WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
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IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(1) OVERVIEW  
1. Norway offers substantial assistance for the fe w agricultural products that it produces, with 
support to agriculture estimated to be the second hi ghest within the OECD.  Direct payments under 
the blue box are significant, fill rates for tariff quotas are low, and a few products benefit from export 
subsidies.  In the fisheries sector, foreign participa tion is restricted in the wild-catch segment and a 
series of market mechanisms have been implemen ted to manage fisheries.  Many of Norway's 
manufacturing activities are related to the producti on of equipment to extract or process natural 
resources.  The petroleum and natural gas sector makes a key contribution to Norway's economy, and 
has important State participation.  Publicly owned entities are also heavily in volved in the electricity 
sector;  energy-intensive processors benefit fro m tax reductions on electricity consumption. 
2. In the services sector, Norway undertook ex tensive sector-specific commitments under the 
GATS.  Norway does not restrict the establishment of foreign financial ins titutions but limits the 
cross-border supply of services by non-EEA banks and insurance companies.  A state-controlled operator has a dominant presence in most telecomm unication markets.  The majority of commercial 
seaports and airports are also state owned.  Maritime cabotage services can be provided by foreign 
operators, while only EEA providers  are allowed to provide air transport services within Norway.  
Norwegian air carriers should be controlled by EEA investors.  Most of Norway's international 
scheduled passenger traffic takes place within th e European Union Single Aviation market, which 
establishes a very liberal regime for participating states.  Regarding professional services, to provide 
legal, accounting or auditing services, professionals must in principle hold a Norwegian university 
degree or pass aptitude exams. 
(2) A
GRICULTURE  
3. The agriculture sector (ISIC definition) accounts for a very small percentage of employment 
and GDP in Norway.  The OECD has estimated that transfers from consumers and taxpayers to support agricultural producers (PSE) represent some 66% of the value of gross farm receipts 
(2004-06).  The majority of Norway's AMS takes the form of consumer financed market price 
support.  Payments under the blue box are signifi cant, and much higher than green box payments.  
Dairy is Norway's most heavily regulated subsector. 
4. While tariff protection is relatively low for ag ricultural products not produced domestically, 
domestic production in Norway is highly regulated  and assisted by tariffs and various forms of 
government support.  Norway's average applied tariff on agricultural products is 38.5% (WTO 
definition) (25.6 ISIC definition) and applied tariffs range from duty free to 555% (Chapter III(2)(iv)).  
Norway may apply temporary tariff reductions if market prices exceed target prices for domestically 
produced products, and has done so frequently during the period under review.  Norway administers a 
tariff quota regime for some 24 tariff lines:  most tariff quotas are auctioned, and in a number of cases, 
fill rates are low.  For the products that are dome stically produced, imports mostly take place where 
domestic production does not meet domestic demand. 
5. A few products benefit from export subsidi es, particularly cheese; most are producer 
financed. Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
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(i) Features 
6. The contribution of Norway's agriculture sector to GDP has not varied significantly between 
2003 and 2007, remaining at 0.5% of GDP1 (equivalent to 0.7% of mainland GDP).  In 2007, 2.3% of 
the total employed workforce was in primary agri culture (both full and part time), representing 60,100 
man years.  Farmland occupies 3.2% of Norway's total land area.2  While the contribution of 
agriculture to GDP and employment is small, Norw ay has consistently stressed the importance of the 
sector for policy priorities such as food security and population of rural areas. 
7. Production is characterized by a relatively na rrow range of goods, with livestock and milk 
production as main activities (Table IV.1).  Excluding fish and fish products, Norway is a net importer 
of agricultural products.  In 2007, the total value of imports of agricultural pr oducts (WTO definition) 
was NKr 29.1 billion (US$4.9 billi on), and exports was NKr 4 billion (US$680 million).  Norway's 
main imports of food products in  2006 (excluding fish and fish products) were:  bread and baked 
goods (US$256.4 million);  wine (US$252.1 milli on);  food preparations (US$188.2 million);  
vegetables (US$158.4 million), and fruit (US$144.4 million).3 
Table IV.1 
Production income, 2004-05 
(NKr million) 
 2004 2005 
Total gross valuea 20,938 20,597 
Crops (total) 5,901 5,485 
Grain, dry peas, and oil-seeds 2,583 2,282 
Potato 503 491 
Horticultural products (vegetables, fruit, berries and flowers) 2,680 2,556 
Other crops 135 156 
Livestock products (total) 14,304 14,340 
Milk 6,018 6,101 
Meat and pork 7,224 7,253 
Wool 161 157 
Eggs 577 536 
Fur-bearing animals 248 210 
Other livestock products 76 83 
Other income  747 791 
Changes in stocks -14 -19 
 
a Figures include price support for eligible products. 
 
Source: Statistics Norway (2005), Agricultural Statistics .  Viewed at:  http://www.ssb .no/emner/10/04/10/nos_jordbruk/ 
 nos_d373/nos_d373.pdf. 
8. The vast majority of Norway's agricultural production is consumed dom estically.  Imports of 
products produced domestically, mostly take place where domestic production does not meet demand 
(Table IV.2). 
                                                      
1 WTO Secretariat, based on info rmation from Statistics Norway. 
2 Norwegian Agricultural Economic s Research Institute (2007). 
3 WTO calculations, based on UNSD, Comtrade database. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
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Table IV.2 
Key indicators on selected domestically produced products, (average 2004-06) 
(Million kg) 
Product Production Expo rts Imports Consumption 
Cheese 89.0 18.1 6.9 77.8 
Butter 14.2 0.9 0.3 13.7 
Cereals 387.5 0.0 200.4 477.4 
Rye 33.4 0.0 11.9 38.1 
Barley 577.3 0.0 8.8 571.0 
Oats 297.9 0.0 21.4 322.9 
Beef and veal 87.2 3.3 7.7 92.3 
Mutton 25.9 0.4 0.7 27.3 
Pork 114.2 3.7 4.7 114.7 
Poultry meat 58.1 0.5 0.9 60.2 
Eggs 51.3 1.8 0.9 50.1 
Apples (tonnes) 11,941 114 49,607 61,434 
 
Note: Consumption figures for certain products may differ from production + import - export figures, due to changes in stocks a nd 
 storing losses.  
Source:  WTO document G/SCM/N/155/NOR, 31 Oc tober 2007;  Norwegian Agricultural Economics Research Institute 
 online information.  Viewed at :  http://www.nilf.no/Totalkalky len/Bm/2007/BMposte r/BM_R_0423.shtml. 
9. In 2007, the total area of land dedicated to ag ricultural activities was 1.03 million hectares.  
While agricultural production remains dominated by  small-scale production units, there is a general 
trend towards a decrease in the number of small holdings, and an increase in the number of larger 
farms.4  At the time of Norway's previous review , the authorities indicated that the potential for 
further structural adjustment in terms of promo ting large-scale production was inhibited by natural 
conditions, such as farms being scattered over a small percentage of arable land, harsh climate, and 
short seasons, as well as by specific policy measures aime d at safeguarding non-trade concerns.  It has 
also been government policy to support small farmers (see Table IV.2). 
10. Agricultural policies are formulated by the Mini stry of Agriculture, while implementation of 
policy measures and support schemes is the respons ibility of the Norwegian Agricultural Authority 
(NAA).  The various agricultural cooperatives are res ponsible for market regulation in their respective 
sectors (section (iii)).5 
11. The 1999 Government Report to the Storting No. 19 "On Norwegian Agriculture and Food 
Production" forms the basis for curr ent agricultural policy in Norway.  The main legislation regulating 
the agriculture sector remains the Marketing Act of 10 July 1936, and the Basic Agricultural 
Agreement drawn up in 1950 revised in 1992.  As  parties to the Basic Agreement the two main 
farmers' associations (the Norwegian Farmers' Union6, and the Norwegian Farmers' and Smallholders' 
Union7) have the right to negotiate with the Govern ment in annual agricultural negotiations.  The 
resulting Agricultural Agreement is subject to ratifica tion by the Storting.  It lays down target prices 
for farm products and fi scal support to be accorded to the sector  (Table IV.3).  Support is provided for 
producers of grains, fruit and vegetables, milk and da iry products, meat, eggs, and wool.  Substantial 
                                                      
4 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.ssb.no/english/subjects/10/04/10/ 
jordbruk_en/. 
5 The meat market is regulated by the Norwegian Fa rmers' Meat Marketing Organization (Norsk Kjøtt);  
grain is regulated by the Norwegian Agricultural Purchasing and Marketing Cooperative (NAPMC);  and dairy products are regulated by Tine BA. 
6 Norwegian Farmers' Union online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.bondelaget.no/english/. 
7 Norwegian Farmers' and Smallholders' Union online information.  Viewed at: http://www. 
smabrukarlaget.no/om_oss/english/. Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
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direct payments are also in place, through schemes differentiated by region, size of farms, surface of 
arable land, and number of animals.  While the fra mework of the agreement usually does not change 
from year to year there is an ongoing process of re view and evaluation of programmes. As at mid-
2008, the next agricultural agreement wi ll enter into force in July 2008. 
Table IV.3 
Main elements of agricultural agreements, 2004-08 
Agricultural 
Agreement Main elements  
2008 Prices:  target prices were increased by NKr 1.5 billion,  partly due to an extraordin ary rise in production costs, 
especially fuel and oil-based products , fertilizer, and feed concentrates. 
 Subsidies:  subsidies to small farms were increased, as were regional deficiency paym ents, pasture supplements, and 
various payments to organic farmers. 
2007 Prices: total market price support thr ough target prices was increased by NKr 545 million. Target prices went up for all 
products except pork, which remained the same.  
 Subsidies: desire to slow down the ra pid development towards larger farm un its continued to be reflected in the 
agreement with subsidies mainly applying to smaller herd s and acreage.  Pasture supplements and cultural landscape 
support was increased as were various payments to organic farmers. 
2006 Prices: total market price support through target prices was increased by NKr 40 million. Target prices went up for all 
products except for pork, which went down. 
 Subsidies: to offset the trend towards larger farm un its, smaller heard sizes benefited from increased support.  
Introduction of pasture supplement. 
 Funding was increased for special environmental measures. 
2005 Prices: total market price support through ta rget prices was increased by NKr 260 million. 
 Decision was made to deregulate the sale of poultry meat fr om 2007 with the target price replaced by a reference price. 
 Subsidies: a regional environmental programme was appr oved and established across the country with funding of 
NKr 130 million in 2006. 
2004 Prices: total market price support through ta rget prices increased by NKr 40 million. 
 The agreement included considerable cha nges to the dairy sector. New rules gave  greater flexibility to single producers, 
thereby facilitating more rapid structur al development in light of the grow ing number of larger farm units. 
 
Source:  Norwegian Agricultural Economics Research In stitute online information.  Viewed at:  
 http://www.nilf.no/PolitikkOkonomi/Bm/Utsynet.shtml;  and information provided by the authorities. 
12. As noted by the OECD, the current directi on of Norwegian agricultural policy emphasizes 
increased consumer orientation, food safety, and the multifunctional character of agriculture, while 
continuing to focus on promoting food security, e nhancing rural developmen t, and protecting the 
cultural landscape and biodiversity.  In recent years there has been more emphasis on organic farming, 
and an increase in agri-environmental payments administered by a National Environmental Programme established in 2004.
8 
13. Norway has notified the WTO Committee on Agriculture of its food aid programmes, under 
the Decision on Measures Concerning the Possible Negative Effects of the Reform Programme on Least-Developed and Net Food-Importing Developing Countries.  In its most recent notification, for the calendar years 2004-06, Norway reports food-rela ted emergency relief aid to least developed and 
net food-importing developing count ries of 562,732 NKr million in  2006 (some US$95,664 million).
9 
14. Norway has been a strong advocate for non-trade concerns to be taken into account in the 
DDA negotiations.  Its priorities include:  food secur ity;  the continued viabil ity of rural communities, 
                                                      
8 OECD (2007d).  For more details on support for organic agriculture and environmental programmes 
see Norwegian Agricultural Ec onomics Research (2007). 
9 WTO document G/AG/N/NOR/44, 20 November 2007. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 70 
 
 
including the maintenance of human settlement in  sparsely populated areas;  and environmental 
issues, including those relating to the agricultural landscape and biodiversity.10 
(ii) Border measures 
15. The applied average tariff in the agriculture sector (ISIC definition11) is 25.6% (2008) (38.5% 
on products under the WTO definition).  Certai n imports are subject to seasonal tariffs 
(Chapter III(2)(iv)), including:  live plants (suc h as rhododendrons, unrooted cuttings), cut flowers, 
onions and shallots, and various fru it and vegetables (including:  tomatoes, cabbages, cauliflowers, 
brussels sprouts, lettuce, chicory, carrots, turnips, cucumbers, asparagus, celer y spinach, apples, pears, 
apricots, peaches, plums and strawberries and others).  For certain processed foods (some 47 tariff 
lines), applied tariffs depend on their raw material  components:  While industrial components usually 
enjoy tariff-free treatment, tariff reductions on agricultural components are still limited.12  Products 
not produced domestically are generally subject to low or zero tariffs, live an imals, cereals, and dairy 
products face high tariff protection.  The average bound rate is 138.2%. 
16. Norway has a target price system for a numbe r of products.  These can change depending on 
the outcomes of the annual Agricultural Agreement.  In 2007, the products were:  milk and milk 
products;  beef;  mutton;  pork;  eggs;  apples;  pear s;  plums;  potatoes;  various vegetables;  cereals 
and oil seeds (section (iii)).13  If market prices obtained exceed target prices by more than 10% for 
two consecutive weeks (8% for dairy products, and 12% for fruit and vegetables), the NAA may 
reduce tariffs on agricultural goods temporarily  by means of an administrative decision.14 
17. General tariff reductions decided by the NAA a pply automatically to all importers, with no 
quantitative restrictions.  The levels of reductions ar e set with the aim of lowering prices back to the 
target level.  The year 2007 saw a marked incr ease in the use of general administrative tariff 
reductions, due largely to an increase in domestic de mand for meat and vegetabl es, and a rise in world 
market prices.15  The NAA granted 316 general administrativ e tariff reductions in 2007 (261 in 2006, 
229 in 2005 and 237 in 2004).16  In the context of Norway's previ ous review, the authorities noted that 
decisions on general administrative tariff reducti ons were published in advance on the NAA website 
(in Norwegian only), and are also mailed directly to subscribers.  Administrative tariff reductions 
were mainly granted to meat, plants and vegetables,  products for preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts 
or other parts of plants.17 
18. Individual tariff reductions, which may be gran ted to importers upon application to the NAA, 
are limited to a specified quantity of a particular product.  The intention is to protect products 
produced in Norway, as well as substitutes, but to  allow imports of products that are distinctly 
different in taste or use from domestic agricultu ral products, as a supplement to domestic production.  
The majority of individual tariff reductions are grante d for imports of preparati ons of vegetables, fruit, 
                                                      
10 Speech by Minister of Agriculture and Food.  Viewed at:  http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/ 
lmd/The-Ministry-of-Agriculture-and-Food/minister-of-ag riculture-and-food-terje-r/S peeches-and-articles/2006/ 
Agriculture-in-Norway-and-WTO-.html?id=420786. 
11 The ISIC Rev.2 definition includes agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing. 
12 These include, inter alia , various confectionary and baked products;  infant food;  pasta and 
precooked rice;  bread products;  snacks;  and soups.  For some products the tariff is calculated according to standardized lists of ingredients. 
13 Norwegian Agricultural Authority (2007b). 
14 Norwegian Agricultural Economics Research Institute (2007).  The legal basis for general tariff 
reductions is Ministry of  Agriculture Regulation No. 1723 of 22 December 2005. 
15 Norwegian Agricultural Authority (2007). 
16 Norwegian Agricultural Authority (2006) and (2005). 
17 WTO document WT/TPR/M/138/Add.1, 29 November 2004. Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
 Page 71 
 
 
nuts or other plant parts.  In 2007, the NAA gran ted approximately 3,500 individual administrative 
tariff reductions (around 3,000 in 2006 and in 2005).18 
19. During the Uruguay Round, Norway included 232 tariff quota commitments (over 300 tariff 
lines at the 8-digit HS level).19  Most of these quotas are not administered, however, as current applied 
tariffs are either equal to or lower than the in-quot a bound rate.  In practice, tariff quotas are applied to 
only 24 8-digit HS headings (Table IV.4).  In-quota fill rates ar e low in a number of cases;  in 2005, 
they were under 50% for hen's eggs, frozen swine meat, turkey meat, meat of poultry ducks, geese, 
and guinea fowl, and for white and red cabbage (Table IV.4).  Non-automatic licences are required for 
the importation of agricultural products at in-quota tariff rates. 
Table IV.4 
Tariff quotas and import volume  
 UR bound tariff Applied tariff (2007)  2005 
Description 
(HS 07)  In quota 
(%)a Out of quota 
(%)a In quota Out of quota 
(%) UR 
Bound 
quota 
(tonnes)  In-quota 
imports 
(tonnes)  Fill 
rate 
(%)b Total 
imports  
(tonnes)  
Meat for 
promotional fairs 
and product testing 
(Chapters 02 and 16)     35 5 14.3 .. 
Meat of bovine 
animal, frozen      1,084 1,086 100 3,540 
02.02.1000 130% or 
12.15kr/kg 344% or 32.28 
kr/kg 9.11kr/kg 15.50kr/kg    0 
02.02.2001 130% or 
25.00kr/kg 344% or 
66.40kr/kg 9.11 kr/kg 15.50 kr/kg    0 
02.02.2008 130% or 
25.00kr/kg 344% or 
66.40kr/kg 18.75 kr/kg 66.40 kr/kg    10 
02.02.3001 130% or 
44.80kr/kg 344% or 
119.01kr/kg 33.60 kr/kg 119.01 kr/kg    1,660 
02.02.3009 130% or 
44.80kr/kg 344% or 
119.01kr/kg 33.60 kr/kg 119.01kr/kg    1,869 
Meat of swine, 
frozen          
(02.03.2110) 137% or 
9.28 kr/kg 363% or 
24.64kr/kg 6.96 kr/kg 24.64kr/kg 1,381 374 27.1 374 
Meat of sheep and 
goats, fresh, chilled 
or frozen      206 123 59.7 640 
02.04.1000 162% or 
12.23 kr/kg 429% or 32.49 
kr/kg 12.23 kr/kg 22.50kr/kg    0 
02.04.2100 162% or 
9.09 kr/kg 429% or 24.15 
kr/kg 9.09 kr/kg 24.15kr/kg    0 
02.04.2200 162% or 
32.10 kr/kg 429% or 85.27 
kr/kg 32.10 kr/kg 85.27kr/kg    0 
02.04.3000 162% or 
12.23 kr/kg 429% or 32.49 
kr/kg 12.23 kr/kg 22.50kr/kg    180 
02.04.4100 162% or 
9.09 kr/kg 429% or 24.15 
kr/kg 9.09 kr/kg 24.15kr/kg    0 
02.04.4200 162% or 
32.10 kr/kg 429% or 85.27 
kr/kg 32.10 kr/kg 85.27kr/kg    163 
02.04.4300 162% or 
28.97 kr/kg 429% or 76.96 
kr/kg 28.97 kr/kg 76.96kr/kg    297 
Table IV.4 (cont'd) 
                                                      
