AliExpress Norway: How Norwegians Shop Smarter Online

AliExpress is quietly gaining ground in Norway.

From gadgets to everyday essentials, smart buyers are skipping expensive local prices and buying direct for less. If you’re tired of paying premium prices for basic products, this guide shows how Norwegians shop AliExpress safely and save real money.

Does AliExpress Actually Make Sense in Norway?

Yes, because AliExpress wins in very specific situations: hobby supplies where you need 50 of something, niche products Norwegian retailers don’t carry, replacement parts that cost 5-10x more locally (Norwegian retail prices are among the highest in the world), and accessories where the price difference is dramatic. For everyday stuff, stick with Norwegian retailers. But for those edge cases, AliExpress can save you substantial money even after factoring in Norwegian customs and MVA (VAT).

This guide covers everything: how the NOK 350 threshold works, which payment methods work smoothly, realistic delivery times to Norwegian addresses, what to expect when your package hits Tollvesenet (Norwegian Customs), and when AliExpress makes sense versus when Komplett.no or Amazon is simply the smarter choice.

By the end, you’ll know exactly whether AliExpress fits your specific shopping needs in Norway.

Quick Summary: AliExpress in Norway

Does AliExpress deliver to Norway? Yes, fully supported with Norwegian language interface and NOK pricing.

Typical delivery time: 15-35 days standard shipping, 8-18 days express (realistic range, not seller promises).

Customs threshold: NOK 350 total order value. Above this, you pay 25% MVA (VAT) + potential toll (duties) + handling fees. Since 2023, MVA is collected at checkout for most orders.

Best payment method: Credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard) for best buyer protection. Vipps is rarely available. PayPal when available.

Key thing Norwegian shoppers must know: Norwegian retail prices are very high, so savings can be substantial. However, factor in 25% MVA (now collected at checkout), potential toll, and handling fees. Posten Norge (Norway Post) is reliable but customs processing can be slow. Import rules are strict. The NOK 350 threshold is LOW compared to other countries.

Bottom line: AliExpress works well in Norway for niche items, hobby supplies, or products where Norwegian retail markup is extreme. Norwegian prices are so high that even with MVA and toll, AliExpress can still save you 40-60% on certain categories. For regular consumer goods, Norwegian retailers are faster, easier to return, and increasingly competitive.

What Usually Goes Wrong (And How to Fix It)

Let’s address the problems first, because that’s probably why you’re researching this.

1. Package Stuck in Customs (Tollvesenet) for Weeks

This is the #1 complaint from Norwegian buyers. Your package arrives in Norway, tracking shows “Behandles hos tollvesenet” (Being processed by customs) or “Venter på tollbehandling” (Awaiting customs clearance), and then… nothing for 1-3 weeks.

What’s happening: Tollvesenet (Norwegian Customs) is verifying declared value, checking for restricted items, calculating toll/MVA. Norway has strict import controls and thorough inspection processes. Backlogs are common, especially during peak seasons.

Fix:

• Always save your AliExpress order confirmation with exact price paid
• Keep payment confirmation (card statement or PayPal)
• If stuck over 2 weeks, check Tollvesenet’s website with tracking number
• You may need to provide purchase documentation (faktura/invoice)
• Budget an extra 1-2 weeks in your timeline just for customs
• For orders over NOK 3,000, customs is even more thorough

2. Unexpected MVA and Toll Charges

You ordered something for NOK 300, thinking you’re under the NOK 350 threshold. Posten delivers and demands NOK 200 in fees.

What happened: Since 2023, MVA (25%) is supposed to be collected at checkout for most orders. But some sellers don’t participate in the VOEC (VAT on E-Commerce) scheme. The NOK 350 threshold includes shipping, and once exceeded, you pay 25% MVA + potential toll (3-15% depending on product) + Posten’s handling fee (NOK 139-169).

Fix:

• ALWAYS verify MVA was charged at checkout (look for “MVA included” or “inkl. mva”)
• If MVA wasn’t charged at checkout, expect to pay upon delivery
• Calculate total order value including shipping before ordering
• Use Tollvesenet’s calculator: toll.no
• Consider splitting orders to stay under NOK 350 per shipment
• Factor handling fees (gebyrer) into price comparison

3. Seller Ships Wrong Item or Quality Is Terrible

You ordered quality items based on photos, received cheap plastic garbage that breaks immediately.

Fix:

• Open AliExpress dispute IMMEDIATELY (within 15 days of delivery)
• Upload clear photos/videos showing the problem
• Don’t close order or confirm receipt until verified
• AliExpress buyer protection covers this with evidence
• Returning items to China from Norway costs NOK 200-400 via Posten, so partial refunds are smarter
• Norwegian consumer protection laws technically apply but hard to enforce against Chinese sellers

4. Tracking Stops Updating

Last update was “Ankommet Norge” (Arrived in Norway) 12 days ago. Nothing since.

What’s happening: Package is likely in Tollvesenet processing or transferred to Posten Norge, but tracking hasn’t updated. Norwegian tracking can have gaps during customs.

