Private individuals may only import medicines from EU / EEA countries that are non-prescription, are approved in Norway and have Norwegian package inserts and labelling on the packaging. In practice this means that there are very few medicines that you can buy online from abroad.
| Note: An update of this article is pending. Please note that some terms and/or references may differ from the Movement of Goods Act and the Customs Duty Act that enters into force from the 1st of January 2023. |
Medicines
Private individuals may import non-prescription medicines from EU / EEA countries if the medicine is approved in Norway, meaning that it has Norwegian text on the packaging and the package insert. The following conditions must be met:
- you must be above 18 years of age
- the medicine must be for your own personal use
- the amount you purchase may not be for more than three months' use
- the medicine must have been acquired in a lawful manner in the country of origin, i.e. that the seller is permitted to sell the medicine.
It is not permitted to import the following medicines:
- products containing substances that are considered drugs or doping substances
- medicines that are prescription only in Norway; it is the prescription status in Norway that is decisive
- medicines that do not have Norwegian text on the packaging, package inserts and patient information leaflet
- medicines for animals.
The Norwegian Medicines Agency is responsible for the rules on importing medicines.
Before you buy medicines from an online store or online pharmacy, you should be aware of the risk of buying fake or illegal medicines.
There is no customs duty on medicines, and VAT is 25 per cent.
Supplements
"Supplements" means vitamin products, minerals, omega-3 oils, weight-loss products, protein drinks and powders, recovery products and herbal remedies.
Supplements are considered to be food, and you must be aware of the restrictions and bans on importation. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority is responsible for the rules on imports of foodstuffs. You should contact the Food Safety Authority if you have questions about this.
Be aware of the risk that supplements may contain doping substances or narcotics. You may be prosecuted if you import such products.
Supplements may include content from endangered plant or animal species that are prohibited. Norwegian Customs will seize dietary supplements when this is detected.
There is customs duty on many foods. The duty rate depends on what the product contains and the country in which it is produced. The VAT rate for foodstuffs is 15 per cent.