18 Norwegian Agricultural Authority (2007a), (2006) and (2005).  Viewed at:  http://www.slf.dep.no. 
19 WTO document TN/AG/S/20, 4 July 2005 and Schedule XIV, Section 1-B. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 72 
 
 
 UR bound tariff Applied tariff (2007)  2005 
Description 
(HS 07)  In quota 
(%)a Out of quota 
(%)a In quota Out of quota 
(%) UR 
Bound 
quota 
(tonnes)  In-quota 
imports 
(tonnes)  Fill 
rate 
(%)b Total 
imports  
(tonnes)  
02.04.5000 162% or 
14.01 kr/kg 429% or 37.21 
kr/kg 14.01 kr/kg 37.21kr/kg    0 
Meat of chicken          
(02.07.1200) 109% or 
9.68 kr/kg 290% or 25.71 
kr/kg 7.26 kr/kg 25.71kr/kg 221 187 84.6 187 
Meat of turkey          
(02.07.2500) 94% or 
10.33 kr/kg 251% or 27.45 
kr/kg 7.75 kr/kg 27.45kr/kg 221 55  24.9 59 
Meat of poultry ducks, 
geese and guinea fowl         
 (02.07.3300) 160% or 
18.22 kr/kg 425% or 48.40 
kr/kg 13.67 kr/kg 48.40kr/kg 221 65 29.4 66 
Meat of game 
02.08.1000; 
02.08.9030;  02.08.9099     250 226 90 .. 
Butter      575 365 63.5 371 
04.05.1000  60% or 4.42 
kr/kg 343% or 25.19 
kr/kg 3.32 kr/kg 25.19kr/kg    371 
04.05.2000  60% or 4.42 
kr/kg 343% or 25.19 
kr/kg .. 25.19kr/kg    0 
04.05.9000  60% or 4.42 
kr/kg 343% or 25.19 
kr/kg .. 25.19kr/kg    0 
Hens eggs          
04.07.0019) 109% or 
5.04 kr/kg 272% or 12.59 
kr/kg 3.78 kr/kg 12.59kr/kg 1,295 323 24.9 582 
White cabbage      134 48 35.8 771 
07.04.9013 74% or 1.43 
kr/kg 116% or
1.71 kr/kg 1.43 kr/kg 0.16kr/kg    652 
07.04.9020  74% or 1.43 
kr/kg 184% or
3.58 kr/kg 1.43 kr/kg 3.58kr/kg    120 
Red cabbage          
07.04.9040 41% or 0.74 
kr/kg 102% or
1.86 kr/kg 0.72 kr/kg 1.86kr/kg 134 5 35.8 41 
Apples 
08.08.1011     8,000 7692 96.2 .. 
Pears 
08.08.2021     250 212 84.8 .. 
Turkey roll 
16.02.3101     20 14 70 .. 
 
.. Not available.  
a The applicable bound duty rate is either the specific or the ad valorem  rate, set for one calendar year at a time (set in advance of 
 the calendar year).  The authorities indicate that the practice of the prev ious year is generally followed. 
b The fill rate is actual imports as  a percentage of the bound quota. 
 
Note: Data on import volumes and total imports for 2007 were not available. 
 
Source: WTO document G/AG/N/NOR/46, 21 Febr uary 2008;  Regulation No. 907, 30  June 2003;  and information 
 provided by the authorities. 
20. At the time of Norway's previous review, c oncerns had been expressed about low quota fill 
rates and the method of allocation through auctioning (see below).  Some Members noted that some of 
the quotas granted under minimum access commitments were  too small to be economic to exploit, and 
concerns were expressed about the allocation of quotas through auctioning.  Norway responded that 
its quota system had been accepted as part of the Uruguay Round Agreement.  It acknowledged that some quota volumes were small, but that its ma rket is small and might not be commercially 
interesting for large producers.  Norway expr essed the view that quota auctioning had certain Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
 Page 73 
 
 
advantages in being equitable and non-discriminatory,  transparent and efficient. It was noted that 
quota allocation methods were being discussed in the ongoing negotiations.20 
21. Norway also administers a tariff quota regime fo r imports of cereals and oil seeds.  However, 
this was implemented after the Uruguay Round, and was not subject to minimum or current access 
commitments.21 
22. In general quotas are allocated through auctioning.22  Auction procedures are set out in 
Regulation No. 907 of 20 June 2003 on the administ ration of tariff quotas on agricultural goods.  The 
NAA may set quota ceilings for individual importers;  at the time of Norway's previous Review the ceiling for individual importers was 50% of the total quota.
23 
23. Tariff quota administration is the responsibility of the NAA, which provides licences to 
importers.  In general, tariff quotas are allocated in  advance of the quota year.  Under the Regulation 
(2003), the NAA may re-auction unused import quotas:  the decision is taken in view of supply and 
demand in the Norwegian market;  a number of such auctions take place each year.  An auction plan 
for each year is made available in advance of th e auction year;  it sets out the auctioning dates and 
quantities and types of goods up for auction.  Biddin g takes place via the Internet.  Revenue collected 
from quota auctions was NKr 113.2 million in 2007 and NKr 118.4 milli on in 2006 (some 
US$19.2 million and US$20.1 million, respectively).  In 2007, closer collaboration was established 
between the NAA and the Norwegian Competition Aut hority to ensure that tariff quota auctioning 
adheres to competition laws.24 
24. Norway grants tariff preferences on agricultural products from other EEA and EFTA states, 
countries with which EFTA has free-trade agreements , and under its GSP scheme.  Average applied 
tariffs on agricultural products under preferential agreements (with the exception of imports from 
LDCs, Namibia, and Botswana), are only slightly lo wer than the average MFN applied tariff of 37.6% 
(WTO definition).  Agricultural imports from LDCs  are duty free, and the average applied tariff on 
agricultural imports from Namibia and Botswana under the GSP scheme is 5.1% (Chapter III(2)(iv)).  
A number of these agricultural preferences take the form of matrix tariffs comprising an industrial and 
an agricultural component:  while industrial compon ents are usually tariff free, tariff reductions on 
agricultural components are still limited.  Tariff quotas apply to certain agricultural imports under 
preferential arrangements;  these are in addition to WTO quotas. 
25. In 2006, Norway notified the WTO of the impos ition of a volume-based special safeguard on 
potato flakes and granules under the Agreement on Agri culture.  This safeguard is no longer applied 
(Chapter III(2)(vii)). 
(iii) General support 
26. According to the OECD, Norway's Producer Suppor t Estimate (PSE) was 66% of the value of 
gross farm receipts in 2004-06, representing a decline from the mid-to-late 1980s, as a result of a fall 
in the combined share of the most  distorting forms of support (market price support, output and input 
payments).  Norway's overall level of support to  agriculture, however, remains the second highest 
                                                      
20 WTO document WT/TPR/M/138/Add.1, 29 November 2004. 
21 Norwegian Agricultural Economic s Research Institute (2007). 
22 The exception is meat for promotional fairs and product testing where importers must apply to the 
NAA for portions of the available quota (Regulation No. 907, 20 June 2003). 
23 If the auction allocates less than the full quota volume, the remaining volume may be auctioned in a 
"round two" auction where the 50% ceiling does not apply. 
24 Norwegian Agricultural Authority (2007a). WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
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among all OECD countries and well above the OECD  average of 29%.  Prices received by farmers 
during 2004-06 were over twice as high as those on the world market, and farm receipts were over 
three times the amount they would have been on the world market.25 
27. Domestic support notified to the WTO for Norweg ian farmers also remains high.  The various 
support programmes are the result of the annual Agri cultural Agreement (see above).  In 2004, the 
total Aggregate Measurement of Support (AMS) notified to the WTO was NKr 10,665 million (equivalent to US$1,813 million) (Table IV.5).  Norway's related reduction commitment amounted to 
NKr 11,449 million for 2004. 
28. As at the time of Norway's previous review, most of the AMS is consumer financed, 
consisting of implicit transfers through target prices.  The target prices for certain products, agreed in 
the annual Agricultural Agreements, are the prices (producer prices for grains and wholesale prices 
for other products that could be expected for sp ecific products.  Norway maintains target prices for 
rye and oilseed crops, however Norway has not in cluded these in its AMS.  Agricultural cooperatives 
are largely responsible for ensuring that target pri ces are reached, through market regulation measures 
that include controlling production, fixing prices, pr oduct storage, and removal of surplus production, 
including through exports.  Market regulation m easures are funded mainly by marketing fees on 
agricultural products, paid by producers
26, as well through funds allocated by the Agricultural 
Agreement.27  The authorities note that only minor market  regulation measures in horticulture are now 
financed by funds allocated by the Agricultural Agreement.  Total market price support increased 
year-on-year between 2000 and 2003, and dropped slightly in 2004.28 
29. Support also takes the form of base and regional deficiency payments.29  At the time of 
Norway's last review, these had been decreasing and this trend continued over 2002-04 (Table IV.5).  
In 2007, deficiency payments (base and/or regional)  were granted for milk (goat and cow), meat 
(beef, sheep, goat, pork and chicken), eggs, potatoes, fruit, berries, vegetables, grain, animal feed and 
wool.30  Norway has not included base deficiency paymen ts for goat milk in its notifications to the 
WTO. 
30. Norway provides support under various producti on-limited schemes (Blue Box measures) as 
well as Green Box measures.  There were no ma jor changes in the total amounts spent under the 
respective boxes over the period 2002-04.  Payments under the Blue Box were significant and remained larger than those under the Green Box.  Among the most significant were:  payments based 
on fixed areas and yields;  structural income to dairy farms;  and livestock head payments 
(Table IV.6). 
                                                     
 
25 OECD (2007d). 
26 The fees are determined by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food on recommendation by the 
Norwegian Agricultural Marketing Board. 
27 Norwegian Agricultural Economic s Research Institute (2007). 
28 See WTO document WT/TPR/S/138, 13 September 2004 for price support data for 2000 and 2001. 
29 Deficiency payments are the su pport programmes paid  from the National Budget.  The authorities 
note that the rationale behind those payments are the varying costs and income opportunities in different regions, farm size groups, and types of production.  Base deficiency payments have the same rate for all farmers 
while regional deficiency payments have varied rates in different regions to smooth out cost differences. 
30 Norwegian Agricultural Authority online informa tion.  Viewed at:  http://www.slf.dep.no/iKnow 
Base/Content/5991/VEILEDNINGSHEFTE2007-1.PDF. Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
 Page 75 
 
 
Table IV.5 
Product-specific Aggregate Measurement of Support (AMS), 2002-04 
(NKr million)  
Total Aggregate Measurement of Support Description of basic products (measure type) 
2002 2003 2004 
Total market price suppo rt 11,085.2 11, 556.1 11,519.4 
Wheat (administered price) 266.1 399.1 398.7 
Barley (administered price)a 582.1 540.8 567.9 
Oats (administered price)a 267.4 314.7 325.5 
Milk (target price) 4,250.2 4,288.9 3,941.1 
Beef and veal (target price) 1,836.7 2,016.0 2,019.6 
Pork (target price) 1,968.4 2.035.4 2,136.7 
Sheep (target price) 798.9 785.5 830.7 
Poultry (target price) 785.6 855.1 932.0 
Eggs (target price) 329.8 356.0 367.2 
Total associated fees and levies -1,260 -1,243.5 -1,138.6 
Milk (associated fees and levies) -438.7 -423.4 -374.4 
Beef and veal (associated fees  and levies) -205.2 -203.4 -191.6 
Pork (associated fees and levies) -339.9 -339.5 -316.4 
Sheep (associated fees and levies) -57.7 -57.2 -50.1 
Poultry (associated fees and levies) -127.0 -125.9 -124.0 
Eggs (associated fees and levies) -92.3 -94.1 -82.1 
Total non-exempt direct payments 605.7 466 347.4 
Beef and veal (base deficiency payments)b 246.5 101.3 0.0 
Sheep (base and wool deficiency payments)  276.4 264.4 257.8 
Fruit, berries and vegetables  (regional deficiency payment 
and fruit storage subsidy) 53.0 69.8 58.5 
Potatoes (price support to processed potato products) 29.8 30.5 31.1 
Other product-specific budg etary outlays 50.9 50.8 57.7 
Other non-product specific AMS -28.7 -34.2 -55.6 
Total Aggregate Measurement of Support 10,399. 3 10,830.7 10,665.0 
 
a Target prices were introduced for barley and oats in 2007. b Base deficiency payment for beef  and veal was eliminated in 2003. 
 
Note: Norway has notified an equivalent measurement of support for fruits and vegetables and potatoes. 
Source : WTO document G/AG/N/NOR/4 7, 22 February 2008. 
31. Norway continues to provide export subsidies on a number of products (Table IV.7).  Cheese 
has remained the most he avily subsidized export during the review period.  There was a significant 
increase in subsidies on swine meat in 2004.  With  the exception of processed agricultural products, 
these exports are completely supporte d by producer financed subsidies.31 
Table IV.6 
Measures exempt from the reduction commitment, 2002-04 
(NKr million) 
Value of the measure during the reporting period Type of measure 
2002 2003 2004 
Green Box 4,336. 8 3,881.0 3,985.9 
  General services 802.7 875.2 989.5 
  Public stockholding for food security purposes 540.4 529 671.4 
  Payments for relief from natural disasters 32.9 49.8 42.8 
Table IV.6 (cont'd) 
 
                                                      
31 WTO document G/AG/N/NOR/45, 21 February 2008. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 76 
 
 
Value of the measure during the reporting period Type of measure 
2002 2003 2004 
  Structural adjustment assistance provided through:    
    Producer retirement programmes 103.8 115.7 119.0 
    Resource retirement programmes 89.7 158.5 0.0 
    Investment aids 853.0 631.6 664.3 
  Environmental programmes 317.5 292.4 248.8 
  Regional assistance programmes 10.3 10.1 10.0 
  Other 1,586.6 1,218.7 1,240.2 
Blue Box 7,530.6 7,359.5 7,434.1 
  Payments based on fixed areas  and yields 3,023.2 2,975.8 3,003.1 
  Payments made on 85% or less of the base level of production of which:    
    Structural income support to dairy farmers 1,306.2 1,213.8 1,175.3 
    Regional deficiency paymen ts to milk production 413.7 416.3 421.3 
    Regional deficiency payments to meat producersa 536.6 518.1 539.7 
  Livestock payments made on a fixe d number of head 2,251.0 2,235.6 2,294.8 
Total of table 11,867.4 11,240.5 11,420.0 
 
a Eggs are included in regional deficiency payments to meat producers. 
 