Fix:

• Track on both AliExpress and 17track.net
• Look for Norwegian tracking number (starts with different format once in Norway)
• Check Posten’s tracking separately: posten.no
• Customs processing shows no updates for 5-14 days (normal in Norway)
• If over 30 days from ship date, contact seller then open dispute

5. Payment Declined

Your Norwegian bank card keeps getting rejected on AliExpress.

Common causes:

• Bank flagged as suspicious international transaction
• Need to enable international online purchases
• 3D Secure/BankID verification failed
• Billing address doesn’t match
• Daily international limit reached

Fix:

• Call your bank and authorize AliExpress/international purchases
• Verify 3D Secure/BankID is working
• Try different card (Norwegian banks: DNB, Nordea, SpareBank 1 usually work well)
• PayPal is good alternative when available
• Vipps rarely works on AliExpress (not widely supported)

6. Item Seized by Customs

Package tracked to customs, then you receive notice it’s been confiscated (beslaglagt).

What’s happening: Item violates Norwegian import restrictions. Norway has strict rules on certain products.

Common reasons:

• Counterfeit branded goods
• Items not meeting Norwegian safety standards (CE marking)
• Prohibited items (weapons, certain chemicals, etc.)
• Undeclared value suspected (fraud)

Fix:

• You can contest if you believe it’s error (komplisert process)
• Usually easier to file AliExpress dispute with customs notice as evidence
• Learn what can/cannot be imported to Norway before ordering
• Avoid obvious counterfeits

Does AliExpress Deliver to Norway?

Yes. Norway is fully supported by AliExpress with no restrictions. You can access the platform in Norwegian language (bokmål), see prices in Norwegian kroner (NOK), and order from any seller who ships internationally.

AliExpress automatically detects Norwegian location and shows prices in NOK. The Norwegian interface (no.aliexpress.com) is available but most Norwegian shoppers use the main site with Norwegian language selected.

Important clarification: “Ships to Norway” doesn’t mean every seller ships here. When browsing, verify individual sellers ship to Norway specifically. Most do, but some exclude Norway or EEA countries due to VOEC compliance complexity. Always check the “Ships to: Norway” dropdown on the product page before ordering.

The AliExpress mobile app is available in Norwegian on both iOS and Android through Norwegian app stores. Desktop and mobile functionality is identical.

Delivery infrastructure in Norway:

Most packages follow this route:

1. Ship from China via China Post, AliExpress Standard Shipping, or ePacket
2. Air or sea freight to Europe (10-20 days)
3. Enter EU/EEA, often through Netherlands, Belgium, or Germany first
4. Transfer to Norway
5. Tollvesenet (Norwegian Customs) processing (3-14 days)
6. Transfer to Posten Norge (Norway Post) for final delivery (2-5 days)
7. Delivery to your address or pickup at post office

Express options (DHL, FedEx, UPS, PostNord):

1. Direct air freight to Norway
2. Courier handles customs clearance
3. Direct delivery by courier (faster but expensive handling fees)

Regional delivery considerations in Norway:

Oslo and Akershus:

• Best delivery infrastructure
• Typical times: 15-30 days standard, 8-15 days express
• Customs through Oslo generally efficient
• Posten delivery reliable

Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim (major cities):

• Good delivery infrastructure
• Typical times: 18-30 days standard, 10-16 days express
• Reliable service

Nordland, Troms, Finnmark (Northern Norway):

• Slower delivery
• Typical times: 25-40 days standard, 15-25 days express
• Weather can cause delays in winter
• Some rural areas require pickup at post office

Rural areas (grisgrendte strøk):

• Significantly slower
• Often requires pickup at nearest post office
• Add 1-2 weeks to any estimate
• Some sellers won’t ship to very remote postal codes

Svalbard:

• Very few sellers ship to Svalbard
• Extremely long delivery times (40-70 days)
• Verify seller ships to your postal code
• Consider using mainland address and forwarding

How to Create an AliExpress Account in Norway

Account creation from Norway takes about 3 minutes and requires no special documentation.

Step-by-step process:

1. Go to aliexpress.com or no.aliexpress.com
2. Site detects Norway and offers Norwegian language
3. Click “Konto” (Account, top right) → “Registrer” (Register)
4. Signup options:
   • E-postadresse (Email address)
   • Google-konto (Google account)
   • Facebook-konto (Facebook account)
   • Apple ID

Email registration method (recommended):

• Enter email address (Gmail, Outlook, whatever you use)
• Create password (minimum 6 characters, mix of letters and numbers)
• Verify email with code they send
• Add Norwegian mobile number (format: +47 followed by 8 digits)
• Verify number with SMS code

Important for Norwegian users:

• Mobile number must be valid Norwegian number
• Format: +47 12345678 (8 digits, no area code in Norway)
• Most Norwegian carriers work (Telenor, Telia, Ice)
• You can register without payment info initially

Address setup:

Add Norwegian shipping address during first order. Correct format is critical for Posten delivery:

Your Full Name

Street Name House Number, Apartment (if applicable)

Postal Code City

Norway

Phone: +47 [8-digit number]

Example Oslo:

Ola Nordmann

Storgata 15, 3. etasje

0155 Oslo

Norway

Phone: +47 12345678

Example Bergen:

Kari Hansen

Bryggen 42

5003 Bergen

Norway

Phone: +47 98765432

Critical for Norwegian delivery:

• Include apartment/floor if applicable (leilighet/etasje)
• Use correct 4-digit postal code (postnummer)
• Phone number (Posten calls if delivery issues)
• For packages to businesses, include company name
• For Posten boxes (postboks), format: Postboks 123, postnummer, city

Common registration problems:

“Telefonnummer allerede i bruk” (Phone number already in use): Account already exists with that number. Use “Glemt passord” (Forgot password) to recover.

