  
 
EU question No 10: Could Norway please elaborate on the calculation of the applied tariff for 
poultry mentioned in paragraph 4.10 (and Table 4.4), including on what it is used  for. 
 
Answer:  
Reference prices are calculated by the Norwegian Agricultural Agency based on the wholesale market 
prices registered the former year. Reference prices are calculated for poultry only.  
 
If the market price exceeds the reference price by more than 10 % for two consecutive weeks, the 
applied tariff for poultry is reduced.  
 
Paragraph 4.14  
The EU notes that Norwegian exports of cheese still absorb approximately 8% of the raw milk 
produced in Norway.  
 
EU question No 11: Considering the abolition of export subsidies by the end of 2020, does Norway 
have any plans to limit domestic milk production in order to avoid a situation of oversupply?  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 36 - 
 
  Answer:  
The milk quota system serves to regulate the milk production according to th e market situation and 
it will be used to avoid a situation of oversupply also in the coming years. There are several 
mechanisms that can be used to limit domestic production.  
 
Firstly, for each year the basic quotas are multiplied with a factor to find t he actual production 
possibilities for the quota year. This factor can be below 1.0. For the quota year starting 
1 January  2018 and ending 31  December 2018 as an example, the basic quotas are set to be 
multiplied by a factor of 0.98 to reduce production.  
 
Secondly, we have a system for buying and selling quotas. Farmers selling cow milk quotas are 
allowed to sell 80 % of their quota, at a free price, directly to other producers within a production 
region. Minimum 20 % had to be sold to the Government at a fixed price. The government has the 
possibility to withhold quotas sold to it to reduce the total level of quotas.  
 
Historically, Norway has also used special programmes for buying out quotas.  
 
The quota level is decided by the Government, but there are an nual discussions with the market 
regulator and the farmers organizations on the prognosis for the coming year. The Government will 
follow market developments and align the supply to the demand.  
 
Paragraph 4.19  
According to the report, many of the TRQs neg otiated within the WTO framework are not effective" 
since "the applied tariff is lower or equal to the in -quota rate". This is actually true for the vast 
majority of Norwegian TRQs that were negotiated within the WTO framework.  
 
EU question No 12: Is Norw ay considering to reduce the in -quota tariffs for any of the inactive 
TRQs negotiated within the WTO framework, thereby rendering them active, in order to provide 
exporters with the market access originally envisaged when the TRQs were negotiated?  
 
Answer:  
Norway has 22 active WTO import quotas compared to a total number of 232 WTO import quotas. 
The 210 non -active quotas have a tariff only regime starting from the end of the implementation 
period of the Uruguay round in year 2000. This means that the out o f quota duty from year 2000 
was at least as low as the in quota duty, providing for market access opportunities as envisaged 
when TRQs were negotiated . Norway will consider rectifying the schedule for import quotas in order 
to put an end to non -active quotas.  
 
 
WT/TPR/G /373 (Norway report)  
Page 3, para 1.5:  
Norway will fulfil the commitments stemming from WTO decisions including from the Bali and Nairobi 
Ministerial Conferences, phasing out all remaining export subsidies by the end of 2020.  
EU question No 13: Could Norway give more detail on the process and timing for abandoning 
export subsidies?  
Answer:  
Norway is committed to phasing out export subsidies by 2020, and has started to amend our 
regulations to fulfill this commitment. A revised Norwegian schedule for export subsidies is already 
certified.  
 
In the dairy sector, rates for export subsidies for cheese have already been reduced by 50%. A 
decision has been made to phase out all export subsidies for cheese from 1 J uly 2020.  
 
Page 9, para 3.19 on FTAs:  
EU question No 14: Could Norway give more detail on the expected content and timing for the 
bilateral FTA with China?   WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 37 - 
 
  Answer:  
Norway and China are currently negotiating a comprehensive free trade agreement, covering areas 
such as goods, services, investment and IPR. The 11th round of negot iations was held in Oslo in 
May 2018 and the next round is scheduled for September.  
 
Not related to any paragraph:  
EU question No 15: Norway has an active Arctic policy that it not mentioned in this report. Is this 
because its trade angle is seen as limited compared to other policy objectives?  
The Norwegian Government's vision for the Arctic is for it to remain a peaceful, innovative an d 
sustainable region where international cooperation and respect for the principles of international law 
are the norm. Our goal is to maintain stability, cooperation and predictability in the Arctic and 
develop North Norway as one of the most innovative an d sustainable regions. We aim to create 
economic growth and future -oriented jobs in the north in a way that takes into account both 
environmental and social considerations. Research and knowledge are of importance here.  
Foreign and domestic policy are inte rtwined in the region, and people's everyday lives are affected 
both by high politics and by day -to-day issues. The Norwegian Government presented a new Arctic 
Strategy in April 2017 . In this new strategy, the Government gives even higher priority to ensur ing 
an integrated approach to Arctic policy that incorporates both foreign policy, regional and domestic 
policy.  
International cooperation is vital to maintain peace and cooperation in the Arctic, and also to deal 
with common challenges and enhance sustain able growth. The cooperation in the regional councils 
Arctic Council, Barents Council, Council of Baltic Sea States are of high priority for Norway.  
The multilateral trading system centered on the WTO forms part of the framework which is vital for 
the achi evement of Norway's Arctic policy.   WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 38 - 
 
  CHINA  
Part I. Questions based on Report by the Secretariat  
 
Summary, para 6  
 
"With few exceptions, Norway does not have any legislation restricting investment from outside the 
EEA, while investment from within the EEA is part of the free movement of capital. There are 
provisions in various sectoral laws that have an impact on forei gn direct investment and a relatively 
small number of bilateral investment agreements that have been in place for many years. A new 
investment promotion entity, Invest in Norway, was established in 2013 to coordinate the 
Government's efforts to attract for eign investment. "  
 
Question 1:  Please provide the detailed negative list for the few exceptions.  
Question 2:  Please confirm whether restriction means prohibition.  
Question 3:  Please explain the judgment criteria and the review procedures.  
Question 4:  How do foreign investors participate in the review process and how to safeguard their 
due rights?  
 
Answer:  
Norway's investment regime is generally open to foreign investors, but there are a few restrictions 
in certain sectors, notably the exploitation of natu ral resources such as petroleum and gas, farmland 
and forests, and power supply rights. Most of the investment restrictions take the form of some type 
of government approval or licen sing process by the relevant ministry, and these generally apply 
equally f or Norwegian and foreign investors . 
 
Page 24, para 2.10  
 
"……The White Paper also emphasized the importance of promoting green growth and taking climate 
change and environmental considerations into account in its trade policies and agreements. It notes 
that the international trade regime can advance a "green shift" by promoting trade in environmental 
goods and services, and that the Government will include a separate chapter on trade and 
sustainable development in FTAs."  
 
Question 5:  Has Norway assessed the feasibility and necessity of integrating green development, 
climate change, and environmental factors into trade policies as well as agreements? If it has, please 
illustrate the assessment procedures (including the assessment model and approach).  
 
Question  6: Please illustrate the specific fields in which to apply the above assessment outcomes, 
such as the formulation of relevant domestic policies, free trade agreements and the negotiation 
orientation of investment agreements.  
 
Answer:  
A chapter on trade and sustainable development is an integral part of Norway's free trade 
agreements. The chapter primarily addresses the environmental and social pillars of sustainable 
development, reiterating Norway's commitment to implement its internat ional obligations 
concerning inter alia  climate change. It furthermore includes an obligation to facilitate and promote 
investment, trade in and dissemination of goods and services that contribute to sustainable 
development .  
  
Norway has actively participated in the discussions on trade and environment in the WTO. The 
negotiations on the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) 2014 -2016 was an important attempt 
to ensure a green shift and increased use of environmental - and climate friendly goods and services. 
This process should be continued when the time is right. Norway takes active part in other 
international discussions related to trade and environment, such as Multilateral Environment 
Agreements (CITES, UNFCCC etc.) In the OECD , Norway has participated actively in general 
discussions on how environment and sustainable development can be integrated into trade 
agreements.  
 
In addition, Norway has many years of experience of integrating environmental considerations in 
the developm ent of national legislation and regulatory frameworks of different types of economic 
activities, including through permit systems and environmental impact assessments.  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 39 - 
 
  Page 26, para. 2.12  
 
"……The regulations go beyond CITES in the following areas: CITES im port permits will be required 
in addition to export permits for the import of Appendix II -species and for the internal trade of 
Appendix I -species, and certain (frequently traded) Appendix II -species will require an internal 
CITES certificate and must also  be tagged or otherwise marked. "  
 
Question 7:  Please illustrate in detail where the regulations go beyond CITES, which commodities 
require import permits and which require internal CITES certificates?  
 
Answer:  
All Appendix II -species will require an import permit in addition to an export permit. The regulation 
is equivalent to the regulation in the EU to avoid creating a loophole within the European Economic 
Area (EEA).  
  
An internal CITES -certificate is required for specimens of Appendix I -species (o nly vertebrates) and 
some Appendix II -species. The Appendix II -species included are grey wolf, cats, bears, primates, 
elephants, diurnal birds of prey, jungle cock, owls, sea turtles and tortoises.  
  
All living specimens of the above -mentioned species req uire a certificate. Dead specimens of the 
above -mentioned species only require a certificate in the following cases:  
• Stuffed specimens, skins for stuffing, skulls, including hunting trophies  
• Birds eggs  
• Whole or part of rhino horn, Rhinocerotidae  
• Whole tusks from all species of elephant, Elephantidae, and unworked parts measuring more 
than 1 kg and/or 20 cm length  
• Whole or significant parts of skins, with exception of clothing  
• Whole or parts of birdskin  
• Stuffed specimens from and shells from tor toises   
The appraisal of the regulation is based on which specimens of which species are most frequently 
traded and have the highest price on an illegal market.  
 
Part II. Questions based on Report by the Government  
 
Page 6, para 2.21  
 
"In the same period, support and involvement in "green business" has increased, with dedicated 
schemes in a new agency (Enova) and late stage funding (testing and demonstration objectives) 
through Innovation Norway."  
 
Question:  Please explain the definition, scope and identifi cation criteria of "green business".  
Question:  Please illustrate in detail which incentive policies have been formulated to support "green 
business".  
 
Answer:   
Enova is a state enterprise which is funded through the Climate and Energy Fund. The objective o f 
Enova and the Climate and Energy Fund is to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen 
energy security and support technology development which over time will contribute to a reduction 
in greenhouse gas emissions. The scheme provides support in all  sectors for environmental and 
energy measures in the form of grants for investment aid and support for environmental studies. 
Examples of support schemes are, for example, energy efficiency in buildings, conversion of heating 
from fossil fuels to renewabl e sources in households, fast chargers for electric vehicles, hydrogen 
fuel stations and shore -side power for ships and ferries. All natural and juridical persons, including 
all undertakings, are eligible for support under the scheme.  
 
Norway does not have  a definition for "green business" per se, but different policies and programmes 
promote the greening of the business sector in different ways.  
 
The Environmental Technology Scheme is managed by Innovation Norway and provides grants for 
development and in vestments in pilot and demonstration projects for new Norwegian environmental WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 40 - 
 
  technology. The scheme aims to promote sustainable business activities and realize Norway's 
environmental goals.  
In this context, the definition of environmental technology is al l technology that directly or indirectly 
improves the environment, i.e. technology that limits pollution through purification processes, more 
environmentally friendly products and production processes, more efficient handling of resources 
and technological  systems that reduce the impact on the environment.  
 
It is a nationwide scheme to which all Norwegian companies may apply. The companies apply for 
grants related to the costs for planning and development of the project, investment costs during the 
development and pilot phase, and costs relating to start -up and testing after the initial work to 
establish the pilot. The criteria for receiving grants are related both to the projects' economic and 
commercial effects, environmental effect and level of in novation.  
 
Page 7, para. 2.29  
 
"The Government's aim is to reduce the State 's commercial ownership over time. At present, the 
Government has parliamentary approval to decrease state ownership in eight commercial 
companies. Decisions to buy or sell are made on a case -by-case basis, and reductions in ownership 
are undertaken when c onsidered to be commercially beneficial for the State . " 
 
Question:  What is the proportion in state -owned companies? Under what circumstances will the 
State 's ownership be reduced? If a foreign company wishes to acquire such a company, what 
conditions need  to be met?  
 
Answer:  
The proportion of the Norwegian state 's holdings in the different state -owned companies are listed 
in Table 3.21 (State -owned enterprises, December 2016) of the Secretariat Report.  
 
The Government stresses that it is crucial that any changes in state ownership must be carried out 
in a manner that is professional, commercially justifiable and that protects the value of the State's  
assets. When deciding on changes in the State's  ownership, the G overnment will assess both  
market -related and  company -specific factors. The G overnment will not make any changes to the 
State's  ownership or support any transactions that are not considered financially beneficial for the 
State  in each individual case. Different types of solutions m ay be used to reduce the State's  holdings; 
such as sales of the State's  shares to industrial or financial entities, public offerings or as part o f 
industrial solutions. The G overnment has as of today not put forward any particular conditions that 
need to b e met if a foreign (or a domestic) company wishes to acquire the State's  holding in a 
company.  
 
Part III. Other Questions  
 
We have noticed that Norway made the following commitment on the commercial presence in courier 
services (CPC7512): No restrictions except for the provisions in transport services.  
 
Question:  What are the specific provisions on transport services during the establishment of a 
foreign courier enterprise?  
 
Answer:  
In the road transport sector, EEA law regulates admission to, and the pur suit of, the occupation of 
road transport operator.  
 
Undertakings engaged in the occupation of road transport operator shall  
a)     Have an effective and stable establishment in Norway;  
b)     Be of good repute;  
c)     Have an appropriate financial standing; and  
d)     Have the requisite professional competence.  
 
The access to the occupation of road transport operator and rules regarding access to the road 
haulage market are regulated in the Act on Professional Transpo rt by Motor Vehicle and Vessel 
(Professional Transport Act).  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 41 - 
 
  Question:  Is there a need for the completion of licensing approval procedures or meeting other 
requirements for the establishment of foreign -funded courier enterprises in the territory of Norway?  
 
Answer:  
If the foreign -funded courier enterprise is covered by the r egulations of the Norwegian Postal Act, 
there is a registration procedure to be fulfilled. The application of the Postal Act depends on whether 
the company is intending to supply postal services, defined in the act as "public and commercial 
offer of a serv ice that consists of collecting, routing, handling, sorting and distributing postal items 
on a regular basis ".  
 
If the planned activity does not fulfill this definition, there are no specific procedures other than the 
general, horizontal law procedures co nnected to the establishment of enterprises in Norway.  
 
Question:  What are the specific provisions on and requirements for the customs clearance of 
international express items?  
 
Answer:   
Norway has a simplified customs clearance procedure for low value co nsignments to private citizens 
where the value of the goods is below NOK 3 ,000.  
 
In order for transport companies to use this procedure, they must be authorized by customs 
authoriti es and fulfil certain criteria.  
 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM CHINA  
Part I. Questions based on Report by the Secretariat  
 
Summary , para 4  
"Since 2012, Norway has accepted the Trade Facilitation Agreement, implemented the revised ITA 
and pharmaceutical product coverage, completed procedures for adopting the revised GPA, and 
commit ted to phasing out all remaining agricultural export subsidies. It has an exemplary record in 
terms of meeting its notification obligations. It has been a third party in 82 dispute settlement cases, 
has never been a respondent, and was a complainant four t imes, most recently in the EC – Seal 
Products case (DS401) with the report of the Appellate Body circulated in May 2014. " 
 
Question 1:  Are there preferential tax policies included in Norway 's phased -out surplus agricultural 
export subsidies? Is there any specific schedule on the phase -out? If any, please introduce.  
 
Answer:  
Norway is committed to phasing out export subsidies by 2020, and has started to amend our 
regulations to fulfill this c ommitment. A revised Norwegian schedule for export subsidies is already 
certified by the WTO.  
 
In the dairy sector, rates for export subsidies for cheese are already reduced by 50%. A decision 
has been made to phase out all export subsidies for  cheese fro m 1 July 2020.  
 
There are no preferential tax policies in Norway related to the phase -out of agricultural export 
subsidies.  
 
Page 19, para 1.15  
"The EEA Agreement makes Norway part of the European Union's single market for services. As a 
consequence, the European Union accounts for 70% of Norway's services imports and nearly 65% 
of its exports (Table 1.5). Outside of Europe, Norway's main trading partners for services are the 
United States and certain countries in Asia, i.e. China, Japan, Korea, and Singap ore." 
 
Question 2:  Does the trade between Norway and China include the traditional Chinese medicine 
services? If any, what proportion of the service trade in traditional Chinese medicine account for?  
 
Norway does not have sufficiently detailed services sta tistics to assess whether or not traditional 
Chinese medicine services is part of trade in services between Norway and China.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 42 - 
 
  Question 3:  Can the practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine be licensed in Norway?  
 
Answer: There is no licensing system for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Norway. The same is the 
case for all other kinds of alternative medicine.  
 
All services in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine must be provided in accordance with general 
rules concerning all alternative health ser vice providers. Traditional Chinese Medicine providers will 
be entitled to the same treatment and non -discrimination as others, including applicable limitations 
concerning advertising health -related effects of the services provided.  
 
Act of 2 July 1999 No . 64 relating to Health Personnel governs the activity of p ersonnel in the health 
services or in pharmacies who perform acts that has a preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, 
health -preserving or rehabilitative objective. Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners working for 
the health services (hospitals, clinics, municipalities etc.) have to abide by the regulations of the 
Health Personnel Act.  
 
A Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner will not be able to obtain an a uthorization as health 
personnel on the basis of an education in Traditional Chinese Medicine alone. The reason is that 
Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner is not a regulated health profession in Norway.  
 
Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners n ot working for the health services and not having an 
authorization, must comply with the Act No. 64 of 27 June 2003 relating to the alternative treatment 
of disease, illness, etc.   
Usually, the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine implies the use of he rbs and herbal remedies. 
The use of such products must be in compliance with the regulations relating to medicinal products 
and food articles.  
 
Page 34, para 2.49  
"The Research Council of Norway is the Government's body for research issues. As the only national 
research funding agency, it provides about NKr 9 billion in funding each year for research and 
innovation projects, mainly to universities and institutes.53 It supports industry through funding 
schemes for industrial research and access to tax cre dit schemes, as well as by guidance on other 
relevant schemes for research cooperation and funding. It promotes international research 
networking through cooperation agreements and international funding mechanisms. " 
 
Question 4:  What are the main contents of the above tax credit? If there is any relevant act, please 
list its name.  
 
Answer:  Skattefunn is a research and development (R&D) tax incentive scheme introduced in 2002. 
The objective of the scheme is to stimulate R&D and innovation in the Norwegian pr ivate sector. All 
businesses that are subject to taxation in Norway are eligible to apply. If the tax deduction for the 
R&D expenses is greater than the amount that the firm is liable to pay in tax, the remainder is paid 
in cash to the firm. If the firm is  not liable for taxation, the entire allowance is paid in cash.  
 
The conditions for tax deduction of R&D expenses are described the Tax Act of 26.  March  1999 § 16-
40. Skattefunn is jointly administered by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) and the Norweg ian 
Tax Administration, on behalf of Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Finance. 
The RCN  is responsible for the approval of the R&D content of the project, whereas the Tax 
Administration assesses and grants the actual tax credit,  i.e. decides what the eligible costs are, 
which tax credit is appropriate (18 or 20 %) and any deduction due to other public support to ensure 
that that limits for state aid are respected.  
 
The RCN 's task is to determine, ex -ante, whether the project can b e considered R&D in terms of the 
law. The project shall be limited and aimed at acquiring new knowledge, skills and capabilities that 
are aimed at the development of new or improved, goods, services or production processes.  
 
More information about the scheme:  
https://www.skattefunn.no/prognett -skattefunn/Home_page/1222340152176   
The Tax Act:  
https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/1999 -03-26-14/KAPITTEL_17#KAPITTEL_17   
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Page 36, para 3.3 & 3.4  
"The Norwegian Customs (Tolletaten) is responsible for customs and border control matters; it is 
under the Minis try of Finance and operates with a budget of NKr 1,512 million (2016). There was a 
reorganization of certain functions as of 1 January 2016 when the Customs and Excise Service was 
renamed the Customs Service, and the Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) took over certain 
post-clearance control activities, responsibility for the collection of customs duties, import VAT and 
excise duties, and administrative responsibility for the import VAT and excise duties. Following the 
change of name and functions, there has  been a greater emphasis placed on border aspects and 
thus the key tasks of the Norwegian Customs are border control and the management of goods. " 
"The Norwegian Customs developed a new business strategy in 2017. It recognized the increase in 
the flow of g oods coming into and out of the country and the control and inspection measures it 
carries out on behalf of about 30 government agencies. Customs places an emphasis on its social 
protection role and government revenue generation through collection of dutie s and fees. As part of 
its effort to modernize, create effective procedures, and make efficient use of resources, it has 
developed several strategies focused on: better and more efficient procedures; improving 
information flows; automation of processes; an d improving compliance through better control 
systems and selection of consignments for inspection. " 
 
Question 5:  Please clarify how the responsibilities are divided between the Norwegian Customs and 
the Tax Administration in terms of the collection of cus toms duties, excise duties and fees. What 
post-clearance control activities does the Tax Administration take over, and how the two 
departments coordinate?  
 
Answer:  
Norwegian Customs calculate the customs duties, and is authorized to calculate import VAT an d 
excise duties in most situations when goods are imported by economic operators who are not 
registered for VAT or excise duties with the Tax Administration. The amounts calculated by the 
Norwegian Customs are collected by the Norwegian Tax Administration.   
 
Deferred payment of import VAT was introduced 1. January 2017, and as a consequence economic 
operators who are registered for VAT, calculate and report the import VAT to the Tax Administration. 
Economic operators who are registered for excise duties rep ort the duties and pay the amounts to 
the Tax Administration.  
 
After the reorganisation the Norwegian Customs does post -clearance activities related to customs 
duties, while the Tax Administration does post -clearance activities related to excise duties and  import 
VAT. The departments coordinate on the basis of cooperation agreements, and contact each other 
when necessary.  
 
Page 39, para 3.17  
"In terms of electronic systems, Norway continues to use TVINN and does not have a single window 
application as such.  Norway is in the early stages of elaborating and digitalizing customs systems. 
For customs enforcement, Norway is developing TREFF which will strengthen intelligence and 
improve information flow. " 
 
Question 6:  Please introduce the upgrade and improvement of Norway 's customs systems and the 
development of the "single window " in international trade in Norway.  
 
Answer:  
Norway was at the technological and procedural forefront with the establishment of our declaration 
system TVINN in 1988. Norway operates today a system which has most of the characteristics of a 
single window, though based on two electronic portals, TVINN and Altinn (notified under art. 10.4.3). 
The necessary applications to other border agencies than Customs, are done more and more through 
Altinn. The declarant refers in his customs declaration in TVINN to the necessary permits given 
through Altinn. All th e necessary permits, that they have been given, are then evaluated checked in 
Custom 's portal TVINN at the moment the declaration is sent, based on the references in the 
declaration. This usually takes less than three  minutes. Traders, importers and export ers, need to 
have a Norwegian official organization number (which implies establishment in Norway) to have 
access to the electronic portals. Norway is now working on developing a new digitalization strategy 
for the interaction between border agencies and t raders, importers and exporters.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 44 - 
 
  Page 68, para 3.88  
"Innovation Norway is the Government's main entity for business development, innovation, and 
export and investment promotion. It has a variety of programmes and services in order to  support 
start-ups, improve opportunities for growth companies, and promote the internationalization of 
businesses. It is owned by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries (51%) and the county 
municipalities (49%) and its main role is to support prof itable business development. As part of its 
mandate, Innovation Norway has a number of financing products to support businesses, and it 
provides a number of loans, grants, or guarantees. " 
 
Question 7 ：Please clarify the details of the influence of Innovatio n Norway on trade.  
 
Answer: Innovation Norway has advisory services and marketing services that are aimed at helping 
businesses with various challenges regarding trade and marketing of products in foreign countries, 
and partnering them up with foreign part ners. Innovation Norway does not have any aid schemes 
contingent upon export, nor aid schemes aimed at increasing (or maintaining) export. Innovation 
Norway is measured on its contribution to innovation and value creation in Norway. The key 
indicators meas uring Innovation Norway's contribution to innovation in Norwegian value creation 
are related to the development of income, productivity and profitability among its users. Those are 
also the main performance indicators for Innovation Norway's advisory servi ces, loans, grants and 
guarantees.  
 
Page 68, para 3.89  
"In terms of support for exports, Innovation Norway mainly provides international advisory services, 
an international network for Norwegian companies abroad, organization of trade fairs, and 
informatio n on trade regulations through the Export Centre, i.e. exporter's handbook and similar 
materials. According to its 2016 Annual Report, Innovation Norway provided more export assistance 
than in any previous year. Through its domestic offices and 35 offices abroad, it helped more than 
850 companies with international market consultancy services, an increase of 25% from the previous 
year. It also helped over 300 companies participate in international trade fairs. In 2016, a new 
programme aimed at export growth  called "Global Growth" was launched to provide information on 
expertise, customer contact, and international exposure to groups of companies.100 Furthermore, 
Innovation Norway cooperates with the Norwegian Export Credit Guarantee Agency (GIEK), Export 
Credit Norway (Eksportkreditt Norge), and GIEK Kredittforsikring on a number of different projects. " 
 
Question 8:  Does the Innovation Norway which is directly related to exports is in line with the WTO 
subsidy agreement ？ 
 
Answer:  Innovation Norway has no aid schemes that are contingent upon export. Innovation 
Norway has some advisory services and marketing services that are aimed at helping businesses 
with various challenges regarding trade and marketing of products in foreign cou ntries. There are 
no grants, loans or guarantee schemes that are contingent upon, or directly related to, exports in 
other ways. Innovation Norway  cooperate with other agencies that help promote business 
development in Norway. This is also the case with GI EK and Export Credit Norway. The cooperation 
does not include co -financing of projects  
 
Page 70, para 3.97  
"The majority of GIEK's outstanding guarantee liabilities are in the oil and gas sector, about 85%. 
The sector has seen a decline in recent years due  to low oil prices. As such, there has been a general 
downturn in GIEK's business, as reflected in a decrease in new guarantees and in 2016 also in 
guarantee liabilities (Table 3.16). Furthermore, this sector has weak debt service capacity resulting 
in sev eral debt restructurings in recent years. In order to reduce losses and preserve assets, GIEK 
has created limited liability companies to take ownership of certain companies/assets when 
necessary in recent years " 
 
Question 9:  This paragraph relates to the risk management measures taken by GIEK when the oil 
and gas industry is in decline, namely the establishment of a limited liability company to receive 
specific assets to be disposed. Does the company have corresponding risk p revention and control 
measures to cope with the occurrence of industrial risks, like setup of industrial limit, etc.  
 