Source : WTO document G/AG/N/NOR/4 7, 22 February 2008. 
Table IV.7 
Export subsidies, 2002-04  
(NKr million, calendar year) 
 
2002 2003 2004 Annual expenditure 
commitments 
(WTO) 
Bovine meat 4.2 4.5 2.2 35.0 
Swine meat 9.6 7.1 67.5 86.7 
Sheep meat 11.9 11.1 15.5 17.7 
Poultry meat 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.47 
Egg and egg products 10.9 7.1 16.8 17.2 
Butter 11.2 12.8 6.5 53.2 
Cheese 183.1 245.8 235.3 245.8 
Whey powder 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.025 
Fruit and vegetables 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.56 
Honey  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.007 
Processed agricultural products 30.5 31.1 26.0 36.4 
Total 261.4 319.5 369.8 493.1 
 
Source: WTO document G/AG/N/NOR/45,  21 February 2008. 
(iv) Policies by group of products 
(a) Dairy products 
32. Dairy production is the most heavily regulated s ubsector of Norway's agriculture.  Structural 
income support is provided with a view to equaliz ing income between smalle r and larger holdings.  
The support is paid as a lump sum to milk producers (firms) with more than 5 cows or 27 goats for 
milk production.  The payment for cows vari es between regions, from NKr 59,600 (around 
US$10,132) in the north of Norway to NKr 53,800 (US$9,146) in the south in 2007.  Payments for goat in 2007 were the same across the country, at NKr 59,600 for farms with more than 27 goats.
32  
For smaller holdings, payments are reduced by a linear sum per animal. 
                                                      
32 Norwegian Agricultural Authority online informa tion.  Viewed at:  http://www.slf.dep.no/iKnow 
Base/Content/5991/VEILEDNINGSHEFTE2007-1.PDF.  Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
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33. Regional deficiency payments vary according to the region;  the highest support of NKr 1.71 
(around US$0.29) per litre is paid in Norway's northernmost districts.33  Base deficiency payments 
available only to producers of goat milk, amount ed to NKr 2.47 per litre (around US$0.42) in 2007.34  
Deficiency payments for milk and milk products totalled NKr 486.1 million in 2007.35 
34. Goat and cow milk are distributed in accordan ce with the milk marketing scheme established 
in 1996, and modified in 2004 and 2007.36  The scheme includes a price pooling system aimed at 
ensuring a higher average producer price for milk as a commodity, and equalizing producer prices for 
milk irrespective of end use or the region where it is produced.  For 2007-08 the target price for cow's 
and goat's milk was NKr 3.94 per litre (around US$0.70). 
35. Supply control measures on cow and goat milk include a production quota system in place 
since 1983.  Until 2003, the NAA purchased all of q uota production, with funding provided through 
the Annual Agricultural Agreement;  it could then e ither sell it on or withdraw it from the market.  
Since 2003, milk farmers have been permitted to  sell a proportion of their quota production on the 
private market.  In 2007 farmers could sell up to 50% of their quota in the private market, up from 
30% in 2004 (but down from 60% in 2006).  The administrative price for the NAA's quota purchases 
is fixed at NKr 3.50 per litre (around US$0.60), and the price for quota milk production sold in the 
private market is determined between buyer and seller.37  The maximum quota for a single farm, 
including additional quotas bought from other farmer s, is capped at 400,000 litres of cow milk and 
200,000 of goat milk, as a result of a 9% increase in 2006.  Since 2006, 10% of the quota purchased 
by the NAA has been earma rked for producers of organic milk, this is tradeable between farmers.38 
36. Dairy products are subject to an average ad valorem  equivalent applied tariff (WTO 
definition) of 60.3% in 2008 (rates range from 24.8%  to 148.7%).  The average bound rate is 324.4%. 
(b) Meat, wool, and eggs 
37. Various forms of support are available for produ cers of meat, wool, and eggs.  Producers of 
beef cattle received structural income support of  NKr 1,200 per animal in 2007 (around US$204).39  
The 2007 Agricultural Agreement introduced new stru ctural income support for sheep farmers, of 
NKr 150 (around US$25.5) per animal, for up to a maximum of 50 animals per farm.40 
38. Base deficiency payments are available for sh eep and goat meat.  According to the NAA, the 
base deficiency payment for sheep meat varied  between NKr 2.65 and NKr 4.3 per kg in 2007 
(equivalent to around US$0.45-0.73), and was fi xed at NKr 5.15 per kg (around US$0.88) for goat 
                                                      
33 Norwegian Agricultural Authority online informa tion.  Viewed at:  http://www.slf.dep.no/iKnow 
Base/Content/7780/RS%2064%2007%20AVGIFTER.PDF. 
34 Norwegian Agricultural Authority online informa tion.  Viewed at:  http://www.slf.dep.no/iKnow 
Base/Content/7780/RS%2064%2007%20AVGIFTER.PDF. 
35 Regulation No. 965 26.08.1999 on support to the dairy sector.  Viewed at:  http://www.lovdata 
.no/for/sf/ld/xd-19990826-0965.html. 
36 For details of changes made in 2004 and 2007 see Norwegian Agricultural Economics Research 
Institute (2007);  and Regulation on Price Equalising for Milk, Ministry of Agriculture 29 June 2007.  Viewed 
at:  http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/lmd/aktuelt/nyhet er/2007/Juli-07/Naringsutvi kling-Styrker-konkurranse-i-
m.html?id=475797. 
37 Norwegian Agricultural Economic Research Institute (2007). 
38 OECD (2007d). 
39 Norwegian Agricultural Authority online information.  Viewed at: _http://www.slf.dep.no/iKnow 
Base/Content/6957/VEILEDNINGSHEFTE2007-2.1.PDF. 
40 Norwegian Agricultural Authority online informa tion.  Viewed at:  http://www.slf.dep.no/iKnow 
Base/Content/7733/VEILEDNING%2001-08D.PDF. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
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meat.41  Regional deficiency payments are granted to producers of meat (including poultry) and eggs 
in regions classified as less favoured.  In 2007, these totalled NKr 556.3 million for meat (around US$94.6 million) and NKr 6.2 million for eggs (a round US$1.05 million).  In 2007, deficiency 
payments (base and regional) for meat (inc luding poultry) totalled NKr 659.3 million. 
39. Transport support is granted to equalize diffe rences in farm-gate returns caused by the 
distance of farms from slaughterhouses, processing plan ts, and major consumer markets.  Outlays for 
transport support for producers of meat and eggs totalled NKr 57.7 million in 2007 (around 
US$9.81 million). 
40. A base deficiency payment for wool is provide d with a view to securing producer prices for 
wool;  total outlays amounted to NKr 15 8.1 million in 2007 (a round US$26.88 million). 
41. Animals and their products face an average  ad valorem  equivalent applied tariff (WTO 
definition) of 129.2% in 2008, with tariffs ra nging from 0% to 555%.  The average bound rate is 
347%. 
(c) Vegetables, fruit, and other products 
42. Regional deficiency payments and "quality" payments are provided to producers of fruit 
(apples, pears and plum tomatoes,), berries, and ve getables (cucumber, and salad);  total outlays 
amounted to NKr 54.8 million in 2007 (around US$9 .32 million).  This figure includes NKr 2 million 
(around US$340,000) in special payments to potato farmers in the north of Norway.
42  In the 
horticultural subsector, transport and storage support is also provided. 
43. Vegetables and fruit face an average ad valorem  equivalent applied tari ff (WTO definition) of 
30.8% (2008), with tariffs ranging from 0% to 347.8%.  The average bound rate is 113.5%.  The 
average ad valorem  equivalent applied tariff for grain is  41.7%, with tariffs ranging from 0% to 
142.5%.  The average bound rate is 193.6%. 
(3) FORESTRY  
44. The volume and value of timber production have  increased since 2006, along with higher 
timber prices and strengthened support measures fo r forest owners and value-adding activities.43  A 
new Forestry Act entered into force in 2006. 
45. Forests cover 38% of Norway's land area, and are mainly privately owned (88%).  In 2007, 
the forestry subsector contributed just under 0. 2% to Norway's GDP;  wood and wood processing 
contributed a further 0.4%, and pulp and paper prod uction 0.2% (respectively, 0.3%, 0.5% and 0.3% 
of Mainland GDP).  These three subsectors combin ed employed approximately 1.2% of the labour 
force in 2007.44  Exports of forestry and wood products (excluding furniture) totalled US$473 million, 
                                                      
41 Norwegian Agricultural Authority online informa tion.  Viewed at:  http://www.slf.dep.no/iKnow 
Base/Content/7780/RS%2064%2007% 20AVGIFTER.PDF, and http://www.sl f.dep.no/iKnowBase/Content/ 
6043/GRUNNTILSKUDDSSATER%2020072.PDF. 
42 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2007). 
43 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.ssb.no/cgi-bin/tabfig.cgi?kortnavn 
=skogav_en,skogkultur_en,skogbruk_en,skogsvei_en,lst_en,stskog_en&lang=en. 
44 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.ssb.no/nr_en/. Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
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and pulp and paper products amount ed to US$1,234 million.  Combined they represented 1.2% of 
Norway's total merchandise exports  in 2007 (see also Chapter I(6)).45 
46. Norway's main forestry legislation is Forestry  Act No. 31 of 27 May 2005, which entered into 
force on 1 January 2006.  According to the author ities, the Act represents a simplification of the 
Forestry Act of 1965, which it replaced.  It focu ses on the role of local authorities in forest 
management and the responsibilities of forest ow ners.  A regulation on sustainable forestry, 
introduced in 2006, establishes specific environm ental requirements for planning and carrying out 
forest operations.46 
47. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is r esponsible for setting government policy for the 
sector and for implementing the Forestry Act and its regulations.  Additionally, the Ministry, together 
with the County Governor and local authorities, is  responsible for administering the support schemes 
granted to the forestry subsector. 
48. Since 2004, the programme "subsidies for industr ial and environmental purposes in forestry" 
has replaced five support schemes that provided subs idies for:  afforestation and silviculture;  
construction of forest roads;  conservation and e nhancement of environmental values in forestry;  
harvesting of roundwood in difficult terrain;  and manual thinning.  The total amount of subsidies 
granted fell substantially between  1999 and 2005, but subsequen tly increased by 40% to reach 
NKr 197.7 million in 2007 (approximately US$33 million, Table IV.8).47 
Table IV.8 
Assistance to the forestry subsector, 2004-07 
(NKr million) 
Assistance programme Type of measure 1997-2003a 2004 2005 2006 2007 
Tax concessions through the Five-Year Average Tax 
Assessment and the Forest Trust Fund Tax concession 60.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 55.0 
Subsidies for forest management planning Grant 38.1 25.0 25.0 25.0 30.0 
Subsidies for industrial and environmental purposes in 
forestry Grant 89.6b 95.0 95.0 103.0 112.0 
Regional grant for transport of round wood  Grant 3.6 1.8 1.4 1.7 0.7 
Total   251.1  141.8  141.4 152.7 197.7 
 
a Annual simple average of the period. 
b Estimate based on the values of the five programmes abolished in 2004.  
Source:  WTO (2004);  and WTO documents  G/SCM/N/123/NOR, 20 July 2005, and G/SCM/N/155/NOR, 31 October 
2007. 
49. Tax concessions are available under the Forest Trust Fund and the Five-Year Average Tax 
Assessment Programme.  Guidelines fo r this policy are established in the Forestry Act of 2005, and its 
specific rules are outlined in Regulation No. 881 of  3 September 2006.  The Forest Trust Fund is a 
mandatory investment scheme to encourage long- term private investments in forestry based on 
sustainable utilization of forest resources.  The regulations provide tax concessions in the form of 
reductions in the taxable income of forest owners  with respect to investments made with capital 
withdrawn from the Fund;  as from 2007, regardless of the size of the investment, only 15% 
(previously 40%) is considered as taxable income in  the year the disbursement is made.  In 2007, the 
non-taxable amount disbursed from the fund totalled NKr 195 million (US$33 million).48 
                                                      
45 UNSD, Comtrade Database. 
46 UNECE (2007). 
47 WTO document G/SCM/N/155/NOR, 31 October 2007. 
48 WTO document G/SCM/N/155/NOR, 31 October 2007. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
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50. Under the Five-Year Average Tax Assessment scheme, forest owners' income tax is 
calculated based on average taxable income over the prev ious five years.  As a result, forest owners 
are effectively delaying tax payments, which lowers their actual tax rate compared with other income 
groups.  The authorities estimate that the total tax revenue forgone under these two tax concessions 
was approximately NKr 20 million (US$3.4 million)  per year during 2004-06, and NKr 55 million 
(US$10 million) in 2007.49 
51. The Subsidies for Forest Management Planning  programme makes grants available for all 
types of forest land and owners to stimulate fo rest management planning and promote sustainable 
forestry.50  The Subsidies for Industrial and Environm ental Purposes in Forestry was designed to 
stimulate value-adding activities and long-term inv estments, as well as to enhance biological 
diversity, landscape, culture and recreational activ ities.  The policy objective of the Regional Grant 
for Transport of Round Wood in Forestry programme  is to increase forestry activities in Northern 
Norway, which is somehow isolated from major por ts and consumption areas.  The transport is 
subsidised on the condition that the grants should only cover parts of the costs exceeding the "normal" 
national average.  Expenditures under all these programmes are shown in Table IV.8. 
(4) FISHING AND AQUACULTURE  
52. Norway is the tenth biggest fishing nation in th e world in terms of quantity produced, and the 
world's second largest exporter of  seafood in terms of value.51  Foreign participation in wild capture 
fisheries is restricted, although not in the aquacultu re and land-based fish processing sectors.  During 
the period under review, Norway has implemented a series of market mechanisms to manage its 
fisheries, such as new transfer quota systems and the transferability of aq uaculture licences, while 
continuing to reduce the amount of subsidies paid through the various support programmes. 
(i) Main features 
53. The contribution of fishing and fish-farming to Norway's GDP, although still relatively small, 
increased from 0.5% in 2003 to 0.8% in 2007 (equivalent to 1.0% of Mainland GDP).52  Some 15,000 
people were employed directly in fishing and fi sh farming activities in 2007, of which about 70% 
were fishermen.53  The registered Norwegian fishing fl eet totalled 7,041 vessels in 2007 (a 28% 
decrease since 2003), of which 4,721 vessels were activ e.  The main species fished in Norwegian 
waters are herring, blue whiting, saithe, cod, ha ddock, and mackerel.  In 2007, herring was the most 
caught specie by Norwegian vessels (37% of total quantity), but cod was the most important in 
economic terms, (31% of total catch value).  Production of farmed salmon increased, in quantity, by 
approximately 40% between 2003 a nd 2007, reflecting, amongst other things, the economic incentives 
of higher international prices.54 
54. In 2007, exports of seafood products (includi ng catch and farmed fish) were valued at 
US$6.2 billion, representing 4.4% of Norway's to tal merchandise exports.  In 2006 (latest year 
available) farmed salmon and trout were the larg est export products, representing 52% of the total 
value of Norwegian seafood exports.  The most important foreign market for Norwegian seafood 
                                                      
49 WTO documents G/SCM/N/155/NOR, 31 October 2007 and G/SCM/N/123/NOR, 20 July 2005. 
50 For further details, see WTO (2004), Chapter IV(3). 
51 FAO's 2005 statistics quoted in Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs (2007). 
52 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed  at:  http://www.ssb.no/fiskeri_havbruk_en/. 
53 Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries online info rmation.  Viewed at:  http://www.fiskeridir.no/ 
fiskeridir/english/statistics/norwegian_fisheries/ norwegian_fishing_vessels_fishermen_and_licenses. 
54 Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs (2007). Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
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products was the EC (62% of total exports),  followed by Russia (9%), and Japan (5%).55  Imports of 
seafood products represented less than 0.1% of Norway's total imports.56 
55. Over the review period, the largest fisheri es and aquaculture companies have sought to 
enhance efficiency and economies of scale through mergers.  A few companies also completed 
mergers that increased the "verticalization" of thei r structure within the seafood value chain.  There 
has been increased concentration in  the Norwegian aquaculture industry.  However, companies must 
apply to the Government if they want to own more  than 15% of the national allowed biomass;  each 
may own a maximum of 25% of total allowable biomass.57 
(ii) Institutional and legal framework 
56. The Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs is  responsible for the management of fisheries 
and aquaculture in Norway and, inter alia , for seafood safety and policies concerning sea transport 
infrastructure.  The Ministry is assisted in its functi ons by the Directorate of Fisheries, the Institute of 
Marine Research, the Advisory Board for Fisheries Regulations (constituted of representatives from 
different fishing organizations), and the Norwegia n Seafood Export Council (NSEC).  The Directorate 
of Fisheries is responsible for the day to da y administration of living marine resources, and 
implementation of government policy in this area.  
57. The NSEC, established in 1991, is responsible for the marketing of seafood from Norway.  Its 
activities are financed by a statutory fee on exports of fish and fish products.  Exporters must be 
registered with the NSEC:  registration is auto matic when certain minimum criteria are fulfilled.58 
58. The Aquaculture Act No. 79 of 17 June 2005 introduced the only significant change to the 
legal framework regulating the fishing and aquaculture sectors during the review period.59  The main 
laws governing fishing activities are:  Salt Water Fish eries Act No. 40 of 3 June 1983;  Act No. 15 of 
26 March 1999 relating to the Participation in Fisher ies;  Raw Fish Act No. 3 of 14 December 1951;  
Fishery Prohibition Act No. 19 of 17 June 1996, as ame nded;  and Act No. 9 of 27 April 1990 relating 
to Exports of Fish and Fish Products.60  Aquaculture activity is also governed by Act No. 47 of 
15 May 1992 relating to Salmon and Inland Fish. 
59. The purpose of the Aquaculture Act of 2005 is to promote the profitability and 
competitiveness of aquaculture within the framework of sustainable development.  Under the Act a 
licence is still required from the Ministry of Fisheri es and Coastal Affairs in order to engage in fish 
farming activities, but the process of screening licen ce applicants has been st reamlined.  The system 
of feed quotas was terminated in 2004, but the Government regulates the number of licences granted 
according to principles of sustainability and to criteri a based on the most efficient use of the area.  The 
transfer and mortgaging of licences is now allowed.  In the case of transfers, for example, public 
approval of the new licence holder is not required;  supervisory authorities will only control whether 
                                                      