“E-postverifisering kommer ikke” (Email verification not arriving): Check spam. Some Norwegian providers filter AliExpress emails.

“Kan ikke verifisere telefonnummer” (Can’t verify phone): Verify format is +47 then 8 digits. Some virtual numbers don’t work.

Once registered, enable to-faktor-autentisering (two-factor authentication) in Account Settings → Sikkerhet (Security).

AliExpress Login & Account Access from Norway

Logging in from Norway works like any other platform. No VPN needed, no geo-restrictions.

Standard login process:

1. Go to aliexpress.com
2. Click “Konto” → “Logg inn” (Sign in)
3. Enter email + password or use Google/Facebook/Apple
4. If 2FA enabled, enter verification code

Common issues Norwegian users face:

“Sikkerhetsverifisering kreves” (Security verification required): AliExpress detected login from new device/location. Verify via SMS to Norwegian number. Normal security.

“Passord fungerer ikke” (Password not working): Norwegian keyboard layout (æ, ø, å) can cause issues with special characters. Try typing password in text editor, then copy-paste.

“Konto låst” (Account locked): Multiple rapid login attempts or suspected unauthorized access. Contact AliExpress support. Response: 24-48 hours.

Password recovery:

1. Click “Glemt passord?”
2. Enter registered email
3. Check inbox (and spam) for reset link
4. Link expires in 24 hours
5. Create new password

Security tips for Norwegian users:

Use unique password for AliExpress (don’t reuse Komplett.no, Vipps, or bank password). Norwegian data protection is strong (GDPR), but account security is your responsibility.

Enable 2FA. If someone accesses your account, they can place orders with saved payment methods.

Don’t save payment cards permanently. Enter fresh each time. More secure for international platform.

Log out after ordering, especially on shared computers.

Multiple devices: Access simultaneously on phone, laptop, tablet. No limit. Everything syncs.

Payment Methods Available in Norway

AliExpress accepts several payment methods for Norwegian shoppers, but not all offer equal protection.

Available payment methods:

1. Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)

• Most reliable method in Norway
• Best buyer protection through chargeback rights
• Norwegian bank fraud protection applies
• Charges appear as “ALIEXPRESS” or “ALIBABA.COM”
• 3D Secure/BankID verification required
• Works instantly

Major Norwegian banks:

• DNB: Works well, competitive exchange rates
• Nordea: Good for international purchases
• SpareBank 1: Generally smooth
• Danske Bank: Usually works fine
• Smaller banks: May require authorization call

2. PayPal

• Available for some orders, not all (seller-dependent)
• Excellent Norwegian buyer protection
• Can open disputes in Norwegian
• Currency conversion through PayPal (slightly worse rates than bank)
• Shows as “PayPal – AliExpress”
• Processing takes 1-2 days before seller ships

3. Vipps

• RARELY available on AliExpress
• Very few sellers support Vipps
• Don’t count on it being available
• When available, convenient but limited buyer protection

What DOESN’T work:

• Direct Norwegian bank transfer (not supported)
• Norwegian payment cards (old BankAxept-only cards don’t work)
• Cash on delivery (not available)

Which payment method should Norwegian shoppers use?

For best protection: Credit/debit card first choice, PayPal second.

Why cards win:

• If something goes wrong, dispute with Norwegian bank under Visa/Mastercard rules
• Works even if AliExpress dispute fails
• 90-120 days to file chargeback
• Norwegian consumer protection supports this
• Bank’s exchange rate usually better than AliExpress

PayPal is solid backup when available. Disputes handled in Norwegian.

Payment currency: NOK or USD?

AliExpress shows prices in NOK automatically for Norwegian users. At checkout:

Option 1: Pay in NOK

• AliExpress converts USD to NOK
• Rate usually 2-4% worse than bank rate
• You see exact NOK amount

Option 2: Pay in USD (usually better)

• Charge in USD
• Norwegian bank converts to NOK
• Bank rates typically better
• Check your bank’s foreign transaction fee (0-2%)

Best practice: Let your Norwegian bank do conversion. Most Norwegian cards give better rates.

Foreign transaction fees on Norwegian cards:

Many Norwegian cards charge fees:

• Standard cards: 1.5-2.5% foreign transaction fee
• Premium cards: Some have lower or no fees
• DNB Mastercard: Check your specific card
• Norwegian/SAS EuroBonus cards: Often better rates for foreign purchases

Check with your bank about international purchase fees.