Answer:  
As mentioned in the paragraph  3.95, GIEK is not its own legal entity, but a part of the Norwegian 
State as an administrive enterp rise. When it comes to the newly established limited liability WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 45 - 
 
  company, this is directly owned by the Norwegian State. However, GIEK has been given the 
responsibility of managing the State  ownership in the company. The company's sole task is to 
recover and  minimize losses related to GIEK's outstanding guarantees or claims in cases where the 
borrower is at risk of defaulting or has defaulted. By establishing such a limited liability company, 
GIEK can act similarily  to commercial financial institutions in sit uations of default to minimize losses. 
The company's purpose is to minimize losses for GIEK and to contribute to fulfilling GIEK's 
requirement to break -even over time.  
Neither GIEK nor the new company has any limits on industries or companies, but the Norw egian 
Parliament (Storting) annually determines the ceiling for GIEK 's maximum exposure (issued 
guarantees and binding offers on guarantees).  
 
In each individual guarantee application, GIEK performs a risk assessment that involves many 
factors such as; ri sk in the project, environmental risk, corruption risk and country risk. GIEK follows 
the outstanding guarantee portfolio carefully to assess which measures to implement to prevent 
losses.  
 
Page 71, para 3.99  
"GK has two main products: credit insurance, insuring the companies' total credit sales; and the 
single risk product, covering a single project or contract known as a supplier's credit guarantee. Fish 
export companies account for approximately 70% of the portfolio, and general industry the 
remaining part. The volumes insured have fallen from NKr 46.0 billion in 2013 to NKr 43.3 billion in 
2016. " 
 
Question 10:  Please clarify the details and whether the measure is against WTO subsidy 
Agreement?  
 
Answer:  
The company was part of the Norwegian Export Credi t Guarantee Agency (GIEK) until 2001. As a 
response to the new ESA guidelines on short -term export -credit insurance, it was demerged as a 
separate limited company. GIEK managed the State's  ownership un til the end of 2014. In 
January  2015, this responsibili ty was transferred to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. 
The company shall operate on a commercial basis with the aim of delivering a competitive return. 
The measure is not considered to be subsidies as defined in the WTO's Agreement on Subsidi es and 
Countervailing Measures.   
 
Page 71, para 3.100  
Norway's dedicated export credit facility, Export Credit Norway (Eksportkreditt Norge), was 
established in July 2012 to provide export financing to Norwegian and foreign firms that purchase 
Norwegian go ods and services for export. Export Credit Norway's only task is to manage the State 's 
export credit scheme. Export Credit Norway is wholly owned by the Norwegian State and is 
administered by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries pursuant to the E xport Credit Act and 
the Export Credit Regulations.115 It provides medium - and long -term financing for companies in 
the form of CIRR (commercial interest reference rate/fixed rate) or market (floating rate) loans. It 
may provide financing for up to 85% of the contract value and all loans must be guaranteed by an 
export credit guarantee agency such as GIEK or commercial financial institutions with a rating that 
is acceptable according to the Export Credit Regulations. Furthermore, its lending activities are 
backed by the Norwegian state. As part of its objectives, it ensures that export credits are offered 
on comparable terms to those offered by competing countries.  
 
Question 11 : Export Credit Norway (Eksportkreditt Norge) provides export financing to Norwegi an 
and foreign firms purchasing Norwegian goods and services for export. Please clarify the details and 
whether the measure is against WTO subsidy Agreement.  
 
Answer:  
Norway is a Participant to the OECD Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits 
(Arrangement). Export Credit Norway's export loans follow the Arrangement. The Arrangement has 
a "safe haven" in the WTO's Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Meas ures (ASCM) meaning 
that an export credit practice which is in conformity with the provisions in the Arrangement, shall 
not be considered an export subsidy prohibited by the ASCM.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 46 - 
 
  In addition, Export Credit Norway provides floating rate loans on market t erms. These loans are 
offered on a commercial basis. These measures are in conformity with WTO obligations .  
 
 
Page 101, para 4.1  
"Lands dedicated to agriculture in Norway total roughly 1 million hectares, i.e. no more than 3% of 
the entire land mass. Cere als production takes place on approximately one third of the agricultural 
lands; the rest is for the most part only suitable for the cultivation of grass or used as pastures. As 
some of the best agricultural lands are located close to major population cent res, territories under 
pressure from urbanization are monitored and subject to controls. Parliament decided in 2004 that 
the annual loss to urbanization should not exceed 600 hectares. In December 2015, Parliament 
narrowed this objective further – to 400 h ectares by 2020. " 
 
Question 12:  Please specify the agricultural land management and control measures.  
 
Answer:  
Agricultural land is privately owned by the farmers. Any plans for establishing buildings or other 
constructions on agricultural land need approval from the local authorities. These authorities report 
annually to the national agency of statistics, Statisti cs Norway, with regard to the size of the 
agricultural land which has been approved for building or construction purposes.  
 
Question 13:  What supervision  measures does Norwegian G overnment mainly take to mitigate the 
influence of the development of urbaniz ation on optimum agricultural farmland to reconcile the 
development of urbanization and agricultural farmland?  
 
Answer:  
The regional governor's offices assist the State  in implementing its policy with regard to  protection 
of agricultural land. These authorities guide and assist the local authorities in their planning 
processes, with the aim to fulfill national priorities, and to minimize construction on agricultural land. 
In some cases, the regional governor off ice may cancel local authorities' plans involving changes in 
the use of agricultural land. In such cases the final decision may be taken by the Ministry of Local 
Governance and Modernization, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Most  cases 
are however solved by the local or regional authorities.  
 
Question 14:  The Norwegian Parliament adjusts the scale of farmland could be occupied for the 
development of urbanization from 600 hectares to 400 hectares annually. Please explain the main 
considerations in adjusting the policy measure.  
 
Answer:  
The level of  food self -sufficiency is rather low in  Norway. Food security and preparedness are 
therefore strong arguments for protecting scarce agricultural land by further slowing down the 
number of  adopted plans for urbanization of agricultural land. In order to fulfill the target set by the 
Norwegian Parliament to increase the food production in line with the population growth, it is 
necessary to increase the political awareness and to further redu ce the number of plans for 
urbanization of agricultural land.  
 
Page 102, para 4.3  
"With total agricultural land roughly stable and a diminishing number of farms, the size of the 
average holding has more than tripled over the last 40 years. Norwegian farms nevertheless remain 
small by international comparison.3 The land of farms that ceas e production is normally leased to 
neighbouring farmers rather than put up for sale. Locally enforced requirements to maintain primary 
residence and upkeep of all agricultural land restrict the conversion of district farms into recreational 
properties. " 
 
Question 15:  Do relevant land policies give rise to the lease of farmland instead of sales where 
production stops?  
 
Answer:  
The land policy does not in itself stimulate lease of farmland. The rise of lease described is mostly a 
result of the owner and his f amily's close ties to the land. He or she does not want to sell, and 
therefore instead rents it out.   
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 47 - 
 
  Question 16:  How to guarantee that the lessee can invest the land in a long term under the 
circumstance of lease in general?  
 
Answer:  
According to the La nd law owners of farmland have an obligation to cultivate the land and thus keep 
the soil productive. If the owner choses to rent out the land, this can only be done by contracts of 
minimum ten years duration.   
 
 
Page 102, para 4.6  
"Productivity growth has  been much higher in Norwegian agriculture than in other sectors of the 
mainland economy in recent years. Farmers have been swift in adopting new technologies. About 
one third of the raw milk produced in Norway in 2015 was milked by robots, and the share i s 
expected to reach 50% within the next 3 -4 years. Other examples of increasing robotization are 
"intelligent" feed carts, the use of drones for mapping and measuring, and technologically controlled 
application of pesticides and fertilizer. A number of res earch proje cts funded under the 
EU Horizon  2020 programme are being developed at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences 
(NMBU). The Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) has been operating a Centre for 
Precision Agriculture to facilitate th e development and dissemination of new technologies since 
August  2016. " 
 
Question 17:  Does the G overnment take any corresponding measure to help farmer master 
agricultural technologies? If any, please specify.  
Answer:  
The G overnment supports the Norwegian Agricultural Extension Service with approximately 90 mill. 
NOK per year. This amount is negotiated in the yearly agricultural agreement.  
 
The Norwegian Agricultural Extension Service provides professional and independent ad vice 
concerning agriculture throughout the country. The Norwegian Agricultural Extension Service 
contributes to bringing research to producers. It is a key player in increasing knowledge among 
farmers and thereby lays the foundation for good agronomy and e fficient production. The support 
goes to, among other things, the operation and development of advisory activities, engineering 
services for buildings, health safety and environment consultancy, mechanical engineering advice, 
advice regarding organic produ ction and  the vegetable sector. The Norwegian Agricultural Extension 
Service organizes courses, seminars and academic days on different themes within the subject areas 
they are responsible for, and collaborates with relevant academic communities and actors . 
 
Page 103, para 4.9  
"The Government negotiates key parameters of agricultural policy, including the pricing of certain 
commodities, forms and level of support, welfare programmes, and implementation issues, with the 
two nationwide farmers' organizations,  i.e. the Norwegian Farmers' Union (Norges Bondelag) and 
the Norwegian Farmers' and Smallholders' Union (Norsk Bonde – og Småbrukarlag). The practice of 
annual Basic Agricultural Agreements has been in place since 1950. The system aims at joint 
agreement b etween the Government and the two organizations, but the Government may – subject 
to certain conditions – conclude an agreement with a single partner. Such was the case in 2015 and 
2016 (Table 4.3). If no agreement is reached, the Government may invite Par liament to fix the 
essential parameters (e.g. overall changes in budget transfers and market prices), and let the 
negotiating parties work out the detailed allocation of Parliament's package.11 Such was the 
outcome in 2017. " 
 
Question 18:  Please introduce these two organizations, including background of establishment, 
constituent members, rights of members, etc.  
 
Answer:   
The Norwegian Farmers' Union is the largest union for farmers. The organization has more than 
63,000 members. The Norwegian Farmers' Union works to improve the conditions for agriculture 
and seeks to improve the position of agriculture has in the Norwegian society. The Norwegian 
Farmers' Union is organized with 515 local organizations and 18 county organizations. The 
Norwegian Farmers' Union does not receive state aid, and is economically and politically 
independent. The organization was established in 1896.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 48 - 
 
  The Norwegian Farmers' and Small holders' Union is a political independent organization working to 
improve the economic and social  conditions in agriculture, including through the annual agricultural 
negotiations. The Norwegian Farmers' and Smallholders' Union has approximately 7,000 members. 
The organization was established in 1913.  
Question 19:  Does the "Norwegian Farmers' and Sma llholders' Union " represent the interests of 
Norwegian small farmers? Which farmers do these small farmers exactly refer to?  
 
Answer:  
Norwegian Farmers' and Smallholders' Union represents the interests of both farmers and 
smallholders. It does not have spe cific member conditions, but is open to everybody that supports 
its political vision.  
 
Page 112, para 4.31  
"State owned Statskog SF is Norway's largest landowner. The ownership of the company is under 
the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture and F ood and the Ministry of Climate and the 
Environment and was initially provided a contribution from the State  of NKr 1.34 billion. Pursuant to 
its statutes, it manages, operates, and develops state -owned forests with a view to producing a 
positive return. A s of 2016, it owned 5.9 million hectares, or about 20% of Norway's land area, 
including 6% of the productive forest area in the country. Statskog manages its forests on a 
commercial basis, but is also involved in wilderness management and other land and pr operty 
management. It promotes sustainable management and has cooperation agreements with a number 
of organizations to work together on common policies in areas such as tourism, hunting, fishing, etc. 
For the last several years, it has produced positive re turns and generally a growing profit, reaching 
NKr 130 million in 2016. However, while forestry is important, it generates revenues from its other 
activities as well. In 2016, 29% of revenues came from forestry and 15% from forest protection 
compensation. " 
 
Question 20:  What mechanism does the Norwegian G overnment adopt to balance the economic 
benefits and environmental protection during the operation of Statskog SF?  
 
Answer:  
Statskog SF is organized as an independent company owned by the State . The ownership is under 
the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The operations of the company are under 
the responsibility of the board appointed by the general assembly. The commercial activities of the 
company, including forestry, ta ke place in the market on the same terms as for private companies. 
Statskog SF has to comply with all regulations under the forestry act, as well as other legislation 
regulating nature management. The forestry act sets provisions in order to secure sustain able forest 
management on all forest land, regardless of ownership. The forestry law enforcement does not 
discriminate between private and public forest owners. The forestry in Statskog SF is fully certified 
through PEFC and partly through FSC in order to verify that the company complies with the standards 
for sustainable forest management.  
 
In line with the Norwegian policy for forest protection under the Ministry of Climate and Environment, 
forest protection is carried out in state owned forests, and thr ough voluntary processes on private 
land. At present, 9% of the productive forest area owned by Statskog SF is protected as nature 
reserves, while additional 11% of the productive area is under consideration for protection. As 
outlined in the Norwegian Government ownership policy, the G overnment expects the State  owned 
companies to integrate corporate social responsibility in their strategies and operations. It is further  
more expected that state owned companies are at the forefront regarding environment an d climate 
issues.  
 
In addition to the market based operations carried out as a land owner, Statskog SF also carries out 
services for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and the Ministry of Climate and Environment. These 
services include facilitating recreational  use of the areas, governmental  supervision of wilderness 
areas and management of local user rights (grazing, rights to cut wood, etc.) on state owned 
common lands.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 49 - 
 
  Page 131, para 4.88  
"Activities on the Norwegian continental shelf are governed by  the Petroleum Act No. 72 of 
29 November 1996. A licensing system is applicable to all companies engaged in exploration and 
production activities (Box 4.2). Offshore production is subject to a separate tax regime, laid down 
in the Petroleum Taxation Act No . 35 of 13 June 1975. Recent reductions in the general corporate 
tax rate have been balanced by commensurate increases in the special petroleum tax to maintain a 
marginal tax rate of 78%.83 The combined stakes of the 67% state -owned Statoil ASA and Petoro 
AS, an entity established in 2001 to manage the direct financial interests of the Norwegian State in 
offshore fields, accounted for approximately 59% of the production volume on the Norwegian 
continental shelf in 2017. However, a total of 27 energy compani es held stakes in fields on stream 
in 2017. Over the years, the Norwegian offshore sector has seen the arrival of many new entrants, 
particularly for the development of small discoveries in mature areas. " 
 
Question 21: Does "all companies " include foreign companies?  
 
Answer:  
The expression "all companies" includes foreign companies. All companies wanting to participate in 
petroleum activities on the Norwegian Continental Shelf must apply for a production licence  in a 
dedicated licensing round (i.e. when th e Norwegian Government invites qualified companies to 
compete for such production licenc es). Both Norwegian and foreign companies alike may ask to be 
qualified. Normally, interested companies then go through a pre -qualification process, where the 
competent  Norwegian authorities consider the financial strength of the company, its technical 
capacity and geological competence, its experience as an oil company and its abilities and systems 
relating to health, safety and the environment – all in accordance with applicable Norwegian laws 
and regulations. Companies may be pre -qualified either as licensees (partners) or as operators. A 
pre-qualification does not as such result in the company becoming a licensee or an operator – this 
happens through an award of a pro duction licence  or a Government consent to a farm -in. All 
companies participating in the petroleum activities in Norway must be joint stock companies 
registered in Norway or elsewhere in the European Economic Area.  
 
Question 22:  Based on what consideration s is special tax introduced for offshore oil?  
 
Answer:  
The special tax regime was introduced by the Petroleum Tax Law in 1975 and has remained largely  
unchanged since then. The considerations on which the law are based are that oil companies produce 
oil an d gas resources that are non -renewable and that belong to the Norwegian State. The Norwegian 
State is entitled to require parts of the superprofits earned by the oil companies by collecting a 
resource rent t ax (special petroleum tax of 52% ) in addition t o the ordinary profit tax of 26%  to be 
paid by all companies doing business in Norway.  
 
Question 23:  Is there quantity restriction on the oil and gas leases held by an energy company?  
 
Answer:  
If the question relates to whether one oil company may hold all the shares in a production licence  
in Norway, the answer is no. We have experienced that the petroleum activities gain from having 
more than one licensee in each licence . This ensures both a p lurality of geological ideas, access to 
more technology and the sharing of economic and other responsibilities related to the activities 
under the production licence .  
 
If the question is whether there are restrictions as to the number of productions licences in which 
an oil company may hold a share, the answer is also no. One oil company may in principle hold 
shares in as many production licence s as they want, subject to the following:  
 
• The company must be qualified for the activity in question;  
• The company must apply in a licensing round (competition) and accept an offer from the 
Norwegian Government for a given number of shares.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Part II. Questions based on Report by the Norway  
 
Page 3, para 1.5  
"In Norway's trade policy profile, the agricultural sector differs from other sectors due to high tariffs 
and extensive subsidies. A number of factors make agricultural production in Norway challenging, 
and the Government will maintain a certain amount of f lexibility in agricultural trade policy in order 
to compensate for the disadvantages agriculture faces in Norway. At the same time, Norway remains 
committed to play a constructive role in global agricultural trade pol icy, acknowledging that all 
WTO Members  are committed to achieving progressive liberalization in agriculture in accordance 
with Article 20 of the Agreement on Agriculture. Norway will fulfill the commitments stemming from 
WTO decisions including from the Bali and Nairobi Ministerial Conferences , phasing out all remaining 
export subsidies by the end of 2020. " 
 
Question 24:  Please explain the main negative factors that challenge the Norwegian agricultural 
production.  
 
Answer:  
Some of the main factors that make agricultural production in Norway cha llenging is the climate and 
weather conditions, steep fields, still small farms and high production costs.  
 
 
Question 25:  Please specify on which aspects the "flexible agricultural trade policy " refers to.  
 
Answer:  
Since the last TPR the Norwegian Governm ent has tabled White Papers to the Parliament on both 
trade policy and agricultural policy, where the current policy has been debated.  
  
The Parliament has agreed on four primary goals for the Norwegian agriculture policy:   
 
• Food security  
• Agriculture in  parts of the country  
• Increased value added  
• Sustainable agriculture with lower Green House Gas -emissions  
 
Support measures are carefully designed with to achieve these overall goals for Norway 's agriculture 
and food policy as adopted by the Parliament. Agricultural import duties are a vital part of 
safeguarding Norwegian agriculture.  
 
 
Page 5, para 2.13  
"The world is facing climate challenges that require transiti on into a more sustainable, low -emission 
society. "Thinking greener" implies that many of to morrow's low -emissions solutions will come from 
or through cooperation with industry. In order to limit global warming in line with the goals of the 
Paris Agreement, there will be a continuous need to develop new production methods. This creates 
opportunit ies for competent and innovative Norwegian businesses. " 
 
Question 26:  In the future, how shall the Norwegian Government apply "Thinking greener " to 
coordinate the relation between oil and gas development and environmental protection, and innovate 
the green  development philosophy?  
 
Answer:  
Environmental and climate considerations are an integral part of Norway 's policy. A range of policy 
instruments ensures that actors in the industry take environmental and climate considerations into 
account during all phas es of their activities, from exploration to development, operations and field 
closure. Also, production of the remaining resources on the Norwegian shelf will generate substantial 
value creation, but to realize this potential, new knowledge and technology must be developed. 
Research and technology is therefore an integral part of Norway's policy of the petroleum industry.  
For decades has Norway used strong regulatory measures to limit greenhouse gas emissions from 
the oil and gas sector. In addition to bein g part of the EU ETS system, the sector is faced with a high 
tax on CO2 emissions and are not allowed to flare gas from production. These types of measures 
have contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the Norwegian continental shelf and 
will continue to play a vital part in our efforts for further reductions.   WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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Norway supports both the development and the diffusion of low carbon technologies. Norway has 
strong incentives for electric vehicles and extensive schemes to promote research and devel opment 
of low - and zero emission technologies in many sectors. CCS is one example. The Government 
launched a strategy in 2017 to strengthen green competitiveness and to facilitate the transformation 
of Norway into a low -emission society. Building green com petitiveness in Norway means cutting 
greenhouse gas emissions, increasing value creation and ensuring high employment.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  CHILE  
3.3.7 Derechos de propiedad intelectual  
 
En el párrafo 3.191  se menciona: "En abril de 2017 se presentó al Parlamento un proyecto de 
nueva Ley de Derecho de Autor que constituye la primera revisión general realizada desde hace más 
de 50 años. Se espera que el Parlamento debata el proyecto de ley en la primavera de 2018."  
 
Pregunta 1:  Chile agradecería entregar más información contenida en este proyecto de ley, en 
particular en lo relativo a aquellos elementos que le dan balance al sistema de derecho de autor, 
como las excepciones y limitaciones. Además, Chile agradecerá más detalles d e la forma en que se 
recogen en el proyecto los desafíos y oportunidades que brinda el proceso de digitalización.  
 
Answer:  
The new Copyright Act was approved by Parliament in May 2018, and will enter into force later this 
year. An important goal of the ne w Copyright Act is to maintain the balance of copyright, (i.e. balance 
the interest of rightholders with society's interest in access to copyrighted works, such as in 
education) and improve the rights of artists. This has been done in several areas and inc ludes the 
following amendments:  
 
A new, unwaivable right to fair renumeration when rights are transferred. This secures a fairer share 
of income for the artists that create copyrighted works and later decide to transfer the rights to 
others.  
 
A new interp retative measure to ensure that when an artist transfers the rights of a copyrighted 
work or performance, that transfer should only include the rights clearly included in the agreement. 
This shall ensure that the agreement should be interpreted in favor of  the artist.  
 
The copyright enforcement measures (sanctions and damages) are strengthened and there are new 
measures regarding streaming from an illegal source. Artists and other rightholders have asked for 
this reform.  
 
Regarding exceptions and limitatio ns, Norway is bound by EU/EEA law and the exhaustive list of 
limitations in the EU directives on copyright and related rights. The main update of exceptions and 
limitations for the digital era was actually done in a 2005 Copyright Act revision, containing the 
Norwegian implementation of the 2001 EU infosoc Directive. The aim of the Copyright Act has for 
several years – also before 2005 – been technological neutrality.  
 
1.3.1 Tendencias y pautas del comercio de mercancías y servicios  
 
El párrafo 1.14.  se señala que, en el año 2014, los servicios marítimos y en mar abierto 
representaron casi el 65% de las exportaciones de servicios  para Noruega.  
 
Pregunta 2: Chile agradecería a Noruega indicar si, de 2014 a la fecha, existe en Noruega algún 
tipo de plan ificación orientado a la diversificación de la canasta exportadora de servicios, o si por el 
contrario se planea potenciar este mismo sector dentro del total de exportación de servicios del país.   
 
Answer:  
It is challenging to estimate the export value of services, and statistical data does not fully reflect 
the commercial realities in respect of the services trade. Norwegian export sectors are continuously 
changing and new areas are developing. In later years, services provided by digital means i.a. 
throug h automation are on the rise. Norway is highly diversified in respect of services and benefits 
greatly from services imports and exports. There is no program to export more of specific service 
sectors.  
 
El párrafo 1.16.:  señala que, a pesar de la reciente disminución de los precios del petróleo y el 
gas, Noruega mantiene un superávit por cuenta corriente. No obstante, este superávit se ha reducido 
significativamente, pasando del 12 .5% del PIB en 2 012 al 4% en 2016 (cuadro 1.3).  
Pregunta 3 : Chile agradecería  a Noruega si a nivel de política estatal, contempla planes de 
mitigación respecto a los efectos internos que provoca en su economía la variación de los precios 
del petróleo y el gas.  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 53 - 
 
   
Answer:  
Norway's petroleum industry presents particular challenges  for fiscal policy in ensuring a stable 
economic development. The public revenues from petroleum are large, vary considerably from year 
to year, and will be depleted over time.  
  
The Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) and the fiscal rule for the use of  oil and fund revenue 
address this challenge, and are designed to support a stable development of the Norwegian economy 
in both the short and long term. The State 's net cash flow from the petroleum industry is transferred 
in full to the GPFG, in addition t o the direct returns from the Fund itself. The fiscal rule specifies that 
the transfers back from the Fund to the central government budget shall, over time, follow the 
expected real return on the Fund. The implementation of the rule is based on a real ret urn of 3 %. 
This framework delinks the earning and use of petroleum revenue, which is a necessary condition 
for sound macroeconomic management. The framework helps buttressing petroleum price volatility 
and lessens the risk of overspending.  
  
The fiscal rul e is a long -term guide for the use of the money in the GPFG. It also puts emphasis on 
evening out economic fluctuations to contribute to good capacity utilisation and low unemployment. 
Several mechanisms have an effect in this regard. Spending of petroleum  income is measured by 
the non -oil structural budget deficit. This means that the fiscal rule allows automatic stabilisers to 
play out in full. The automatic stabilisers in the budget are estimated to be stronger in Norway than 
in many other countries due to Norway's comprehensive welfare systems. The spending rule also 
allows budget policy to be used actively to stabilise production and employment. However, 
experience indicates that fiscal policy has a limited capacity for fine -tuning of the business cycle . 
Since 2001, monetary policy has been the first line of defence in the face of economic shocks.  
  
Together, the fiscal rule and the GPFG comprise a fiscal framework that insulates the fiscal budget 
from fluctuations in petroleum revenue, stemming either from volatile oil and gas prices or from 
changing production or investments in the petroleum sector  
 
1.3.2 Tendencias y pautas de la IED  
 
Párrafo 1.18.:  señala que, según datos de la UNCTAD, el volumen de la IED que entre 2013 y 2015 
recuperó su tendencia al alza, cayó abruptamente en 2016, año en que se registró una salida neta 
de IED de 5.500 millones de dólares EE. UU.  
 
Pregunta 4:  En este respecto, Chile agradecería a Noruega comentar si cuenta con algún análisis 
que refleje los motivos que generaron la  salida de IED en 2016.  
 
Answer:  
We have not conducted an analysis of the reasons for the drop in foreign direct investment in 2016. 
However, the sharp fall in oil prices that began in 2014 and the temporary set -back in the Norwegian 
economy following the  fall in oil prices may have contributed.  
 
Starting in 2013, the Government has carried out a reform of the tax system. The reform has 
included a reduction of corporate tax rates from 28 to 23 pct., lower wealth tax and efforts to tax 
different assets more  equally. All other things equal, this reform of the tax system should increase 
incentives for foreign direct investments in Norway.  
 
Párrafo 1.19.:  señala que, en 2015, los volúmenes de negocios de las empresas bajo control 
extranjero en Noruega represent aban el 21% del empleo del sector privado en Noruega. Además, 
señala que de este 21%, las empresas de propiedad sueca, que representan el 30%, operan en 
diversos sectores de la economía noruega.  
 
Pregunta 5:  Chile agradecería a Noruega indicar, respecto de  las empresas suecas y su participación 
en la economía noruega, en qué sectores específicos de la economía del país han concentrado su 
actividad.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 54 - 
 
  Answer:  
Swedish companies' activity in the Norwegian economy is widely distributed among industries. The 
most important industries are wholesale and retail trade (NACE 45, 46, 47), construction of buildings 
(NACE 41), telecommunications (NACE 61) and air transport (NACE 51), with approximately 40% of 
the total number of Swedish companies, 60% of their turnover an d 45% of their employment.   
 