55 Norwegian Seafood Export Council (2006). 
56 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.ssb.no/english/subjects/09/05/uhaar_ 
en/tab-2007-09-03-09-en.html. 
57 Total national allowable biomass is the total quantity of farmed fish that can be produced given the 
aquaculture licences granted by the Government at a certain point in time.  
58 NSEC online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.seafoodfromnorway.com/page?id=83. 
59 The Aquaculture Act replaces the Act No. 68 of 14  June 1985 relating to the breeding of fish, 
shellfish and etc., and Act No. 118 of 21 December 2000 relating to sea ranching.  
60 Other relevant Acts are:  Act No. 40 of 3 June 1983 on salt water fisheries;  Act No. 54 of 13 June 
1997 concerning fish disease;  and Act No. 34 of 24 June 1994 on the marketing of raw fish. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
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new holders comply with the special conditi ons that may be attached to the licence.61  There are no 
restrictions on foreign ownership in  fish farming activities in Norway. 
60. As regards the processing industry, there are no general licensing, location or ownership 
restrictions, apart from the applicable SPS requi rements relating to the production of food and 
foodstuffs (Chapter III(2)(ix)). 
61. The Fishery Prohibition Act prohibits foreigners  from fishing inside the Norwegian Economic 
Zone.  The processing, packing or transhipment of fish, crustaceans, and molluscs or parts and 
products of these, caught inside the limits of Norw egian territorial waters, is also reserved to 
Norwegian vessels.  The Act prohibits the use of any vessel or fishing gear that  is not Norwegian, and 
restricts the employment of foreign nationals to a maximum of half of the crew members of a vessel.  
It defines Norwegians as persons who are resident in Norway, or limited companies that have their 
head office in Norway, have their board consisting of Norwegian nationals, and at least 60% of their 
capital owned by Norwegian nationals.  These restri ctions apply to all fo reigners, including EEA 
nationals.  However, by virtue of permits and regulations issu ed under bilateral or multilateral 
fisheries agreements, vessels from other countri es may also be allowed to fish in areas under 
Norwegian fisheries jurisdiction.   
62. In order to regulate the number of fishing v essels, each vessel engaged in the capture of 
particular species must obtain a special licence of unlimited duration, in the case of the ocean going fleet, or a one-year annual permit in the case of coastal vessels and long-liners longer than 28 meters.  In practice, permits have been renewed annually.  Approximately 95% of the catch value comes from 
access-regulated fisheries, the other 5% corresponds to minor fisheries that are not regulated either by 
licences or annual permits.
62 
63. The use of licences and permits to manage fish resources is complemented by the 
establishment of total allowable catch (TAC) levels.  At the national level, the Norwegian part of the 
TAC is divided into group-quotas, which are then shared between vessels within each group.  Each 
group is regulated either as an individual vessel quota (IVQ) or as a maximum quota.  The system of 
IVQs provides every participating vessel with a fixed and guaranteed portion of the group quota.  
Within the system of maximum quotas, an upper limit is set for the annual catch.  The fishing of a species is stopped once the total a nnual group quota is exhausted. 
64. The Norwegian part of the TAC is set within  the context of TACs established under annual 
bilateral or multilateral agreements negotiated between coastal states that share a common fish stock;  
Norway has negotiated such agreements with the EC, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, and 
Russia.  At the plurilateral level, Norway participat es in various agreements and is a contracting party 
in international organizations relating to c onservation and management of fish stocks.
63 
65. Norway also applies a quota transfer system, th e Structural Quota System (SQS), which seeks 
to reduce the number of vessels and thus increase the income for each vessel.  The SQS is applied to 
all fishing vessels above 11 metres, allowing, inter alia , the owner of two vessels to transfer the quota 
of one vessel to another.64 
                                                      
61 Ministry of Fisheries online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/fkd/ 
Documents/Acts-and-regulations/Acts-and-regulations/The-Norwegian-Aquaculture-Act.html?id=430160&eps language=EN-GB. 
62 OECD (2006d). 
63 For further details see WTO (2004). 
64 OECD (2006d). Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
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66. Enterprises in the fishery sector benefit from gove rnment support through four main schemes:  
transport support;  interest rates subsidi es for fishing vessels for domestic deliveries65;  
decommissioning grant;  and research grant.66  These schemes are administered by the Ministry of 
Fisheries and Coastal Affairs in accordance with the yearly agreement between the Government and 
the Norwegian Fishermen's Association.  Subsidi es paid to the fishery sector have continued to 
decrease since Norway's last Review;  in 2006 (lat est year available), total outlay under the four 
schemes amounted to NKr 39.6 million (some US$6.7 million) compared with NKr 66.1 million in 2003. 
67. The two most important programmes in terms of  support paid were th e transport support and 
the decommissioning grant.
67  The transport support programme  is aimed at facilitating fishery 
activities in specific regions.  The grant is given to  a group of sales associations.  Total subsidies 
under this scheme amounted to NKr 27.5 million in 2006.  The decommissioning grant programme 
(also know as Support for the Mode rnization and Capacity Adjustment of the Fishing Fleet) was 
resumed in June 2003 through the implementation of a new five-year Structural Fund for decommissioning vessels below 15 metres.  The fund is partly (50%) financed by the fleet itself 
through a fee imposed on the first-hand value of catch.  In 2006, total expenditure for 
decommissioning was NKr 24.3 million. 
68. Norway submitted a proposal to the Negotiating Gr oup on Rules suggesting a list of subsidies 
to fisheries that should be prohibited, as well as rules for decommissioning pr ogrammes, sustainability 
criteria, notification requirements, and transitional periods.  It also proposed guidelines on how these 
changes should apply to developi ng and least developed countries.
68 
69. During the period under review, Norway challenged in the WTO a number of EC measures 
affecting its exports of farmed salmon.69  The subsequent Panel report was circulated to Members in 
November 200770;  and adopted by the DSB in January 2008. 
(5) ENERGY  
(i) Overview 
70. Norway is a significant producer and exporter of both crude petroleum and natural gas.  
During the period under review, the Government in troduced new policies related to licensing and 
taxation in order to attract new private investment to  petroleum and gas fields.  The electricity market 
is open to foreign investment, but the State owns  most of the generation and transmission capacity, 
and the prospect of new hydroelectric projects is limited. 
71. In 2007, the energy sector (hydrocarbons, refi ned hydrocarbons, and electricity) accounted for 
25.8% of Norway's GDP and 65.1% of the total value of merchandise exports.71  After peaking in 
2004, Norway's primary energy production decreased by roughly 7%, to 9,4 93 petajoules in 2007, of 
                                                      
65 Interest rate subsidies were abolished in 2007. 
66 WTO documents G/SCM/N/123/NOR, 20 July 2005, and G/SCM/N155/NOR, 31 October 2007. 
67 WTO documents G/SCM/N/123/NOR, 20 July 2005, and G/SCM/N155/NOR, 31 October 2007. 
68 WTO document TN/RL/GEN/144, 26 January 2007. 
69 WTO documents WT/DS328/1, 3 March 2005, and WT/DS337/1, 22 March 2006. 
70 WTO document WT/DS337/R, 16 November 2007. 
71 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed  at:  http://www.ssb.no/english/subjects/09/01/knr_ 
en/tab-2008-02-21-19-en.html;  and WTO Secretariat based on UN Comtrade database. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 84 
 
 
which hydrocarbons represented 92.2%, el ectricity 6.0% and others 1.8%.72  In 2004-07, total 
investment in the energy sector grew at an av erage annual rate of 14%.  It totalled NKr 122 billion 
(some US$20.7 billion) in 2007, which represents about a quarter of the economy's total real 
investment.73 
72. The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) is responsible for applying the energy policy in 
an integrated manner, and has overall administrativ e responsibility over the sector.  However, due to 
the importance of petroleum activities, new energy policies require the Storting's approval, even if 
they do not entail legislative changes. 
(ii) Hydrocarbons 
(a) Main features 
73. In 2007, Norway ranked as the world's eleventh largest producer and fifth largest exporter of 
petroleum.  In 2006 (latest year available), it was the world's sixth largest producer and third largest 
exporter of natural gas.74  Norway's total hydrocarbon production (including natural gas liquids and 
condensate) was equivalent to some 4 million ba rrels per day (bpd) in 2007.  Crude petroleum 
production seems to have reached its peak in 2000 and decreased by approximately 30% between 
2003 and 2007;  it averaged 2.3 million bpd in 2007.  Over the same period, natural gas production 
continued on an upward trend, and rose by 18%,  to 90 billion standard cubic metres in 2007.75 
74. During 2004-07, exports of crude petroleum increased in value terms despite continued 
decreases in quantity;  they reached US$54.4 billi on in 2007.  The share of natural gas in total 
merchandise exports increased by 45% between  2003 and 2007, to reach US$26.1 billion.76 
75. The hydrocarbon sector directly employed some 35,000 workers in 2007, or 1.4% of the 
labour force;  the Government estimates that anothe r 50,000 workers are employed by companies that 
supply equipment and services to the sector. 
76. The authorities expect Norway's petroleum pr oduction to remain steady over the next few 
years and to fall gradually thereafter, while gas pr oduction is expected to continue increasing.  Few 
large discoveries were made during the period unde r review, and proved hydrocarbon reserves fell 
from approximately 34 billion barrels of oil equiva lent (boe) in 2003 to 31 billion boe in 2007.  
Nevertheless, exploration activities increased in 2006- 07, induced mainly by high petroleum prices 
and new exploration policies introduced by the Government (see below).77 
77. Hydrocarbon activities on the Norwegian continenta l shelf (NCS) are undertaken by a variety 
of commercial companies.  Most of the largest multinational companies are present and occupy a 
strategic place due to the high infrastructure invest ments required.  However, as areas of the NCS 
have matured, smaller new players have been attracted to explore smaller areas.  The two most 
                                                      
72 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.ssb.no/cgi-bin/tabfig.cgi?kortnavn 
=energiregn_en,indenergi_en,elregn_en,elektrisitet_en,elektrisitetaar_en,elkraftpris_en,fjernvame_en,husenergi
_en,petroleumsalg_en,fjernvarme_en,oljeinv_en,oljev_en,oljeregn_en,naturgass_en&lang=en. 
73 WTO Secretariat, based on info rmation from Statistics Norway. 
74 Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (2008). 
75 Statistics Norway and Norwegian Petroleum Di rectorate online information.  Viewed at:  
http://www.ssb.no/english/subjects/10/06/20/ogprodre_en /tab-2008-01-17-01-en.html,  and http://www.npd.no/ 
English/Produkter+og+tjenester/Rapporter/coverpage.htm. 
76 WTO Secretariat, based on information from UN Comtrade database. 
77 Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (2007). Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
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important companies, Statoil and Norsk Hydro, merged  in 2007 to form the state-owned StatoilHydro;  
the merger required the Storting's approval.  The State continues to be the majority owner of StatoilHydro, holding 62.5% of the shares.  The St orting has decided that the State's share should 
increase to 67% through purchases in the stock market.
78 
78. The Government Pension Fund – Global (formerly State Petroleum Fund), established in 
1990, is the State's fiscal policy instrument to s upport the long-term management of the petroleum 
revenues (which represent some 36% of total public revenues, Chapter I(4)).  The authorities note that 
the Fund's main purpose is to smooth short-term fluc tuations in petroleum re venues, and that the Fund 
is not earmarked for pension expenditures.79  The Fund is invested exclusively in international 
securities in order to ensure risk diversifica tion;  its market value totalled NKr 2,019 billion 
(US$345 billion) in December 2007.  
79. The State's direct financial interest (SDFI) is an  arrangement in which the State owns interests 
in a number of petroleum and gas fields, pipelines and onshore facilities.  It was established in 1985 
and is managed by the state-owned company Petoro AS .  As one of several owners in such fields and 
infrastructure, the State pays its proportionate share of investments and costs, and receives a 
corresponding share of the income from the licence.  As owner of petroleum resources, the State is 
free to determine its level of direct participation, through the SDFI, in any licence.  In practice, SDFI 
participation has decreased in the last decade from an  average level of 30% to 20%.  As at December 
2007, the SDFI comprised 112 production licences, 37 fields, 10 joint-ventures for pipelines, and 8 land-based plants.  Net income from the SDFI totalled NKr 113 billion (US$19 billion) in 2007, a 
decrease of 12.5% with respect to 2006.
80  The authorities indicate that the Norwegian State will 
continue to take SDFI in future licensing rounds on a case-by-case basis. 
80. The transport system for Norwegian gas (i.e. pi pelines and terminals) is owned mainly by the 
Gassled joint-venture. In June 2008, the State's sh are in Gassled was 39.4%, and the total capacity of 
the Norwegian pipeline system was 120 billion standa rd cubic metres.  Gassco AS, a state-owned 
company established in 2001, is the operating company for Gassled. 
(b) Legal framework 
81. The MPE holds overall responsibility for manage ment of petroleum resources on the NCS 
and is responsible for the award of  exploration/production licences.  The MPE is also responsible for 
handling the State's participation in the petroleum industry, including exercising the owner's role in 
relation to StatoilHydro and supervising Petoro 's management of the SDFI.  The Norwegian 
Petroleum Directorate, administratively subordinate to the MPE, is responsible for the micro 
management of exploration and r ecovery activities.  All major deve lopment projects (NKr 10 billion 
and above, equivalent to US$1.7 billio n) are subject to Storting approval.81 
82. Petroleum Act No. 72 of 29 November 1996, as am ended, provides the general legal basis for 
the licensing system that regulates Norwegian pe troleum activities.  Various Royal decrees and 
Regulations have been issued under the Act.82  The Act and its regulations authorize the grant of 
                                                      
78 Ministry of Petroleum and Energy online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.regjeringen.no/en/ 
dep/oed/Subject/State-participation-in-the-petroleum-sec.html?id=1009. 
79 For details see Norges Bank online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.norges-bank.no/Pages/ 
Article____41137.aspx. 
80 Petoro online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.petoro.no/eng/. 
81 Article 19 of the Norwegian Constitution and 1973 decision adopted by the Storting. 
82 For the English version of most of these Royal decrees and regulations, see Norwegian Petroleum 
Directorate online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.npd.no/regelverk/r2002/frame_e.htm. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 86 
 
 
licences to explore for, produce, and transport petr oleum products.  The legal authority to tax these 
operations derives from Petroleum Ta xation Act No. 35 of 13 June 1975. 
83. Petroleum companies are subject to the ordi nary corporate income tax rate of 28% 
(see Chapter III(4)(i)) plus an additional special petrol eum tax rate of 50% levied on taxable income.  
Norway also imposes taxes on emissions of carbon dioxide (CO 2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). 
84. The Petroleum Act establishes that the propert y rights over Norway's petroleum and gas 
resources are vested in the State.  It also est ablishes that exploration and production licences may only 
be awarded to persons and companies resident in EEA member states (i.e. companies domiciled in the EEA regardless of the capital origin).  Productio n licences are normally awarded through licensing 
rounds.  The Government announces a certain numbe r of blocks for which an application for a 
production licence may be made;  applicants ma y apply individually or in groups.  Production 
licences include an initial exploration period of up  to ten years, and are awarded on the basis of 
published criteria, such as technical expertise, fina ncial capacity, and experience.  Ownership of the 
petroleum produced rests with the licensees.  Part icipating shares in production licences may be 
transferred to other oil companies, subject to approv al by the MPE and provided that the buyer fulfils 
the qualification criteria of the licence.  
85. The Storting's approval is required in order to  include areas not yet opened for hydrocarbon 
activities in new licensing rounds.  Such areas make up large parts of the NCS.
83 
86. An area fee is levied on all production licences afte r the initial exploration period has expired.  
The aim is to encourage activity in awarded area s and relinquishment of areas where no activity is 
taking place, so that they can be allocated to other companies.  In order to reinforce this policy, the 
area fee was increased on 1 January 2007.84 
87. Since Norway considers its gas transportation sy stem to be a natural monopoly, gas transport 
tariffs are governed by special regulations issued by  the MPE.  The aim is to ensure that economic 
rents are earned from the producing fields and not from the transportation.85  Prices of petroleum 
products are freely determined by the market opera tors.  Nevertheless, the MPE, through the Norm 
Price Board, may determine norm prices to be used  in the calculation of taxable income.  The norm 
price should be equivalent to the price paid for the petroleum in a competitive market. 
88. There are no restrictions on the import or export of petroleum products;  any company may 
engage in these activities. 
(iii) Electricity 
89. Norway is the largest producer of hydropower in Europe;  about 96% of electricity generation 
in Norway is hydroelectric.  In April 2008, Norw ay had 1,177 power plants with a total installed 
capacity of 30.3 GW.86  Norway's water resources are well deve loped, and the majority of remaining 
potential is subject to permanent environmental protec tion;  thus, potential for new large hydroelectric 
projects is limited.87 
                                                      