Payment security for Norwegian shoppers:

AliExpress uses standard SSL encryption. However, AliExpress isn’t a Norwegian/EEA company, so Norwegian data protection laws apply differently than with Norwegian retailers.

Don’t save cards permanently. Enter fresh each order.

Monitor statements closely. Report unauthorized charges immediately.

Common payment failures and fixes:

“Betaling avvist” (Payment declined)

• Bank blocked international transaction
• Call bank, authorize AliExpress purchases
• Verify 3D Secure/BankID working
• Try different card

“CVV-verifisering mislyktes” (CVV verification failed)

• Wrong 3-digit code from card back
• Check and retry

“Adresseverifisering mislyktes” (Address verification failed)

• Billing address must match bank records exactly
• Use same format as bank statement
• Include postal code (postnummer)

“Betalingsbehandlingsfeil” (Payment processing error)

• Usually AliExpress system issue
• Wait 30 minutes, retry
• If persists, try different method

Shipping & Delivery to Norway

Shipping to Norway from AliExpress works reliably but delivery times and customs processing are important factors.

Available shipping methods to Norway:

1. AliExpress Standard Shipping

• Cost: Usually free or NOK 20-50
• Timeline: 18-35 days realistically (sellers claim 12-20, add 1-2 weeks)
• Tracking: Yes, but updates can be slow
• Process: China Post → flight to Europe → Norway customs → Posten Norge
• Best for: Non-urgent items
• Pros: Free or cheap
• Cons: Slow, customs delays common

2. ePacket

• Cost: Usually free or similar to Standard
• Timeline: 15-28 days
• Tracking: Better integration
• Process: Optimized routing to Norway
• Best for: Small, lightweight items
• Pros: Reasonable speed, good tracking
• Cons: Weight/size limits

3. AliExpress Saver Shipping

• Cost: Free on many items
• Timeline: 25-45 days (very slow)
• Tracking: Basic, often stops updating
• Process: Sea freight or consolidated, then standard
• Best for: Very cheap items, no urgency
• Cons: Extremely slow to Norway

4. Express Shipping (DHL, FedEx, UPS, PostNord)

• Cost: NOK 150-500 depending on size/weight
• Timeline: 8-18 days realistically (sellers claim 3-7, add time)
• Tracking: Excellent, real-time
• Process: Direct air freight, courier handles customs, direct delivery
• Best for: Urgent or valuable orders
• Pros: Fast, reliable
• Cons: Expensive, high handling fees (NOK 150-250 from courier)

Reality check for Norwegian shoppers:

“3-7 day shipping” promises are misleading. They don’t include:

• 2-4 days order processing
• 1-2 days Chinese customs
• Actual transit time
• 3-14 days Norwegian customs (Tollvesenet)
• 2-5 days Posten Norge delivery

Real expectations:

• Standard to cities: 20-35 days
• Standard to rural: 30-45 days
• Express: 10-20 days
• Northern Norway: Add 5-10 days
• During holidays: Add extra week

Free shipping reality:

“Fri frakt” (Free shipping) = slowest method. Often sea freight taking 30-40 days. If timing matters, pay for faster shipping.

Tracking to Norway:

Every method provides tracking:

• Starts with Chinese number (LY, LZ, LP, RB, etc.)
• Track on AliExpress and 17track.net (much better)
• Once in Norway, check Posten tracking: posten.no
• Norwegian tracking generally reliable once Posten has it

Common tracking statuses (Norwegian):

“Forsendelse registrert” – Shipment registered, seller created label

“Akseptert av flyselskap” – Accepted by airline, heading to Europe/Norway

“Ankommet Norge” – Arrived in Norway, going to customs

“Behandles hos tollvesenet” or “Venter på tollbehandling” – In Norwegian customs processing. Can take 3-14 days.

“Frigitt fra toll” – Released from customs, going to Posten

“Behandlet på Postens anlegg” – Processed at Norway Post facility

“På vei til henting” or “Klar for henting” – Ready for pickup at post office

“Levert” – Delivered

Address format for Norway:

Norwegian addresses work fine. Correct format:

Full Name

Street Name House Number, Apartment

Postal Code City

Norway

Phone: +47 [8 digits]

Critical elements:

• Correct 4-digit postnummer (postal code)
• Apartment/floor if applicable (leilighet/etasje)
• Phone number (Posten calls if issues)
• For businesses: Company name on first line

Postboks (PO Box) delivery:

Most sellers ship to postboks. Format:

Your Name

Postboks 123

1234 City

Norway

Works well, especially in rural areas.

Rural area (grisgrendte strøk) delivery:

Outside major cities:

• Verify seller ships to your postal code
• Add 1-2 weeks to estimates
• Often requires pickup at post office
• Posten may not deliver to door in very rural areas

Northern Norway considerations:

Nordland, Troms, Finnmark:

• Add 5-10 days to standard estimates
• Winter weather can cause delays
• Some areas accessible only by ferry (adds time)
• Verify seller ships to your specific area

Courier handling fees:

If using DHL/FedEx/UPS for express:

• They charge toll/MVA handling: NOK 150-250
• This is on top of actual toll/MVA
• You can self-clear to avoid (complicated)
• Posten charges lower handling fee: NOK 139-169

Tracking & Delivery Timeline to Norway

Understanding tracking helps manage expectations for Norwegian delivery.