2.4 Régimen de inversión  
 
Párrafo 2.41:  señala que el Gobierno ha presentado al Parlamento una nueva Ley de Seguridad 
Nacional, que prevé un mecanismo para controlar la adquisición por entidades extranjeras de 
empresas noruegas, que desempeñen un papel fundamental en apoyo de servicios nacional es 
esenciales.  
 
Pregunta 6:  Chile agradecería a Noruega precisar el concepto propuesto de "servicios nacionales 
esenciales" y compartir más detalles respecto de los efectos que esta ley pueda tener en la 
adquisición futura de empresas noruegas por parte d e entidades extranjeras.  
 
Answer:  
The scope of new National Security Act is to safeguard national security interests. The concept of 
"critical national services" relates to the protection of those services, in which a whole or partly loss 
of the service, w ill affect the State's  ability to safeguard national security interests.  
 
The mechanism for notification and control of the acquisition of Norwegian companies which plays a 
crucial role in supporting critical national services, will apply to both domestic  and foreign investors. 
Norway does not foresee that the mechanism will have a significant negative effects on the future 
acquisitions of Norwegian companies by foreign entities. Governmental decisions to deny or restrict 
acquisitions of such companies by foreign entities, will be reserved for exceptional cases where it is 
deemed necessary in the interest of national security and where such an action is considered 
proportionate to the aim pursued.  
 
The National Security Act was adopted by the Norwegian Par liament (the Storting) in March 2018 
and will enter into force when the Government has prepared more detailed regulations to the new 
act.  
 
4.3.1.2 Seguros y pensiones  
 
Párrafo 4.123  sobre La Ley de Actividades de Seguros señala que el Ministerio de Hacienda emite 
una autorización para establecer una compañía de seguros en Noruega, por recomendación de la 
Autoridad de Supervisión Financiera y que una compañía de seguros domiciliada en  el EEE puede 
prestar servicios de seguro con carácter transfronterizo o a través de una sucursal en Noruega  
 
Pregunta 7: Chile agradecería a Noruega clarificar si es posible para las compañías de seguro 
extranjeras, que no forman parte de la EEE, establec erse en dicho país o prestar servicios de manera 
transfronteriza. De ser posible alguna de estas alternativas, Chile agradecería indicar a qué tipo de 
evaluación o control son sometidas estas empresas, previo establecimiento, y si éste difiere de los 
reque rimientos para países que forman parte de la EEE.  
 
Answer:   
A financial undertaking, including insurance undertakings, domiciled outside Norway may establish 
a subsidiary in Norway, see S ection 5 -1 of the Financial Undertaking Act.  
 
Insurance undertakings  from non -EEA states may, pursuant to a licence issued by the Ministry of 
Finance of Norway, establish and carry on business through a branch in Norway. Requirements for 
the authorisation application and the branch office are inter alia  to be found in the Financial 
Undertakings Act Section 5 -6 and Chapter 3. A licence may only be issued to carry on business 
equivalent to the business which the institution is entitled to carry on in its home state, and only if 
the institution is subject to satisfactory super vision in its home state. Satisfactory supervisory 
cooperation must have been established between the supervisory authorities of the institution's 
home state and the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Párrafo 4.128  describe el sistema de pensiones en Noruega que se basa en tres pilares: i) la 
Seguridad Social (un plan de pensiones estatal con cobertura universal); ii) las pensiones de 
jubilación financiadas por los empleadores; y iii) los planes de ahorro y pensione s individuales.  
 
Pregunta 8: Chile agradecería a Noruega en este respecto, informar si el sistema de pensiones 
contempla en alguno de estos tres pilares la participación de empresas y/o inversión extranjera 
directa, y de ser así de qué manera participan e stas entidades extranjeras en el sistema.  
 
Answer:  
Defined benefit pension schemes financed by employers under pillar 2 can be provided by life 
insurance companies and institutions for occupational retirement provision based in Norway and 
other EEA -countri es that have been authorized to provide such services in Norway. Defined 
contribution pension schemes financed by employers under pillar 2 and individual pension savings 
(pillar 3) can be provided by life insurance companies, banks, investment firms etc. b ased in Norway 
and other EEA -countries that have been authorized to provide such services in Norway.  
 
The pension schemes mentioned above cannot be provided by life insurance companies from 
countries outside the EEA. It is only be possible for such compan ies to provide such pension schemes 
in Norway through establishing a subsidiary in Norway.  For other life insurance activities than the 
above mentioned pension schemes, it will be possible for life insurance companies from countries 
outside the EEA to prov ide services in Norway through establishing a branch in Norway. It is not 
possible for companies from countries outside the EEA to provide services cross -border into Norway.  
 
Segundo envío de preguntas  
 
Párrafo 2.13:  El Gobierno de Noruega también ha puesto en marcha una estrategia marítima ("Blue 
Growth for a Green Future") y una estrategia oceánica ("New Growth, Proud History"), así como otro 
libro blanco sobre el papel que desempeñan los océanos en la política exter ior y de desarrollo del 
país. Las estrategias marítima y oceánica incluyen las líneas generales de la política industrial y 
comercial para la industria marítima y oceánica. La estrategia marítima establece que el Gobierno 
tratará de que se establezca en lo s foros internacionales un marco reglamentario mundial 
armonizado, con mercados abiertos, requisitos rigurosos para salvaguardar la seguridad marítima y 
normas ambientales y sociales. La estrategia destaca la importancia de las normas mundiales para 
manten er la igualdad de condiciones y la apertura de los mercados a fin de garantizar la libre 
competencia e impulsar el crecimiento económico en todo el mundo. Este libro blanco se centra en 
el logro del Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible 14 ("Conservar y utiliz ar sosteniblemente los océanos, 
los mares y los recursos marinos para el desarrollo sostenible"). Los sectores que dependen de los 
océanos son una prioridad esencial para Noruega en los acuerdos y negociaciones comerciales de la 
OMC y los celebrados en otr os foros. En paralelo, una parte importante de la política consiste en 
prestar asistencia a los países en desarrollo para que pongan en marcha su "economía azul".  
 
Pregunta 1:  Chile agradecería Noruega profundizar con mayor detalle sobre cuáles son las 
prioridades ambientales en el sistema reglamentario mundial en  foros internacionales, en particular 
OMI. 
 
Answer:   
The International Maritime Organization has a broad environmental agenda, and Norway contributes 
to all parts of this agenda. We engage on the issues relating to new IMO policies/requirements for 
enhanced environmental protection, the detailed technical work, implementation issues and in 
technical cooperation. In general Norway is striving for an IMO framework which firmly responds to 
the various environmental challenges which arise for international shipping. Norway has sent in 
written contributions on environ mental issues including spread of alien species, chemicals, oil, waste, 
climate, air pollution (Sulphur, NOx, black carbon, volatile organic compounds (VOC), fuel quality), 
polar issues and energy efficiency.  
 
Párrafo 3.61: Los impuestos indirectos suelen  gravar por igual los productos nacionales y los 
importados, aunque se contemplan excepciones, tipos más bajos o reducciones para determinadas 
actividades y sectores. Por ejemplo, se aplican reducciones del impuesto sobre las emisiones de CO2 
Aplicable al consumo de aceites minerales para la industria de transformación de la madera y la 
industria de la harina/el aceite de pescado, así como para la aviación nacional y la pesca en aguas 
costeras  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Pregunta 2:  Chile agradecería a Noruega explicar cómo se escogi eron dichos sectores para la 
reducción de impuestos de emisiones y por qué.  
 
Answer:   
Norway introduced a CO2 tax in 1991 as one of the first countries in the world. The tax now applies 
to most uses of mineral products (petrol, diesel, mineral oil, natural gas, LPG, etc.) with a rate 
equivalent to 500 NOK per ton CO2. The tax rates measured  in NOK per litre/Sm3/kg reflects the 
carbon content of the fuels. Most exemptions and reduced rates are abolished.  
 
The reduced CO2 tax rate for mineral oil used in wood processing and fish meal/oil industries was 
abolished from 1 January 2018, and the ge neral CO2 tax equivalent to 500 NOK per ton CO2 now 
applies.  
 
The reduced CO2 tax rate for mineral oil used in domestic aviation was abolished from 
1 January  2014, and the general CO2 tax equivalent to 500 NOK per ton CO2 now applies. In 
addition, most emi ssions from domestic aviation are included in the EU Emission Trading Scheme 
(ETS), meaning that these emissions are priced by both the CO2 -tax and the ETS.  
 
Norway taxes CO2 emissions from mineral oil used for fishing in coastal waters. The reduced rate 
that applies to fishing in coastal waters is equivalent to 109 NOK per ton CO2. In practice, the 
reduced tax is imposed by refunding the difference between the general rate and the reduced rate. 
The reduced tax was introduced 1 January 2013. Earlier, miner al oil used for fishing in coastal waters 
was exempted from the CO2 tax. This exemption dated back to the earlier tax on mineral oil that 
was introduced in 1970 and was extended to the CO2 tax when the CO2 tax was introduced in 1991.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  BRAZIL  
0. SUMMARY / ABSTRACT  
0.9. 
 
Question  
According to the Secretariat' s report, excise duties are regularly revised in Norway to help in the 
control of inflation. However, in January of 2018 the duty on chocolate and sugar products was 
raised by 83%? Could Norway provide a  more detailed justification for such a large increase?  
Answer:  The objective of the excise duty on chocolate and sugar products is to raise government's 
revenue. The tax might in addition have a health -effect. From 1 January 2018, the tax rate on 
chocolate and sugar products was increased by 83 % in nominal terms. The  tax increase was a result 
of negotiation in the Parliament. The main purpose of the increase was to balance the State  budget 
for 2018.  
 
3. TRADE POLICIES AND P RACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measure Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.5  Import prohibitions, restricti ons, and licensing / Prohibitions, restrictions and 
import licences  
3.65.  
 
Question  
Regarding the adoption of new regulations relating to alien organisms on 1 January 2016, could 
Norway provide more detailed justification and scientific data for those measures?  
Answer:  Alien species are recognized  internationally as a growing problem and are considered both 
globally and nationally as one of the greatest threats to biological and landscape diversity. 
(Information about the scientific research underpinnin g this can be found at 
https://www.cbd.int/invasive/default.shtml   
  
The high level of protection provided for in the Nature Diversity Act and the Norwegian regulations 
relating to alien organisms under this Act, is consistent with our commitments under the Convention 
on Biological Diversity Article 8 (h) to prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien 
species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species. This is also a specific target (15.8) under 
the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, Aichi Target 9 specifies that by 2020, invasive alien 
species and pathways are identified and prioritized, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and 
measures are in place  to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment.  
  
The great risk alien species pose to biological and landscape diversity, and our international 
obligations concerning the prevention, control and eradication of alien species, is the ba ckground for 
Norway´s legislation on alien species.  
  
A more detailed justification and reference to scientific data for the measures in the Norwegian 
regulations relating to alien organisms and the Nature Diversity Act cha pter IV, is included in 
Chapter  7.2.5 of NOU 2004:28 (Norwegian Official Report 2004:28) on the Nature Diversity Act, and 
in Section 1, 5.2.1 and 6 of the consultation paper for the Regulations relating to alien organisms. 
These documents are unfortunately only available in Norwegian.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  COSTA RICA  
QUESTIONS BASED ON THE GOVERNMENT REPORT  
 
3.22  Norway participates in the Pan -Euro-Mediterranean system of cumulation of origin. This is a 
network of free trade agreements that has identical rules of origin thereby allowing for diagonal 
cumulation of origin among the members and has been an important step to facilitate trade in 
the region. The Regional Convention on Pan -Euro-Mediterranean Preferential Rules of Origin will 
supersede and further simplify challenges related to the management of the aro und 60 bilateral 
protocols on rules of origin that exist in the region.  
What has been Norway's experience in the administration and use of "The Regional 
Convention on Pan -Euro -Mediterranean Preferential Rules of Origin", in particular on 
verification and certification of origin; as well as mutual cooperation between competent 
public authorities and/or customs authorities?  
 
Answer:  
In Norway's experience the Regional Convention on Pan -Euro-Mediterranean Preferential Rules of 
Origin (PEM Convention) works ve ry well. The PEM Convention is currently in force with the EU, 
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Diagonal cumulation and full -cumulation were already in 
force with the EU so there has been no substantive changes in rules of origin after the Regional 
Convention entered into force. Verification, certification and cooperation with the customs authorities 
is well established and works the same way as before.  
 
QUESTIONS BASED ON THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
 
2.21  Norway has an exemplary record in terms of meeting its  notification obligations. It has made 
timely notifications in nearly all areas. However, updated or initial notifications are needed in 
a few areas, e.g. customs valuation, RTAs, quantitative restrictions, and rules of origin.  
• What regulations on customs valuation and rules of origin are pending to be 
notified or updated?  
• Are any of these non -notified regulations applicable to trade with Costa Rica?  
 
Answer:  
There are no regulations on customs valuation or rules of origin that are pending. Since the report  
was finalized  the notifications on quantitative restrictions and the impl ementation of decision 4.1 – 
valuation of carrier media bearing software for data processing equipment have been notified.  
 
2.51 Norway also receives funding for businesses and start-ups th rough EU funding mechanisms. 
In 2017, the first funding arrangement between the European Investment Fund (EIF) and Norway 
for SME financing was set up. Pursuant to the agreement between the EIF, Innovation Norway, and 
the National Promotion Institute of Norway (NPI), the EIF will provide  NKr 900 million in direct 
guarantees, NKr 300 million in counter -guarantees, and up to NKr 400 million in loans for SMEs 
during 2017 -18.56  
 
• Is this funding available to SMEs owned by foreigners or must the owner be a 
national to receive this benefit?  
 
Answer : 
Innovation Norway's schemes, including the schemes covered by the agreements with the EIF, are 
available to companies with foreign owners, but the companies that receive support must be 
registered in Norway. Innovation Norway also requires that the s upported projects contribute to 
value creation in Norway.  
 
4.122. Concurrently with the tightening of rules related to mortgage lending, the authorities have 
also been taking steps to contain the rapid expansion of consumption credit, including credit 
card debt. Although such loans still account for a modest share of household debts overall 
(Chart 4.9), the high interest rates associated with credit without collateral make them an 
important expense for households resorting to this type of financing. Tighter  rules concerning 
the marketing of consumption credit entered into force on 1 July 2017, heralding further WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 59 - 
 
  measures to be put in place, including an obligation on the lenders to perform more stringent 
vetting practices, and the establishment of a national register for unsecured debts.  
 
• Can Norway please provide further information on the measures taken to tighter 
rules concerning the marketing of consumption credit?   
 
Answer:  
In 2017 a tighter regulation of marketing of credit was introduced. The regulation  prohibits the use 
of door -to-door sales in the marketing of credit agreements. It also sets limits on the marketing of 
added benefits associated with a credit agreement, and on the marketing of certain factors 
emphasizing how easily accessible the credit is. It is not allowed to give this type of information a 
more prominent placement in marketing than legally required information on the credit costs. The 
regulation applies to all credit marketing that "is suited to influence physical persons into making a n 
economic decision they otherwise would not have made".   
 
4.125. At the end of 2016, the Norwegian insurance industry comprised 107 registered insurance 
intermediaries, 13 life insurers, 59 non -life insurers (including 15 fire insurers), and six marine 
insurance associations licensed in Norway. In addition, 29 branches of foreign insurers were 
operating in Norway, while 13 branches of Norwegian insurers conducted business abroad. 
Life insurance constitutes approximately 55% of the premium income of the N orwegian 
insurance industry with three providers (Kommunal Landpensjonskasse (KLP), Storebrand 
Livsforsikring, and DNB Livsforsikring) each holding a mark et share of 20% or more. In 
non-life insurance, where auto insurance is the largest segment, the large st undertakings are 
Gjensidige, If Skadeforsikring, Tryg, and Sparebank 1  Skadeforsikring. The market share of 
the four largest non -life insurance undertakings has been declining over the last tenyears due 
to new entrants and the rapid growth of some of th e smaller insurers.  
 
• Can Norway please provide further details on the factors that have promoted new 
entrants and rapid growth of smaller insurers?  
 
Answer:   
We are not aware of a thorough investigation into the reasons for recent market developments in 
the non -life insurance market. However, the non -life sector has been fairly profitable for some time, 
both as a result of fairly good financial returns on investments and, in latter years, because 
premiums have risen more than paid out claims. In combination  with an improved cost -ratio this 
has led to an improvement of the combined ratio for the sector as a whole. This may have contributed 
to making the non -life insurance market attractive for entry of new insurance companies. 
Furthermore, there have been gov ernment efforts to improve transparency and comparability of 
insurance premiums and terms with an aim to facilitate competition, for example by establishing an 
internet based calculator for comparing offers from all insurance companies providing non -life 
insurance in Norway ("Finansportalen.no").  
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  UKRAINE  
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  (WT/TPR/S/373 ) 
 
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.3 Trade Agreements and Arrangements  
2.3.2 Regional and preferential agreements  
2.3.2.1 European Economic Area ( EEA) 
 
Paragraph 2.30.  states that  since 2015, Norway and the European Union have been re -negotiating 
their bilateral agreement on trade in agricultural products. An agreement was reached in April 2017 
on improved market access through lower tariffs and improved tariff quotas.32 Close to 40 tariff lines 
will become duty -free for both parties on goods such as live plants, feed corn, and certain alcoholic 
beverages. Norway will open new or expanded quotas on beef, cheese, chicken and duck meat, and 
pork sausages, among other products. The European Union will open new quotas on products such 
as chicken meat, preserved meat and offal, dried milk and whey products, cut flowers, and potato 
chips. The ratification process is currently ongoing in the European Union, while the agreement was 
ratified by the Storting on 16 June 2017. The agreement is ex pected to enter into force on 
1 January  2019.33 
 
Question:  Could Norway elaborate on which agricultural products originating in the EU will Norway 
establish the tariff quotas and duty free access? Please, indicate the 8 -digit customs tariff codes of 
those products.  
 
Answer:  
The agreement is to be find on the follo wing site:  
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2017:0595:FIN  
 
The document shows the 8 -digit customs tariff codes of the products comprised by the ag reement.  
 
2.4 Investment Regime  
 
Page 32 (Para 2.40 on actual investment regime in Norway)  
Question:  Taking into account  Norway's open, in general, investment regime with a number of long -
standing restrictions in certain areas, what are Norway's priorities in the WTO Informal Dialogue on 
Investment Facilitation for Development?    
 
Answer:  
Norway supports the structured informal dialogue on Investment Facilitation for Development in the 
WTO. Facilitation of investment comprises 'soft' issues like regulatory transparency and 
predictability, which can contribute to increased investor confidenc e. In the WTO discussions, 
Norway has called for a bottom -up, open -ended, transparent and inclusive approach. This includes 
participation of national experts representing the wide WTO Membership, as well as encouraging 
close contact with other internationa l organisations that work with investment issues. Duplication 
should be avoided, and the value the WTO can add should be identified, bearing in mind existing 
WTO provisions.  
 
3. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Import s  
3.1.4  Other charges affecting imports  
3.1.4.2  Excise duties  
 
Page 57 (Para 3.60)  It is also mentioned in the Report that "In 2018, the excise tax on chocolate 
and sugar products was raised significantly as part of the Government's public health policy 
initiatives."  
 
Question:  Could Norway, please, kindly elaborate on the background (specific health reasons, 
possible raise in consumption of such products and so on) behind the Government's public health 
policy initiatives to increase the excise tax on chocolate and sugar products by 83% in 2018?  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 61 - 
 
  Answer:  
The objective of the excise du ty on chocolate and sugar products is to raise government's revenue. 
The tax might in addition have a health -effect. From 1 January 2018, the tax rate on chocolate and 
sugar products was increased by 83 pct. in nominal terms. The tax increase was a result of 
negotiation in the Parliament. The main purpose of the increase was to balance the State  budget 
for 2018.  
 
Question:  Ukraine would appreciate if Norway could inform on its assessment regarding potential 
impact of appropriate decision on health and trad e. 
 
Answer:  
Excise duties on goods are levied on both imported and domestically produced products. Thus, the 
tax increase does not discriminate between domestic and foreign producers. Increased taxes on a 
product normally results in reduced domestic demand  for the taxed product. Part of the reduced 
domestic demand will most likely be offset by increased border shopping. The total effect on 
consumption is highly uncertain. The Ministry of Finance has no estimate of how the tax increase 
will affect trade or t otal consumption of chocolate and sugar products in the population.   
 
Question:  Did the Government of Norway agree this decision with representatives of trade, industry 
and consumers?  
 
Answer:   
The tax increase was a result of negotiation in the Parliament . It was not discussed or agreed with 
representatives of trade, industry or consumers.  
 
Question:  What was the result of consultations with such non -governmental groups, if any?  
 
Answer:   
There were no consultations with non -governmental groups. Ref. answ er to the question above.  
 
Paragraph 3.61.  (page 57)  avers that excise duties are generally applied equally to domestic and 
imported products but there are sometimes exceptions, lower rates, or refunds provided to domestic 
operations or certain sectors. Fo r example, there are refunds on the CO2  tax on mineral oil for the 
wood processing and fish meal/oil industries; and also for domestic aviation and fishing in coastal 
waters.65 Domestic freight and passenger transport is also subject  to certain exemptions.66 When 
goods are imported, the obligation to pay excise duties arises at the time of importation for 
non-registered importers, whereas for registered importers (and producers) the obligation arises 
when the goods are removed from the company's approved pr emises.67 
 
Question:  Could Norway explain how exceptions to paying excise duties comply with provisions of 
Article III of the GATT 1994?  
 
Answer:  
The exceptions referred to are related to different economic sectors, i.e. the refunds on the CO2 tax 
on mine ral oil for certain activities is irrespective of whether the mineral oil is imported or 
domestically produced. The exceptions to pay excise duties comply with provisions of Article III of 
the GATT 1994 because they equally apply to the imported and domest ic products.    
 
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports   
3.2.2  Taxes, charges, and levies  
 
Page 65 (Para 3.80)  Under the Report "exporters of seafood must pay a marketing fee used to 
finance the activities of the Norwegian Seafood Council, i.e. generic marketing of seafood abroad, 
registration of exporters, export promotion activities, etc. The fee is collected by Customs upon 
exportation and all proceeds are passed on to the Norwegian Seafood Council (see Section 3.2.4). 
The fee is ad valorem , thus the annual income will vary from one year to the next. This may also 
result in adjustments to the rates. The three lev els of rates primarily reflect differences in the degree 
of processing of the end product (Table 3.13). The income from the fee was NKr  543 million in 2016."  
 
According to Table 3.13 the level of the fee on salmon, trout, herring, mackerel, capelin, grayli ng, 
horse mackerel, haddock, and sprat was reduced from 0.60% of f.o.b. value in 2016 to 0.30% of WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 62 - 
 
  f.o.b. value in 2017. The tax rate on fish (other than those mentioned), crustaceans, molluscs, and 
aquatic animals is 0.75% of f.o.b. value.  
 
Question:  Would  Norway kindly explain the rationale behind the policy to base a marketing fee used 
to finance the activities of the Norwegian Seafood Council on the ad valorem rates of f.o.b. value?  
 
Question:  Please, clarify how the three levels of rates were determined . 
 
Question:  Could Norway also clarify cases in which adjustments to the rates of such fee may be 
put in place?  
 
Question:  Does Norway have any plans concerning further reduction in the rates of the fee?  
 
Answer:  
The current model has been in effect since the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) was established 
as the Norwegian Seafood Export Council in 1991. The model was chosen as a convenient and fitting 
way of organizing  the funding. No governmental funds are alloca ted to the NSC.  
  
The rates have varied through the years depending on i.a. the expected export value and thus, the 
income to the NSC. Changes have been made after an assessment of the NSC's funding requirements 
based on stakeholders' needs. Changes are su bject to public hearings before a decision is made. 
This was also the case the last time the rates were adjusted. The level of the export levy may be 
reduced or increased in the future.  
 
3.3.2 Standards and other technical requirements  
Page 80 (Para 3.135 – on changes of national alignment)  
 
Question:  What are the principal changes implemented by Norway since 2012 related to national 
alignment with the EU legislation, including implementation of the EU regulations relating to novel 
foods, pesticide residues , and the official control of some pollutants in foodstuffs?  
 
Answer:  
Norway is constantly reviewing new drafts and regulations regarding these issues. However, no 
major change of principles can be observed since 2012. Norway still regards such regulations  
relevant for implementation into the EEA agreement and ultimately into Norwegian law.  
 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.1  Agriculture  
Page 107 (Para 4.1.1.3 – concerning border measures)  
 
Paragraph 4.22. asserts that the general import regime for processed agricultural products is 
supplemented by inward and outward processing schemes. Annual quotas regulate the outward 
processing of meat and dairy products. The inward processing scheme allows Norwegian food 
indust ries to optimize the use of their production facilities.  
 
Question:  Could Norway provide more information regarding inward and outward processing 
schemes?  
 
Answer:  
The regime of outward processing is a possibility for the food industry in Norway to process  
Norwegian commodities abroad for consumption in Norway. The purpose of this scheme is to test 
new products, or to produce smaller quantities of a product where the domestic market potential 
does not defend larger investments.  
 
Products produced under the  outward processing scheme, are only charged with duties for the 
commodities that are added abroad. If the commodities added abroad are duty free, the processed 
product will not be charged any duties.  
The regime of inward processing, is the opposite of out ward processing. Commodities are imported 
duty free, under the condition that the processed product is reexported. If the imported commodity 
is not reexported, the commodity will be charged with ordinary duties.  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 63 - 
 
  The purpose of the scheme is to utilize pro duction capacity and/or special skills of the Norwegian 
processing industry. This can contribute to increase the competitiveness of the Norwegian food 
industry.  
Question:  Could Norway provide an update on overall progress towards enhancement of the 
structural efficiency of agriculture, better access to the primary agriculture sector, effective 
adjustment of distorting types of agriculture domestic support?  
 
Answer:  
Norway has several disadvantages in agricultural production, some of which we share wi th our 
neighbours and some which are specific for us. Climate and weather conditions are harsh, farming 
takes place in mountaineous areas, a lot of fields are steep, the farms are still small and general 
costs of production are high. Only 3 % of our land is  arable and Norwegians appreciate highly our 
cultural landscape.  
 
The Parliament has agreed on four primary goals for the Norwegian agriculture policy:  
- Food security  
- Agriculture all over the country  
- Increased value added  
- Sustainable agriculture with lower GHG -emissions  
Agriculture plays a vital role for settlement and employment in most parts of the country and 
contributes to value added productions through the production of commodities, services and public 
goods. To increase national food production,  available resources must be utilised by safeguarding 
agricultural production throughout Norway. The Government emphasises the use of domestic 
resources such as grazing and forage production. One of the policy goals is to increase value added 
through enhan ced competitiveness, better productivity and structural adjustment. Support 
measures are carefully designed with an aim of achieving these overall goals for Norway's agriculture 
and food policy as adopted by the Parliament.  
 