83 Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (2007). 
84 For more information see Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (2007). 
85 Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (2007). 
86 Information provided by the Norwegian authorities. 
87 International Energy Agency (2005). Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
 Page 87 
 
 
90. In 2007, Norway produced 137,709 GWh of electricity, an increase of approximately 17% 
over 2006.  Precipitation varies substantially from year to year, and causes large variations in 
electricity production.  In 2007, water levels in the reservoirs were above their historical medians, and 
imports of electricity represented 4% of gross domestic consumption.88  In value terms, imports of 
electrical energy totalled US$218 million in 20 07, while exports amounted to US$527 million.89  
Imports of electrical energy are duty free. 
91. The Norwegian power sector has a relatively fragm ented industry structure.  In January 2006, 
345 companies had trading licences allowing them to ge nerate or trade electricity domestically.  Of 
these, 267 were wholly or partially owned by lo cal authorities and county councils, 9 were solely 
owned by the central government, and 83 were solely owned by the private sector.90  Local authorities 
and county councils own around 50% of Norway's el ectricity generation capacity, private companies 
15%, and state-owned Statkraft, the largest electricity producer, generates some 35%.  Statkraft also has hydropower plants in Sweden and Finland.
91  Foreign ownership is relatively limited and 
concentrated in trading companies. 
92. The State owns a large proportion of the main transmission grid, which is administered by 
Statnett SF, the transmission system operator.  Statnett also owns and controls the Norwegian section 
of power lines and sub-sea cables to other countries.92  Local authorities and county councils own 
most of the regional transmission and distribution grid s.  The spot market is managed by Nord Pool 
Spot, which is jointly owned by Statnett and other Nordic transmission system operators.  
Furthermore, 72 companies (out of the 345 with trading licences) are vertically integrated, i.e. 
engaged in generation, transmission, distribution, and trading activities. 
93. The MPE's main responsibilities with respect to  electricity are to establish guidelines for 
transmission tariffs and to act for the Government  as owner of the state-owned enterprises.  The 
Ministry grants licences for the establishment of la rge hydropower plants and for foreign trade.  Most 
of the MPE's other administrative responsibilities have  been delegated to its subordinate agency, the 
Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE).  The NVE operates as an independent 
regulator of electricity network services.  It also administers Norway's water resources, grants licences 
for the acquisition of waterfalls and the establishment of small power plants, and promotes efficiency in the electricity market.  The MPE ser ves as the appeal body for NVE decisions. 
94. Energy Act No. 50 of 29 June 1990, Wate r Resources Act No. 84 of 24 November 2000, 
Watercourse Regulation Act No. 17 of 14 Decemb er 1917, and Industrial Licensing Act No. 16 of 
14 December 1917 constitute Norway's legal framework for the generation, distribution, transmission, 
and trade of electricity.  In mid 2006, the Storting approved an amendment to the Energy Act that fully implements the new EC electricity market directive.
93  The legal framework provides, in general, 
for national treatment of foreign actors throughout the sector.  Investments are regulated through licences, but according to the authorities, requirement s are of a general nature and do not discriminate 
according to origin of the capital. 
                                                     
 
88 Statistics Norway online information.  View ed at: http://www.ssb.no/elektrisitetaar_en/. 
89 WTO Secretariat, based on information from UN Comtrade database. 
90 These numbers do not add to 345:  the central government and the private sector also partly owned 
19 and 76 companies, respectively. 
91 Statkraft online information.  Viewed at:  h ttp://www.statkraft.com/pro/about_statkraft/facts/ 
statkraft_in_brief/index.asp. 
92 Statnett online information.  Viewed at:  h ttp://www.statnett.no/default.aspx?ChannelID=1206. 
93 EC Directive 2003/54/EC that establishes common rules relating to the organization and functioning 
of  the activities of generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
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95. The Norwegian legislation establishes that any private company that trades electricity or 
provides electricity services under monopoly conditions must hold a trading licence.  Pursuant to the Energy Act, a permit is required for foreign trade of electricity. 
96. The Industrial Licensing Act determines that pr ivate Norwegian or foreign companies are 
obliged to return any rights and assets for hydropower generation to the state after 60 years, without 
any compensation.  However, publicly owned comp anies may be granted perpetual licences.  The 
EFTA Surveillance Authority brought to the EFTA C ourt the issues of these and other asymmetries in 
the licensing rules applying to private and public  ownership of hydroelectric facilities.  The EFTA 
Court ruling of June 2007 declared that an EEA State has the right to decide whether hydropower 
resources and related installations are in public and/ or private hands, provided the objective is pursued 
in a non-discriminatory manner.  The authorities note that Norway has temporarily implemented the Court's ruling, and that a proposal for changes to the Industrial Licensing Act. and Watercourse 
Regulation Act was presented to the Storting in mid 2008. 
97. Electricity prices have varied considerably duri ng the period under review.  In the first quarter 
of 2008, the average household price was equivalent  to US$0.06/kWh, while th e average price for the 
manufacturing sector was US$0.05, and for energy intensive industries US$0.03.
94  Electricity 
consumption is subject to a specific tax whose ra te increases every year;  the rate in 2008 is 
NKr 0.105 per KWh.  Energy-intensive industrial pro cesses, such as electrolysis, are exempt from the 
tax, while manufacturing, mining, and quarrying activities are subject to a reduced tax rate of 
NKr 0.045 per kWh tax.  Consumers in the counties of northern Troms and Finnmark are also exempt 
from this tax. 
(6) MANUFACTURING  
98. The manufacturing sector is relatively small and co ncentrated in industries associated with the 
production of equipment used in the extraction a nd processing of natural resources.  Manufacturing 
activities contributed 10.4% to No rway's GDP in 2007 (equivalent to 13.8% of Mainland GDP), up 
from 9.3% in 2003.  The sector employed some 277,000 people in 2007, which represents 
approximately 11% of total employment.  The ma in activities within the sector, according to value 
added, are machinery and other equipment (29.3% of the manufacturing sector), food products and 
beverages (17.2%), refining petroleum, chemicals,  and mineral products ( 12.0%), and building of 
ships and petroleum platforms (11.9%).95 
99. Due to the relatively small size of the domestic  market, most industries in the manufacturing 
sector are export-oriented, most notably producers of  ships, petroleum platforms, and other machinery 
and transport equipment.  According to the UN Co mtrade database, exports of manufactured products 
represented 17.6% of total merchandise exports in 2007, down from 21% in  2003.  Nevertheless, 
exports expanded in value term s by around 72% between 2003-07.  Norway's main manufactured 
exports in 2007 were other non-electrical machinery, followed by chemicals, other semi-
manufactures, and other transport equipment (Cha pter I(6)).  Imports of manufactured products 
represented 76.6% of total imports in 2007.  The main imports were other non-electrical machinery 
and transport equipment, automotive products, o ffice machines and telecommunication equipment, 
and other consumer goods. 
100. In contrast to agriculture, imports of other pr oducts are subject to relatively low tariffs (WTO 
classification), with the vast majority of product categories being duty free;  the highest tariffs apply 
                                                      
94 Statistics Norway online information.  View ed at:  http://www.ssb.no/elkraftpris_en/. 
95 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.ssb.no/cgi-bin/tabfig.cgi?kortnavn 
=nr_en,knr_en,nri_en,fnr_en,turismesat_en,nrmiljo_en,vki_en,ur_en,ppp_en,urland_en,helsesat_en&lang=en. Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
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to processed agricultural products (Chapter III(2)(i v)).  The EEA Agreement provides for duty-free 
tariffs on all manufacturing goods, as well as for the harmonization of technical requirements to most 
products.  This results in practically full integra tion of Norway's manufacturing sector into the EC 
internal market. 
101. The Ministry of Trade and Industry is respons ible for overseeing the sector, but depending on 
the industrial subsector, other ministries are also  involved.  The main policy framework for all 
industries is formed through tax policy, which is the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance.  
Incentive policy, including the various schemes unde r Innovation Norway, is generally horizontal and 
therefore does not seek to promote any particular manufacturing industry (Chapter III(4)(iii)). 
(7) SERVICES  
(i) Main features 
102. The relative economic importance of Norway's services sector increased during the review 
period, growing from 61% of GDP in 2003 to appr oximately 66% in 2007 (equivalent to 87.5% of 
Mainland GDP).  This expansion was driven largel y by business services, and wholesale and retail 
trade activities:  the business services sector contri buted 9.2% to GDP in 2007, up from 8.0% in 2003;  
the contribution of wholesale and retail trade activities increased from 6.9% to 8.1%.  Trade in 
commercial services has also expanded rapidly.  Serv ices exports increased by an average of almost 
18% per year over 2004-07, and services imports by around 15%. 
103. Norway undertook sector-specific commitments in 11 of 12 sectors, or 110 of the 160 
subsectors in the Services Sectorial Classification Li st (Table AIV.1).  Important exceptions are postal 
services, audiovisual services, and health-related and social services.  Market access and national 
treatment was left unbound with r espect to the presence of natural persons, except for the temporary 
entry of executives, managers, specialists, and business visitors. 
104. Some limitations on national treatment are applie d to all scheduled sectors as specified in the 
horizontal commitments in Norway's GATS Schedule.  These cover mainly the commercial presence of foreign persons and companies with respect to purchase, renting and leasing of real estate 
proprieties, and their establishment in Norway as a legal entity.  Regarding the establishment of 
enterprises, national treatment is accorded to subsidiaries of non-EEA companies formed in 
accordance with the law of, and established in, an EEA State, but not to branches or agencies.  
Eligibility for subsidies may be limited to juridical persons established in Norw ay (subsidies related to 
research and development are unbound);  also, subsidi es available to natural persons may be limited 
to Norwegian citizens. 
105. Norway's final list of GATS Article II MFN exem ptions cover road transport, audio-visual, 
and air transport services.  They include also so me measures to maintain and develop Nordic 
cooperation.  All these measures are intended for an indefinite duration.
96 
106. Norway's revised offer to the services negotiations, submitted in 2005, provides for the 
elimination of some horizontal restrict ions contained in Norway's schedule.97  Further commitments 
on both market access and national treatment are offere d in distribution, environmental, and financial 
services.  Other inclusions, in the form of a new set  of commitments, are offered in maritime transport 
and energy commercialization services.  Most of  these proposed commitments reflect Norway's 
existing legal framework. 
                                                      
96 WTO document GATS/EL/66, 15 April 1994. 
97 WTO document TN/S/O/NOR/Rev.1, 28 June 2005. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
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(ii) Financial services 
107. Since Norway's last Review, its financial se ctor has expanded considerably.  Insurance 
legislation has undergone significant revisions.  Norway does not apply restrictions to the establishment of foreign financial institutions, which may take the form of branches or subsidiaries.  
However, the cross-border supply of services by banks and insurance companies from non-EEA 
countries is restricted;  in order to provide banking services in Norway, banks from non-EEA countries must establish a branch or a subsidiary.  Authorization is needed for domestic or foreign 
investors to increase their participation in a financ ial institution incorporated in Norway.  Norway's 
GATS commitments cover the full spectrum of financial services. 
(a) Market structure and performance 
108. In December 2007, the financial sector's total assets were equivalent to 221% of Norway's 
GDP, of which 62% where held by ba nks and 18% by insurance companies.
98  The sector contributed 
4.7% to Norway's GDP in 2007, and employed 2% of the workforce in 2006 (latest year available).  There were approximately 300 bank branches per m illion inhabitants in 2006.  In 2007, gross life-
insurance and non-life-insurance premiums were e quivalent to 3% and 2% of GDP, respectively.
99 
109. In 2007, Norway's financial system compri sed mainly 16 commercial banks, 123 savings 
banks, 10 branches of foreign banks, 30 finance companies, 10 life insurance companies, 44 non-life 
insurance companies and 46 branches and ag ents of foreign insurance companies.100  B a n k s  i n  
Norway, including foreign subsidiaries and branches, are often organized as part of a financial group 
that also includes mortgage and finance co mpanies, as well as life and non-life insurance 
companies.101  DnB Nor, the result of a merger that took place in 2003, is Norway's biggest financial 
institution and its biggest bank as it holds nearly 40% of total banking  assets.  Foreign banks, mainly 
from Nordic countries, hold about a third of total assets.  During the period under review, merger 
activity in Norway's financial sector was limi ted to a couple of mergers among commercial and 
savings banks, including the sale of some branch offices and subsidiaries by DnB Nor, which were required by the Norwegian Competition Authority as part of the merger approval.
102 
110. The State is the largest shareholder in Dn B Nor, holding 34% of its shares.  The 
Government's main policy objective is to mainta in long-term Norwegian ownership in Norway's 
largest bank, and as a consequence keep its headqua rters and main strategic functions in Norway, as 
well as to secure a financial partner for Norweg ian businesses at home and abroad.  The State also 
controls small lending institutions responsible for 7% of total lending, some of which are financed 
through loans from the State, and in certain cases direct transfers from the public budget.103  Their 
lending activities serve as policy tools directed at sp ecific areas such as research, students, and first-
time buyers in the housing market. 
111. A study by the Nordic competition authorities notes that the Norwegian retail banking market 
is characterized by relatively high concentration, with the four largest banks controlling 71% of the 
                                                      
98 WTO Secretariat, based on information from Statisti cs Norway.  Total financial sector assets include 
assets held by state lending institutions, which are not classified as banks' assets, and exclude assets held by Norges Bank. 
99 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.ssb.no/en/. 
100 Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway online information.  Viewed at:  http://www. 
kredittilsynet.no/. 
101 IMF (2005). 
102 FNH (2007). 
103 Statistics Norway online information.  Vi ewed at:  http://www.ssb.no/finansinst_en/. Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
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market.104  The Norwegian Competition Authority also concluded that measure s should be taken to 
increase competition in the sector.  In this regard, th e Government is implementing measures to make 
it easier for customers to compare prices of fina ncial services among banks and to switch between 
banks (see Chapter III(4)).105 
112. In 2007, the IMF considered the general ou tlook of Norway's financial stability to be 
satisfactory;  a more recent assessment by the No rwegian authorities reached a similar conclusion.106  
Despite strong lending growth during 2004-07, banks ha ve been able to maintain fairly high capital 
adequacy ratios due to solid earnings results.  Nevertheless, prolonged strong credit growth and 
increasingly aggressive mortgage lending practices pose some risks as Norwegian households may 
face difficulties in servicing their increasing debt  at a time of worsening global credit markets 
conditions (see Chapter I). 
(b) Regulatory framework 
113. The Ministry of Finance is responsible for defining insurance and banking sector policy and 
granting licences for banking or insurance activities.  The payment system is monitored by the Central 
Bank.  The Financial Supervisory Authority (Kre dittilsynet), under the Ministry of Finance, is 
responsible for supervising banks, finance companies,  mortgage companies, and insurance companies, 
as well as securities traders, r eal estate agencies, a nd accounting and auditin g undertakings.  The 
Ministry of Finance and, in some areas, the Kredittilsynet are responsible for issuing regulations 
pursuant to the main Acts regardi ng financial services.  Mergers an d acquisitions require the approval 
of the Competition Authority, and of the Ministry of Finance (in some cases, the Kredittilsynet) on the 
basis of financial regulation rather than the Competition Act.  Before deciding on other cases 
involving competition assessments, Kredittilsynet will normally obtain a statement from the competition Authority regarding the competition issues. 
114. Decisions taken by the Kredittilsynet may be appeal ed before the Ministry of Finance;  this 
administrative instance must be exhausted befo re taking the appeal to a court of law.  
115. Norway's GATS market access and national treat ment commitments cover the full spectrum 
of financial services.
107  These commitments are undertaken in  accordance with the Understanding on 
Commitments on Financial Services. 
116. Norway has preferential arrangements affecting financial services with EEA members, as 
well as with Korea, Mexico, and Singapore  through EFTA's free-trade agreements.108  Under the EEA 
Agreement, Norway is committed to applying EC legi slation in a timely manner, aimed at the creation 
of a single market for financial services.  With  Korea and Singapore the scope is limited to 
cooperation, application of GATS provisions, a nd recognition of prudential measures.  The 
arrangements with Mexico provide for full mark et access and national treatment in commercial 
presence and cross-border supply of almost all financia l services (as defined in the specific chapter of 
the agreement), supplied by a financial institution from one of the parties.   
                                                      