Complete journey to Norway:

Days 1-3: Order Processing

• Seller confirms and prepares
• Status: “Ordrebehandling” or “Venter på forsendelse”
• What to do: Nothing yet

Days 4-5: Chinese Export Customs

• Package leaves warehouse, clears Chinese customs
• Tracking: “Akseptert av transportør”
• May show no updates 2-4 days (normal)

Days 6-18: International Transit

• Flying or shipping to Europe
• Tracking: “Flyselskapets avgang” → “Ankomst til destinasjonsland”
• Updates sparse during this phase
• Often enters EU through Netherlands/Belgium first

Days 19-28: Norwegian Customs (Tollvesenet)

• Package arrives in Norway, enters customs
• Tracking: “Behandles hos tollvesenet” or “Venter på tollbehandling”
• Can take 3-14 days (Norway is thorough)
• If over NOK 350 or suspicious, longer processing
• Random inspections common

Days 29-33: Posten Norge Final Delivery

• Customs releases to Posten
• Tracking: “Frigitt fra toll” → “Behandlet på Postens anlegg” → “På vei til henting”
• Arrives 2-5 days once Posten has it
• Delivery to door or pickup notice at post office

Total realistic timeline:

• Standard to Oslo/Bergen: 20-35 days
• Standard to Tromsø/Bodø: 25-40 days
• Express: 10-20 days
• Rural areas: 30-45 days

When tracking updates:

Chinese portion: Every 2-3 days International transit: May go silent for week Norwegian customs: Often no updates 5-14 days (normal, frustrating) Posten Norge: Updates daily once they have it

How to track effectively from Norway:

1. Use multiple sites:
   
   • AliExpress order page
   • 17track.net (more detailed)
   • Posten.no (once in Norway)
   • Bring.com (Posten’s tracking)
2. Look for Norwegian tracking number: Check 17track for Norwegian number once package enters Norway
   
3. Check Tollvesenet status: If stuck in customs, check toll.no with tracking number
   

When to worry vs wait:

Don’t worry if:

• No update 3-4 days during Chinese customs
• “Behandles hos tollvesenet” up to 12 days
• “I transitt” for a week
• Within seller’s timeline + 1 week

Start checking if:

• No update 7+ days after “Flyselskapets avgang”
• Stuck in customs over 15 days
• No movement 12+ days anywhere
• Past promised date by 2+ weeks

When to take action:

• 45+ days from order, no delivery
• Tracking shows “Returnert til avsender” (Returned to sender)
• “Leveringsforsøk mislyktes” but you were home
• Seller promised 20 days, now day 40

What to do if delayed:

Step 1: Contact seller (Days 35-40)

• Message through AliExpress
• Request explanation
• Many extend protection or compensate

Step 2: Open dispute (Day 45+)

• If past delivery timeline
• If stuck 18+ days
• File “Produkt ikke mottatt” (Product not received)
• Upload tracking screenshots
• AliExpress usually supports buyers

Step 3: Chargeback (if dispute fails)

• If paid by card
• Contact Norwegian bank
• File chargeback for “produkt ikke mottatt”
• Provide evidence
• Norwegian banks support consumer chargebacks well

Special case: Package held by Tollvesenet:

If customs holds and requests information:

1. Receive notice from Tollvesenet or Posten
2. May need:
   • Kjøpsbevis (Purchase proof – AliExpress screenshot)
   • Betalingsbekreftelse (Payment confirmation)
   • Produktbeskrivelse (Product description)
3. Submit via toll.no or mail
4. Usually releases 5-10 days after providing info

Lost package:

Tracking says “Levert” (Delivered) but didn’t receive:

• Check postkasse (mailbox), neighbors
• Contact Posten: 23 14 90 00
• File complaint if confirmed wrong delivery
• Open AliExpress dispute with tracking proof

Package never arrives, tracking stops:

• Wait 50 days minimum
• Open AliExpress dispute
• Provide tracking showing no delivery
• Buyer protection covers this
• Full refund most cases

Customs and Import Taxes in Norway (Toll og MVA)

Understanding Norwegian customs is CRITICAL. Norway has strict import rules and relatively low threshold.

Norwegian customs thresholds:

Under NOK 350:

• No toll (customs duties)
• Since 2023: 25% MVA (VAT) supposed to be collected at checkout via VOEC
• If seller participates in VOEC: MVA paid at checkout, nothing owed on delivery
• If seller doesn’t participate: Pay 25% MVA + handling fee upon delivery

Over NOK 350:

• Pay toll (customs duties) – rate varies by product type
• Pay 25% MVA on (product value + shipping + toll)
• Handling fee: NOK 139-169 (Posten) or NOK 150-250 (courier)

Critical clarification:

The NOK 350 threshold is TOTAL declared value including:

• Item price
• Shipping cost
• Insurance if applicable

Currency conversion: Tollvesenet uses daily exchange rate from Norges Bank.