Question:  Does Norway plan any steps that might facilitate access of foreign organic agricultural 
products?  
 
Answer:  
Legislation on organic production and labelling of organic products is part of the EEA -Agreement, 
and our national regulation is fully harmonized with the EU regulations  in this area. This includes 
Regulation (EC) No  1235/2008 concerning detailed rules for implementation of Council Regulation 
(EC) No  834/2007 as regards the arrangements for imports of organic products from third countries.  
Consequently, products labelled as organic imported to Norway need to fulfill the requirements laid 
down in these regulations.  
 
Question:  Is Norway planning to adjust its import duty regime for processed agricultural products?  
 
Answer:  
The import regime f or processed agricultural products is functioning well, and there are few 
complaints about the system from importers. The trade in processed agricultural products (PAPs) 
has increased steadily for many years, with an average yearly increase in imports of 6 % the last ten 
years.  
 
4.3.1.1  Banking and finance  
 
Para 4.109 (page 138) Licences to provide investment services may be granted to banks or limited 
liability companies. Banks may seek such licences either through the parent bank or subsidiary. 
Foreign "pa ssported" firms may also provide investment services in Norway.  
 
Question:  With regard to licence s for investment services could Norway elaborate more 
comprehensively on the current procedure for foreign "passported" firms which may provide 
investment services?  
 
Answer:  
Firms established in another EEA -country and that have a licence  for providing inve stment services 
from such country may, after a notification procedure, passport investment services to Norway WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 64 - 
 
  without establishing a Norwegian branch. Firms established outside the EEA must as a main rule 
establish a Norwegian branch and apply for licence  for such branch, but may under certain 
circumstances passport investment services without a branch.  
 
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE REPORT BY THE NO RWAY (WT/TPR/G/373)  
 
4. The way forward: trade policy in a changing world  
Page 10 (Para 4.5  – Norway's initiative on e -commerce ) 
 
Question:  Could Norway elaborate on its vision with regard to further activities under Work 
Programme on Electronic Commerce within the WTO and the role of the WTO in promoting regulatory 
environment in facilitating ele ctronic commerce ? 
 
E-commerce comes in many forms – it is to a varying degree, part of modern day life for millions of 
people, in all countries, whether developed, developing or least developed. Technological 
developments are transforming the global trade landscape into  a digital trading landscape. 
E-commerce is important not only for businesses and consumers, but for governments as well. The 
fundamental question we as WTO M embers must answer is whether this new dynamic requires 
updated global disciplines and new ways of dealing with trade related issues.  
 
E-commerce is not a new issue in the WTO. It is well within the scope of WTO rules, including under 
the GATT, GATS, TRIP S and other WTO agreements. When the WTO agreed on the e -commerce 
work programme in 1998, the organization was at the forefront of developments. 20 years later, the 
issues set out in the work programme are still pertinent, but we need to work more systemat ically 
and holistically on a whole range of e -commerce related issues. We should look for elements that 
are important for e -commerce to work to the benefit of all, not least of which, developing members. 
We must now demonstrate the relevance of the WTO by recognizing the need for new rules to fill 
the gaps in the current rulebook, including through recognition of regulations that need to be in 
place.  
 
Norway believes that binding, enforceable rules and open markets are the way forward. This 
approach is stro ngest when we all commit together – multilaterally. Norway had hoped that it would 
have been possible to persuade the full membership to re ach a common understanding on 
e-commerce at the Ministerial in Buenos Aires. When these efforts did not succeed, Norw ay enlisted 
in the Joint Statement on Electronic Commerce. Provided that it is pursued as a building block 
towards further multilateral agreements, Norway sees promise in pursuing progress through the 
joint initiative on e -commerce with those WTO Members t hat want to take part. It is important to us 
that the initiative is kept under the WTO umbrella. The process under the joint initiative must be 
transparent, open to all Members and inclusive. The ongoing discussions taking place in Geneva 
within the framew ork of the joint initiative are a good start. Norway sees this as a very important 
complement to continued engagement under the work program from 1998.  
 
To Norway, the objective of the discussions are clear: to agree on new WTO rules where necessary 
and to  contribute to a WTO that addresses the challenges of the 21st century. Norway views the talks 
as an opportunity to respond to modern day challenges and move the agenda forward. We want to 
start negotiations on e -commerce as soon as possible. Norway believ es members should look for 
elements that are important for e -commerce to work to the benefit of all, not least developing 
members. Work should start with the simpler parts, for example elements that facilitate trade 
elements, such as electronic contracts a nd e-signatures, customs duties moratorium and consumer 
protection.  
 
OTHER QUESTIONS  
 
Question:  Could the Norway  kindly inform when it plans to accept the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate 
Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaire d or Otherwise Print Disabled, 
which was adopted on 28 June 2013 (signed by the  Kingdom of Norway  on 20 June 2014) and 
entered  into force on 30 September 2016 ? 
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 65 - 
 
  Question:  With respect to the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances, adopted on 
26 June 2012, what are the intentions of Norway to join this instrument?  
 
Answer:  
Norway plans to join both the Beijing Treaty and the Marrakesh Treaty by 2020.  
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 66 - 
 
  NEW ZEALAND  
REPORT BY THE WTO SECRETARIAT (WT/TPR/S/373)  
 
SECTION: Trade Policies and Practices by Measure  
 
Sub-section title: Government Procurement  
WT/TPR/S/373, S ection 3.3.6, page 91, paragraph  3.178  
 
Paragraph 3.178 states that  "In addition, other regulations relating to public procurement were 
introduced in 2016 including: Regulation on obligat ion to require the use of apprentices in Public 
Contracts No. 1708 of 2016."  
 
Question(s):  
 
• Does the term "apprentices" refer to just those of Norwegian origin?  
• If so, what steps does Norway take to ensure that foreign suppliers, not of Norwegian origin, 
who bid on such public contracts are treated fairly by this regulation?  
 
Answer:  
The duty to require the use of apprentices only applies to service contracts and contracts for 
construction work, and for contracts of a certain duration and above a certain value. There is no 
requirement that the apprentices should be Norwegian nationals or be approved as apprentices in 
accordance with Norwegian regulations. Foreign suppliers may fulfil the requirement by using 
apprentices from their own education system. If the foreign supplier's education system does not 
include an apprenticeship scheme,  the requirement can be met by the use of trainees from the 
education system in the country of origin. If the supplier so wishes, it can also use Norwegian 
apprenticeships.  
 
WT/TPR/S/373, Section 3.3.6, page 91, paragraph  3.180  
 
Paragraph 3.180 states that "for procurement above the national thresholds but below the EEA 
thresholds, the authorized procurement procedures are open and selective tendering – where at 
least three [suppliers] are invited to submit bids;  
 
Question(s):  
 
• Are these procurements op en to foreign businesses?  
• How are decisions made as to which suppliers are invited to submit bids?  
 
Answer:  
The procuring entities may determine to open these procurements to foreign businesses. However, 
foreign businesses have no legal rights to particip ate in procurements below the EEA -thresholds, 
and can therefore be rejected from these procurements without any justification, unless they have 
been provided such rights according to an international agreement ratified by Norway. Currently 
only businesses formed in accordance with the law of an EEA member state and having their 
registered office, central administration or principal place of business within the territory of such a 
state, have such rights.  
 
For procurements below the EEA -thresholds, but above  the national threshold, a procuring entity 
shall publish a notice of intended procurement in the national procurement portal, DOFFIN. The 
procuring entity shall consider all incoming bids or applications for participation.  
 
SECTION: Trade Policies by Sect or 
 
Sub-section title: Domestic support levels  
WT/TPR/S/373, S ection 4.1.1.4.1, page 108, paragraph  4.23 
 
Paragraph 4.23 states that the majority of Norwegian domestic support to the agriculture sector is 
provided under programmes  notified as Amber Box (in 2016, current total AMS was NKr  10.9 billion ).  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 67 - 
 
  The Government report ( paragraph  1.5, page 3) explains that Norway's "agricultural sector differs 
from other sectors due to high tariffs and extensive subsidies. A number of factor s make agricultural 
production in Norway challenging, and the Government will maintain a certain amount of flexibility 
in agricultural trade policy in order to compensate for the disadvantages agriculture faces in 
Norway." However, Norway has much higher l evels of production and trade distorting support 
relative to its Nordic neighbours who face similar challenges in terms of climate and production 
conditions. Those neighbours make do with a much larger share of Green Box support.   
 
Question(s):  
 
• What are the particular disadvantages and challenges facing Norway's agriculture sector as 
compar ed to its neighbours which the G overnment is seeking to compensate for?  
• What are Norway's plans to move to decoupled direct payments in place of market price 
support, to bring it closer into alignment with its neighbours?  
 
Answer:  
Norway has several disadvantages in agricultural production, some of which we share with our 
neighbours and some which are specific for us. Climate and weather conditions are harsh, f arming 
takes place in mountainous areas, a lot of fields are steep, the farms are still small and general costs 
of production are high. Only 3 % of our land is arable and Norwegians appreciates highly our cultural 
landscape.  
 
The Parliament has agreed on fo ur primary goals for the Norwegian agriculture policy:  
- Food security  
- Agriculture all over the country  
- Increased value added  
- Sustainable agriculture with lower GHG -emissions  
Agriculture plays a vital role for settlement and employment in most parts of the country and 
contributes to value added productions through the production of commodities, services and public 
goods. To increase national food production, available resources must be utilised by safeguarding 
agricultural production throughout Norway. The Government emphasises the use of domestic 
resources such as grazing and forage production. Support measures are carefully designed with an 
aim of achieving these overall goals for Norway's agriculture and food policy as adopted by the 
Parliament.  
 
WT/TPR/S/ 373, S ection 4.1.1.4.1, page 108, paragraph s 4.24 and 4.25  
 
Paragraphs 4.24 and 4.25 of the Secretariat report state that Blue Box domestic support for the beef 
and sheep sectors support has steadily increased, and that overall Blue Box spending has risen from 
NKr 3.7 billion to NKr 5.2 billion for 2015/16.   
 
Paragraph 4.4 of S ection 4.1.1.1 states that "the number of cattle raised exclusively for meat has 
more than doubled" over the last 20 years, whilst a "major increase in productivity has led to a 
reduc tion in the number of dairy cows of approximately 30%" over this time period. Futhermore, 
"regulations limit the size of individual livestock holdings to maintain farms of different sizes, to 
disperse the production (e.g. to minimize risks related to anima l diseases), and to support farming 
in less favourable areas."  
 
Section 2.3 of the Government report outlines Norway's ambition to go "green and blue". Norway 
acknowledges that "[i] n order to limit global warming in line with the goals of the Paris Agreem ent, 
there will be a continuous need to develop new production methods. This creates opportunities for 
competent and innovative Norwegian businesses."  
 
Question(s):  
 
• What measures has Norway put in place to ensure its Blue Box support programmes  for the 
beef and sheep sectors meet the criteria of being 'production limiting'?   
 
Answer:  
There are quantitative limits in terms of base level of production and lifestock headage in the 
Norwegian Blue Box support programs.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 68 - 
 
  The Norwegian Agricultural A gency makes annual predictions of the level of eligible production. If 
the projections indicate that the levels might exceed the maximum eligible quantity, the G overnment 
can alter the programs to reduce the quantity of beef or the number of lambs that wil l be eligible for 
such support.  If the farmers in total should apply for support payments for more animals than the 
maximum eligible number, the number of animals that are eligible for support will be reduced for all 
of the farmers.  
 
• What are the quantitat ive limits used in terms of livestock headage, and are these limits 
higher or lower than the current number of livestock eligible for such support in Norway?   
 
Answer:  
For the measure type "livestock payments made on a fixed number of head" Norway has noti fied 
Headage support for animals as a Blue Box support programme. The table below gives an overview 
over the maximum eligible number of animals for the livestock productions covered by the support 
programme:  
 
Production  Number of animals  
Dairy and succler  cows 340,100  
Other bovine animals  648,100  
Milk goats  61,100  
Sheep  1,053,300  
Pigs for breeding  64,800  
Pigs for slaughter  1,190,000  
Laying hens  3,623,900  
 
With the exception of  pigs for slaughter, the quantitative limits are higher than the current number 
of livestock eligible for the headage support.  
 
The support scheme for pigs for slaughter is based on applications from the farmers. In order to 
comply with the quantitative l imit for slaughter pigs, the Norwegian farmers do not get support 
payments for all of the pigs that are registered in the applications.  
 
• How do Norway's current production limiting programmes for the beef and sheep sector 
create opportunities for mitigati ng the environmental impacts of the sector?  
 
Answer:  
 
Blue box production limiting programs help mitigating the environmental impacts of the sector since 
a cap on the number of livestock with support is applied.  
 
The National Environmental Program contains the main agri -environmental measures. The program 
includes measures both at national, regional and local levels and is aligned with the different 
environmental challenges.  
 
• How is Norway encouraging an increase in productivity per livestock unit in the beef and 
sheep sector to allow for a reduction in stock numbers whilst maintaining production levels, 
as achieved in its dairy sector?  
 
Answer:  
Research and development is the most important measure to in crease productivity. The Norwegian 
breeding industry is known for its high quality animals that are also internationally competitive. The 
purpose of the breeding industry is to provide high yield, good health and good animal welfare. 
Breeding and applied b iotechnology research has become a growth industry in Norway with a 
significant value in an international context. The good Norwegian animal health is a competitive 
advantage, which has strongly contributed to a steady increase in demand for breeding mater ial 
from Norwegian livestock in recent years.  
 
WT/TPR/S/373, S ection 4.1.1.4 page 109, Chart 4.2  
 
Paragraph 2.19 of the Government Report states that "R&D and innovation policies are high on the 
agenda of the Norwegian Government. Budget allocations to R&D  have increased since 2012."  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 69 - 
 
  Chart 4.2 of the Secretariat Report shows that only a very small proportion of Norway's agricultural 
spending goes towards research, with negligible increases since 2012. By contrast a much larger 
proportion of funds goes towa rds temporary market -distorting measures which tilt the internal 
market in favour of production over a short period.   
 
Paragraph 4.6 of S ection 4.1.1.1 of the Secretariat Report links the high productivity growth in 
Norwegian agriculture in recent years, c omparative to other sectors, with farmers' swift uptake of 
new technologies, including robotics in milking sheds, intelligent feed cars, drone mapping and 
measuring, and technologically controlled application of pesticides and fertilizer.  
 
Question(s):  
• What plans does Norway have to shift from short term distorting support towards 
interventions demonstrated to facilitate long term creative solutions e.g. science and 
technological uptake to help improve the long -term productivity, resilience, and 
environm ental management of Norwegian farms?  
 
Answer:  
Since the last TPR the Government has tabled White Papers to the Parliament on both trade policy 
and agricultural policy, where the current policy has been debated.  
 
The Parliament has agreed on four primary go als for the Norwegian agriculture policy:  
- Food security  
- Agriculture all over the country  
- Increased value added  
- Sustainable agriculture with lower GHG -emissions  
Support measures are carefully designed with an aim of achieving these overall goals for Norway's 
agriculture and food policy as adopted by the Parliament.  
 
Sub-section title: Fisheries  
WT/TPR/S/373, S ection 4.1.3.6, page 128, paragraph  4.82 and Table 4.13  
 
Para 2.15 of the Government Report states that Norway is the world's second largest fish and seafood 
exporter, a major global player in fisheries in terms of catch and trade. Para 4.82 of the Secretariat 
Report acknowledges that Norwa y is moving from industry -specific programmes to more general 
support programmes, where fishing has to compete with other industries for support.  
 
Questions  
• Could Norway provide further details on the level of transport support and CO2 fuel tax 
refund sch emes; why are the schemes necessary and how is the level of support 
determined?  
• What is the end goal for government support schemes to the sector?   
 
Answer:  
The CO2 fuel tax refund applies to various sectors, and the refund differs depending on the sector.  
Many fishing vessels have the option of bunkering in foreign ports for cheaper fuel. The level of CO2 
fuel tax refund is determined based on a refund of the amount of f uel bought (eg. in 2017 the 
CO2-tax on fuel was 1.2 NOK/l, and the fishing fleet paid 0.29 NOK/l). Each vessel can apply for this 
refund up to 12 times a year.  This subsidy is now being evaluated due to climate obligations.  
 
The support to the fisheries sector has decreased significantly over the last 20 years, and consists 
today of a few p rograms acknowledging the special nature of the industry and its importance to local 
communities. Regional development is important to the Government. The main objective of the 
remaining support programs to the fisheries sector in Norway is to support a ge ographical dispersion 
of the fishing fleet, and to facilitate implementation of fisheries activities in specific regions. From a 
wide range of different support schemes in earlier years, the main scheme still in place is  
 
a minor transport support scheme d esigned to ensure sufficient fish landing facilities along the 
Norwegian coast, in particular in Northern Norway, so that smaller vessels with limited mobility may 
land their catches in their local area. The scheme is directly related to transporting fish from landing 
to processing plant. The level of support was around 37 mill. NOK in 2017.   WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  EL SALVADOR  
1. ECONOMIC ENVIRO NMENT  
1.1 Main Features of the Economy  
1.10 
 
Question  
Paragraph 1.10 of the Secretariat's report makes reference  to the decline or stagnation of exports 
of traditional (non -oil) goods due to a "decline in the competitiveness of industries in mainland 
Norway". What are the reasons behind this decline in competitiveness and what measures is Norway 
taking to improve th is situation?  
Answer : 
For several years, high wage growth and a strengthening of the Norwegian krone contributed to a 
weakening of Norwegian businesses' cost competitiveness. In the ten -year period up to 2013, wage 
costs in Norwegian manufacturing increase d 1.5 % more per year on average than in our trading 
partner countries, and the Norwegian krone strengthened with 4.5 %. In 2012 and 2013, the wage 
cost level in Norwegian manufacturing was 57 % higher than in our trading partners in the EU, 
according to the Norwegian Technical Calculation Committee for Wage Settlement (TBU). The wage 
share in Norway increased for some years from a relatively low level in 2005 but has been relatively 
stable since 2007/2008.   
 
Several factors may have contributed to the increas e in relative wage costs in this period. Firstly, 
Norway's terms of trade excluding oil and gas increased substantially in this period. Secondly, 
Norway's mainland economy was in a strong cyclical upswing until 2008, partly driven by high oil 
prices and in creasing demand from the petroleum sector. Low unemployment and scarcity of labour 
contributed to higher wage growth. Because of solid banks, good institutions and sound public 
finances the aftermath of the international crisis was relatively short -lived i n Norway compared to 
peers. As oil prices rebounded quickly , the Norwegian economy could enjoy high activity in the oil 
sector when demand for other export goods fell. Thirdly, the spending of oil revenues over the 
central government budget gradually incre ased over this period.  
 
Since 2013, the Norwegian krone has depreciated significantly. To a large degree, the depreciation 
in the krone happened in parallel with the fall in the oil price. The depreciation of the krone has led 
to an improvement of the Nor wegian competitiveness. From 2013 to 2017, the difference in wage 
cost levels between the manufacturing sector in Norway and in our trading partners in the EU went 
down to 36 pct., according to TBU. This has been vital to stabilize the economy after the oi l price 
fall. 
 
Economic stability and sustainability have been vital considerations for the development of the 
Norwegian fiscal policy framework. All state oil and gas revenues are saved in The Government 
Pension Fund Global, while spending of the proceeds  over time should follow the expected real return 
on the Fund. In any given year, fiscal policy (and thus the transfer from the Fund to the central 
government budget) shall be adapted to the relevant stage of the business cycle. This enables fiscal 
policy to contribute to predictability, support monetary policy and facilitate stable developments in 
the Norwegian economy.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  MOLDOVA , REPUBLIC OF  
Para 3.15 with regards to: 3.1.1.1 Trade facilitation "Norway has been a strong supporter of the 
WTO's work on trade facilitation. In October 2015, Norway ratified the agreement which has 
prompted some changes in law and regulations. To allow for formal consultations with traders 
according to the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) Article 2.2, a new Section 12 -15 was introduced 
in the Customs Act with effect from 2016. Some minor adjustments to the Customs regulations were 
under consideration by the Ministry of Finance as of early 2018. Norway had been active in the 
negotiations on trade facilitation before the TFA' s conclusion, continues to take an active interest in 
the TFA, and is a donor to the Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF).Norway's financial 
contribution to the TFAF in 2015 and 2016 was NKr 30 million. As of February 2018, Norway had 
made one noti fication, pursuant to Articles 22.1 and 22.2 of the Agreement. Trade facilitation 
provisions are also introduced in several free trade agreements to which Norway is a party."  
 
Question 1: Can Norway provide more details on the current implementation and be st practices of 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement. Please also provide what are the current FTAs which consider trade 
facilitation dimension.  
 
Answer:  
Norway is obliged to implement all measures from entry into force. Although we have procedures in 
place to  facilitate both domestic coordination and implementation of the TFA, and are therefore in 
compliance with our commitments, we are in the process of establishing a National Committee on 
Trade Facilitation as well.  
  
Norway can provide more details concerni ng best practices, but this part of the question is not 
specified. However, as an example, please see http://www.tfafacility.org/sites/default/files/ca se-
studies/1.1_publication_nor_e.doc  
  
FTAs with TF annexes are between the EFTA countries and:  
o  Albania  
o  Bosnia and Herzegovina  
o  Canada  
o  Central American states  
o  Colombia  
o  Egypt  
o  Georgia  
o  Hong Kong, China  
o  Montenegro  
o  Peru 
o  Philippines  
o  SACU  
o  Serbia  
o  Tunisia  
o  Ukraine  
 
The agreements are published on EFTA's web page: http://www.efta.int/free -trade/free -trade -
agreements  
 
Question 2: Moldova would like to commend the active work of Norway during the negotiations of 
TFA as well its assistance offered for the implementation of the mentioned agreement. In this 
context, please provide more information regarding the possibility to access the donor funds for the 
TFA Facility by developing countries.  
 
Answer:  
Members may apply for grants under the TFAF where no other funding source is available. We note 
that detailed information on the conditions and application procedures has not yet been published 
on the TFAF website. We hope that the necessary clarifications will be ready very soon.  
 
The World Bank's Trade Facilitation Support Program (TFSP) is also an important partner for Norway. 
The total Norwegian financial contribution to the TFSP from its inception  to present date amounts to 
NOK 46 million. Information about the TFSP can be found on the TFAF website and at  
http://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/trade -facilitatio n-support -program  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Developing countries requesting assistance may contact TFSP@worldbank.org  or the Program 
Manager wgain@worldbank.org  by e-mail. 
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  INDONESIA  
SECRETARIAT REPORT  
 
Summary  
 
Page 7 Para 7  
 
"Although Norway's investment regime is generally open and liberal, state ownership remains 
substantial  with about 11% of the total workforce (281,000 employees) in enterprises wholly or 
partly owned by the State  in 2016. At the same time, the market value of the State 's holdings in 
listed companies totalled NKr 715 billion. The State  is also a major owner of unlisted 
enterprises. " 
 
Questions:  
1. Would the Government of Norway give clarification on its dominancy over  enterprises within 
the country?  
2. Would the Government of Norway give clarification on "unlisted enterprises" as mentioned 
above?  
 
Answer:  
As an owner, the government gives clarification about the Norwegian state 's direct ownership in 
both listed and unlisted companies in various ways. The white paper on state ownership (Meld.  St. 27 
(2013 –2014) Report to the Storting Diverse and value -creating ownership ) account for why the 
State  owns, what the State  should own and  how the State  exercises its ownership, including what 
goals the State  has for its ownership interest in individual companies. Further, the Ministry of Trade, 
Industry and Fisheries publishes an annual ownership report on the State's  portfolio of companies  
managed by the ministries, and trends over the preceding year.  
 
Page 8 Para 8  
 
"The vast majority of tariffs (85% of tariff lines) are duty free but those that remain can be high, 
with tariffs of over 100% not unusual in many agriculture sub -sectors.  Non-ad valorem 
rates of duty are also prevalent, accounting for about 50% of agricultural tariff lines.  The 
simple average tariff rate (including AVEs of non -ad valorem tariffs) decreased slightly from 7.5% 
to 6.9% during the review period (compared to an average bound rate of 30.4%), mainly due to the 
autonomous liberalization of 114 agricultural tariff lines. Under Norway's preferential schemes, least 
developed countrie s are granted duty and quota free access for all goods, while other 
arrangements maintain significant tariffs on some agricultural goods. " 
 
Question:  
3. Would the Government of Norway give clarification on why it keeps maintain high tariffs and 
non-ad valorem  rates of duty on its agricultural goods?  
 
Answer:  
For sensitive products the average import duty remains high in order to  protect and maintain 
Norwegian agricultural production. There is consensus in the Parliament to maintain a viable 
agricultural sector, and the customs tariffs are one of the tools to achieve this. For some sectors, 
like dairy and meat, the tariffs are at a high level to reach this goal. The recent debates in the 
Parliament on agricultural policy has shown that there is broad consensus on the need for protection 
of sensitive products. Since the last TPR the Government has tabled White Papers to the Parliame nt 
on both trade policy and agricultural policy, where the policy has been debated. Norway is committed 
to the WTO and will continue to play a constructive role in negotiations in agriculture and other 
fields.  
 
Page 8 Para 12  
 
"A number of government entit ies are involved in the provision of export finance, guarantees, and 
credits. A new export credit facility, Export Credit Norway (Eksportkreditt Norge),  was 
established in July 2012 for all new officially -supported export loans . As a result, the 
traditiona l export financing agency, Eksportfinans ASA, is being phased out. Norway's Export 
Credit Guarantee Agency (GIEK) continues to issue guarantees on behalf of the WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 74 - 
 
  Government and has developed in recent years a number of new products such as a new 
buyer credi t guarantee for export -related investments and a new ship guarantee scheme. " 
 
Question:  
4. As stated in the Section 3.2.5.1 and 3.2.5.3 (Page 69 – 72), we understand that the Government 
of Norway provides export credits for both goods and services from Norway . Thus, we would 
like to clarify about the scope of goods that are eligible to receive this export credit facility. 
Furthermore, could the Government of Norway make sure that this policy is consistent with the 
Ministerial Decision on Export Competition as part of the Nairobi Package adopted at the WTO 
MC10?  
 
Answer:  
GIEK and Export Credit Norway's export loans and guarantees follow the OECD Arrangement on 
Officially Supported Export Credits (Arrangement). The Arrangement does not apply to agriculture 
products.  
 
Furthermore, it is explicitly stated in The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries' instruction to 
GIEK that GIEK's operations must be in line with national regulations and international commitments 
for official guarantee operations. The WTO is explicitly mentioned as a particularly relevant body.  
 
For Export Credit Norway, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries has stated a similar 
requirement in the regulation of the law on Export Credit Norway. To receive a loan offer, applications 
must be in line with regulations such as Norwegian law, the Arrangement, international laws, 
agreements and conventions.  
 