104 Norwegian Competition Authority (2006b). 
105 Norwegian Competition Authority (2006a). 
106 IMF (2007a) and Norges Bank (2008a). 
107 WTO document GATS/SC/66/Suppl.4, 26 February 1998. 
108 EFTA Secretariat online inform ation.  Viewed at:  http://www .efta.int/content/free-trade/fta-
countries. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
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Banking 
117. Since Norway's last Review, many acts and regula tions applicable to the financial sector have 
been amended in order to ensure compliance with EC/EEA legislation.109  The only significant change 
regarding market access for banking was the rem oval of the residency requirement applied to 
managers and members of the board of directors of banks.  New guidelines for measuring banks' 
capital adequacy (Basel II) and new accounting rules were implemented. 
118. Foreign banks from an EEA or non-EEA country may establish a subsidiary or a branch in 
Norway, both of which are allowed to collect depos its locally and to carry on banking activities using 
the word "bank".  A bank subsidiary is subject to a ll relevant Norwegian legislation, while a branch is 
subject only to certain parts, as specified by law.  Except for branches of foreign banks, all banks must 
be organized as either a private or a public limite d liability company, or as a savings bank.  In line 
with EEA rules, the minimum capital requirement  to establish a bank is €5 million regardless of 
nationality.110 
119. There are no specific restrictions on foreign owne rship of financial ins titutions in general or 
banks in particular.  However, both national and foreign private investors require permission from 
Kredittilsynet for ownership reachi ng or exceeding the thresholds of  10%, 20%, 25%, 33% and 50%.  
The rules do not restrict the formation of fina ncial groups, and prudential regulations, including fit 
and proper testing, apply on the basis of national treatment.111 
120. All Norwegian banks, including foreign-owned s ubsidiaries, are required to obtain a licence 
to operate in Norway.  Banks from an EEA Member that are licensed to oper ate in their home-state 
are only required to notify Kredittilsynet in order to  establish a branch in No rway.  For branches of 
banks from non-EEA countries, authorization may only be granted to a bank that is authorized in its 
home state to carry on identical activities and is subject  to prudential supervision there.  In addition, 
the home supervisory authority must have establis hed satisfactory cooperation with Kredittilsynet, 
which is done on a case by case basis.  The informati on that banks should provide when applying for 
a licence are listed in Section 8a of the Commerc ial Banks Act of 1961.  The Ministry of Finance 
must notify the applicant of its decision, based on Kredittilsynet advice, within six months of receipt 
of the application.  Kredittilsynet may revoke an a pplication if the bank's capital is not deemed to be 
in reasonable proportion to the busi ness the bank intends to carry on, or if the board members and/or 
managers are not deemed experien ced enough, have been convicted of a criminal offence, or have 
displayed suspicious conduct in the past.  Kred ittilsynet has not issued any negative decisions since 
2003. 
121. Banks operating in Norway may not carry on or participate as a partner or owner in wholesale 
and retail trade, manufacturing, sh ipping, insurance or other busin ess activity in Norway, except an 
activity "which it is customary or natural for banks to transact".112 
122. Norwegian financial institutions require author ization from the Ministry of Finance when 
acquiring more than 10% of the shares of a fore ign financial institution or when establishing a 
subsidiary or branch outside the EEA.  Cross-borde r supply of financial serv ices by Norwegian banks 
                                                      
109 The main acts include:  Commercial Banks Act No. 2 of 24 May 1961, as amended;  Savings Banks 
Act No. 1 of 24 May 1961, as amended;  and Financial In stitutions Act No. 40 of 10 June 1988, as amended.  
For English versions of the main acts and regulations  see Kredittilsynet online information.  Viewed at:  
http://www.kredittilsynet. no/wbch3.exe?p=2109. 
110 Commercial Banks Act No. 2 of 24 May 1961, as amended. 
111 Financial Institutions Act No. 40 of 10 June 1988, as amended. 
112 Chapter 4 of Commercial Banks Act No. 2 of 24 May 1961, as amended. Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
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is not regulated by Norwegian law, and Norwegia n banks are not subject to borrowing or deposit 
limits on cross-border borrowing from foreign banks.  
123. Foreign banks that have their head office in another EEA country are allowed to offer cross-
border services (e.g. acceptance of deposits, lending  and leasing portfolio management) in Norway, 
provided they present a notification from  their national supe rvisory authority.113  On the other hand, 
banks from non-EEA countries may only provide ba nking services (including cross-border services) 
once they establish a branch or  a subsidiary in Norway. 
124. In 2005, Norway issued regulations governing th e right of branches of banks with their head 
office in another EEA country to join the Norw egian Bank's Guarantee Fund (NBGF);  as at June 
2008, three such banks have joined the NBGF.  The regulations require satisfactory agreements 
between the NBGF and the corresponding deposit insu rance scheme in the bank's home state along 
with a cooperation agreement between Kredittilsynet  and the home state's supervisory authority.114 
Insurance 
125. Insurance Act No. 44 of 10 June 2005 entered into force in July 2006.  Along with its 
regulations, the Act defines new services that life insurers are allowed to offer and establishes the 
right for non-life insurers to offer one-year  life insurance linked to disability risk. 
126. Under the Act all insurance companies are subject to a separation requirement between life, 
non-life and credit-risk insurance (as under the previ ous Act).  Reinsurance may be provided by both 
life and non-life insurance companies or by a dedi cated reinsurance company.  The Ministry of 
Finance may decide on the activities an insuran ce company may engage in and grant individual 
exemptions. 
127. Foreign insurance companies from an EEA or non-EEA country may establish and operate a 
subsidiary or a branch in Norway two months after Kredittilsynet has received a notification from the 
home supervisory authority.115  Insurance companies incorporat ed in Norway, irrespective of 
nationality, must be organized as joint-stock companies or mutual insurance companies. 
128. Both national and foreign private investors requi re permission from the Ministry of Finance, 
as for banks, to exceed certain ownership thresholds in insurance companies in corporated in Norway 
(see above). 
129. Insurance companies operating in Norway requi re a licence from Ministry of Finance.  
However, foreign companies are required to supp ly additional information during the application 
process, such as a detailed description of its operati ons in the home state.  The applicant should be 
notified of a decision within six months after the application was received.  Branches of insurance 
companies from non-EEA countries must comply w ith the same requirements imposed on branches of 
banks from non-EEA countries, i.e., authorization ma y only be granted to an insurance company 
authorized in its home state to carry on identical ac tivities and subject to prudential supervision there;  
in addition, the home supervisory authority must  have established satisfactory cooperation with 
                                                      
113 For a complete list of the financial activities subject to mutual recognition see Regulation on 
provision of cross-border services by foreign banks and other credit institutions having their head office in 
another state in the EEA, etc. of 7 July 1994, as amended. 
114 Kredittilsynet (2005).   
115 Regulation on insurance services and establis hment of branches and insurance companies and 
pension funds having their head offices in another member state in the EEA, etc. No. 827 of 22 September 1995, as amended.  WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 94 
 
 
Kredittilsynet.  The manager, at least half of the boa rd of directors, and half of the members of the 
corporate assembly of an insurance company must  be permanent residents in an EEA state. 
130. No restrictions are imposed on the cross-border supply of insurance services by EEA 
insurance companies.  Non-EEA insurance companies may only provide some services on a cross-
border basis through an insurance broker authorized in  Norway.  In order to supply insurance services 
that are mandatory by Norwegian law, e.g. com pulsory motor-vehicle insurance, non-EEA insurance 
companies must be licensed and established in Norway. 
(iii) Telecommunications 
131. The State controls Norway's largest opera tor, which has a dominant presence in most 
telecommunication markets.  During the period under review, market competition has increased;  
prices for most services do not seem hi gh and investment in the sector appears to be substantial.  
There have been no significant legislative ch anges affecting the sector since 2004.  Foreign 
companies, whether established in the EEA or el sewhere, receive national treatment in Norway's 
telecommunications sector.  Operators do not need a permit to start operations unless specific frequencies are involved. 
(a) Main features 
132. In 2007, telecommunications and postal services together contributed 1.9% to 
Norway's GDP.
116  In 2005 (latest year available), investment in public telecommunication (excluding 
spectrum fees) nearly doubled with respect to 2003, to US$1,142 million.  This placed Norway second highest among OECD countries in terms of rates of investment in public telecommunication 
per capita and as a percentage of total revenue.
117 
133. Between June 2003 and June 2007, the number of fixed telephone lines decreased by 10%, 
while mobile subscriptions increas ed at an average annual rate of 7.7%, reaching a high penetration 
rate of 1.1 subscriptions per inhabitant.  Over the same period, broadband  subscriptions expanded 
considerably, at an average annual rate of 48.5% , to a penetration rate of some 29 broadband 
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in June 2007.  The most commonly used broadband technology in 
Norway (76% of the subscriptions) is xDSL,  which uses the fixed telephone infrastructure.118 
134. According to the OECD, Norway's teleco mmunication services markets were highly 
concentrated in 2003119, however the authorities note that co mpetition has somewhat increased since 
then, particularly the number of broadband and VoIP operators.  Norway's principal 
telecommunication operator, Telenor, is controlled by the State, which holds 54% of its shares.120  
Since 2003, Telenor's market share has fallen in all th ree main telecom markets;  in June 2007 it had, 
in terms of subscriptions, 70% of the fixed tele phony market, 53% of the mobile telecommunication 
market, and 50% of the broadband service market.  The top five service providers (including Telenor) 
controlled approximately 90% of the three markets.121  
                                                      
116 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.ssb.no/. 
117 OECD (2007e). 
118 WTO Secretariat, based on Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority online information.  
Viewed at:  http://www.npt.no/. 
119 OECD (2004). 
120 Telenor online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.telenor.com/ir/shareholder/largest/. 
121 Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority  online information.  Viewed at:  http://www. 
npt.no/. Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
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135. Telecommunication prices in Norway are among the lowest in the OECD.122  In June 2007, 
Norway was among the five OECD countries with the lowest prices for both fixed and mobile 
telephony for residential and business customers;   prices for broadband services are close to the 
OECD average.123 
(b) Regulatory framework 
136. Norway ratified the Fourth Protocol on basi c telecommunications in 1997.  Its GATS 
Schedule of Commitments covers virtually all basi c and value-added services, for which Norway has 
agreed to impose no limitations on market access or national treatment for the first three modes of supply.  The Schedule incorporates, under addi tional commitments, the telecommunications 
Reference Paper negotiated in the co ntext of the extended negotiations.
124 
137. The Ministry of Transport and Communications is responsible for establishing the policy for 
the telecommunication sector, while the Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority (NPT), 
an autonomous agency under the Ministry, is responsible for its supervision and regulation.  The NPT's activities are mainly financed through operator and spectrum fees. 
138. Electronics Communications Act No. 83 of 4 July  2003, Norway's main legislation for the 
telecommunication sector, was amended in December 2007.
125  The changes were related to technical 
matters and some specific services, such as voice over  IP and international roaming.  The new rules 
grant the NPT the authority to supervise price deve lopment in international roaming services, in order 
to ensure that mobile phone calls made or r eceived in any EEA country are subject to maximum 
pricing. 
139. There are no restrictions on the participation of foreign investors in Norway's 
telecommunication sector.  The State's participation in Telenor is managed by the Ministry of Trade 
and Industry and represents government policy rath er than a legal requirement.  All providers of 
public telecommunication networks and services ar e required to register with the NPT before 
commencing activities.  Licences are required for th e provision of public telecommunication services 
that involve the use of radio frequencies, with certain exceptions. 
140. Telecom operators are generally free to set their own end-user rates.  Any provider of 
telecommunication networks and services, as defined in the Electronic Communications Act, has the right and obligation to negotiate with other provid ers on interconnection for the provision of public 
telecommunication services.  However, the N PT may impose access and interconnection pricing 
obligations on a provider with significant market power, if it considers that denial of access or 
unreasonable terms and conditions wo uld hinder the emergence of a sustainable competitive retail 
market.  If such measures are insufficient , NPT may impose controls (e.g. price caps) on retail services provided by the company with significant market power.  Interconn ection termination rates 
should be made publicly available. 
141. Disputes between service provide rs concerning their rights and obligations (e.g. regarding 
interconnection rates) may be submitted to the NPT for resolution.  During 2004-07, the NPT received 
seven requests for mediation of interconnection disp utes, of which, three were dropped and the other 
four resolved through mediation.  As a first step, the NPT mediates between the parties;  failing this, it 
                                                     
 
122 OECD (2007e). 
123 NPT (2007). 
124 WTO documents GATS/SC/66, 15 April 1994. and GATS/SC/66/Suppl.3, 11 April 1997. 
125 The Electronics Communications Act does not cover radio and television broadcasting, which are 
ruled by the Broadcasting Act No. 12 7 of 4 December 1995 as amended. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
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issues a regulatory decision on the dispute.  Decisions should be reached as soon as possible and no 
later than four months after the matter is brought be fore the NPT.  Appeals of NPT decisions must be 
administratively revised by the Ministry of Transport and Communications before they can be brought to ordinary courts of law. 
142. According to Norwegian legislation, the NPT has to carry out market analyses in line with the 
EFTA Surveillance Authority's guidelines to evaluate the existence of significant market power.  With 
the exception of broadcasting and international roam ing, Telenor is considered to have significant 
market power in all the other telecommunication markets.  Price regulation and other regulatory 
measures applied to Telenor vary according to the market and the level of market power.
126   
143. Norway's legislation requires the unbundling of the local loop.  In 2006, about 90% of 
subscribers were connected to a network upgrad ed with equipment that facilitates local loop 
unbundling.127 
144. Norway allows the resale of all types of telecommunication services, as well as the provision 
of international call-back services. 
145. The NPT has concluded that voice over IP services that are partly or fully any-to-any 
communication enabled (i.e. a gateway to ISDN or mob ile networks exists and enables the user to call 
or receive calls from traditional telephone services) are regulated by the Electronic Communications Act.
128 
146. The NPT may nominate one or more providers of universal service.  Telenor has had a 
universal service agreement with the Ministry for the provision of fixed telephony and dial up internet 
access services since September 2004.  The NPT ma y impose detailed requirements regarding the 
content of the obligations, inter alia , on prices to end-users, geographic unit prices, quality 
requirements for services, and monitoring of quality and information.129 
(iv) Maritime transport 
147. Maritime transport is of pa rticular economic importance for Norway.  The majority of 
commercial ports are owned by the municipalities, but  private operators, both national and foreign, 
may be granted permission to provide port services.   Norway has undertaken specific commitments on 
maritime transport services under the GATS.  Ships may be registered in Norway in either an international (NIS) or ordinary (NOR) register ;   the NOR is open only to EEA nationals or 
companies.  Vessels registered in the NOR or unde r a foreign flag are allo wed to provide transport 
services between Norwegian ports. 
(a) Main features 
148. Due to Norway's coastal topography, diversified maritime industry, and the significance of its 
offshore petroleum exploration, maritime transport plays an important role in its economy.  In 2007, 
maritime transport services (excluding cabotage) contributed 1.4% to Norway's GDP and employed 
                                                     
 
126 Information provided by the Norwegian authorities. 
127 OECD (2007e). 
128 OECD (2007e). 
129 Electronic Communications Act No. 83 of 4 July 2003. Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
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57,400 persons (72% foreigners).130  They represented 36% of Norway's services exports, and 
transported 60.8% of Norway's merc handise exports and 76.5% of imports. 
149. Norway's 60 large commercial ports handled a to tal of 197 million tonnes in 2006 (latest year 
available):  87% were handled by 27 large public por ts (i.e. ports owned by municipalities, which can 
handle at least 1 million tonnes of international cargo each year);  5% by large private quays;  and the 
other 8% by small ports.  The authorities note that  39% of cabotage services were provided by foreign 
flagged vessels in 2007.  
150. Norway has the world's fifth largest controlled fleet in terms of tonnage.131  In 2007, 1,314 
vessels of 100 gross tonnes or more (for transpor t of goods and passengers) were registered in 
Norway, with a total capacity of 16,782 gross tonnes.   Of these, 749 were regi stered in the Norwegian 
ordinary ship register (NOR) and 565 in the Norwegian international ship register (NIS);  of the latter, 
63% were Norwegian owned a nd 37% were foreign owned.132  According to the Norwegian Ship-
owners' Association, although the number of in ternational trade vessels owned by Norwegians 
increased by 13% between January 2004 and April 2 008, total tonnage capacity  decreased by 3.5%.  
The share of Norwegian-owned international trad e vessels sailing under a foreign flag increased both 
in number and in terms of tonnage over the same period.  
151. Despite the depreciation of the U.S. dollar with  respect to the Norwegian kroner, prices of 
international freight services, which are mainly c ontracted in U.S. dollars, increased in Norwegian 
kroner by approximately 30% betw een January 2006 and December 2007.   This increase is mainly 
due to higher dry bulk cargo prices resulting from strong international demand.133 
(b) Regulatory framework 
152. Reflecting the particular importance of maritime  transport in its economy, Norway takes an 
active role in international negotiations and discussi ons on shipping policy issues.  Norway has signed 
several conventions related to maritime transport.  It is a signatory to the UN Convention on a Code of 
Conduct for Liner Conferences, however it does not ha ve bilateral cargo-sharing agreements or any 
other restrictions on transpor t of freight and passengers.  
153. Norway has undertaken specific commitments on maritime transport under the GATS.  The 
commitments cover international transport, some auxiliary services, and harbour services but exclude 
cabotage services.  In the ongoing WTO negotiations, Norway is among the proponents of meaningful liberalization of maritime transport services.
134  Its initial and revised services offers provides for 
expanded specific commitments in maritime transport services, mainly domestic freight 
transportation, and domestic maritime towing and pushing services.135  
154. The Ministry of Trade and Industry is responsib le for maritime transport policy formulation 
and management.  In addition, several other ministries (Defence, Environment, Fisheries, and Coastal Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Justice and Transpor tation) have shared responsibility for the sector. 
                                                     