Example:

• Item: $25 USD
• Shipping: $10 USD
• Total: $35 USD
• Converted to NOK at 10.5: NOK 367.50
• EXCEEDS NOK 350: Pay toll + MVA + handling

VOEC system (since 2023):

Norway implemented VOEC (VAT on E-Commerce) requiring foreign sellers to collect 25% MVA at checkout for orders under NOK 3,000.

If MVA collected at checkout:

• You see “inkl. mva” or “25% MVA included” in price
• Nothing additional owed upon delivery (unless toll applies)
• Simpler process

If MVA NOT collected at checkout:

• Pay 25% MVA upon delivery
• Plus handling fee
• Seller didn’t register for VOEC

Always check: Did you pay MVA at checkout? If not, expect to pay upon delivery.

How MVA and toll are calculated:

For orders under NOK 350:

• If VOEC: 25% MVA at checkout, done
• If no VOEC: 25% MVA + NOK 139 handling upon delivery

For orders over NOK 350:

• Toll (rate depends on product type)
• 25% MVA on (value + shipping + toll)
• Handling fee: NOK 139-169 (Posten) or more (courier)

Common product toll rates:

• Electronics: 0-3.7%
• Clothing/textiles: 8.9-12%
• Footwear: 3-17% depending on materials
• Toys: 0-4.7%
• Sports equipment: 0-16.6%
• Jewelry: 0-2.5%
• Books: 0%

Check specific rates: toll.no/tolltariffen

Example calculation for NOK 1,000 clothing order to Oslo:

Item: NOK 900 Shipping: NOK 100 Total value: NOK 1,000

Toll (clothing, assume 10%): NOK 1,000 × 10% = NOK 100 Subtotal: NOK 1,100 MVA (25%): NOK 1,100 × 25% = NOK 275 Handling fee (Posten): NOK 139 Total owed upon delivery: NOK 514

Your NOK 1,000 order costs NOK 1,514 total.

Still might be cheaper than Norwegian retail!

How to estimate costs before ordering:

Use Tollvesenet’s official calculator:

• Website: toll.no
• Enter item value in NOK
• Select product category (varekategori)
• Get toll + MVA + handling estimate

Do this BEFORE ordering anything over NOK 500. Norwegian retail is expensive, but factor in ALL costs.

When toll/MVA are collected:

Via Posten:

• Posten attempts delivery
• If you’re home: Pay carrier (card or Vipps usually)
• If not home: Get notice (hentemelding) to pick up at post office and pay there
• No payment = package returned to sender after holding period

Via courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS):

• Courier delivers or leaves notice
• Bill sent separately for toll/MVA/handling
• Usually must pay online via courier’s website
• Package held until paid

Handling fees (ekspedisjonsgebyr/behandlingsgebyr):

These are separate from toll/MVA:

• Posten Norge: NOK 139 (standard) or NOK 169 (if customs declaration complex)
• DHL: NOK 170-250
• FedEx: NOK 180-250
• UPS: NOK 150-220

Many Norwegians complain these fees are excessive for the service provided.

Prohibited and restricted items in Norway:

Cannot import:

• Weapons and weapon parts
• Counterfeit goods
• Narcotics and certain medications
• Items violating Norwegian product safety standards
• Certain animal products
• Hate materials

Restricted (require permits):

• Some electronics (must meet Norwegian/EEA standards)
• Plants and seeds (Mattilsynet approval)
• Certain supplements (checked against Norwegian regulations)
• Alcohol (very strict, practically impossible for individuals)
• Tobacco (strict limits)

If Tollvesenet seizes prohibited item:

• You receive notice (varsel om beslag)
• No refund from customs
• File AliExpress dispute with seizure notice as evidence

Tips to minimize customs problems:

1. Keep orders under NOK 350 when possible

• Completely avoid toll
• If VOEC seller: Only MVA at checkout
• If not VOEC: Pay MVA + small handling upon delivery
• Split larger orders into multiple shipments

2. Verify VOEC/MVA status at checkout

• Check if “inkl. mva” or “25% MVA” shown
• If yes: No surprise fees (unless toll applies)
• If no: Expect MVA + handling upon delivery

3. Use Tollvesenet’s calculator

• Calculate exact costs before ordering
• Factor in handling fees
• Compare to Norwegian retail (Komplett.no, Elkjøp, etc.)

4. Save all documentation:

• Order confirmation screenshot
• Payment proof
• Tracking number
• For disputes with customs if value questioned

5. Consider total landed cost:

• Item + shipping + toll + MVA + handling + time
• Compare to Norwegian price
• Norwegian retail often includes 2-year warranty (reklamasjonsrett)

Is it legal to ask sellers to declare lower values?

NO. That’s tollsvindel (customs fraud). You’re breaking Norwegian law.