Page 9 Para 15  
 
"The current Government has stated that it has no plans to make further changes in the 
specific/ ad valorem tariff str ucture, taking due account of the interests of Norwegian 
consumers and Norway's trading partners. " 
 
Question:  
5. Would the Government of Norway give clarification on this matter?  
FIN, LMD  
 
Answer:  
Changes in the tax system are to be dealt with within the yearly national budget process ( the State  
budget). Any changes in the tax system for the year 2019 will appear in Prop. 1 LS (2018 -2019) 
Skatter, avgifter og toll 2019. The interests of Norwegian consumers and Norway's trading partners 
are of course in gen eral elements of a broader assessment concerning any proposals for changes in 
the tax system.  
 
The Government looked into the possibility to reverse the changes from specific duties to ad valorem  
duties for certain agricultural products in 2013. However, t here was not a majority for such a reversal 
in the Parliament. Since then, the Government has not presented any proposals on this subject.  
 
Page 9 Para 19  
 
"It maintained the stricter capital adequacy requirements for banks and credit institutions  
adopted in 2013, and introduced new capital adequacy requirements for insurance companies 
consistent with the EU Solvency II Directive."  
 
Question:  
6. Would the Government of Norway give clarification on this matter?  
 
Answer:  
In 2013, Norway adopted new capi tal adequacy requirements for banks and credit institutions, in 
line with the Basel III standards and the EU's CRR/CRD IV framework. In addition to the 8 % 
minimum requirement for the capital adequacy requirement, several buffer requirements were 
adopted: a  capital conservation buffer of 2.5 %, a systemic risk buffer of 3 %, a buffer for systemically 
important institutions of 2 %, and a countercyclical buffer of between 0 and 2.5 % (depending on the 
economic situation). The buffers were gradually introduced from  2013 to 2016. The new WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 75 - 
 
  requirements were maintained in the new Financial Undertakings Act, in force from 1 January 2016. 
New capital adequacy requirements for insurance companies, consistent with the EU's Solvency II 
Directive, were introduced as part of the new Financial Undertakings Act.  
 
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.4 Investment Regime  
 
Page 32 Para 2.40  
 
"Norway's investment regime consists mainly of a number of provisions in various sectorial 
laws that have an impact on foreign direct investment, and in addition a  relatively small 
number of bilateral investment agreements . The legislation has not undergone any 
significant changes during the review period. " 
 
Question:  
7. Would the Government of Norway elaborate on this matter?  
 
Answer:  
Norway's investment regime generally is and remains open to foreign investors. There are some 
restrictions in certain sectors, notably the exploitation of natural resources such as petroleum and 
gas, farmland and forests, and power supply rights.  
 
2.4.2 Investment restrictions  
 
Page 32 Para 2.46  
 
"In general, Norway has an open investment regime, but there are a number of long -standing 
restrictions in certain areas (Table 2.1). There have not been any changes to these during 
the review period, and Norway does not cu rrently have any plans to further open these 
sectors to foreign investors. " 
 
Question:  
8. Would the Government of Norway elaborate on this matter?  
 
Answer:  
Norway's investment regime is open to foreign investors, except for certain restrictions in some 
sectors. As the overview in Table 2.1 suggests, most of the investment restrictions take the form of 
some type of government approval or licensing process by the relevant ministry and these generally 
apply equally for Norwegian and foreign investors.  
 
With regard to the overview in Table 2.1., please note that the Media Ownership Act has been 
repealed, effective from 1 July 2016. Thus, the restrictions described under audio -visual services 
are no longer in place.  
 
Regarding  financial institutions,  purchase  of over 10 % of the share capital is subject to suitability 
assessment. Acquisition of holdings in financial undertakings is regulated by chapter 6 of the 
Financial Undertakings Act. An acquisition whereby the acquirer will become the owner of a qualifying  
holding may only be carried out after authori zation granted by the Ministry of Finance based on an 
assessment of the acquirer's fit and proper as owner of his overall holding after the acquisition. A 
list of criteria that the authorities shall take into c onsideration when assessing whether a person or 
a company is fit and proper to acquire a qualifying holding in a financial institution is given in 
Section  6-3. 
 
Banks from non -EEA countries must establish a subsidiary or branch to provide banking services.   
 
Financial undertaking, including banks, domiciled outside Norway may establish a subsidiary in 
Norway, see Section  5-1 of the Financial Undertaking Act. According to the Financial Undertakings 
Act Section  5-6, a financial undertaking from non -EEA states may, pursuant to a licence issued by 
the Ministry of Finance, establish and carry out business through a branch in Norway.  
 
At least 50 % of the members of the board and the members of the corporate assembly of a bank 
must be Norwegians or EEA nationals or residents.   WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 76 - 
 
  The Norwegian Public Limited Liability Companies Act and the Norwegian Private Limited Liability 
Companies Act Section  6-11 stipulate a requirement for the members of the board. This also applies 
for financial undertakings; see Section  7-4 and 8 -4 in the Financial Undertakings Act.  
  
Requirements for members of the corporate assembly are to be found in the Norwegian Public 
Limited Liability Companies Act Section  6-36. These requirements also apply for an enterprise 
assembly in a financial undertaking; see the Financial Undertakings Act Section  8-15. 
 
With respect to maritime transport  the capital requirement in the NOR register  is a restriction to 
ensure a genuine link between the owners of the ship and the register. A ship that is not registered 
in another ship registry and is owned by a company that meets this requirement will be considered 
Norwegian (NOR).  
 
As for the air tra nsport sector,  an undertaking, will only be granted an operating licence when EU or 
EEA Member States and/or nationals of Member States own more than 50% of the undertaking and 
effectively control it. The requirement limits the investments from a third cou ntry to a maximum of 
less than 50 %. National legislation, requiring that 2/3 of the stocks must be owned by Norwegian 
nationals, originates from the time before EU Law was implemented in Norway. The provision has 
no practical significance, as it only applies in cases where Norwegian airlin es do not acquire licence  
to operate in the EU/EEA -area. Such cases do not exist today.  
 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.2 Forestry  
4.1.2.3 Biofuels and Policy  
 
Page 116 Para 4.47  
 
"In 2016 -17, the parliament (Storti ng) approved a number of decisions impacting the Norwegian 
biofuels sector. Four resolutions were passed concerning: application of the European Union's 
sustainability requirements for all biofuels sold in Norway, industry agreement o n the sale of 
palm-free biofuels, review of fees and regulations to promote advanced sustainable biofuels, and a 
formal request that the Government take measures to legally prohibit public procurement of palm 
oil-based biofuels by amending the Public Procurement Regulations Act ." 
 
Question:  
9. Considering the potential impact the above -mentioned Norwegian Parliament's Resolution – i.e. 
issued on 2 June 2017 regarding the prohibition of public procurement of palm -oil based biofuels 
– has on Norwegia's  trade regulation, and on how such resulting regulation  is contradictory to 
the spirit of transparency, non -discriminatory, neutral, fair and equitable, predictable and least 
trade -restrictive manner, as well as the possibility of the resulting regulation becoming a new 
non-tariff barrier, Indonesia wishes to learn more on the vi ew and vision of the Norwegian 
Government in translating this resolution into trade measures?  
 
Answer:  
Norway uses biofuel in the transport sector as a measure to reduce emissions of our greenhouse 
gasses. Norway bases its regulations on EU's criteria for sustainable production. This means that 
biofuel must reduce total emissions by at least 50 % compared with emissions from fossil fuels. The 
input to production of biofuel must not b e produced on areas that have high level of biodiversity or 
a high level of carbon storage.  
 
The Norwegian Parliament has requested a ban on palm oil -based biofuel in public procurement. The 
Ministry of Climate and Environmental Affairs is currently asses sing and clarifying the available legal 
scope of action as well as possible alternatives to the ban requested by Parliament. This assessment 
will take into account our international commitments both in terms of climate and trade. Norway will 
be able to pro vide more information once this process has been concluded.  
 
According to EU's estimates, production of palm oil may imply a risk of emission due to indirect land 
use changes (ILUC). Norway will investigate more about the impacts of production and use of b iofuel 
based on palm oil. Norway will respect its obligations, including under the WTO.  
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  THAILAND  
PART I: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
 
2.  Trade and Investment Regimes  
2.4 Investment Regime  
 
Page 32, paragraph  2.41 
2.41. Following the 2002 repeal of Norway's Business Acquisition Act No. 79 of 1994, there has been 
no requirement for notification or control for foreigners acquiring Norwegian business activities or 
assets. However, the Government has submitted to the St orting a new National Security Act. The 
new Act contains a mechanism to control the acquisition by foreign entities of Norwegian companies 
that play a crucial role in supporting critical national services. The Storting was expected to debate 
and vote on th e Act in the first quarter of 2018.  
 
Question:  
Regarding a new National Security Act, please provide more detail on a mechanism to control the 
acquisition by foreign entities of Norwegian companies. How will the new Act affect current practice 
of the Busi ness Acquisition Act No. 79 of 1994? What is the current status of the new Act?  
 
Answer:  
The scope of new National Security Act is to safeguard national security interests. The concept of 
"critical national services" relates to the protection of those ser vices, in which a whole or partly loss 
of the service, will affect the State's  ability to safeguard national security interests.  
 
The mechanism for notification and control of the acquisition of Norwegian companies which plays a 
crucial role in supporting  critical national services, will apply to both domestic and foreign investors. 
Any decisions which will deny or restrict acquisition of such companies by foreign entities, must be 
deemed necessary in the interest of national security and must be proportio nate to the aim pursued.  
 
The Business Acquisition Act No. 79 of 1994 was repealed in 2002. Consequently, there is no current 
practice related to this act.  
 
The National Security Act was adopted by the Norwegian Parliament (the Storting) in March  2018 
and will enter into force when the Government has prepared more detailed regulations to the new 
act. 
 
4. Trade Policies by Sector  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.1 Agriculture   
4.1.1.2 Policy framework  
 
Page 103, paragraph  4.10 
4.10. The Marketing Act (Omsetningsloven) of 10 July 1936 regulates the domestic market for 
certain meats (beef, mutton, pork, and poultry); milk, butter, and cheese; cereals and oilseeds; 
potatoes, vegetables, fruit and berries; and fur skins. Further to the Market ing Act, the Norwegian 
Agricultural Marketing Board (Omsetningsrådet) attempts to balance supply and demand for key 
Norwegian agricultural produce. Its guiding objectives are: (i) stable producer prices with minor 
geographical dispersion; (ii) stable marke t conditions for goods produced; (iii) stable supply in all 
local consumer markets at relatively uniform prices; and (iv) ensuring that farmers obtain the target 
prices established in the Basic Agricultural Agreement with the caveat that average  observed m arket 
prices for the year should stay at, or slightly below, the agreed level.12 The Basic Agricultural 
Agreements set target prices for fresh milk, pork, grain, oilseeds, potatoes, and apples and various 
vegetables. Revised target prices normally apply fr om 1 July in the marketing year. Target prices 
were abolished for beef in 2009, and for sheep meat, lamb, and eggs from 1 July 2013. These 
products are subject to volume -based regulation, for which the market regulator is obliged to 
announce "planned avera ge wholesale prices" for consecutive six -month periods. As for poultry, 
target prices were eliminated in 2007, and there is currently no market regulation. A reference price, 
determined at the wholesale level, is used for calculation of the applied tariff.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 78 - 
 
  Question:  
According to  The Basic Agricultural Agreements, Norway set target prices for fresh milk, pork, grain, 
oilseeds, potatoes, and apples and various vegetables . Could Norway kindly explain the ground rule 
of setting reference price comparing with the external market reference?  
 
Answer:  
Norway has established a target price system for pork, grains, potatoes, milk and some vegetables 
and fruits. These target prices are negotiated in the annual Agricultural Agreement. Target prices 
are defined as the average annual prices the agricultural sector is permitted to obtain given balanced 
market conditions, current import restrictions and the available market regulation measures.  
 
Planned average wholesale prices are set by the agricultural cooperative on b eef, sheep/lamb meat 
and eggs.  
 
Reference prices are calculated by the Norwegian Agricultural Agency based on the wholesale market 
prices registered the former year. Reference prices are calculated for poultry only.  
 
For any of these three types of prices , upper price limits are set in percent. If market prices exceed 
the upper price limit, temporary general tariff reductions are triggered.  
  
Norway does not apply a system with reference prices at the border. To ensure consumer interests, 
general tariff reductions are triggered when the domestic market price exceeds an upper price limit. 
This to allow for imports and to ensure that the domestic price is not increased above the agreed 
level.  
 
4.3  Services  
4.3.1  Financial Services  
4.3.1.2  Insurance and pensions  
 
Page 134, paragraph  4.123  
4.123. The Secretariat's report states that "Non -EEA insurers may not supply insurance services 
cross-border to Norwegians or to Norwegian companies. However, they may apply for a licence to 
establish a branch in Norway.  The general agent of the branch must be resident in Norway."  
 
Question:  
Is there a possibility that Non -EEA insurers may be able to supply insurance services cross -border 
to Norwegians or to Norwegian companies. In such case, please kindly provide more in formation 
regarding criteria and requirement.  
 
Answer:  
A financial undertaking, including insurance undertakings, domiciled outside Norway may establish 
a subsidiary in Norway, see Section  5-1 of the Financial Undertaking Act.  
  
Insurance undertakings from non -EEA states may, pursuant to a licence issued by the Ministry of 
Finance of Norway, establish and carry on business through a branch in Norway. Requirements for 
the authorisation application and the branch office are inter al ia to be found in the Financial 
Undertakings Act Section 5 -6 and Chapter 3. A licence may only be issued to carry on business 
equivalent to the business which the institution is entitled to carry on in its home state, and only if 
the institution is subject  to satisfactory supervision in its home state. Satisfactory supervisory 
cooperation must have been established between the supervisory authorities of the institution's 
home state and the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway.  
 
4.3.1.4  Other Financial services  
 
Page 147, paragraph  4.139  
4.139. At the beginning of 2017, mobile payment services were offered by competing solutions, 
primarily Vipps, Mcash and Mobilepay. However, the supply side consolidated during the year with 
Vipps emerging as the sole ap plication for mobile payment services. The mobile payment services 
have so far been expensive for the banks, as international cards (Visa or Mastercard) have been 
used for the underlying payment transaction. However, costs are expected to decline markedly with 
a switch to the domestic BankAxept.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 79 - 
 
  Question:  
- Please clarify why the costs of mobile payment services for the underlying payment transaction 
have been so expensive, and why the costs are expected to decline with a switch to the domestic 
BankAxept.  
 
Answer:  
In 2017 one -third of mobile payments were made directly from a bank account and two -thirds were 
made with a payment card. Of the different types of payment cards, only the international cards can 
currently be used for mobile payments. The transaction costs  are substantially higher for payments 
using international cards than for payments using the more cost efficient domestic BankAxept card 
system. A study in 2014 by Norges Bank showed that the social unit cost of a payment using an 
international payment car d is approximately four times larger than the cost of a payment using the 
BankAxept system. The transaction costs of mobile payments would thus decrease substantially if 
BankAxept cards could be used as the underlying payment instrument for mobile payments . 
 
- What would be the Norwegian policy regarding the mobile payment business and current trend of 
financial technology?  
 
Answer:  
The Norwegian financial industry has been an early adopter of digital solutions and of digital services. 
The emergence of new  market entrants in the payment system, and the growth of fintech in general, 
raises the question of whether the financial markets regulation is able to accommodate technological 
innovation. In September 2017, the Norwegian Financial Services Authority (FS A) established, at 
the behest of the Ministry of Finance, a contact point for fintech firms. In addition to readily 
accessible information and guidance, the contact point is charged with contributing to the 
supervisory authority's understanding of technolo gical developments and identifying any need for 
regulatory amendments. The Norwegian Government will assess the need for additional measures 
to facilitate fintech innovation. The experience garnered by the FSA contact point, as well as 
elements of a recent  proposal from ICT Norway and Finance Norway to establish a regulatory 
sandbox, are relevant in this assessment. The Government will also draw on experience from other 
countries and the fintech efforts in the EU.  
 
4.3.2  Distribution services  
 
Page 149, paragraph  4.142  
4.142. The Enterprise Federation of Norway (Virke) estimates that the Norwegian retail market 
represented a turnover of NKr 529 billion in 2016. Even though Norwegian consumers continue to 
spend most of their money in Norway, either by visitin g shops (NKr 457 billion) or by placing orders 
on the Internet from Norwegian websites (NKr 24 billion), foreign retailers are increasing their 
presence through three channels: (i) shopping during weekend trips or holidays of longer duration 
(NKr 25 billio n); (ii) shopping -motivated day trips to border regions (NKr 13 billion); and (iii) online 
shopping from foreign websites (NKr 11 billion in 2016). Private online imports rose by 225%, nearly 
three times faster than online shopping from domestic suppliers,  between 2011 and 2016. The 
growth in online shopping was spectacular compared with the corresponding 15% increase in the 
turnover from physical shopping in Norwegian stores during the same period.  
 
Question:  
As online shopping from foreign website is one of the three channels for foreign retail market in 
Norway, what are the ten most popular foreign websites for online shopping? Please also kindly 
provide range of products and import values for each website.   
 
Answer:  
Updated numbers for online shopping from foreign websites are 12.4 billion NOK in 2017.2 The most 
popular product categories are electronic products, clothing and other goods.  
 
According to a survey by the Enterprise Federation of Norway (Virke ), the following online shops 
were the most popular among Norwegians from 2nd quarter of 2016 untill end of 1st quarter of 2017  
                                                
2 Sources: Statistics Norway, Norges  Bank, the Enterprise Federation of Norway (Virke). This number is 
based on payments with Norwegian debit and credit cards.  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Whether the website is Norwegian or foreign is a question of definition. All the websites on the list, 
except from Ebay and Amaz on, have Norwegian text. 14 out of the 20 websites are foreign -owned.  
We do not have an overview of the range of products and import values for each website.  
1 Komplett  
2 Elkjøp  
3 Zalando  
4 Netonnet  
5 CdOn  
6 Power  
7 XXL 
8 Apple  
9 Ebay 
10 H&M 
11 Bokklubben  
12 Blivakker  
13 Lefdal  
14 Ellos 
15 Adlibris  
16 Nelly 
17 Boozt  
18 Amazon  
19 Fjellsport  
20 IKEA 
 
3.1.2.2 Preferential (page 42)  
 
3.30. Norway's GSP rules of origin continue to have nearly identical rules on wholly obtained with 
minor modifications to include aquaculture products and more stringent rules applied to vessels that 
are used to obtain or manufacture products from the sea. There are, however, more changes to the 
rules for sufficient working or processing and for cumulation.  
 
Question:  
Please explain why more stringent GSP rules of origin are imposed on vessels that are used to obtain 
or manufacture marine products?  
 
Norway applies identical rules to those applied by the EU. When the EU makes amendments to the 
rules, Norway does the same. This is to keep the possibilities for the beneficiary countries to store 
and split up consignments in the EU before exporting goods to Norway. This also provides 
possibilities for cumulation. Regarding the stringent rules on vessels, Norway has, as explained 
above, implemented the EU rules.  
  
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  COLOMBIA  
2.3. Acuerdos y arreglos comerciales  
2.3.1 OMC  
 
2.18 Noruega finalizó sus procedimientos internos de aceptación del Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del 
Comercio y en diciembre de 2015 notificó su aceptación. También concluyó los procedimientos de la 
OMC y en 2016 aplicó la lista revisada de productos abarcad os por el ATI y la lista revisada de 
productos farmacéuticos, tras el cuarto examen de los productos abarcados. Además, Noruega es 
parte en el Acuerdo sobre Contratación Pública (ACP), de carácter plurilateral, y en abril de 2014 
concluyó los procedimiento s para adoptar el ACP revisado. Tras la Conferencia Ministerial de la OMC 
celebrada en Hong Kong en 2005, Noruega se comprometió a eliminar progresivamente todas las 
subvenciones a la exportación. Después de que se adoptara la decisión en la Conferencia Mi nisterial 
de Nairobi, todas las subvenciones a la exportación se eliminarán antes de finales de 2020, a más 
tardar.  
 
Pregunta: ¿Podría Noruega indicar como se encuentran sus procesos internos de 
cumplimiento de los compromisos de Nairobi para la eliminaci ón de los subsidios a la 
exportación?  
 
2.18. Norway completed its internal procedures for accepting the Trade Facilitation Agreement and 
notified its acceptance in December 2015.17 Furthermore, it completed the WTO procedures and 
implemented the revised IT A product coverage in 2016 and the revised list of pharmaceutical 
products following the fourth review of product coverage.18 It is also a party to the plurilateral 
Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), and completed the procedures for adopting the revis ed 
GPA in April 2014.19 Following the WTO Hong Kong Ministerial outcome in 2005, Norway pledged to 
phase out all export subsidies and, after the decision from the Ministerial meeting in Nairobi, all 
export subsidies will be phased out by 2020 at the latest .  
Question: Could Norway indicate how its internal processes of compliance with the Nairobi 
commitments for the elimination of export subsidies are?  
Answer:  
Norway is committed to phasing out export subsidies by 2020, and has started to amend our 
regulations to fulfill this commitment. A revised Norwegian schedule for export subsidies is already 
certified.  
 
In the dairy sector, rates for export subsidies for cheese are already reduced by 50%. A decision 
has been made to phase out all export subsidi es for cheese from 1 July 2020 .  
 
2.3.2 Acuerdos regionales y preferenciales  
2.3.2.1 Espacio Económico Europeo (EEE)  
 
2.27  En mayo de 2016, Noruega dio su consentimiento a la ratificación de un nuevo acuerdo entre 
los Estados de la AELC del EEE y la Unión Europea sobre el mecanis mo financiero del EEE 
para 2014-2021. Este acuerdo prevé el otorgamiento de subvenciones del EEE, es decir, un 
mecanismo para que Noruega (y los otros dos miembros de la AELC del EEE) aporten fondos para 
mitigar las disparidades eco nómicas y sociales dentro del EEE. Además, se llegó a un acuerdo sobre 
el Mecanismo Financiero de Noruega, conocido como "Norway Grants". Conforme a estas nuevas 
disposiciones para ambos tipos de subvenciones, Noruega aportará 2.801,8 millones de euros a l o 
largo del período de siete años.  
Pregunta: ¿Qué tipo de programas o proyectos se atienden para poder mitigar estas 
disparidades económicas y sociales? ¿Cómo es su compatibilidad con las normas OMC?  
Answer:  
The EEA and Norway Grants are Norway's contribut ion to reducing economic and social disparities 
with 15 beneficiary countries within the EU. This is not a trade issue.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  For your information, the grants focus on five priority sectors:  
 
I. Innovation, Research, Education and Competitiveness  
II. Social Inclusio n, Youth Employment and Poverty Reduction  
III. Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy  
IV. Culture, Civil Society, Good Governance and Fundamental Rights and Freedoms  
V. Justice and Home Affairs  
 
Within these five priority sectors, 23 programme  areas have been developed and can be supported 
by the grants. The list of programme areas are an attachment to the main agreement signed between 
the EU and the donor countries. These are programme areas such as "Business Development, 
Innovation and SMEs",  "Research", "Children and Youth at Risk", "Local Development and Poverty 
Reduction", "Good Governance, Accountable Institutions, Transparence" and "Effectiveness and 
Efficiency of the Judicial System, Strengthening Rule of Law".  
 
The projects to be suppo rted are being selected in the beneficiary states. It can be projects 
supporting the improvement of the living conditions for the Roma population, support for capacity 
building of a civil society organization, support to unaccompanied asylum seekers or sup port to 
greening of industry projects.  
 
In addition to the 23 programme areas, two funds have been established. Fund for Youth 
Employment EUR 65.5 mill. Fund for Regional Cooperation EUR 34.5 mill.  
 
2.3.2.1. Asociación Europea de Libre Comercio (AELC)  
 
2.32  Noruega es parte en los 26 acuerdos de libre comercio de la AELC, que abarcan el comercio 
con 37 socios (cuadro A2.2).3 Históricamente, los acuerdos de libre comercio de la AELC han estado 
impulsados por negociaciones de la Unión Europea, a fin de lograr u n acceso igual o similar a terceros 
países que el negociado por la Unión Europea. Sin embargo, más recientemente los socios de la 
AELC han priorizado negociaciones basadas en principios económicos.4 Durante el período objeto de 
examen, la AELC suscribió nu evos acuerdos que han entrado en vigor para Noruega con respecto a 
Bosnia y Herzegovina; algunos Estados de América Central (Costa Rica, Guatemala y Panamá); el 
Consejo de Cooperación del Golfo; Georgia; Hong Kong, China; y Montenegro. Estos acuerdos de 
libre comercio abarcan por lo general los siguientes asuntos: el comercio de productos no 
agropecuarios, el comercio de servicios, la inversión, la protección de la propiedad intelectual, la 
contratación pública, la competencia, el comercio y el desarrollo s ostenible, la cooperación y la 
solución de diferencias. El comercio de productos agropecuarios no elaborados no está plenamente 
cubierto en los acuerdos de la AELC. El acuerdo con el Consejo de Cooperación del Golfo aún no se 
ha notificado a la OMC, pero N oruega lleva aplicándolo desde el  1ºde julio de 2014.  
Pregunta: Sobre este último acuerdo ¿cuándo tiene previsto Noruega su presentación a la 
OMC?  
 
Answer:  
The agreement entered into force on 1 July 2014. GCC finalized its implementation 1 July 2015. The 
delayed implementation has caused delay in the notification process.  
 
3.1.3.3. Tipos aplicados  
 
3.39 Además, en los sectores en que se aplican aranceles, los tipos varían considerablemente: en el 
caso de los productos agropecuarios, a pesar de que más de do s quintas partes de las líneas están 
exentas de derechos, el promedio aritmético es del 37 .1% y la desv iación estándar del 76% 
(cuadro  3.4). Por otro lado, no son infrecuentes tipos superiores al 100% en muchos subsectores 
agropecuarios, como la carne, los productos lácteos, las frutas y hortalizas, los cereales, las bebidas, 
las semillas oleaginosas y otros productos agropecuarios. Deter minados subsectores, como la carne 
y los productos lácteos, destacan además por sus muy elevados los promedios arancelarios (un 
101% y un 105%, respectivamente). En los subsectores de los cereales y las frutas y hortalizas el 
                                                
3 Veintiséis estaban en vigor en septiembre de 2017; otro, con Filipinas, está ya concluido, pero aún no 
ha entrado en vigor.  
4 Información en3.1.3.6 línea del Gobierno de Noruega, consultada en: 
https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/meld. -st.-29-20142015/id2413532/sec1?q=trade . WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  promedio de los tipos arancela rios es también relativamente alto (un 43% y un 32%, 
respectivamente) (gráfico 3.1). Los aranceles más altos se aplican a los productos de Noruega; por 
el contrario, los no producidos en Noruega, como los plátanos, los cítricos y el café, suelen estar 
libres de derechos (véase también la sección 4.1).5  
Pregunta: ¿Noruega ha considerado la reducción unilateral de aranceles, teniendo en 
cuenta que algunos aranceles aplicados superan el 100% para el sector agrícola y que son 
medidas arancelarias aplicadas en conjunto con medidas de ayuda interna de alta 
protección sectorial?  
 