 
130 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed  at:  http://www.ssb.no/english/subjects/09/01/ 
knr_en/tab-2008-02-21-19-en.html.  And Norwegian Ship-owners' Association online information.  Viewed at:  
http://www.rederi. no/default.asp?V_ITEM_ID=948.  
131 The statistics only includes vessels of 1,000 gross tonnage and above (UNCTAD, 2007). 
132 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.ssb.no/. 
133 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.ssb.no/stpi_en/. 
134 WTO document TN/S/W/11, 3 March 2003. 
135 WTO document TN/S/O/NOR/Rev.1, 28 June 2005. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
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155. In 2004, the Storting adopted a National Transport Plan (NTP) for the period 2006-15 that 
seeks to integrate all modes of transport under one common policy.  Among other issues, the NTP gives priority to increasing the effectiveness of ro ad transport by making sea transport a competitive 
alternative and to intermodality of transport.  In  mid 2008, the Government was working on a revised 
plan for 2010-19.
136   
156. The main legislation governing maritime trans port is Norwegian Maritime Code No. 39 of 
24 June 1994, as amended.  The Seaworthiness Act of 1903 was replaced by Maritime Safety and 
Security Act No. 9 of 29 June 2007.  The new Act represents modernization as it implements inter alia, the International Ship and Port Facility Securi ty Code (ISPS) of the International Maritime 
Organization. 
157. Port and Seaways Act No. 51 of 1984 governs Norway's port structure which is based on 
municipal port authorities in charge of port districts, within which there are both public and private ports and quays.  The infrastructure of most commercial ports is owned by municipal port authorities, however cargo handling operations are usually carri ed out by private operators based on a landlord 
model (i.e. rental contract) open to  both national and foreign companies;  these contracts are subject to 
public procurement rules.  Under the Act, reve nue derived from public port activities may only be 
reinvested or used in the port.
137 
158. Vessels cruising through certain fairways alon g the Norwegian coastline are required to pay 
for pilot preparedness and a pilotage fee for th e compulsory pilotage service provided by the 
Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket), a state agency.  Vessels piloted by experienced 
navigators may apply for a pilot exemption certificate.138 Where the navigator carries a pilot 
exemption certificate, only the pilot preparedness fee is due.  
159. Norwegian ships may be registered in Norway or  abroad.  If a Norwegian register is chosen, 
under the Maritime Code, all ships longer than 15 metr es may be entered in the NOR, or in the NIS.  
To be registered in the NOR, ships must be owne d by an EEA national or by a company established in 
Norway where EEA nationals own at least 60% of th e capital.  Non-EEA nationals may not register a 
ship in the NOR.  However, nationality requirement s may be waived in certain cases by the Ministry 
of Trade and Industry.  Vessels registered in th e NOR or registered under a foreign flag are not 
restricted from providing cabotage services in Norway. 
160. The NIS register, established in 1987, seeks to maintain the Norwegian shipping fleet under 
Norwegian flag by offering less restrictive conditi ons, such as allowing the employment of foreign 
seafarers;  special provisions apply to pay and worki ng conditions.  Ships registered in the NIS are not 
permitted to carry cargo or passengers between No rwegian ports or to provide regular passenger 
transport between Norwegian and foreign ports. 
161. Foreign shipping companies may also register their vessels in the NIS provided that:  they 
comply with the nationality requirements contained in  the Maritime Code;  or the head office is in 
Norway in the case of a limited company;  or th e owner has appointed a representative who fulfils the 
nationality requirements and is authorized to accept writs on his behalf.  NIS registered vessels with 
                                                      
136 Ministry of Transport and Communications on line information.  Viewed at:  http://www. 
regjeringen.no/en/dep/sd/Ryddemappe/sd/english/doc/white_paper/Report-No-24-to-the-Storting-2003-2004-
National-Transport-Plan-20062015.html?id=436926. 
137 Norwegian Ports Federation online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.havn.no/englishpage.asp. 
138 Kystverket online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.kystver ket.no/?did=9103236. Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
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more than 40% foreign ownership must be operate d by a Norwegian ship-owning company with its 
head office in Norway, or by a Norwegian management company.139 
162. On 1 January 2008, Norway introduced a new tonnage tax system.  The new system applies 
the final taxation of profits from shipping activities, instead of a deferred taxation under the previous 
system.  The tonnage tax system is applicable for co mpanies registered in Norway and can be used for 
most vessels registered in the NOR, the NIS and under a foreign flag. 
(v) Professional services 
163. Norway does not impose restrictions on the provision of architectural and engineering 
services by foreign individuals and firms.  On th e other hand, to provide  legal, accounting, and 
auditing services, professionals must hold a Norwegia n university degree and/or pass aptitude exams.  
EEA residents who hold university degrees from EEA member countries are, in general, exempted from these restrictions. 
164. Norway has undertaken commitments on le gal, accounting, aud iting, bookkeeping, 
architectural, urban planning, engineering a nd integrated engineering services under the GATS 
(see section (7) (i) above).  The commitments on lega l services are limited to legal advice on foreign 
law.  Presence of natural persons is unbound for a ll professions except as indicated in the horizontal 
section. 
165. The Norwegian Agency for Quality Assuranc e in Education (NOKUT) evaluates foreign 
qualifications and provides formal recognition of whether they correspond to Norwegian degrees.  
The evaluation is free of charge.  Where the profession requires a subject-specific degree and an 
associated title it may be necessary to obtain sp ecific recognition from a Norwegian university.
140 
(a) Engineering and architectural services 
166. In 2007, there were about 7,000 people working in Norway as architects and 16,000 as 
engineers (including civil, mining, metallurgists and other engineers, but excluding technicians).141  
The market is highly fragmented, with the type of business ranging from independent specialists to 
large architectural or engineering companies.  The main professional societies for engineers and 
architects are the Norwegian Soci ety for Engineers (NITO), the No rwegian Society of Chartered 
Scientific and Academic professionals (TEKNA),  and the National Association of Norwegian 
Architects (NAL).142 
167. The "architect" and "engineer" professions are not legally protected in Norway;  thus, no 
licence is required for the exercise of these professi ons.  Anyone, Norwegian or  foreign, can practice 
these professions provided they have a permit to resi de in Norway.  Nevertheless, employers usually 
require recognition of qualifications in order to be able to assess whether applicants meet the 
educational requirements.  Engineers and architects who studied outside of Norway should apply to 
NOKUT for recognition of their degrees. 
                                                      
139 Act No. 48 of 12 June 1987 relating to the Norwegian International Ship Register.  
140 NOKUT online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.nokut.no/sw335.asp. 
141 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed  at:  http://www.ssb.no/english/subjects/06/01/ 
yrkeaku_en/tab-2008-02-18-03-en.html. 
142 For further information see:  http://www.nito.no/English/;  http ://www.arkitektur.n o/;  http://www. 
tekna.no/portal/page/portal/tekna/english/about_tekna?p_dim=22398. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
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(b) Legal services 
168. In 2007, there were about 8,000 lawyers working in Norway.143  Some 5,600 were registered 
members of the Norwegian Bar Association.  Legal practice in Norway is most commonly organized in small firms and one-man businesses;  60% of lawyer s are engaged in firms with ten lawyers or less, 
and only five firms have more than 100 lawyers.
144 
169. Courts of Law Act No. 5 of 13 August 1915,  regulated by Regulation No. 1,161 of 
20 December 1996, sets out the rules and requirements for the practice of law in Norway.  A lawyer wishing to offer legal services in Norway, includi ng defending a case in a Norwegian court, must hold 
a Norwegian University degree in law as well as a licence issued by the Supervisory Council for 
Legal Practice (Tilsynsradet), an independent public  authority.  To acquire a licence the candidate 
must have a clean record of conduct, must have practiced as an associate lawyer or as an assistant 
judge for two years after obtaining the law degree, and must attend a mandatory advocate course in 
Norwegian.  The candidate must also have insura nce to cover liabilities and compensation that may be 
incurred.  To appear before the Supreme Cour t, there are additional conditions.  There are no 
nationality requirements. 
170. Law degrees from EEA countries may serve as b asis for being licensed as a lawyer in 
Norway.  A licence may also be issued if the a pplicant holds a corresponding licence in another EEA 
country, and demonstrates sufficient knowledge of Norwegian law.  Notice must be given to the 
Supervisory Council, and proof of insurance must be provided.  Where an EEA lawyer's command of 
Norwegian is not satisfactory, the lawyer must appear jointly with a Norwegian lawyer during 
litigation.  To be counsel before the Supreme Court, an EEA lawyer  must always appear jointly with a 
Norwegian lawyer entitled to appear before the Supreme Court. 
171. Lawyers from outside the EEA who do not hold a licence to practice law in Norway, may be 
given permission by the Supervisory Council to practi ce foreign law or private international law, and 
to litigate under the same conditi ons applied to EEA lawyers. 
172. According to the Courts of Law Act, only peop le working in a law firm are allowed to hold 
ownership in that firm.  Hence, foreign law firm s from outside the EEA are only allowed to establish 
themselves in Norway to provide legal services conc erning foreign and/or international law when its 
lawyers (owners) have been given special perm ission by the Supervisory Council (see above). 
(c) Accounting and auditing services 
173. The accountancy and auditing professions are tr aditionally organized into two groups:  
(i) external accountants provide bookkeeping services;   and (ii) auditors, provide auditing services as 
registered or state authorized public accountants .  In 2007, 46,000 people were employed as 
accountants, bookkeepers, and associated professions in Norway.
145  According to the Financial 
Supervisory Authority of Norway (Kredittilsynet), which supervises and grants licences to external 
accountants and auditors, there were 7,699 external  accountants and 2,691 external accounting firms, 
as well as 5,670 auditors and 789 auditing firms in 2007.146 
                                                      
143 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed  at:  http://www.ssb.no/english/subjects/06/01/ 
yrkeaku _en/tab-2008-02-18-03-en.html. 
144 Norwegian Bar Association online information.   Viewed at:  http://www.jus.no/?id=46547. 
145 Statistics Norway online information.  Viewed  at:  http://www.ssb.no/english/subjects/06/01/ 
yrkeaku_en/tab-2008-02-18-03-en.html. 
146 Kredittilsynet online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.kredittilsynet.no/. Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
 Page 101 
 
 
174. The Authorisation of External Accountants Ac t (available only in Norwegian) encompasses 
both persons and companies that provide accounting services for others on a commercial basis.  It 
establishes that, in order to obtain a licence from th e Kredittilsynet, external accountants need a higher 
degree in business economics equivalent to at least two-years full-time study;  for a person who began 
higher education studies after August 2006, a bachel or degree in business economics is required.  
Qualifications from a foreign university may be accepted, but if they are not approved, Kredittilsynet 
may require the foreign applicant to take exams in Norway on tax law and jurisprudence.  The 
equivalent of two years’ relevant work experien ce (3,400 hours) in Norway, during the five years 
prior to the date of application, is also required.  External accountants must have a permanent place of 
business in Norway, and be resident in an EEA state. 
175. A licence to work as an external accountant is gran ted for five years.  In order to maintain and 
renew the licence, an external accountant is require d to have attended 77 hours of professional post-
educational training in areas specified in th e regulations during the preceding three years. 
176. Firms, national or foreign, are subject to an independent authorizati on requirement and must 
apply to Kredittilsynet for listing in the corresponding  register for external accountants.  A firm may 
receive the authorization by virtue of its general manager being an authorized external accountant.  
Firms must be more than are required to be le gally established and have their headquarters in 
Norway.147  There are no limits on the amount of capital that foreign investors may hold in an external 
accountancy firm. 
177. Public accountants (auditors) require a licence, gr anted by Kredittilsynet, in order to provide 
auditing services in Norway.  Auditors who are recogni zed within the EEA to perform statutory audit, 
can be mutually recognized as Norwegian public account ants.  Norway may require that the applicant 
passes an aptitude test requiring knowledge of No rwegian legislation.  Other requirements are 
continuing professional education, a permanent office location in Norway, residency in an EEA state 
and insurance that covers at least NKr 5 million (US$850,000) in liability. 
178. Auditing firms, national or foreign, are subject  to an independent authorization requirement 
from Kredittilsynet.  Auditing firms must be more than 50% owned by authorized auditors, and the 
board of directors must comprise a majority of authorized auditors. 
179. An auditor of the annual accounts of an entity subject to statutory audit obligation may not 
provide consulting or other non-audit services to that entity.148 
180. There are no mutual recognition agreemen ts between Norway and non-EEA countries 
concerning accounting and auditing services.  Acco untants from non-EEA countries, in addition to 
passing the aptitude test and complying with the resi dency and insurance require ments, have to apply 
for recognition of their degrees and transfer of cr edits.  The universities are responsible for dealing 
with applications for general rec ognition of foreign qualifications.149 
(vi) Air transport 
181. Norway is signatory to the EEA Agreement th rough which it participates in the EC Single 
Aviation Market and a large number of bilateral ag reements.  The EEA Agreement, by far the most 
significant in terms of international scheduled passe nger traffic, establishes a very liberal regime for 
participating states.  The bilateral air services ag reements signed by Norway since the 1990s are more 
                                                      
147 Kredittilsynet online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.kredittilsynet.no/. 
148 Auditors Act No. 2 of 15 January 1999. 
149 Auditors Act No. 2 of 15 January 1999. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 102 
 
 
liberal than earlier agreements.  Most of Norway's airports are owned and managed by a state-owned 
company, but there is strong private, including fo reign, participation in the provision of services 
related to air transport, and there are few legal barri ers to entry in these services.  Foreign investment 
in airline companies register ed in Norway is restricted to majority EEA capital. 
182. SAS is the dominant carrier in Norway.  The Norwegian and Danish states each own 14.3% 
of the SAS Group, the Swedish state owns 21.4% , and the remaining 50% is owned by private 
shareholders.  In addition to SAS, there are se veral private Norwegian carriers;  the largest are 
Norwegian, a low-cost airline operating 156, mainly international, routes150, and Wideroe, which flies 
to 46 domestic and intern ational destinations. 
183. Carriage of passengers and goods by air is regulated by the Norwegian Aviation Act of 
11 June 1993 (as amended).151  Norway implements EC civil aviation regulations as part of its 
participation in the EEA Agreement.  The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), an autonomous regulatory 
body under the Ministry of Transport and Communica tions, is responsible for ensuring air safety and 
issuing licences to airports, airline pilots, and cr ews.  Avinor AS, a state-owned limited liability 
company, is responsible for air traffic control services in Norway. 
184. The Norwegian Competition Authority's remit incl udes air transport:  during the period under 
review, it considered an abuse of dominance case involving SAS on a domestic route.  The case was 
settled between SAS and the Competition Authority following court proceedings.152  Fluctuations in 
the price index for domestic flights have tende d show a strong correlation with the degree of 
competition in the market.153 
185. Aviation within Norway may only be provided by aircraft that have Norwegian or EEA 
nationality, or by foreign aircraft under the cove r of an agreement between a foreign state and 
Norway.  Conditions for registration as a Norwegian ai rcraft limit foreign ownership to one third or 
less of the capital in the joint-stock company;  the ot her two thirds or more must be in the hands of 
Norwegian or EEA natural or legal pe rsons or Norwegian governmental bodies.154 
Bilateral air services agreements 
186. Norway has 56 bilateral agreements in force (end-May 2008), and through its membership of 
the EEA, participates in the EC Single Aviation Mark et.  Together these agreements covered nearly 
9.6 million passengers in 2005 (ar ound 2% of total international scheduled passenger transport).155 
187. The EEA Agreement, which came into force in 1994, is by far Norway's most economically 
significant agreement with an air transport component.  It accounted for 86.5% of Norway's 
international scheduled passenger traffic in 200 5.  The EEA Agreement basically extends the 
provisions of the EC single aviation market to Norw ay.  It is a very liberal agreement:  fifth and 
seventh freedoms as well as cabotage (eighth and ninth freedoms) are available to EEA airlines.156  
                                                      
150 Norwegian operates flights to 86 destinations in 34 countries, in addition to domestic flights.  A 
number of flights are operated out of Poland. 
151 Aviation Act.  Viewed at:  http://www.ub. uio.no/ujur/ulovdata/lov-19930611-101-eng.pdf. 
152 Norwegian Competition Authority online information.   Viewed at:  http://www.konkurransetilsynet. 
no/portal/page?_pageid=235,480877&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&p_aar_id=2007&menuid=13086. 
153 Norwegian Competition Authority online information.   Viewed at:  http://www.konkurransetilsynet. 
no/portal/page?_pageid=235,480877&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&p_aar_id=2004&menuid=13086. 
154 See Sections 2-2 and 3-2 of the Aviation Act. 
155 IATA Traffic Statistics  2005 (CD Rom available from IATA's Business Intelligence Services:  
www.iata.org). 
156 As defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), fifth freedom is the right "to 
carry freight and passengers  between two countries  by an airline of a third country on a route with Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
 Page 103 
 