Reality:

• Some Chinese sellers undervalue without asking
• Tollvesenet is sophisticated at detecting this
• If caught: Pay full toll/MVA plus mulkt (fines) up to 60,000 NOK or more
• Criminal prosecution possible for serious cases
• Not worth the risk

Norway has some of the strictest customs enforcement in Europe.

Buyer Protection for Norwegian Shoppers

AliExpress buyer protection works in Norway, and Norwegian consumer protection laws provide additional recourse.

How buyer protection works from Norway:

Every order includes automatic protection covering:

• Produkt ikke mottatt (Product not received)
• Produkt ikke som beskrevet (Product not as described)

Protection period: 60-90 days from order date. Sellers sometimes extend for slow shipping.

Opening dispute from Norway:

Can open disputes in Norwegian (norsk) or English:

1. Go to “Mine bestillinger” (My Orders)
2. Wait until after estimated delivery date
3. Click “Åpne tvist” (Open Dispute)
4. Select: “Ikke mottatt” or “Ikke som beskrevet”
5. Upload evidence (photos, videos, screenshots)
6. Propose solution: Full refund, partial, or return for refund
7. Seller has 5 days to respond
8. If no agreement, AliExpress mediates

Evidence requirements:

For “ikke som beskrevet” disputes:

• Photos comparing actual vs listing
• Videos demonstrating defects
• Close-ups of quality issues
• Size comparisons
• Screenshots of description vs reality

Clear evidence critical. Blurry photos fail.

Refund methods to Norway:

Refunds return to original payment:

• Credit/debit card: 5-10 business days
• PayPal: 3-5 days

Money in same currency paid (usually NOK or USD).

Resolution timelines:

Fastest: Seller agrees (1-2 days) Average: Negotiation (5-10 days) Slowest: AliExpress mediation (15-20 days)

Common outcomes for Norwegian buyers:

Product not received:

• Tracking shows no delivery: 90%+ success, full refund
• Tracking shows “Levert” but didn’t receive: 60% success
• Stuck in customs 60+ days: Usually full refund

Product not as described:

• Clear defect with photos: 80% success
• Wrong item: 95% success, full refund
• Size/fit issues: 50% success, partial refund
• Color slightly different: 30% success

Partial vs full refunds:

Sellers propose partial refunds:

• Minor defect: 10-20%
• Significant issue: 30-50%
• Wrong but usable: 40-60%
• Unusable: Full refund

Accept partial when return shipping to China (NOK 200-400) exceeds item value.

When disputes fail:

Norwegian consumers have strong additional recourse:

Chargeback through Norwegian bank: If paid by card:

• Timeframe: 90-120 days from transaction
• Success rate: High with evidence
• Norwegian banks (DNB, Nordea, etc.) support consumer chargebacks well
• Provide AliExpress dispute history + evidence

PayPal disputes: If paid via PayPal:

• Open separate PayPal dispute
• Norwegian consumer protection standards apply

Norwegian consumer protection (Forbrukertilsynet):

• Norwegian consumer protection laws technically apply
• Angrefrist (14-day cooling-off period) technically applies
• Reklamasjonsrett (right to complain about defects)
• Practically difficult to enforce against Chinese sellers
• Can contact Forbrukerrådet (Norwegian Consumer Council) for advice
• Better to exhaust AliExpress and bank options first

Realistic expectations:

Norwegian consumer laws (Forbrukerkjøpsloven, Angrerettloven) technically cover all consumer purchases. Practically, enforcing against Chinese sellers is very difficult.

AliExpress buyer protection is primary recourse. Works well for clear cases. Norwegian bank chargebacks provide strong backup.

Returns & Refunds from Norway

Returning items to China from Norway is expensive. Understanding reality helps make smart decisions.

Hard truth about returns:

Shipping back to China from Norway costs:

• Small item (under 500g): NOK 200-300 via Posten
• Medium (500g-2kg): NOK 300-450
• Large (2-5kg): NOK 450-700
• Tracking + insurance: Add NOK 100-150

Transit time: 4-8 weeks

For NOK 200 item, spending NOK 350 to ship back makes no sense.

When returns required:

Most disputes don’t require returns. Sellers agree to refunds without return when:

• Item value under NOK 400
• Return shipping exceeds value
• Item defective (seller’s fault)
• Wrong item sent

Sellers request returns for:

• Expensive items (NOK 700+)
• “Changed my mind”
• Buyer claims defect but seller suspects buyer error

How return process works:

If seller agrees to refund with return:

1. Seller provides return address (usually China)
2. You ship via Posten, DHL, or similar
3. You pay return shipping (unless seller covers – very rare)
4. Must get tracking (sporingsnummer)
5. Upload tracking to dispute
6. Seller confirms receipt (4-8 weeks from Norway)
7. Refund processed after confirmation

Return address locations:

Most: China (Guangdong, Zhejiang) Some: European return centers (Poland, Netherlands, Germany)

China returns: 5-8 weeks, NOK 300-600 European returns: 2-4 weeks, NOK 250-400 (if available)

Check address before agreeing. If China and cheap item, negotiate refund without return.