Answer:  
For sensitive products the average import duty remains high in order to protect and maintain 
Norwegian agricultural production. There is consensus in the Parliament to maintain a viable 
agricultural sector, and the customs tariffs are one of the tools to achieve this. For some sectors, 
like dairy and meat, the tariffs are at a high level to reach this goal. The recent debates in the 
Parliament on agricultural policy have shown that  there is broad consensus regarding the need for 
protection of sensitive products. Since the last TPR the Government has tabled White Papers to the 
Parliament on both trade policy and agricultural policy, where the current policy has been debated. 
Norway i s committed to the WTO and will continue to play a constructive role in negotiations in 
agriculture and other fields  
 
3.1.3.4 Contingentes arancelarios  
 
3.45. Noruega mantiene 29 contingentes NMF abiertos a todos los importadores, la mayoría de ellos 
de co nformidad con los compromisos adquiridos en el marco de la OMC (cuadro 3.4). Las tasas de 
utilización de muchos de estos contingentes (como los asignados a la carne de bovino, ciervo y alce, 
las peras y las conservas de frutas) son altas; sin embargo, hay otros contingentes (como los 
asignados a los huevos, la carne de pollo, la lombarda y la carne de cerdo) que están subutilizados. 
Según las autoridades, las tasas de utilización suelen variar en función de la producción y la demanda 
internas.  
 
Pregunta: ¿Que mecanismo de administración es usado para estos contingentes?, si no es 
primer llegado, primer servido, se ha tenido en consideración el compromiso de la 
Ministerial de Bali?  
 
Answer:  
These TRQs are allocated by auctioning. This is a well -functioning and market oriented system with 
a fair and transparent distribution of the quotas. Certain quotas have low fill rate. This is in general 
due to the market situation and the lack of attracti on in the Norwegian market for some of the 
quotas. The quotas can be traded between operators. The quotas are allocated in due time before 
the respective quota period. If the quotas are not fully allocated before the start of the quota period, 
the remainin g quotas will be allocated throughout the quota period. In our opinion, this system 
fulfills the Bali Ministerial commitments.  
 
3.1.3.6 Aranceles preferenciales  
 
3.53 De conformidad con sus acuerdos preferenciales, recíprocos o unilaterales, Noruega aplic a 
aranceles preferenciales a las importaciones procedentes de determinados países. El porcentaje de 
líneas exentas de derechos varía en función del acuerdo de que se trate y oscila entre el 89% y el 
100% del total de líneas arancelarias (cuadro 3.8). Al ig ual que sucede en el caso de los aranceles 
NMF, en los acuerdos preferenciales se otorga una protección arancelaria mucho mayor al sector 
agropecuario que a los restantes sectores. En general, menos del 50% de las líneas arancelarias 
correspondientes al se ctor agropecuario están libres de derechos, salvo en un número pequeño de 
ALC y de categorías del SGP. En el marco de los regímenes preferenciales de Noruega, casi todas 
las líneas arancelarias correspondientes al sector no agropecuario están exentas de de rechos.  
 
                                                
5 Información en línea del Gobierno de Noruega, consultada en: 
https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/prop. -1-ls-ls0-20162017/id2514108/sec2#KAP11 . WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Pregunta: ¿En el relacionamiento bilateral con Colombia se ha considerado negociar la 
reducción arancelaria para algunos productos del sector agropecuario?  
 
Answer:  
The bilateral agricultural agreement between Norway and Colombia contains a wide range of 
concessions for agricultural products. Furthermore, the agreement contains a further liberalization 
clause. This clause has not yet been invoked.  
 
4.1.1.2. Marco de política  
 
4.15 En el Libro Blanco Nº  11 (2016 -2017) el Gobierno recomendó dar continuidad a los acuerdos 
agrícolas básicos y a la mayoría de las medidas de regulación del mercado vigentes, pero también 
formuló una serie de propuestas que, en su opinión, servirían para mejorar la flexibilidad  y eficiencia 
del sistema, así como para estimular la competencia en los sectores de la transformación y la 
distribución. Algunas de sus principales recomendaciones fueron: i) transferir la carne de porcino 
del sistema basado en la "fijación de precios ind icativos" al "modelo basado en el volumen"; ii) 
reducir el número de regiones productoras de leche para rebajar las diferencias geográficas 
observadas en materia de precios de venta y arrendamiento de contingentes de leche; iii) adquirir 
contingentes de le che de cabra y suprimir las medidas para equilibrar el mercado de este producto; 
iv) suspender la actual regulación del mercado de huevos y cereales y dejar las futuras medidas de 
equilibrio en manos de la Dirección General de Agricultura de Noruega; y v)  eliminar los programas 
de bienestar, aumentando en su lugar los pagos complementarios por animal. Sin embargo, la 
mayoría de estas propuestas siguen sin aplicarse, ya que no han recibido el apoyo mayoritario del 
Parlamento.  
 
Pregunta: ¿Bajo qué programas específicos se buscará reducir el número de regiones 
productoras de leche?  
 
Answer:  
The milk quota system serves to regulate the milk production according to the market situation. A 
system for buying and selling quotas entered into force in 1997. Farmers s elling cow milk quotas 
are allowed to sell 80 % of their quota, at a free price, directly to other producers within a production 
region (mainly defined as the county). Minimum 20 % had to be sold to the Government at a fixed 
price.  
 
Following the White Pape r from December 2016, the Parliament accepted to reduce the number of 
production regions for cow milk from 18 to 14 to ensure good geographical distribution, cost -effective 
food production and equal development opportunities for producers in all regions. T he actual milk 
production still takes place all over the country. This reform only affects the technical regions in 
which buying and selling of milk quotas take place (what we have called a production region).  
 
4.1.1.4. Niveles de ayuda interna  
4.1.1.4.1. Notificaciones a la OMC  
Compartimento azul  
 
4.25 El gasto en programas notificados en el marco del compartimento azul (párrafo 5 del artículo 
6) aumentó de forma sostenida desde 2007 (3.700 millones de coronas noruegas) hasta  2015, y se 
estabilizó en torno a 5.200 millones de coronas noruegas en 201 5 y 2016. Esta tendencia era un 
reflejo de la evolución de la política, ya que los pagos por cabeza de ganado de los programas de 
limitación de la producción sustituyeron a los precios indicativos y a otras varias medidas de 
sostenimiento de los precios de l mercado de la carne de vacuno y de ovino. Además, en 2014 se 
introdujo el régimen de incentivos a la calidad de la carne de vacuno.  
 
Pregunta: ¿Podría Noruega indicar en términos de Valor de la producción, si bien está 
aumentando desde 2007, que porcent aje corresponde a caja azul?  
 
Answer:  
Blue box payments in percentage of Value of production in Norwegian agriculture was reduced from 
16.3% in 2007 to 14.8 % in 2016.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  4.1.2.3. Biocombustibles y política  
 
4.47 En 2016 -2017, el Parlamento aprobó varias decisiones que afectan al sector nacional de los 
biocombustibles. Se aprobaron cuatro resoluciones relativas a la aplicación de los requisitos de 
sostenibilidad de la Unión Europea a todos los biocombustibles vendidos en Noruega; el acuerdo 
sectorial sobre  la venta de biocombustibles sin aceite de palma; la revisión de las tasas y la 
reglamentación para promover los biocombustibles avanzados sostenibles; y la presentación de una 
petición formal para que el Gobierno adopte medidas encaminadas a prohibir lega lmente la 
adquisición pública de biocombustibles hechos a base de aceite de palma, modificando la Ley de 
Reglamentación de la Contratación Pública.   
 
Pregunta: ¿Podría indicar Noruega que tipo de consideraciones se han tenido en cuenta 
para poder determina r la prohibición a la adquisición pública de biocombustibles hechos 
de aceite de palma?  Se ha considerado su compatibilidad con las normas en la OMC?  
 
Answer:  
Norway uses biofuel in the transport sector as a measure to reduce emissions of our greenhouse 
gasses. Norway bases its regulations on EU's criteria for sustainable production. This means that 
biofuel must reduce total emissions by at least 50 % compared with emissions from fossil fuels. The 
input to production of biofuel must not be produced on area s that have high level of biodiversity or 
a high level of carbon storage.  
  
The Norwegian Parliament has requested a ban on palm oil -based bio -fuel in public procurement. 
The Ministry of Climate and Environmental Affairs is currently assessing and clarify ing the available 
legal scope of action in this context. This assessment will take into account of our international 
commitments both in terms of climate and trade. Norway will be able to provide more information 
once this process has been concluded.  
 
According to EU's estimates, production of palm oil may imply a risk of emission due to indirect land 
use changes (ILUC). Norway will investigate more about the impacts of production and use of biofuel 
based on palm oil. Norway will respect its obligations, in cluding those under the WTO.  
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  ECUADOR  
Informe de la Secretaría:  
 
• De conformidad con la página 9, párrafo 8. En el que se indica que la mayoría de las líneas 
arancelarias (el 85%) están exentas de derechos, pero los aranceles que siguen aplicándose 
pueden ser elevados y en muchos subsectores agropecuarios no es infrecuente que superen 
el 100%  
 
¿Podría indicar Noruega informarnos a qué productos agropecuarios se refiere a la alta 
aplicación de dichos aranceles?  
 
Answer:  
Norway has in general high tariffs in its sensitive agricultural sectors, which are dairy, meat, cereals, 
feeding stuffs and certain vegetables and fruits.  
 
 
• De conformidad con la página 28, recuadro 2.1 se señalan las Cinco esferas principales de 
la política comercial de Noruega. La primera, referente a "Salvaguardia y fortalecimiento del 
sistema multilateral de comercio", establece que Noruega dará prioridad, entre otras 
actividades, al reforzamiento de las normas para el comercio (medidas antidumping y 
subvenciones a la pesca).  
 
Respecto a l a problemática del dumping, ¿Podría Noruega explicarnos cómo ejecutará tal 
objetivo, específicamente, cuáles serían los parámetros para realizar las investigaciones 
previas que determinarían la supuesta existencia de dumping, el supuesto daño a la rama 
de producción nacional del producto similar, y la supuesta relación causal entre ambos 
hechos?  
 
Answer:  
Norway has no tradition for using anti -dumping measures. However, Norwegian businesses have 
been affected by other Members' anti -dumping measures and Norwa y has therefore been involved 
in disputes. Our long -term interest lies in having a very clear anti -dumping agreement with clear 
rules that leave no room for national/ individual interpretation and clear time limitations on 
measures.   
 
 
• De conformidad con l a página 30, párrafo 2.13 se refiere a la estrategia marítima"(Blue 
Growth for a Green Future" y a la estrategia oceánica ("New Growth, Proud History) que 
Noruega ha iniciado. Dentro de la explicación de tales estrategias, se precisa que una parte 
importan te de la política de Noruega consiste en "(…) prestar  asistencia a los países en 
desarrollo para que pongan en marcha su "economía azul " (…)".  
 
¿Podría Noruega indicarnos cuáles serían los parámetros en los que se otorgaría ésta 
asistencia?  
 
Answer :  
As part of the blue economy in development policy Norway is supporting several programmes. The 
aim is to assist developing countries to utilize their nature resources in a better way in order to 
facilitate economic and social development. Norwegian experie nce in sectors such as energy, 
shipping, maritime technology, fisheries and aquaculture is in demand. One of the programmes is 
"Oil for Development", another is "Fish for Development" (FfD). Within FfD Norway is supporting 
different areas. One example is t he fight against fisheries crime and IUU (Illegal, Unregulated and 
Unreported fishing), another is strengthening the fishery management in selected countries. 
Enclosed is the "Policy Document" for FfD which gives more information. Part of the Norwegian 
support, within the scope of blue economy is channeled through institutions like FAO, UNODC, UNEP, 
CGIAR etc. Within the blue economy in developing countries Norway does not have general scheme 
with open call for proposals. However, other schemes can be relev ant also for the blue economy. 
The web -page refers to possible funding opportunities from Norad (the Norwegian Agency for 
Development Cooperation):  https://www.norad.no/en/front/funding/   
 
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 87 - 
 
  • De conformación con la página 41, párrafo 3.2 indica "Anteriormente, las infracciones se 
sancionaban con la aplicación de un IVA adicional. Las multas, incorporadas al Reglamento, 
se aplican desde el 1º de enero de 2017; hay diferentes multas para las distint as 
infracciones".  
 
La información proporcionada en el pie de página sobre las infracciones se encuentran 
disponibles únicamente en idioma noruego, mucho apreciaré si Noruega nos podría 
proporcionar esta información en idioma inglés.  
 
Answer:  
The footnotes refer to Norwegian websites, which have not been  translated. The website 
www.lovdata.no  provides access to a collection of online legal resources, while www.regjeringen.no  
is the Government's own website.  
 
 
• De conformidad con las páginas 42 –43, párrafo 3.6 indica "En Noruega, los procedimientos 
de importación requieren, entre otras cosas, la presentación de una declaración aduanera a 
través del sistema el ectrónico o mediante la cumplimentación del Documento Administrativo 
Único (SAD), así como de la factura... No obstante, el Documento Administrativo Único solo 
lo utilizan los particulares y como procedimiento de último recurso".  
 
¿Podría Noruega indicarno s cuál es la principal diferencia entre la declaración aduanera y 
el DAU, y por qué a este último se le utiliza como procedimiento de último recurso?  
 
Answer:  
There is no difference between the customs declaration submitted electronically and a SAD documen t 
on paper. The SAD document is used when the electronic declaration system is unavailable, so 
importers or exporters still can fulfill the declaration obligation even if the system is down due to 
error situations.  
 
 
• De conformidad con la página 88, párrafos 3.115 y 3.116 se refieren a la armonización de 
los productos del EEE, y las esferas no abarcadas por la legislación específica se debe cumplir 
la Directiva de Seguridad General de los Productos o la legislación específica de los 
productos. El nuev o marco legislativo no se aplica a todos los productos, entre ellos a los 
productos cosméticos, y se aplican enfoques distintos para la armonización en el EEE.  
 
¿Podría Noruega informarnos cuáles son los enfoques que se aplican para la armonización 
del sec tor de cosméticos, y si se mantendrá una normativa distinta para el sector? ¿Cuáles 
son los elementos que difieren entre la Normativa UE y la de la EEE en el sector 
cosméticos?  
 
Answer:  
In the European Union, cosmetic products are harmonized by Regulation (EU) No. 1223/2009 on 
cosmetic products. This Regulation is implemented into the EEA Agreement and applies fully to 
Norway as an EEA Country (without an adaptation text). Norway has, in addition, one national 
cosmetic Regulation regarding tattooing ink and  other products to be injected under the skin.  In the 
same way EU member States notify the European Commission of market surveillance activities on 
cosmetic products, Norway also notifies such activities according to Regulation (EU) No. 765/2008.  
 
 
• De conformidad con la página 134, párrafo 4.44, se indica que Noruega en el año 2003 
desarrollo un Programa de bioenergía en el marco de la iniciativa Innovation Norway para 
respaldar el desarrollo del suministro. El Programa ha facilitado hasta la fecha e l 
establecimiento de casi 2.000 instalaciones de calefacción bioenergética.  
 
Por su parte en el párrafo 4.45, se establece que las políticas gubernamentales en varias 
esferas han contribuido el aumento de la demanda de biocombustibles. No obstante  en el 
párrafo 4.47, se expresa que en 2016 -2017 el Parlamento aprobó varias decisiones que 
afectan al sector nacional de biocombustibles, entre los cuáles se encuentra la prohibición 
de la adquisición pública de biocombustibles hechos a base de aceite de palma, Modificando 
la Ley de Reglamentación de la contratación pública.  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 88 - 
 
  ¿Podría Noruega informar cuáles son las modificaciones a la ley de Reglamentación de la 
contratación pública que afecta al sector nacional de biocombustibles, así como podría 
determina r cómo se encuentra enfrentando tales medidas el sector nacional de 
biocombustibles en específico respecto de la prohibición de la adquisición pública de 
biocombustibles hechos a base de aceite de palma?  
 
Answer:  
Norway uses biofuel in the transport secto r as a measure to reduce emissions of our greenhouse 
gasses. Norway bases its regulations on EU's criteria for sustainable production. This means that 
biofuel must reduce total emissions by at least 50 % compared with emissions from fossil fuels. The 
input to production of biofuel must not be grown on areas that have high level of biodiversity or a 
high level of carbon storage.  
 
The Norwegian Parliament has requested a ban on palm oil -based biofuel in public procurement. The 
Ministry of Climate and Environm ental Affairs is in the process of clarifying the available legal scope 
of action and possible alternatives to a ban  as proposed by the Parliament. In this assessment, we 
will take into account our international commitments both in terms of climate and tra de. Any changes 
to the regulations – if so decided – will apply to palm oil. This question is not relevant for the 
Norwegian Bioenergy Programme, whose main objective is to incentivize use of solid biomass for 
heating. We will be able to provide more information about this once the process has been finalize d. 
  
According to EU 's estimates , production of palm oil may imply a risk of emission due to indirect land 
use changes (ILUC). Norway will investigate more about the impacts of production and use of biofuel 
based on palm oil. Norway will respect its obliga tions, including those under the WTO.  
 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM ECUADOR  
De conformidad con la página 119, párrafo 4.7 que establece "La agricultura y la ganadería forman  
parte del "giro ecológico" de la economía noruega con el que se pretende reducir la h uella 
medioambiental de la actividad humana, lo que incluye el cumplimiento de las metas nacionales y  
de los parámetros y objetivos internacionales que ha suscrito Noruega"; al respecto:  
 
¿Podría Noruega informarnos qué productos se incluyen dentro del gir o ecológico y qué requisitos  
deben cumplir?  
 
 
Paragraph 4.7 on page 103 states "Agriculture is part of a "green shift" in the Norwegian economy 
aiming at reducing the environmental footprint of human activity, including the fulfilment of national 
targets and international benchmarks and objectives that Norway has signed up to."  
 
Could Norway please inform us which products are defined as organic and what requirements should 
they meet?  
 
Answer:  
Legislation on organic production and labelling of organic pro ducts is part of the EEA -Agreement, 
and our national regulation is fully harmonized with the EU regulations in this area. This includes 
Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products, 
Commission Regulation (EC) 889/2008, Commission Regulation (EC) 1235/2008 and several 
amending acts. Consequently, products produced and labelled as organic need to fulfill the 
requirements laid down in these regulations.  
 
 
The regulations cover a wide range of products,  including live or unprocessed agricultural products 
(also aquaculture) and processed agricultural products for use as food and feed. We would like to 
refer to the regulations for further and more detailed information  regarding this.  
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  CANADA  
3. Trade Policies And  Practices By Measure  
3.1 Measure Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.2 Rules of Origin  
Paragraph number:  3.23 
Can Norway explain how the rules of origin changes presented in paragraph s 3.23 and 3.27 -3.28, 
impact preferential rules of origin for goods in Norway's existing FTAs? Can Norway provide more 
details regarding the changes and what goods may be impacted by those changes?  
Answer: The changes that were made in the FTAs were only linked to the Regional Convention on 
Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Preferential  Rules of Origin (PEM Con vention) in the FTA with 
Bosnia -Herzegovina, Montenegro and the EEA. Diagonal cumulation and full -cumulation were 
already in force with the EU so there have been no substantive changes in rules of origin.  
However, several amendment s were made to the non -preferential rules of origin and the GSP 
scheme.  
3. Trade Policies And Practices By Measure  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.6 Government procurement  
Paragraph number:  3.178  
The Secretariat reports that Norway introdu ced the Regulation on obligation to require the use of 
apprentices in Public Contracts No. 1708 of 2016. Could Norway please explain how this Regulation 
is applied in practice?  
Answer:  The public authority must consider whether the procurement makes it nec essary to require 
the use of apprentices. If the main part of the contract requires the use of skilled labour, there will 
be a duty to use apprentices, unless certain exemption clauses are met. The requirement of the use 
of apprentices shall be stated in t he contract. The contract shall also stipulate that the public 
contractor is entitled to carry out necessary sanctions if the supplier fails to comply with the 
requirements. The sanctions must be appropriate, to influence the supplier to fulfill the terms.  The 
public contractor shall carry out necessary checks to ensure that the apprentices requirement is met.  
4. Trade Policies By Sector  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.1.1 Main features  
Paragraph number:  4.4 
The Report by the Secretariat notes that "Milk quotas may be leased or traded, and the production 
ceiling was raised to 900,000 litres per year per unit as from 1 January 2015." Could Norway please 
elaborate how the production ceiling is determined?   
Answer: The rules for production ceilings per farm are a part of the annual Agricultural Agreement. 
In 2014, the maximum quota for single farms was 412,000 litres for cow milk and 200,000 litres for 
goat milk. For cooperations with dairy production, the maximum qu ota was 773,000 litres for both 
cow and goat milk.  
In the Agricultural Agreement negotiations in 2014, the Government proposed to set a ceiling for all 
kinds of farms at 1.2 mill litres. There was no agreement concerning the Agricultural Agreement this 
year, so the Parliament decided to set the ceiling at 900,000 litres per farm.  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  3. Trade Policies And Practices By Measure  
3.1 Measure Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.3 Tariffs  
3.1.3.3 Applied rates  
Paragraph number:  3.38. 
Can Norway provide more information on  the autonomous liberalization of 114 agriculture lines by 
HS codes during the review period, including what the policy rational for these changes and which 
lines were liberalized and the period during which a reduction was made/in effect?  
Answer: Norway l iberalized the duties for 114 tariff lines with lower duties and less sensitivity. The 
duties were eliminated as of 1 January 2015. The goal was to simplify the import system and thereby 
benefit economic operators and consumers. The tariff lines can be fou nd at the following link:  
https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/Prop -1-LS-2014--2015/id2005476/sec33    
3. Trade Policies And Practices By Measure  
3.1 Measure Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.3 Tariffs  
3.1.3.4 Tariff quotas (TQs)  
Paragraph number:  3.46 
Canada notes that certain Norwegian tariff rate quotas (TRQs) have low fill rates. Could Norway 
provide more information on the factors that led to the low fill rates for these TRQs, including the 
method of TRQ administration used to administer the quota?  
Answer: Certain quotas have low fill rate. This is in general due to the market situation and the 
lack of attraction in the Norwegian market for some of the quot as. The quotas can be traded between 
operators. The quotas are allocated in due time before the respective quota period. If the quotas 
are not fully allocated before the start of the quota period, the remaining quotas will be allocated 
throughout the quota  period.  
These TRQs are allocated by auctioning. This is a well -functioning and market oriented system with 
a fair and transparent distribution of the TRQs.  
4. Trade Policies By Sector  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.1.4 Domestic support leve ls 
Paragraph number:  4.24 
Canada notes that the Current Total AMS in 2016 is close to Norway's bound Total AMS and, in 2008, 
exceeded it slightly. Considering that Norway's Current Total AMS has increased from NKr 10.5 
billion average for the previous ten years to NKr 10.9 billion in 2016, could Norway provide more 
details has to how it will ensure that the total AMS will not exceed its bound Total AMS in the coming 
years?  
Answer:  Every year the Government assesses the volume of production and support progr ams to 
ensure that the AMS will not exceed Norway's bound total AMS. In addition, there is a safety margin, 
in case the production is higher than the average level.  
3. Trade Policies And Practices By Measure  
3.1 Measure Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.1 Cus toms procedures, valuation, and requirements  
Paragraph number:  3.1 
Can Norway provide more information on the changes made to its Customs Act and associ ated 
regulations, presented in p aragraph 3.2, and provide details on what products were impacted by 
these changes and how they were impacted?  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Answer:  Section 16 -17 (below) of the Customs Act regulates the infringements that are subject to 
violation fines. The fines are measured in court fees. As per 30 May 2018, one court fee make up 
NKr 1,130. The details o f the determination of the violation fines are regulated in the Customs 
Regulations Section 16 -17-1 (below).  
  
The changes apply to all products. The violation fines are imposed on violation of procedural 
provisions, failure to help facilitate controls and  issuing of incorrect certificate of origin. The 
Norwegian Customs do not keep statistics on the types of products that have been subject to 
violation fines.   
  
The Act on Customs  Duties and Movements of Goods – Section 16 -17 Violation fines  
(1) The customs authorities may impose violation fines against:  
a)  any person who violates obligations pursuant to Sections 3 -1 to 3 -7, 
b)  any person who violates obligations pursuant to Sections 4 -1, 4-10 to 4 -12, 4-20 to 4 -25 
and 4 -30, 
c)  any person who does not help facilitate a control pursuant to Sections 13 -4 and 13 -7, 
d)  any person who in Norway issues or causes to be issued an incorrect certificate of origin, 
invoice or other incorrect identification document that is intended to serve as proof of 
custom s clearance of goods in another country.  
 
(2) Violation fines pursuant to sub -section (1) (c) can amount to up to 50 court fees per day, cf. 
Section 1, paragraph  two of the Act relating to court fees.  
  
(3) Violation fines are not imposed if fulfilment was  impossible due to circumstances that were not 
caused by the person responsible.  
  