 
Ownership is based upon the comm unity of interest principle.157  There are no restrictions on 
permitted passenger capacity, the setti ng of tariffs, or the number of ai rlines that can be designated.  
With the adhesion of Romania and Bu lgaria to the EC in 2007, the geographical scope of more liberal 
rules was expanded.  It will be further expanded w ith the future entry into force of the European 
Common Aviation Agreement (ECAA), which will extend these rules to Albania, Bosnia 
Herzegovina, Croatia, FYROM, Serbia, and Montenegro.158 
188. The second most important air services agreement, in terms of passenger traffic, is the 
bilateral agreement between Norway and the United States, which accounted for just under 5% of Norway's international scheduled passenger traffic in  2005.  This is also a liberal agreement:  
including free setting of tariffs, determination of  capacity and multi-designation, as well as fifth 
freedom rights.  Norway is not party to any of th e EC bilateral air services agreements with third 
countries (mid 2008):  however, it has applied to ad here to the bilateral agreements between the EC 
and the United States, and the EC and Morocco.  The authorities note that Norway is seeking to 
adhere to other EC bilateral air services agreements. 
189. In general, the bilateral air services agreements  that Norway has signed since the 1990s are 
more liberal than those signed earlier.  Annex IV.1 sets out some of the main features of Norway's 
bilateral and plurilateral air services agreements, a nd provides an indication of the openness of these 
agreements using the Quantitative Air Servi ces Agreements Review (QUASAR) methodology 
developed for the second review of the GATS air transport Annex.
159 
Computer Reservation Systems (CRS); selling and marke ting services by airlines;  and aircraft repair 
and maintenance 
190. Norway has undertaken specific commitments in all air transport activities listed in the GATS 
Air Transport Annex:  CRS, selling and marketing of transport services and aircraft repair and maintenance services.  For each of these three areas, no limitations have been listed against market access for modes one to three (with the exception of  mode 1 for aircraft repair and maintenance 
services, which is unbound due to lack of technical feasibility).  With respect to national treatment, 
Norway has scheduled limitations in modes 1 a nd 3 both for CRS services and selling and marketing 
of air transport services.  Norway has also take n an MFN exemption with respect to CRS and sales 
and marketing of air transport services.  The obligations of CRS system vendors or of parent and participating air carriers must not apply where equiva lent treatment is not accorded in the country of 
origin of the parent carrier or of the system vendor .  This applies to all countries where a CRS system 
vendor or a parent air carrier is present.
160 
                                                                                                                                                                     
origin/destination in its  home country";  seventh freedom is the right "to carry freight and passengers between 
two points by an airline of a third country on a route with  no connection with its home country". 
157 Community of interest is defined by ICAO as  being present whenever "a party would accept a 
foreign designated airline to operate the agreed servi ces under the condition that substantial ownership and 
effective control is vested:  (a) in one or more countries that are parties to the agreem ent or by any one or more 
of the parties themselves, i.e. a joint operating organization or a multinational carrier created by 
intergovernmental agreement;  or (b) in  one or more countries that are not necessarily party to the agreement but 
are within a predefined group with a "community of interest". 
158 Norway has agreements with Croa tia, FYROM, Serbia and Montenegro. 
159 See WTO document S/C/W/270/Add.1, 30 November 2006 pp. I.10 to I.21 for the methodology and 
pp. II.233 to II.240 for the "profile" of  Norway.  The present analysis comple ments and updates Norway's 
profile notably by incorporating the effects of the EEA Agreement.  In addition, this analysis is based on 
Norway's original air services agr eements, rather than the coding used in the International Civil Aviation 
Organization (ICAO) database. 
160 WTO documents GATS/SC/66, 15 April 1994 and GATS/EL/66, 15 April 1994. WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 104 
 
 
191. Through the EEA Agreement, Norway has adopted EC Council Regulation 2299/89 on a 
Code of Conduct for CRS.161  This is a mandatory code of cond uct, to ensure that CRS and/or 
distribution facilities offered within the EC, and hence within the EEA, are used in a non-
discriminatory and transparent way, as well as reinforcing undistorted competition between air 
carriers.  In this regard it imposes a number of  obligations on system vendors and air carriers.162  The 
EFTA Surveillance Authority may initiate procedures to terminate infringement of provision of the Regulation, either on its own initiative or on receipt of  a complaint.  The authorities note that there is 
no survey of foreign CRS providers present in Norway. 
192. The authorities also note that airlines are free to advertise in Norway, subject to the provisions 
of the Act on Marketing.
163  This Act does not contain any discriminatory provisions with respect to 
foreign companies. 
193. With respect to aircraft repair and maintenance,  Norway does not require local aircraft to be 
compulsorily repaired in the country.  The aut horities note that a number of foreign maintenance, 
repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers are establishe d in Norway.  Joint ventures between foreign and 
Norwegian MRO providers are not compulsory. 
Airport management and ground handling services 
194. Most of Norway's 51 airports are owned by Avinor AS, including the main international 
airport Gardemoen near Oslo.  According to the au thorities, in 2007, there were nearly 12.5 million 
international passenger arrivals a nd departures on scheduled flights, up from 7.9 million in 2004.  In 
2007, 135.1 million kg of goods and ma il were transported by scheduled  air transport, of which 70% 
arrived through Gardemoen airport. 
195. The authorities note that there are no legal r estrictions on the provision of ground handling 
services in Norway, except that categories of activitie s depend on the size of the airport.  The number 
of providers in each airport can be limited to av ailable space constraints;  for other reasons, a 
minimum of two suppliers may be required.164 
196. Norway has implemented, through the EEA Agreement, Council Directive 96/67/EC (as 
amended) on access to the ground handling market at EC airports.165  This sets out various rules 
designed to promote access by EEA ground handling service suppliers to the EEA market.  It includes rules on how to select suppliers on the basis of tr ansparency and non-discrimination, and stipulates 
that interested parties must have a right of appeal against decisions taken.  It allows members states to 
suspend the Directive's obligations towards third c ountries if reciprocal treatment is not granted by 
such countries. 
                                                     
 
161 Regulation 2000-06-23 No. 584:  Forskrift om håndheving av EØS-avtalens regler om edb-baserte 
reservasjonssystemer for passajertranspor t mv.  Viewed at:  http://www.lovdata.no. 
162 Europa online information.  Viewed at:  http ://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ. do?uri= 
CELEX:31989R2299:EN:HTML.  The Norw egian regulation that transposes  Council Regulation 2299/89 may 
be viewed at:  http://www.lovdata.no/for/sf/sd/xd-20000623-0584.html. 
163 The Act on Marketing (in Norwegian).  Viewed a t:  http://www.lovdata.no/ cgi-wift/wiftldles?doc=/ 
usr/www/lovdata/all/nl-19720616-047.html&emne=lov-1972-06-16-47&. 
164 The authorities report that ground handlers at Oslo airport include:  SGS, Røros Flyservice, 
Widerø's Flyveselskap;  Servisair and Menziers.  At the other airports, the main handling agents are SGS, Røros 
Flyservice, NorPort and Widerø's Flyveselskap. 
165 Council Directive 96/67/EC (1996) is available at OJ L 272, 25.10.1996, p. 36, as amended by 
Regulation (EC) No. 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council, available at OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1. Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
 Page 105 
 
 
ANNEX IV.1:  Traffic coverage and main char acteristics in Norway's air services agreements 
QUASAR methodology 
The QUASAR methodology identifies the main market  access clauses of the Air Services Agreements 
(ASA) and assigns weights to their variants to obtain an indicator of their degree of openness, the Air 
Liberalization Index (ALI), formalized by a number between 0 and 50.  The ALIs are then weighted 
by the traffic covered so as to obtain an indicator of the degree of openness of the aeropolicy of a country, the Weighted Air Liberalization Index (W ALI) (also formalized by a number between 0 and 
50).  Weighted elements are only available for 2005.  The methodology also distinguishes seven "types" of agreement ranging from totally restrictive "B ermuda II" type (type A or "restrictive" ) to so 
called "open skies", "more than open skies", single aviation market-types (type G or "liberal").  Its 
application enables a detailed analysis of countri es' aeropolicies in terms of market access features, 
volumes of traffic, and geographical distribution.  The methodology does not take into account routes 
and capacities. 
Scorecard 
Grant of rights: fifth freedom (6 points);  seventh freedom
  (6 points);  cabotage (6 points). 
Ownership: substantial ownership and effective control "soec"(0 point);  community of interest "com 
int" (4 points);  principal place of business "place bus" (8 points). 
Tariffs: dual approval (0 point);  country of origin (3 points);  dual disapproval (6 points);  
zone pricing (4 points if combined with dual appr oval, 7 points if combined with dual disapproval);  
free pricing  (8 points). 
Capacity: predetermination (0 point);  control pos t-facto/Bermuda I (4 points);  free determination 
(8 points).  Designation:  single (0 point);  multiple (4 points). Clause allowing cooperative arrangements:  (3 points). Exchange of statistics:  not required "n o" (1 point);  required "yes"(0 point). 
Types 
A (restrictive) : 3
rd and 4th freedoms, single designation, substant ive ownership and effective control, 
double approval of tariffs, predetermination of capacity. B (semi-restrictive 1) : 3
rd and 4th freedoms, multi-designation, subs tantive ownership and effective 
control,  double approval of tariffs, predetermination of capacity. C (semi-restrictive 2) : 3
rd,4th, 5th freedoms, single designation, subs tantial ownership and effective 
control, double approval, predetermination. 
D (semi-liberal 1) : 3rd, 4th and 5th freedoms, single designation, subs tantial ownership and effective 
control, double approval of tari ffs, control post facto of capacity. 
E (semi-liberal 2) : 3rd, 4th, 5th freedoms, multi-designation, subs tantial ownership and effective 
control, double approval of tari ffs, predetermination of capacity. 
F (quasi-liberal) : 3rd,4th,5th, multi-designation, substantial owne rship and effective control, double 
approval of tariffs, control post facto of capacity. G (liberal) : 3
rd,4th, 5th freedoms, substantial ownership and effec tive control or  community of interest 
or principal place of business, free pricing or do uble disapproval of tariffs, free determination of 
capacity.  O: any other combination of features.  the category "other" has little analytical significance since it 
is extremely heterogeneous.  Some of Norway's agreements fall into it because the principal place of 
business clause is not combined with open skies feat ures, some because of the presence of the country 
of origin tariff clause;  and some because of th e combination of dual appr oval of tariffs and free 
determination of capacity. I:  Incomplete information WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 106 
 
 
 
Partner Entry 
into 
force ALI Type 5th 7th Cabot 
-age Owner-
ship Tariffs Cap-
acity Design-
ation Cooper-
ation Exch. of 
stats 
EUROPE : 8 agreements, 89.2% of total traffic, WALI: 42.1  
EEA 1994 43 G Yes Yes Yes com 
int. free free multi No No 
Bulgaria 1958 15 O Yes No No soec other other  multi No  No 
Croatia* .. 23 O No No No place  
bus. c. of 
origin free multi No No 
FYROM* .. 24 O No No No place 
bus. c. of 
origin free multi No Yes 
Romania* .. 16 O No No No soec dual 
app free multi Yes Yes 
Serbia* 1964 11 I Yes No No soec .. pre-
deter multi No No 
Switzer-
land 1948 11 D Yes No No soec dual 
app Ber-
muda I single No No 
Turkey 1973 16 O Yes No No soec dual 
disapp pre-
deter multi No Yes 
NORTH AMERICA: 2  agreements, 5.4% of total traffic, WALI:27.9 
Canada  1950 17 O No No No soec free  free single No No 
United 
States  1995 29 G Yes No No soec free  free multi No No 
ASIA :15  agreements (for which data available), 3.5% of total traffic , WALI: 11.8 
China  1973 6 C Yes No No soec dual 
app pre- 
deter single No Yes 
Hong 
Kong, China  2000 19 O Yes No No place 
bus. dual 
app predeter multi No Yes 
India  1995 11 D Yes No No soec dual 
app Ber-
muda I single No Yes 
Indonesia .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Japan  1953 14 F Yes No No soec dual 
app Ber-
muda I multi No Yes 
Macau, 
China  1996 27 O Yes No No place 
bus. dual 
app free multi No Yes 
Malaysia  1967 14 F Yes No No soec dual 
app Ber-
muda I multi No Yes 
Mongolia  1997 24 O No No No place 
bus. c of 
origin  free multi No Yes 
Myanmar  1953 17 O Yes No No soec other Ber-
muda I multi No No 
New 
Zealand  2001 37 G Yes No No place 
bus. free free multi yes no 
Pakistan  1958 8 O Yes No No soec dual 
app other single No Yes 
Philippines*  1969 7 C Yes No No soec dual 
app pre-
deter single No No 
Singapore  1966 14 E Yes No No soec dual 
app Ber-
muda I multi No Yes 
Sri Lanka*  1959 10 E Yes No No soec dual 
app pre-
deter multi No Yes 
Thailand  1949 13 O Yes No No soec dual 
app other multi No No 
Viet Nam  .. 19 O Yes No No soec dual 
app free multi No Yes 
AFRICA: 11 agreements, 1.0% of total traffic, WALI: 12.9 
Côte 
d'Ivoire*  1966 10 E Yes No No soec dual 
app pre-
deter multi No Yes 
Egypt  1950 10 E Yes No No soec dual 
app pre-
deter multi No Yes 
Annex IV.1 (cont'd) Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
 Page 107 
 
 
Partner Entry 
into 
force ALI Type 5th 7th Cabot 
-age Owner-
ship Tariffs Cap-
acity Design-
ation Cooper-
ation Exch. of 
stats 
Guinea*  1962 11 I Yes No No soec dual 
app .. multi No No 
Kenya  1979 6 C Yes No No soec dual 
app pre-
deter Single No Yes 
Liberia  1962 13 O Yes No No soec dual 
app other Multi No No 
Morocco 1979 4 I .. No No soec dual 
app. Ber-
muda I Single No Yes 
Nigeria  1977 6 C Yes No No soec dual 
app pre-
deter Single No yes 
South 
Africa*  2001 21 O No No No place 
bus. dual 
disapp  pre-
deter Multi Yes Yes 
Sudan 1959 14 F Yes No No soec dual 
app Ber-
muda I Multi No Yes 
Tanzania  1978 12 O Yes No No soec dual 
disapp pre-
deter Single No Yes 
Tunisia*  1959 13 O yes No No soec dual 
app other Multi No No 
SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN: 9 ag reements, 0.7% of total traffic, WALI: 14.0 
Argentina* 1988 6 C Yes No No soec dual 
app pre-
deter Single No Yes 
Barbados 1969 10 E Yes No No soec dual 
app pre-
deter Multi No Yes 
Brazil 1969 6 C Yes No No soec dual 
app pre-
deter Single No Yes 
Chile .. 37 G Yes No No place 
bus. free free Multi Yes No 
Cuba 2001 26 O No No No place 
bus. c.of 
origin free Multi Yes No 
Jamaica 1976 4 O No No No soec dual 
app Ber-
muda I Single No Yes 
Peru* 1960 11 D Yes No No soec dual 
app Ber-
muda I Single No No 
Trinidad 
and 
Tobago 1969 4 B No No No soec dual 
app pre-
deter Multi No Yes 
Uruguay 1982 6 C Yes No No soec dual 
app pre-
deter Single No Yes 
COMMUNITY OF INDEPENDENT STATES:  4 agreements, 0.5% of total traffic, WALI: 11.2 
Armenia .. 26 O No No No placeb
us c. of 
origin free Multi Yes No 
Belarus 1995 24 O No No No place 
bus c of 
origin free Multi No Yes 
Russia* 1956 7 I Yes No No .. dual 
app pre-
deter Multi No No 
Ukraine 2001 27 O No No No placeb
us dual 
app free Multi Yes No 
MIDDLE EAST: 7 agreements (for which data available), 0.2% of total traffic , WALI: 11.8  
Afghan-
istan 1969 12 O Yes No No soec dual 
app other Multi No No 
Iran .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. 
Iraq 1981 10 C Yes No No soec dual 
app Ber-
muda I Single No Yes 
Israel .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Jordan* 1961 11 I Yes No No soec dual 
app .. Multi No No 
Annex IV.1 (cont'd) WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 108 
 
 
Partner Entry 
into 
force ALI Type 5th 7th Cabot 
-age Owner-
ship Tariffs Cap-
acity Design-
ation Cooper-
ation Exch. of 
stats 
Kuwait 1977 6 C Yes No No soec duel 
app pre-
deter Single No Yes 
Lebanon 1956 13 O Yes No No soec dual 
app other Multi No No 
Saudi 
Arabia 1987 12 O Yes No No soec dual 
disapp pre-
deter Single  No Yes 
Syria 1958 14 F Yes No No soec dual 
app Ber-
muda I Multi No Yes 
ALL REGIONS 56  agreements, (for which information is available), 100% of the traffic, overall WALI: 39.6, prevalent types 
traffic wise: liberal (4 agreements but 91% of total traffic) followed by "other" (4.7%, 21 agreements).  Prevalent ALI ranges 
traffic wise: 25-50 (92.2% of the traffic) followed 10-14 (4.2%)  
 
.. Not available.  
* Texts of the air services agreements were not available.  Data are therefore based on info rmation in the ICAO database. 
 Note: The bilateral air services agreements  with Bulgaria and Romania are included in this table (and excluded from the EEA 
 Agreement), since the analysis of the agreements uses passenge r traffic statistics from 2005, when the two countries were not 
 members of the EC. 
 
Source:  Bilateral air services agreements provided by the au thorities;  WTO document S/ C/W/270/Add.1, 30 November 
2006 (with information based on the ICAO WASA da tabase);  and WTO doc ument S/C/W/270/Add.2, 
28 September 2007. Norway WT/TPR/S/205/Rev.1 
 Page 109 
 
 
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