Free returns:

AliExpress doesn’t offer free returns for Norwegian buyers. Unlike Norwegian retailers (14-day returrett), Chinese sellers don’t provide this.

Refund processing to Norway:

After dispute closes:

• Card: 7-10 business days
• PayPal: 3-5 days

Appears as credit.

Alternative resolutions:

When return shipping expensive:

Keep + partial refund: “Varen har feil men jeg kan bruke den. Aksepterer NOK 150 delvis refusjon.” Success: 70-75%

Keep + coupon: Seller offers discount for future order. Only accept if planning to order again.

Discard + full refund: “Varen helt defekt, returforsendelse NOK 400 for NOK 250 vare. Ber om full refusjon, kaster varen.” Success: 60% with strong evidence

Norwegian Angrerett (right of withdrawal):

Norway has 14-day angrefrist (cooling-off period) for online purchases. Does this apply to AliExpress?

Technically yes, Norwegian law applies to purchases by Norwegian consumers. Practically, enforcing against Chinese sellers is nearly impossible.

AliExpress is not Norwegian/EEA company. Sellers not registered in Norway. No practical way to force compliance beyond AliExpress policies.

Smart return strategy:

1. Before ordering: Only order items confident you’ll keep
2. Upon delivery: Inspect immediately, dispute within 15 days
3. Document: Photos/videos of packaging, item, defects
4. Calculate: If return over 50% of value, seek partial refund
5. Track: Never return without tracking

When returns make sense:

Worth it:

• Item over NOK 800
• Completely wrong item
• European return address
• Seller covers shipping

Not worth it:

• Under NOK 500
• Return to China
• Minor defect
• Return cost exceeds refund

Best Product Categories for Norwegian Shoppers

Norwegian retail prices are among the highest in the world. This makes AliExpress potentially very attractive for certain categories.

Categories where AliExpress wins BIG:

1. Hobby and craft supplies

• Model parts, miniatures
• Craft supplies
• Art supplies
• Electronics components

Why: 8-15x cheaper than Norwegian hobby shops (Clas Ohlson, Hobby Huset)

Example: 100 LEDs NOK 40 vs NOK 500 at Clas Ohlson Watch out for: Nothing, best category

2. Phone accessories

• Cases, screen protectors
• Charging cables
• Stands, holders

Why: NOK 30-80 vs NOK 200-500 in Norwegian stores

Example: USB-C cable NOK 50 vs NOK 300 at Elkjøp Watch out for: Fast-charging cables (cheap ones damage phones)

3. Tools and hardware

• Hand tools
• Measuring tools
• Workshop accessories

Why: Norwegian tool prices are insane

Example: Screwdriver set NOK 150 vs NOK 800 at Biltema/Clas Ohlson

4. Replacement parts

• Appliance filters/parts
• Furniture hardware
• Car accessories (non-safety)

Why: OEM parts in Norway extremely expensive

Example: Vacuum filter NOK 70 vs NOK 450 genuine

5. Outdoor/sports accessories

• Bike accessories
• Camping gear (non-critical)
• Fitness accessories

Why: Norway has expensive outdoor retail (XXL, etc.)

Example: Bike lights NOK 100 vs NOK 400 at XXL

6. Home organization

• Storage solutions
• Cable management
• Kitchen organizers

Why: 60-70% cheaper than Ikea/Norwegian stores

Categories to avoid (buy Norwegian):

1. Electronics (phones, laptops, TVs)

Why skip: No Norwegian warranty, voltage issues, expensive returns

Norway has: Komplett.no, Elkjøp, Power with 5-year reklamasjonsrett Price difference: Not enough to justify risk

2. Clothing and shoes

Why skip: Asian sizing, quality unpredictable, expensive returns

Norway has: H&M, Zalando, Boozt with 14-day returrett

3. Branded items

Why skip: Counterfeits

Norway has: Authorized retailers

4. Outdoor gear (critical)

Why skip: Safety matters for Norwegian conditions

Norway has: XXL, Fjellsport, Anton Sport with proper Norwegian standards

5. Food and supplements

Why skip: Mattilsynet (Food Safety Authority) restrictions

6. Furniture (large)

Why skip: Shipping costs destroy savings

Norway has: Ikea, Jysk

Tips for Norwegian Shoppers

Before ordering:

1. Calculate total cost:
   
   • Item + shipping in USD
   • Convert to NOK (× 10.5 roughly)
   • Add 25% MVA if not at checkout
   • Add toll if over NOK 350
   • Add handling (NOK 139-250)
   • Compare to Norwegian retail (Komplett.no, Prisjakt.no)
2. Check VOEC/MVA:
   
   • Was MVA charged at checkout?
   • If not, factor in 25% + handling
3. Realistic timeline:
   
   • Standard: 3-5 weeks minimum
   • Express: 2-3 weeks
   • Never order for specific deadline

Smart strategies:

• Keep orders under NOK 350 to avoid toll
• Use Prisjakt.no to compare Norwegian prices
• Factor in Norwegian retail includes 5-year reklamasjonsrett
• Split large orders to stay under threshold
• Use credit card for protection
• Check seller ships to Norway specifically