Customs Regulations – Section 16 -17-1 Determination of violation fines  
(1) The determination of violation fines shall be within the following limits:  
(a)  Violation of the C ustoms Act Section 3 -1 up to 75 court fees  
(b)  Violation of the Customs Act Sections 3 -2 to § 3 -7 up to 25 court fees  
(c)  Violation of the Customs Act Sections 4 -1, 4-10 and 4 -11 up to 75 court fees  
(d)  Violation of the Customs Act Section 4 -12 up to 50  court fees  
(e)  Violation of the Customs Act Sections 4 -20 to 4 -25 up to 75 court fees  
(f)  Violation of the Customs Act Section 4 -30 up to 25 court fees  
(g)  Violation of the Customs Act Section 16 -17 sub -section (1) (d) up to 75 court fees  
  
(2) In espe cially gross violations, violation fines can be determined of up to twice the amount limits 
pursuant to sub -section (1). When determining violation fines it shall be emphasized on:  
(a) The nature of the infringement and scope  
(b) Repetition  
(c) The violati on is revealed in customs control  
  
Links to the Customs Act and the Customs Regulations:  
  
https://www.toll.no/contentassets/71f70c1b980a45b8b57098ded3069fd9/act_on_customs_duties
_and_movement_of_goods_jan2017.pdf   
  
https://www.toll.no/en/services/regulations/law -and-regulations/regulations -to-the-act-on-
customs -duties -and-movement -of-goods -customs -regulations/   
3. Trade Policies And Practices By Measure  
3.1 Measure Directly Affecting  Imports  
3.1.1 Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements  
Paragraph number:  3.2 
Norway amended requirements for its customs controls and infringement which resulted in the 
introduction of new fines and infringement charges. Can Norway explain how these changes impact 
imports entering the country?  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Answer:  Violation fines were introduced as a replacement for a different sanction, and were not 
meant to affect the number of importations. As of yet, we have not seen any signs of violation fines 
having a n impact of the number of importations entering the country.  
4. Trade Policies by Sector  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.1.2 Policy framework  
Paragraph number:  4.15 
The Report by the Secretariat notes that "In White Paper No. 11 (2016 -17), th e Government 
recommended the continuation of Basic Agricultural Agreements and most existing market 
regulation measures, but it also made a number of proposals which, in its view, would make the 
system more flexible and efficient, and stimulate competition  in the processing and distribution 
sectors. Among the principal recommendations were: (ii) fewer milk producing regions to reduce 
observed geographical price differences in milk quota sales and leasing."  
Could Norway please provide more information on ho w it will reduce its milk producing regions?  
Answer:  The milk quota system serves to regulate the milk production according to the market 
situation. A system for buying and selling quotas entered into force in 1997. Farmers selling cow 
milk quotas are allo wed to sell 80 % of their quota, at a free price, directly to other producers within 
a production region (mainly defined as the county). Minimum 20 % had to be sold to the Government 
at a fixed price.  
Following the White Paper from December 2016, the Parlia ment accepted to reduce the number of 
production regions for cow milk from 18 to 14 to ensure good geographical distribution, cost -effective 
food production and equal development opportunities for producers in all regions. The actual milk 
production still takes place all over the country. This reform only affects the technical regions in 
which buying and selling of milk quotas take place (what we have called a production region).  
3. Trade Policies And Practices By Measure  
3.1 Measure Directly Affecting Impo rts 
Paragraph number:  3.65 
Canada recognizes that Norway's proposed amendments (as notified under G/SPS/N/NOR/33/Add.2) 
would replace the current prohibition against the importation of live Homarus americanus (H. 
americanus) , a measure that Canada believes  is not justifiable under the WTO Agreement on the 
Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. Canada remains concerned that Norway's 
proposed new measure would also be more trade restrictive than necessary and disproportionate to 
the alleged risks  associated with imports of live H. americanus. Canada understands and shares 
Norway's concern about the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive alien species (IAS), but 
Canada is not convinced that the scientific evidence supports a conclusion that H.  americanus could 
successfully complete its life cycle outside of its native range. Moreover, Canada submits that the 
likelihood of significant numbers of live lobster being intentionally or accidentally released into 
Norwegian waters is low, further reduc ing the possibility that H. americanus could be a high -risk 
ecological threat. In consideration of comments received through Norway's public consultations, is 
Norway considering replacing or modifying the proposed measures with ones that are more trade 
facilitative and proportionate to the level of risk?  
Answer:  Norway is now considering all comments received during the consultation period, including 
the comments received from Global Affairs Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Nova Scotia 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister. Various solutions are currently bei ng assessed and this process 
is not yet finalized.  
 
Alternative me asures are being considered in S ection 2.3 of the consultation paper for the proposal.  
https://www.regjeringen.no/contentassets/0a14d54b9f7d439db7028aa87f5210f6/consultation_pa
per_proposal_for_amendments_to_the_regulations_relating_to_alien_organisms_171 027.pdf  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  4. Trade Policies By Sector  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.1.4 Domestic support levels  
Paragraph number:  4.24 
Does Norway expect this increasing trend of its total AMS to continue in the coming years?  
Answer:  As mentioned in the Report, in para 4.24, the total AMS has been relatively constant the 
last ten years. The Norwegian Government closely follows the development in AMS, to ensure that 
we fulfill our obligations.  
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  ICELAND  
1.  Could Norway share informati on on the participation of women in the economy?  
 
Answer:  
For women, the employment rate has remained stable at just over 76 % since 2010 (aged  25-66). 
During the period 2006 to 2016, the proportion of men aged 25−66 in employment was at its lowest 
in 2016 (81%). The gender employment gap has gradually narrowed since the 2000s, and in 2016, 
the differential was at a record low of 5 percentage points.  
 
Although there are no longer major disparities in the proportion of women and men in employment, 
their part icipation in the labour market differ. A larger proportion of women than men work part 
time, women and men still work in different sectors and industries, and there are still systematic 
disparities in women's and men's career choices.  
 
Among men in employ ment, the proportion working full time is high, at 85 %, and for women the 
figure is 63 %. However, the disparity has been larger in the past. As recently as 2004, 87 % of men 
in employment aged 26−66 worked full time, while this applied to 57 % of women in th e age group.  
 
There has been a decline in proportion of women working part time. In 2008 the proportion of women 
working part time was 42 % (short and long part -time hours in total). Since then, this figure has 
fallen by 5 percentage points.  
 
Women earn 86.7% of men on a monthly basis (average monthly earnings per full -time equivalent 
for both full -time and part -time employees 2017).  
 
 
2. Have particular barriers that limit women 's participation in trade  been identified?  
3. Has Norway implemented any particular measures to encourage women's  participation in 
trade and promote women's entrepreneurship, or are such measures being developed?  
 
Answer:  
Gender equality is a sound economic policy to ensure equal opportunities for all. Getting women into 
paid w ork means using the entire talent pool of the workforce.  We know that women's participation 
drives economic growth and development. A modern, competitive economy needs the best heads 
and hands, regardless of gender.  
 
Affordable childcare and generous pare ntal leave schemes have made it possible for both mothers 
and fathers to work. These welfare schemes are costly, but are investments that pay off.  The 
Norwegian parental benefit is intended to ensure parents an income in connection with pregnancy, 
birth an d adoption. Parental benefit is used as a measure both to secure parents the equal possibility 
to spend time with their children in the first year of life, but als o as a measure to secure 
gender -equality in the workplace and at home. The total benefit peri od after birth is 46 weeks when 
parents choose 100 % degree of coverage. The period consists of a paternal quota of 10 weeks, a 
maternal quota of 10 weeks and a period of 26 weeks the parents are free to divide between them 
as they wish. In order to encoura ge fathers to go on longer parental leaves, the Norwegian 
Government has increased the maternal - and paternal quota to 15 weeks, effective from 
1 July 2018. By increasing the quotas, the Government expects fathers to claim more parental 
benefit, since the size of the quota has been shown to have great impact on how much parental 
benefit fathers claim. This will result in a more equal sharing of the paren tal benefit period which is 
in the childrens´ best interests, but will also have positive effects on gender -equality both at the 
workplace and at home.  
 
Norway has introduced legislation to secure more women on the board of directors of public limited 
comp anies. Effective from January 2006, public limited companies are required by law to have both 
genders represented on the board of directors, by approximately 40 %. If a company board does not 
meet the statutory requirements, the Register of Business Enterpr ises will deny registration. 
Furthermore, companies that do not fulfil the requirement may be dissolved by Court order, following 
a liquidation process.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 95 - 
 
  Before the legislation was introduced in 2003, 7% of the public limited board members were women. 
By 2017, the number had risen to 42 %. Privately owned limited companies are not subject to the 
same rule and in 2017 18.6 % of the board members in these companies were women in 2017.  
 
Measures to improve opportunities for women entrepreneurs are important. Fo r the past ten years, 
about 30 % of entrepreneurs in Norway have been female. In order to increase this number we stress 
the importance of a strong culture for entrepreneurship. The education system is key in this respect. 
In the effort to e ncourage women's  participation, it is important to enable female student to 
participate in student enterprises and to include entrepreneurship as a part of the education. 
Innovation Norway launched the Female Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2009 to showcase 
successful f emale role models. The award has been a success so far and has given female 
entrepreneurs more attention.  
 
There are also other schemes and courses carried out with the specific aim to increase participation 
by women on a managerial level and in boards in  the private business sector and the like. More 
information is available from the Norwegian Confederation of Industries: 
https://www.nho.no/en/about -nho/publications -and-positions/Transport -and-
communication/Female -Future ---Mobilizing -talents/  
 
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  REPUBLIC OF KOREA  
Trade Policies By Sector  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.3.7 International and bilateral agreements  
4.83 
 
According to Para 4 .83, as of 2017, the Norwegian G overnment has concluded bilateral agreements 
on fisheries with the Russian Federation, the European Union, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and 
Greenland.  
 
1) My delegation would like  to know whether the Norwegian G overnment has any long -term plan to 
pursue cooperation in the fishery sector with other additional countries.  
 
Answer:  
In addition to the existing  bilateral agreements mentioned above, the Norwegian G overnment has 
an ongoing project where the purpose is to establish a framework for new agreements with the UK 
when the UK becomes an independent coastal state. Norway also has MoUs with a number of 
countries with the objective to coordinate policies and ex change information in the fisheries sector. 
The most recently agreed MoUs are with Mexico and Sri Lanka. In addition, we have started a process 
with Indonesia. Furthermore, we have permanent relationships with USA, Canada and India.  Norway 
is also an activ e member and participant in a large number of Regional Fisheries Management 
Organizations (RFMOs).  
 
2) Some companies in our country are interested in establishing joint venture fishing companies in 
Norwegian waters. If possible, could you introduce potent ial avenues or methods for those interested 
companies?  
 
Answer:  
To participate in fisheries in Norwegian waters it is a requirement that Norwegian citizens own the 
vessel by at least 60 %, and that Norwegian citizens have a corresponding control over the co mpany 
owning the vessel. For limited companies, public limited companies and other companies with limited 
liability, the leader of the board of directors and the majority of the members of the board have to 
be Norwegian citizens that resides in Norway and have done so for the past two years. In addition, 
the company's head office and board seat also have to be in Norway.  
  
Thus, broadly speaking, foreign entities may own 40 % of a vessel or a company that owns vessels 
as long as  the criteria listed above are fulfilled.   
 
The relevant legislation in Norwegian can be found here: https://lovdata.no/NL/lov/1999 -03-26-
15/§5  
 
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  TURKEY  
THE GOVERNMENT REPORT  
 
2. Recent Econom ic Developments, 2.1 Norway's economy and trade patterns, Facts on 
Norway's trade, pg. 4, 2.1  
 
It is stated in the Government Report that "… trade openness and access to global value chains are 
crucial to the smooth functioning of the Norwegian economy. I n order for Norwegian firms to benefit 
from economies of scale, Norway must participate in international markets. An open, stable and 
predictable trading system anchored in the WTO allows Norway to employ its comparative 
advantage."  
 
Question:  Could Norwa y provide further information about the main mechanisms and tools that are 
introduced in order to increase the participation of Norwegian firms in global value chains?  
 
Answer:  
In order to  participate in global value chains, Norwegian firms rely on market access through an 
open, stable and predictable trading system anchored in the WTO as well as its bilateral free trade 
agreements.  
 
In the Government's strategy of export and international ization of 2017, the Government states that 
it wants to increase exports from existing export industries and facilitate new export industries. 
Following the strategy, Innovation Norway implemented a new internationalization program in 2017 
called Global Gr owth. The program is aimed at companies with solutions that can contribute towards 
global challenges.  
 
Norway also seeks to attract international investors to Norway through "Invest in Norway". Invest 
in Norway is an investment promotion function within In novation Norway, focusing on attracting and 
facilitating foreign direct investment to Norway.  
 
3. Trade Policy Developments, 3.3 Brexit, pg. 9, 3.16 -3.17  
 
It is stated in the Government Report that " Norway shares the priority of preserving the integrity o f 
the single market, to the benefit of citizens and businesses in the 30 States (EU27 + EFTA3) 
remaining in the European Economic Area (EEA) after the UK's withdrawal. In that context, Norway, 
Iceland and Liechtenstein are not ordinary third States in the UK withdrawal process. Therefore, it 
is Norway's policy that the terms – including the timing – the EU and the UK agree on with regard 
to withdrawal and/or transition pertaining to the single market, should be extended to all the EEA 
countries in order to prevent a fragmentation of the single market. There is broad consensus that 
this is a sensible course of action.  
 
The UK is one of Norway's most important trading partners and the single largest market for both 
Norwegian goods and services exports. It is a goal for the Norwegian Government to negotiate a 
new set of agreements that enables continued preferential access to the British market when the 
EEA Agreement ceases to apply to the UK. Such a future trade agreement between Norway and the 
UK will to a si gnificant degree depend on the future agreement between the EU and the UK. Solutions 
found between the EU and the UK will in many cases be solutions that also will be relevant for a 
future legal framework governing the relations between Norway and the UK."   
 
Question:  Are there any quantitative analyses to calculate the impact of Brexit on Norwegian 
economy and especially on foreign trade under the two scenarios given in the report which are if the 
UK and the EU agree on the single market issue and extend i t to all the EEA countries, and if the 
EEA Agreement ceases to apply to the UK and Norwegian Government and the UK sign an agreement 
that enables continued preferential access to the British market? If yes, could Norway kindly provide 
further information a bout these analyses?  
 
Answer:  
The Norwegian Government has not made any quantitative analysis to calculate the impact of Brexit 
on the Norwegian economy. Norway's trade relations with the UK are regulated by the EEA 
Agreement until the UK leaves the EU an d EEA. The EEA Agreement is a very comprehensive free 
trade arrangement, which ensures that rules on movement of goods are in accordance with the four WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  freedoms (free movement of goods, services, capital and persons). The EEA agreement also contains 
importa nt provisions on the simplification of border controls and formalities, to facilitate trade 
between the parties to the Agreement. When the UK leaves the EU and the EEA, and ceases to be a 
party to the EU's international agreements, this will also have majo r consequences for Norway's 
relations with the UK. Norway wants to maintain as close and as wide -ranging relations with the UK 
as possible after Brexit. At the same time, we must be prepared for the fact that trade with the UK 
will be more difficult once t he UK has left the Single Market and is developing its own legislation.  
 
THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
 
1.3 Developments in Trade and Investment, pg. 16, 1.11 and 2.2 Trade Policy Formulation 
and Objectives, pg . 25, 2.11  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that "The 50% reduction in the price of oil since 2013 -2014 has 
had a profound impact on Norway's merchandise trade balance. Although the level of output of the 
offshore petroleum sector has been little affected by th e price decline, the fall in Norway's export 
revenue from lower prices was almost immediate. Crude oil and natural gas, which accounted for 
60% of Norway's merchandise exports in 2012, reached an exp ort share of 48% in 2017 
(Chart  1.3)."   
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that "In December 2017, Norway's Ministry of Trade, Industry 
and Fisheries issued a strategy paper for export and internationalization that highlights how Norway 
will strengthen its position as a trading nation through a number of go als such as securing market 
access, attracting foreign investment, and increasing exports."  
 
Question 1 : Taking into account of reduction in the price of oil since 2013 -2014 and its impact on 
Norway's merchandise trade balance, does the mentioned strategy paper incorporate policies for the 
diversification of exports?   
 
Answer:  
The petroleum industry will continue to be important to the Norwegian economy. However, lower 
demand for goods and services from the petroleum industry is a lasting, structural change. The 
Norwegian economy will therefore need additional growth drivers in the years ahead. Our foremost 
challenge is to bolster private businesses and facilitate growth and employment in sectors exposed 
to international competition.  The G overnment's policy is to facilitate businesses and industry through 
stable framew ork conditions, such as an efficient tax system, good infrastructure and a competent 
workforce. Economic stability is an important factor for creating new growth in businesses  and 
industries exposed to foreign competition, and the Government takes this into consideration when 
forming its economic policy. In the Government's strategy of export and internationalization of 2017, 
the Government states that it wants to increase expo rts from existing export industries and facilitate 
new export industries. Following the strategy, Innovation Norway implemented a new 
internationalization program in 2017 called Global Growth. The program is aimed at companies with 
solutions that can contr ibute towards global challenges.  
 
Question 2:  Given that oil prices continue to rise in 2018, does the Norwegian Government have 
forecasts about the economic growth rate of Norway in 2018 and the contribution of net exports to 
the growth? If yes, could No rway kindly provide further information about these forecasts?  
 
Answer:  
We expect growth in the Norwegian mainland economy to pick up the next couple of years. The 
Ministry published its latest forecasts on May 15. A press release in English is available here: 
https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/revised -budget -2018-stronger -growth -lower -
unemployme nt-and-a-more-sustainable -welfare -state/id2601295/  
 
Box 2.1 Norway's five key areas of trade policy, pg 25  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that "In future trade negotiations, the Government will continue 
to place emphasis on the Norwegian agricultural sector's need for protection. Defensive interests in 
the agricultural sector will be weighed against Norway's general trade policy interests and its 
offensive interests in other areas."  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Question:  Given that almost 85% of tariff lines of Norwa y are duty free and the lines subject to 
tariffs are only in a few sectors, could Norway explain how its offensive interest will be pursued in 
future trade negotiations with the protection need of the agriculture sector while having limited room 
for furthe r liberalization in non -agricultural sectors?  
 
Answer:  
Norway is not unique in international trade negotiations, like other countries we have both offensive 
and certain defensive interests. Norway seeks comprehensive FTAs covering not only trade in goods,  
but also trade in services, investments, government procurement, competition and trade and 
sustainable development. Striking the right balance between our offensive and defensive interests 
is key in future trade negotiations.  
 
2.3 Trade Agreements and Arr angements, pg. 28, 2,22; 2.23 pg.30, 2.32  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that "Norway's policy has been to pursue FTAs through EFTA, 
although it has also entered into bilateral FTA negotiations with China. This process was put on hold 
in 2010 but reactivated in 2017." Norway currently has 32 preferential agreements in place, covering 
trade with 71 countries or territories; however, it does not have agreements in place with many of 
the world's largest traders ." 
 
It is also stated in the Secretariat Report that "Historically, EFTA FTAs have been driven by EU 
negotiations so as to secure the same or similar access with third parties as negotiated by the 
European Union. However, more recently, EFTA partners have prio ritized negotiations based on 
economic principles."  
 
Question:  Could Norway provide information on countries that are prioritized to start FTA 
Negotiations? Could Norway elaborate whether it considers to conduct negotiations with large trader 
countries as a member of EFTA or alone according to its economic priorities?  
 
Answer:  
Norway is currently, together with the other EFTA States, negotiating broad -based trade agreements 
with India, Indonesia, Malaysia, MERCOSUR, and Vietnam. Together with the bilateral negotiations 
with China, bringing all these negotiations to a successful conclusion is the main priority for the 
foreseeable future. EFTA will continue to be the main platform for new free trade agreements. On a 
bilateral basis, establishing an Economic Pa rtnership Agreement with Japan remains a high priority.    
 
Table 2.1 Investment Restrictions, pg. 33, 2.4.2  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that  "At least 50% of the members of the board and half the 
members of the corporate assembly of a bank must  be Norwegian or EEA nationals or residents"   
 
Question:  This limitation was removed from the revised GATS offer of Norway. Could Norway 
explain if the limitation was removed from the schedule in 2005 because of a change in legislation? 
Could Norway provid e information about the legislation in force regarding citizenship/residency 
requirements in the banking sector?  
 
Answer:  
During the GATS negotiations, the limitation was removed from the sector specific commitments for 
banks. However, the limitations them selves were covered under the horizontal commitments 
regarding Public Limited Liability Companies.  
 
The Norwegian Public Limited Liability Companies Act and the Norwegian Private Limited Liability 
Companies Act Section  6-11 stipulates a requirement for the members of the board. This also applies 
to financial undertakings, see Section  7-4 and 8 -4 in the Financial Undertakings Act.  
 
Requirements for members of the corporate assembly are to be found in the Norwegian Public  
Limited Liability Companies Act Section  6-36. These requirements also applies to an enterprise 
assembly in a financial undertaking, see the Financial Undertakings Act Section  8-15 
 
Requirements on founders of a financial  institution that is not organiz ed as a private limited company 
or public limited company are to be found in Section  7-5 in the Financial Undertakings Act.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Table 3.1.1.2 Customs Valuation, pg. 39, 3.21  
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that "… for customs valuation of carrier media be aring software 
for data processing equipment, Norway first determines if such item is a good or a service."  
 
Question:  Could Norway explain how it determines that the carrier media is a good or a service? 
Could Norway also provide information on how the pr oduct is treated if it is determined as service?  
 
Answer:  
We refer to our notification regarding decision 4.1 that states "(…) If for instance a custom made 
software program or an individual drawing from an architect is carried on a CD or memory card, this 
whole purchase, including the carrier (CD/memory card) it, is defined as a "service". There will not 
be any duty or import VAT o n such a service and customs valuation will not be relevant.  
 
If on the other hand a mass produced data program, DVD movie or similar is imported, the whole 
product is defined as goods, and the customs value according to the principal method will be the 
transaction value (for CD carrier and the digital contents)(…)".  
 
Goods are defined in the Act on Customs Duties and Movement of Goods Section 1 -1 letter m) as 
any (physical) item that are treated are goods pursuant to the Parliament's resolution on Customs 
duties. In a specific customs control the assessment will take p lace against the documentation 
available in the case. The control may include physical goods, declarations, accounts and 
agreements.  
 
If a product is defined as a service, it becomes a question of domestic VAT and is no longer the 
responsibility of the Cu stoms authorities but the Tax Administration. There will not be any duty or 
import VAT on such a service and customs valuation will not be relevant.  
 
Data Policies  
 
Question:  Could Norway provide information about its data policies especially in the field  of financial 
services, telecommunications services and health services? Are there any requirements in force that 
are imposed on service suppliers to keep data of Norwegian citizens in the territory of Norway?  
 
Answer:  
Norway launched its Cloud Computing Strategy in 20166. As part of the underlying work, an 
interministerial working group reviewed laws and regulations and assessed which legislation poses 
challenges for using cloud computing. In practice this meant reviewing whether Norway had any 
laws that regulate where  data can be stored.  
 
There are two important laws – in addition to the National Security Act – that clearly impose 
requirements on where data must be stored: the Public Archives Act and the Bookkeeping Act.  
 
The Public Archives Act: Sectio n 9(b) of the Public Archives Act states that public archive material 
may not be «sent out of the country ». Consequently, storage of archives on servers located outside 
Norway is in violation of the Act, even if an enterprise has deemed the nature of the a rchive content 
to be such that it can be stored abroad. The Director -General of the National Archives may give 
special consent to such storage. This follows from section 9(b) of the Public Archives Act.  
 
The Bookkeeping Act: The Bookkeeping Act states that  enterprises with a bookkeeping obligation 
may «store electronically accounting material in another EEA country if an agreement or pact with 
that country ensures Norwegian tax authorities satisfactory access to accounting information during 
the storage per iod and if such storage does not impede effective Norwegian police investigation ».  
The regulations pertaining to the act state that only the Nordic countries currently satisfy these 
requirements. Enterprises may therefore store their accounting data in a cloud service based in the 
Nordic countries, subject to notifying the Norwegian Tax Administration accordingly.  
 
Furthermore, Norway is currently implementing the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 
and thus, will have corresponding data protectio n rules as the EU. The legislation will apply to all 
sectors.   
                                                
6 The Nor wegian Ministry of Local Govern ment and Modernisation (2016): Cloud Computing Strategy for 
Norway.  https://www.regjeringen.no/en/dokumenter/cloud -computing -strategy -for-norway/id2484403/   WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  The general rules on data protection apply the financial, health or telecoms services. There are no 
separate requirements for data storage.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Replies to Additional Questions by Members  
TPR Norway  
 
 
MALAYSIA  
SECRETARIAT REPORT  
Summary  
 
Para. 15, page 9  
[…….] Consistent with the Nairobi Package adopted at the WTO Min isterial Conference in 
December  2015, Norway has legislated for the elimination of agricultural export subsidies by the 
end of 2020. Although volumes have been declining, cheese exports still absorb about 8% of the 
raw milk produced in Norway.  
 
Questions:  
 
1. Malaysia commends Norway for the efforts/process in eliminating the agricultural export 
subsidies by the end of 2020. Seek fur ther clarity on what are the specific mechanisms (including 
legislation(s) and institutional arrangement(s)) that have been put in place to implement this 
commitment?  
 
Answer: Norway is committed to phasing out export subsidies by 2020, and has started to amend 
our regulations to fulfill this commitment. A revised Norwegian schedule for export subsidies is 
already certified.  
In the dairy sector, rates for export subsidies for cheese are already reduced by 50%. A decision 
has been made to phase out all export subsidies for cheese from 1 July 2020.  
 
2. Could Norway please also indicate when the notification of such measure(s) will be made to the 
WTO?  
 
Answer: As mentioned in the answer to the question above, a revised Norwegian schedule for 
export subsidies is already certified by the WTO. Future changes will be notified in t he annual 
ES1 notification.   
 
2.3 TRADE AGREEMENTS AND ARR ANGEMENTS  
2.3.1 WTO  
 
Para. 2.21, Page 28  
Norway has an exemplary record in terms of meeting its notification obligations. It has made timely 
notifications in nearly all areas. However, updated or initial notifications are needed in a few areas, 
e.g. customs valuation, RTAs, quantitative restricti ons, and rules of origin.  
Questions:  
3. Could Norway please indicate when it foresees to notify on her quantitative restrictions?  
 
4. Seek further clarity on the quantitative restrictions imposed for selected goods.  
 
The notification on quantitative restrictions is in the process of being finalized and will be published 
as soon as possible.  
 
2.4.2 INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS  
Table 2.1, Page 33  
The sector of "Financial institutions " is subject to a restriction of "Purchase of over 10% of the share 
capital is subject to suitability assessments ".  
 
Question:  
5. We seek further clarity on the criteria used for the suitability assessments referred here?  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  Answer: Acquisition of holdings in financial undertakings is regulated by chapter 6 of the Financial 
Undertakings Act. An acquisition whereby the acquirer will become the owner of a qualifying holding 
may only be carried out after authorisation granted by the Mini stry of Finance, based on an 
assessment of the acquirer 's fit and proper as owner of his overall holding after the acquisition. A 
list of criteria that the authorities shall take into consideration when assessing whether a person or 
a company is fit and pr oper to acquire a qualifying holding in a financial institution is given in 
Section  6-3 of the Act:  
"(a) the acquirer 's general reputation, professional competence, experience and previous 
conduct in business relationships,  
(b) the general reputation, professional competence, experience and previous conduct in 
business relationships of persons who after the acquisition will form part of the board of 
directors or management of the institution 's business,  
(c) whether the acquirer will be able to use the influence conferred by the holding to obtain 
advantages for his own or associated activity, or indirectly exert influence on other business 
activity, and whether the acquisition could result in impairment of the institution 's 
independence.  
(d) whether the acquirer 's financial situation and available financial resources are adequate 
to the types of activity in which the institution is engaged or in which it must be assumed 
that the institution will become engaged after the acquisition, and whether the acquir er and 
its business are subject to financial supervision,  
(e) whether the financial institution is and will continue to be in a position to meet capital 
adequacy and prudential requirements and other supervisory requirements that follow from 
the financial legislation,  
(f) whether the ownership structure of the institution after the acquisition or special ties 
between the acquirer and a third party will impede effective supervision of the institution, in 
particular whether  the group of which the institution will form part after the acquisition is 
organized  in a manner that does not impede effective supervision, including effective 
exchange of information and allocation of supervisory tasks between the supervisory 
authoritie s involved,  
(g) whether there are grounds for assuming that money laundering or financing of terrorism, 
or any attempt to commit such an act, is taking place in connection with the acquisition, or 
that the acquisition will increase the risk of such an act. " 
 
3.1.4.2  EXCISE DUTIES  
Table 3.10, Page 58  
Norway has listed biodiesel to be exempted with certain tax incentives specifically under C0 2 tax, 
sulphur content tax, and basic tax.  
Questions:  
6. Malaysia seeks clarity on the application, whether applicable to all industries and categories, i.e., 
residential bracket, industrial bracket and zero bracket?  
 
7. Does imported palm based biodiesel also benefit from this tax exemption? How can a firm apply 
for the exemption?  
 
Answer:   
Biodiesel is granted exemption from CO2 tax, sulphur tax and basic tax. This also applies when 
biodiesel is included in mineral oil. This is stated in the parliamentary decisions concerning the three 
taxes. There is no distinct ion between palm oil -based biodiesel and other biodiesel. This implies that 
when an unregistered business imports a quantity of biodiesel into Norway, no special taxes on 
biodiesel will have to be paid, only value added tax ("merverdiavgift"). There is no need to apply for 
the exemption from the taxes, but the amount of biodiesel shall be entered in the customs 
declaration at the time of importation.  
 
3.1.5 IMPORT PROHIBITIONS, RESTRICTIONS, AND LICENSING  
 
Para. 3.68, Page 63  
3.68. As of November 2017, Norway was considering introducing a licensing system for the import 
of tobacco products, in line with the WHO FCTC Protocol on illicit trade. Norway has also started WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  preparations to amend its legislation regarding medical device s to implement new EU Regulations in 
this area adopted in 2017 (Regulations (EU) No. 2017/745 and 2017/746).  
 
Questions:  
8. Could Norway please update on this by providing more detailed information on the introduction 
of licensing system for the importation  of tobacco products and how it is in line with the WHO 
FCTC Protocol on illicit trade? How will the measure be consistent with the WTO commitments?  
 
Answer: The WHO FCTC Protocol on illicit trade states in Article 6 that each Party shall prohibit the 
manufacture, import and export of tobacco products and manufacturing equipment, except pursuant 
to a licence  or equivalent approval or control system, by a competent authority in accordance with 
national law. On 11 June 2018, the Norwegian Parliament enacted new provisions in the Tobacco 
Control Act to establish such a licensing scheme7. The amendments are intro duced in a new chapter 
on Licences for Import, Export and Production of Tobacco Products, etc. This chapter includes 
provisions on prohibition of import and export of tobacco products except pursuant to a licence 
granted, application requirements, provisio ns on the competent authority, rules of procedure, etc.   
Norway is of the opinion that such a licensing scheme is consistent with our FCTC and WTO 
commitments. All imported products will be subject to the same requirements that will be simple, 
transparent and predictable so as not to be an obstacle to trade.  
 
 
9. When and how will Norway implement the new licensing system for the import of tobacco 
products?  
 
Answer:  Norway ratified the protocol 29 June 2018 and will start the process of adopting regulations 
for the licensing scheme. Draft regulations will be subject to a public consultation. The new provisions 
in the Tobacco Control Act will enter into force together with the regulations when these have been 
adopted. The intention is that the licensing scheme will enter into force in 2019.  
 
4.1.1.3 BORDER MEASURES  
 
Para. 4.19, Page 107  
1.1.  Imports are also regulated through tariff quotas, including preferential TRQs, at no or low rates 
of import duty. Many of the TRQs negotiated within the WTO framework are not effective or fully 
utilized, as the applied tariff is lower or equal to the in -quota rate or, as in the case of poultry and 
eggs, self -sufficiency and SPS measures limit the scope for imports. WTO quotas are utilized for 
importation of beef and lamb. Norwa y's GSP scheme includes TRQs for beef, honey, and canned 
vegetables. Beef may be imported duty -free from Namibia, Botswana, and Swaziland under the GSP 
TRQ or under an additional TRQ within the FTA between Norway and SACU. Preferential TRQs also 
exist for imports from EFTA/Iceland, Canada, and Egypt (Chapter 3).  
Question:  
10. What are the approaches used by the Norwegian Government in determining preferential TRQs 
for agriculture products?  
 
Answer:  TRQs with no duty or a reduced import duty may be granted for particularly sensitive 
products. The TRQ quantities and duty rates are subject to negotiations with the specific trading 
partner.  
 
Para. 4.21, Page 107  
1.2.  Protocol 3 of the EEA Agreement regulates  the bilateral trade in processed agricultural products 
such as flavoured yoghurt, chocolate, frozen pizza, soups, and sauces. Designed to ensure a level 
playing field for the "industrial component" of the final product, Protocol 3 allows Norway and the 
European Union to compensate for price differences in agricultural raw materials through a complex 
system of import duties based on product formulas, internal price rebates, and export restitutions. 
                                                
7 Prop. 75 L (2017 –2018) 
https://www .regjeringen.no/contentassets/65f990edc4034d66ac261572997c11e9/no/pdfs/prp2017201800750
00dddpdfs.pdf  WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  As the price level for basic commodities is generally highe r in Norway than in the European Union, 
the Norwegian Government allocates approximately NKr 250 million to price rebates and export 
restitutions through the annual state budget (Chapter 1150). Protocol 3 has not been revised since 
November 2004. The Europ ean Commission and Norway carry out a joint review of the protocol. The 
last such review, in 2014, concluded that that the protocol functioned according to its objectives.  
Questions:  
11. Please illustrate how "Protocol 3 " has "functioned according to its objec tives".  
 
Answer: The Government and the Norwegian Agricultural Agency are continuously trying to improve 
and simplify the import regime. Improvements have been made during the last years both relating 
to customs handling and electronic applications. All applications for ta riff reductions are applied for 
and processed electronically, and there have been almost no complaints from importers regarding 
how the import regime is operated.  
Imports of both basic and processed agricultural products to Norway have increased steadily for 
many decades. This shows that Protocol 3 has functioned according to its objectives.   
 
 
12. What are the specific details/calculation/formula of the mechanism used in "a complex system 
of import duties based on product formulas, internal price rebates, and  export restitutions "? 
 
Answer:  For processed agricultural products (PAPs) listed in Protocol 3 to the EEA agreement, 
Norway may in addition to import duties also use export refunds, or price compensation for products 
sold domestically.  
 
The rates used in  the PAPs scheme take into account the differences in commodity prices between 
the world market and the Norwegian market. The aim is to create a level playing field between the 
contracting parties. The export refunds for PAPs are to be phased out by the en d of 2020.  
 
Norway and the European Commission have regular meetings, where the prices used for calculating 
the price compensation rates are presented.  
 
The import duty is calculated based on the content of sensitive agricultural raw materials in the 
imported processed product . 
 
4.1.2.3 BIOFUELS AND POLICY  
 
Para. 4.43, Page 115  
Norway has placed an emphasis in recent years on the development of its bioenergy sector. The 
forests in Norway are the most significant source of bioenergy through the burning of wood, wood 
chips, and pellets. Norway mainly imports liquid biofuels produce d from crops such as rapeseed, 
palm oil and corn. Norway commenced a strategy or plan for bioenergy in 2003 and, in 2008, further 
developed it and proceeded with an ambitious goal of doubling the level of bioenergy production by 
2020. A number of governmen t policies support the bioenergy sector as well.  
 
Paras. 4.47 – 4.48, Page 116  
4.47. In 2016 -17, the parliament (Storting) approved a number of decisions impacting the 
Norwegian biofuels sector. Four resolutions were passed concerning: application of the European 
Union's sustainability requirements for all biofuels sold in Norway, industry agreement on the sale 
of palm -free biofuels, review of fees and regulations to promote advanced sustainable biofuels, and 
a formal request that the Government take measu res to legally prohibit public procurement of palm 
oil-based biofuels by amending the Public Procurement Regulations Act.  
4.48. To follow up these decisions, the Ministry of Climate and Environment contacted the EFTA 
surveillance authority (ESA) to consider the possibility of making the EU sustainability criteria 
applicable for all biofuels. The Ministry is now evaluating the  possibility of national legislation in this 
area in light of the input from ESA. The Ministry has also issued a public tender for an expert judicial 
consideration of, amongst other things, whether and how the Government can implement the 
parliamentary dec ision taking into account Norway's international legal commitments. Before any 
possible adoption of a regulation banning the public procurement of palm oil -based biofuels, the 
Government will evaluate the legal basis of such a regulation. Depending on the result of this WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  evaluation, a regulation would also need to be subject to public consultation before any eventual 
adoption.  
 
Questions:  
13. What is the major feedstock of Norway 's biofuels? Are domestically produced vegetable oils 
sufficient to cater for domestic biofuel production or demand?  
 
Answer: Palm oil is the major feedstock of Norway's biofuels, constituting 46 % of the biofuel used 
in Norway in 2017. Other feedstock are  rapeseed (21%), offal (11%), used oil from cooking (9%), 
corn (5%), wheat (2%), tall oil (2%), PFAD  (2%), soy (1%), sugar crops (0. 7%), other residues 
(0.6%), forest residues (0 .4%), animal byproducts (0 .4%). Domestically produced vegetable oils 
are not u sed for domestic biofuel production in Norway.  
 
14. Could Norway provide the details on the "industry agreement on the sale of palm -free biofuels "? 
 
Answer:  The parliament (Stortinget) p assed a resolution, asking the G overnment to investigate 
whether promises  from the petroleum industry and positive assertions from the largest petrol station 
chains can be further developed into an industry agreement.8 Parliament further requested that all 
sales of biofuels should be palm oil free and have a higher climate effect than the EU's minimum 
requirements. Norwegian authorities are in dialogue with the industry about the use of biofuels with 
a view to avoiding an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and indirect land use changes.9 Any role 
for the authorities in suc h an industry agreement is contingent on existing regulatory space, 
including trade obligations. The preference is to allow the industry to decide for itself.  
 
15. Could Norway indicate the main reason for the suggestion on the prohibition of public 
procureme nt of palm oil based biofuels while at the same time Norway is promoting the usage 
of biofuels (via importation of liquid biofuels) and banning fossil fuel for some sectors?  
 
Answer: There is evidence that the production of palm oil – including for biofuel s – continues to 
increase pressure on forests, leading to increased emissions and climate change. This risk also 
applies to certified palm oil, because of indirect land -use change effects. This has been the 
background for the debates, both in the EU and in  the Norwegian parliament (Stortinget).  At the 
same time, the Storting has passed a biofuel escalation plan aimed at increasing the use of advanced 
biofuels, which aims at avoiding any such negative impacts.  
See inter alia : 
https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/Final%20Report_GLOBIOM_publication.pd
f and https://www.cifor.org/?s=palm+oil&submit=%EF%80%82   
 
 
16. How long will the process of evaluating the "regulation banning the public procurement of the 
palm oil -based biofuels " take place?  
 
Answer: Norway has been assessing the regulator y options and our intention is to take a final 
decision shortly.  
 
17. Who are the members of the "public consultation " which is referred to in para. 4.48?  
 
Answer:  Any proposal will be subject to a public consultation with all interested parties, such as the 
fuel industry, importers, manufacturers, affected authorities, industry organizations and 
environmental organizations. Anyone who wishes may comment in a public  hearing is permitted to 
do so.  
 
                                                
8 A political mechanism whereby a voluntary, non -binding agreement is made between the government 
and industry sector actors, or simply within the relevant  industry sector, to achieve an environmental 
objective, for example the industry agreement on halving food waste in Norway by 2030 (ref. sustainable 
development goal 12.3).  
9 As most biofuels are currently produced from agricultural crops, there is a conc ern that the increased 
consumption of biofuels requires agricultural expansion at a global scale, leading to additional carbon emissions. 
This effect is called Indirect Land Use Change, or ILUC.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 107 - 
 
  Question:  
18. With regards to para. 4.48, could Norway please provide substantiation for the possible adoption 
of "a regulation banning the public procurement of palm oil -based biofuels ", in particular the 
scientific basis of such measure?  
 
 
Answer: Norway is currently considering all relevant factors in respect of the consideration of such 
a regulation, including available scientific evidence as well as our international obligations under the 
Paris Agreement and trade obligations under the WTO and ot her agreements.  
 
4.3.1 FINANCIAL SERVICES  
Paras. 4.105 – 4.106, Page 137  
4.105. A new financial activity tax, applicable exclusively to enterprises in the financial services 
industry, came into effect on 1 January 2017. The tax is levied at the rate of 5%  on the payroll of 
these enterprises. In addition, financial services enterprises remained subject to 25% corporate 
income tax on net profits, i.e. 1 percentage point higher than the general rate applicable in 2017. 
According to the Ministry of Finance, th ese two measures were expected to add approximately NKr 
2 billion to the Government's accrued tax revenue in 2017. As corporations subject to the financial 
activity tax do not take part in the further reduction in the general corporate income tax rate (to 
23%), approved by Parliament in the passage of the national budget for 2018, the Government 
estimates an additional NKr 600 million accruing from the financial activity tax this year.  
4.106. The framework for the financial activity tax is not considered fi nalized, and the tax may be 
fine-tuned in light of an initial review to be completed by 1 January 2018.  
Questions:  
19. Could Norway explain the entities that will be affected under this new financial activity tax?  
 
Answer:  The financial activity tax comprises all entities which perform financial activities, if  the 
share of payroll expenses related to the financial activities exceeds 30 % of the total payroll 
expenses. Financial activities are all activities covered by Sectio n K (Financial and insurance 
activities) of the Statistical classification of economic activities of Statistics Norway  (corresponding 
to the Eurostat ). There are minor exceptions to this rule, i.e. for entities with more than 70 % of its 
total payroll expenses related to financial activities that are subject to value added tax.   
 
20. What is the current status of the framework for this new tax and what are the challenges faced 
by Norway, if any?  
 
Answer:  The assessment of potential changes to the design of the financial activity tax is currently 
ongoing in the Ministry of Finance an d has not been finalized. The Norwegian Government will put 
forward its proposal for alterations for the Norwegian Parliament in the National budget 2020.  
 
21. What is the tax buoyancy of financial services sector, pre and  post implementation of this tax 
measure?  
 
Answer:  The Government has not estimated the tax buoyancy with respect to the new financial 
activity tax . 
 
4.3.1 FINANCIAL SERVICES  
Para. 4.110, Page 138  
The Norwegian financial sector included 125 banks, 33 mortgage companies (mostly owned by 
banks), and 25 finance companies licensed to operate in Norway at the end of 2017. In addition, 38 
branches of foreign banks and credit institutions (of which 12 were  classified as banks) had a base 
in Norway. The importance of government lending schemes peaked in the early 1990s. Their 
prominence declined steadily until 2007, and their market share has been stable since then. Thus, 
loans from the Norwegian State Housi ng Bank, the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund, 
Innovation Norway, the Norwegian Export Credit Guarantee Agency (GIEK), and Export Credit 
Norway account for no more than 6% of the outstanding credit volume at present. The Norwegian WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
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  banking sector is st rongly oriented towards the domestic market.109 Foreign customers account for 
no more than 5% of the lending volume in the sector. Household demand, primarily for mortgages, 
constitutes nearly 50% of the market, while the corporate sector accounts for 26% of the volume of 
loans (Chart 4.8).  
Questions:  
22. Is the Norway considering developing an Islamic finance sector to cater to the needs of the 
Muslim community?  
 
Answer : There are currently no plans to make specific changes to the Norwegian financial regulation 
to facilitate such activities. The Financial Undertaking Act lays do wn requirements regarding licenc e 
to establish and carry out business as a financial undertaking in Norway. These requirements apply 
to all undertakings carrying out activities that are covered by the law .  
 
23. How open is Norway towards players from non -EEA countries in terms of the non -EEA players 
providing financial services (including related professional services) in Norway?  
 
Answer:  Norway has an open economy, which also appli es to financial services. With the aim of 
securing financial stability and well -functioning markets, the financial sector is thoroughly regulated 
and a licensing system applies to most operators. The regulatory regime for financial services is 
mainly based  on EEA law, meaning that the regulatory regime is EEA/EU harmonised. Although there 
is a difference between operating within the EEA area and from outside of the EEA, the regulatory 
framework for each specific activity is applied in a non -discriminatory w ay. 
 
4.3.1.1 BANKING AND FINANCE  
Para. 4.121, Page 143  
Many countries, including Norway, have witnessed in the past that a bursting property bubble with 
resulting deep declines in property values may have severe repercussions on the real economy. 
Mindful of the upward effect of persistent low interest rates on property prices and household debt, 
the financial supervisory authority began to issue guidelines for residential mortgages in 2010. Banks 
were initially required to demand that buyers put up a minim um of 10% of the acquisition costs; the 
minimum equity rate has been set at 15% since 1 December 2011. The required level of own funds 
is higher for credit lines and non -amortizing loans. Since 2011, banks have also been requested to 
undertake ""stress -testing"" of their mortgage customers, i.e. to ensure that households have the 
capacity to absorb an increase in the mortgage interest rate of 5 percentage points. The guidelines 
were replaced by a regulation with effect from 1 July 2015. The regulation, set to expire at the end 
of 2016, was succeeded by a new regulation, effective from 1 January 2017. The regulation stipulates 
an additional requirement: that the total level of indebtedness should not exceed five times the 
gross income of the household.  
Questi on:  
24. Could Norway share with Malaysia on how have the guidelines (and subsequently the regulation) 
affected the property market?  
 
Answer:  Norges Bank (the central bank) has assessed the effects of the regulation in a  public letter  
of 11 April 2018 to the Ministry of Finance:  
"The results of Finanstilsynet 's residential mortgage lending survey for 2017 and Norges 
Bank's bank  lending survey indicate that banks ' credit standards have been more stringent 
since the regulation on new residential mortgage loans was tightened in 2017. According to 
figures from the mortgage lending survey, the share of loans that do not meet the requ ired 
standards has decreased. According to the banks in Norges Bank 's lending survey, the 
introduction of a limit on the DTI ratio has had the strongest impact on household borrowing, 
followed by the lower LTV limit for secondary home mortgages in Oslo and  a lower speed 
limit for Oslo. Regional banks in particular with only a small share of their total loans in Oslo 
report that the speed limit in Oslo is having an impact. The reduction of the LTV limit for 
home equity loans is ranked lowest.   WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 109 - 
 
  Lower income h ouseholds ' ability to borrow is most affected by the debt -servicing capacity 
requirement, while the limit on the DTI ratio has the most impact on higher income 
households.  
  
More stringent credit standard regulation can affect the development in house pric es and 
credit. Preliminary analyses carried out by Norges Bank on house price developments show 
that the introduction of the maximum DTI ratio has curbed house price inflation, particularly 
in regions with a large share of homebuyers with high DTI ratios. The fall in house prices in 
autumn 2017 must also be viewed in the context of the increase in the supply of dwellings 
and the high level of house price inflation that preceded it. The price fall through 2017 was 
strongest in Oslo, where house price inflati on showed the steepest rise in 2016. Analyses 
show that credit growth in 2017 was lower in regions with a large share of homebuyers with 
high DTI ratios. " 
 
4.3.1.4 OTHER FINANCIAL SERVICES  
Para. 4.139, Page 147 – 148 
At the beginning of 2017, mobile payment services were offered by competing solutions, primarily 
Vipps, Mcash and Mobilepay. However, the supply side consolidated during the year with Vipps 
emerging as the sole application for mobile payment services. The mobile payment services have so 
far been expensive for the banks, as international cards (Visa or Mastercard) have been used for the 
underlying payment transaction. However, costs are expected to decline markedly with a switch to 
the domestic BankAxept. No rwegian banks launched a solution for instant payments in 2012. 
However, the solution exposes banks to credit risk. Norges Bank and the banking industry have 
established a project to resolve the credit risk issue by the end of 2019. The growth of alternati ve, 
net-based forms of finance such as crowdfunding, crowdlending, and peer -to-peer lending have so 
far been limited in Norway.  
Questions:  
25. Does Norway put in place domestic switching1? 
 
Answer:  Payment apps, as well as online payment services, have to  date largely been based on 
international payment cards. These are payment cards issued in Norway by Norwegian banks or card 
companies under licence  from international card systems such as Visa and MasterCard. These cards 
have traditionally been expensive to use, and are not necessarily the most cost -effective solutions. 
BankAxept, which is Norway 's national debit card system (owned and operated by banks in Norway 
through a limited company), has been working on a solution where its system instead can be use d 
as the underlying payment instrument for payment apps and other services, which could make these 
payments cheaper. Moreover, Bits AS (the financial industry 's infrastructure company) and Norges 
Bank are working in collaboration to develop a solution for settlement of real -time payments without 
credit risk for banks, the so -called faster payments initiative, BRO ( "betalinger med  raskere 
oppgjør "). BRO is scheduled to be in place by the end of 2019. Also, in February 2018, seven Nordic 
banks announced their  intention to explore the potential for a Nordic payment infrastructure, initially 
for the settlement of real -time payments without credit risk for banks. Its aims include reducing 
payment costs and enhancing the cross -border payment system in the Nordic r egion.  
  
Norges Bank has the primary responsibility for ensuring that interbank system operations comply 
with legislation and licence  terms, while the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway 
(Finanstilsynet) has the primary responsibility for overseeing systems for retail payment services, 
including supervising the technical security and operational stability of systems for payment services. 
Under the Payment Systems Act and the Norges Bank Act, Norges Bank is responsible for supervising 
important interba nk systems and for overseeing the payment system as a whole. Under Section 1 
of the Norges Bank Act, Norges Bank is responsible for promoting an efficient payment system in 
Norway and vis -à-vis other countries.  
 
26. Can Norway share further details on this pol icy, including the rationale, implementation and 
challenges faced in terms of international trade?  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 110 - 
 
  Answer:  See answer to question 25.  
 
27. Is domestic switching an industry -led initiative or led by the central bank, and what was the 
main push -factor behind it?  
 
Answer:  See answer to question 25. The various initiatives are primarily driven by the industry 
together with Norges Bank. The main rationale is improved cost -efficiency.  
 
1All domestic transactions are processed domestically by a local payment processor.  
GOVERNMENT REPORT  
 
2 RECENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS  
2.1 Norway's economy and trade patterns  
 
Para. 2.5, Page 4  
Over the past few decades, exports of services have increased substantially. In gross terms, goods 
play the definite lead role in Norwegian exports. Looking at trade in value -added terms, however, 
services account for nearly 40% of total exports, almost twice as high as the  share in gross terms.  
 
Question:  
28. What are the policies and measures that the Norwegian Government has undertaken to drive 
the substantial increase of its "export of services ", especially in the trade in value -added terms?  
 
Answer:  In the Government's strategy of export and internationalization of 2017, the Government 
states that it wants to increase exports from existing export industries and facilitate new export 
industries. Following the strategy, Innovation Norway implemented a new internationalization 
program in 2017 called Global Growth. The program is aimed at companies with solutions that can 
contribute towards global challenges.  
 
4 THE WAY FORWARD: TRADE POLICY IN A CHANGING WORLD  
Para. 4.10, Page 11  
Norway will work to promote full economic rights for women and equal opportunities for women to 
participate in the labour market. Inclusive trade policies can contribute to advancing gender equality 
and women's economic empowerment. Improving women's acces s to opportunities and removing 
barriers to their participation in national and international economies contributes to sustainable 
economic development.  
Question:  
29. What is the current status  of Norway's inclusive trade policies in relation to women's participation 
in the labour market?  
 
Answer:  
Gender equality is a sound economic policy to ensure equal opportunities for all. Getting women into 
paid work means using the entire talent pool of the workforce.  We know that women 's participation 
drives economic growth and development.  
 
For women, the employment rate has remained stable at just over 76% since 2010 (aged  25-66). 
During the period 2006 to 2016, the proportion of men aged 25−66 in employment was at its lowest 
in 2016 (81 %). The gender employment gap has gradually narrowed since the 2000s, and in 2016, 
the differential was at a record low of 5 percentage points.  
 
Although there are no longer major disparities in the proportion of wo men and men in employment, 
their participation in the labour market differ. A larger proportion of women than men work part 
time, women and men still work in different sectors and industries, and there are still systematic 
disparities in women 's and men 's career choices.  
 WT/TPR/M/373/Add.1  
 
- 111 - 
 
  Among men in employment, the proportion working full time is high, at 85 %, and for women the 
figure is 63 %. However, the disparity has been larger in the past. As recently as 2004, 87 % of men 
in employment aged 26−66 worked full time, whi le this applied to 57 % of women in the age group.  
 
There has been a decline in proportion of women working part time. In 2008 the proportion of women 
working part time was 42 % (short and long part -time hours in total). Since then, this figure has 
fallen b y 5 percentage points.  
 
Women earn 86.7 % of men on a monthly basis (average monthly earnings per full -time equivalent 
for both full -time and part -time employees 2017).  
 
Affordable childcare and generous parental leave schemes have made it possible for bo th mothers 
and fathers to work. These welfare schemes are costly, but are investments that pay off.  The 
Norwegian parental benefit is intended to ensure parents an income in connection with pregnancy, 
birth and adoption. Parental benefit is used as a measu re both to secure parents the equal possibility 
to spend time with their children in the first year of life, but als o as a measure to secure 
gender -equality in the workplace and at home. The total benefit period after birth is 46 weeks when 
parents choose 100% degree of coverage. The period consists of a paternal quota of 10 weeks, a 
maternal quota of 10 weeks and a period of 26 weeks the parents are free to divide between them 
as they wish. In order to  encourage fathers to go on longer parental leaves, the Norwegian 
Government has increased the maternal - and paternal quota to 15 weeks, effective from 
1 July 2018. By increasing the quotas, the Government expects fathers to claim more parental 
benefit, si nce the size of the quota has been shown to have great impact on how much parental 
benefit fathers claim. This will result in a more equal sharing of the parental benefit period which is 
in the childrens ' best interests, but will also have positive effects  on gender -equality both at the 
workplace and at home.  
 
Norway has introduced legislation to secure more women on the board of directors of public limited 
companies. Effective from January 2006, public limited companies are required by law to have both 
genders represented on the board of directors, by approximately 40 %. If a company board does not 
meet the statutory requirements, the Register of Business Enterprises will deny registration. 
Furthermore, companies that do not fulfil the requirement may be dis solved by Court order, following 
a liquidation process.  
 
Before the legislation was introduced in 2003, 7 % of the public limited board members were women. 
By 2017, the number had risen to 42 %. Privately owned limited companies are not subject to the 
same rule and in 2017 18.6 % of the board members in these companies were women in 2017.  
 
Measures to improve opportunities for women entrepreneurs are important. For the past ten years, 
about 30 % of entrepreneurs in Norway have been female. In order to increase this number we stress 
the importance of a strong culture for entrepreneurship. The education system is key in this respect. 
In the effort to e ncourage women's  participation, it is important to enable female student to 
participate in st udent enterprises and to include entrepreneurship as a part of the education. 
Innovation Norway launched the Female Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2009 to showcase 
successful female role models. The award has been a success so far and has given female 
entrepreneurs more attention.  
 
There are also other schemes and courses carried out with the specific aim to increase participation 
by women on a managerial level and in boards in the private business sec tor and the like. More 
information is available from the Norwegian Confederation of I ndustries: 
https://www.nho.no/en/about -nho/publications -and-positions/Transport -and-
communication/Female -Future ---Mobilizing -talents/  
 
 
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