Shipping from China to Norway: FAQ Detailed Shipping Guide

China is Norway's fourth-largest trading partner globally and the largest trading partner in Asia. 

According to data from Statistics Norway, the total trade value between China and Norway reached 190.32 billion Norwegian kroner in 2021, a 26.4% increase from the previous year. Of this, Norway imported goods worth 110.78 billion Norwegian kroner from China, marking a 20.5% growth, while exports to China totaled 79.54 billion Norwegian kroner, up by 35.6%. The main goods transported from China to Norway include machinery, motor vehicles, electronic and optical products, metals, chemicals, and food products.

From the trade data, it is clear that China-Norway transport plays a crucial role in the trade relations between the two countries.

Shipping costs from China to Norway | 2025 Update

The latest Rate Shipping to Norway from China

Shipping costs from China to Norway are influenced by the choice of shipping method, the type of cargo, and the volume and weight level of the shipments. The above is an updated summary of the potential costs you can anticipate in 2025.

Latest Reminder

Please note that the biggest traditional Chinese holiday, the Chinese New Year, is coming up soon. There will be around 7-30 days of holiday in China(13 Jua.-12 Feb.). As a result, factories close down and shipping rates from China to Norway may slightly increase around this period. Shipping schedules might also be adjusted. Jike, please remind everyone to pay attention to shipping plans and arrange your shipments.

Shipping time from China to Norway | 2025 Update

For urgent or time-sensitive shipments, air freight and express delivery are the fastest options to Norway. Their average transit time is 2 to 10 days. While quicker, they are generally more expensive. Sea freight is most cost-effective for larger, non-urgent shipments with 31-41 days of transit time. So, you should choose a suitable shipping method based on your time schedule and cost budget.

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Shipping To Norway——FAQ Detailed Shipping Guide

This article will introduce in detail, from a variety of perspectives and issues, the situations that will be encountered or mentioned in the transport from China to Norway, from all aspects of the analysis of the differences between the different modes of transport and the advantages. 

We hope that after reading this article, you will benefit from it for life and take a step forward to become a master of freight transport.

Air Freight Shipping from China to Norway

Every method of transporting products from China has its own advantages. However, for fast delivery and reliable security, air freight is considered an excellent choice. Air freight is suitable for goods that need to be delivered urgently, such as high-value items or emergency orders. It usually provides fast transportation, ideal for time-sensitive situations.

The most important airport in Norway is Oslo Airport (IATA code: OSL), which is also the largest airport in the country. It serves as the main hub for Norwegian Air and Scandinavian Airlines, as well as a key airport for other airlines flying to Norway.

Another major airport is Bergen Airport (IATA code: BGO), Norway's second-largest airport, located about 20 kilometers south of the city of Bergen.

Currently, there are no direct air cargo flights from China to Norway. All cargo flights from China to Norway require a transfer at major European cities such as Frankfurt, Paris, London, Rome, Brussels, Helsinki, Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Copenhagen.

• Common airlines for air freight from China to Norway include CA, CZ , CV, TK, and others.

• Air cargo from China to Oslo Airport (OSL) typically transships through major European airports, including AMS, LUX , FRA, CDG, CPH, and others.

The latest Rate Shipping from China to Norway.

Sea Freight Shipping from China to Norway

In Norway, sea freight is the most popular and common method of transportation for importers and exporters. Sea freight is suitable for all types of goods, whether they are bulk goods or small quantities. It offers two main transportation options: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL). FCL is for goods that require an entire container, while LCL is suitable for smaller quantities that will be combined with other cargo in a shared container. Sea freight is a cost-effective option. Compared to air freight, sea freight takes longer, usually several weeks, depending on the distance between the origin and destination ports. With its lower cost and longer transit time, sea freight is suitable for situations where delivery time is less critical.

Norway's primary and most important sea port is Bergen Port, followed by the other major ports:

• Oslo Port: The second-largest sea port in Norway, located in the capital city.

• Narvik Port: Located in Narvik in northern Norway, it is the northernmost port in the world.

• Narvik Port: Located in Norway's third-largest city, it is also the capital and largest city of the Sør-Trøndelag region.

  
  

There are no direct routes shipping from China to Norway; all shipments require transshipment. 

• Common transshipment ports include Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Bremen.

  
  

 # For example, the shipping route from Shenzhen to Oslo takes at least around 35 days.

Norway is part of the Nordic route, so goods shipped from China to Nordic countries (including Norway), as we mentioned above, must transship at European ports.

Since all shipments involve transshipment, the shipping time and route depend on the respective shipping companies. As a result, when we provide quotes as freight forwarders, we cannot guarantee an exact shipping time and cannot easily promise customers that the goods will arrive on the expected date. Usually, although the sea freight schedule might say 30 days, it is common for it to take over 40 days.

• Shipping companies shipping from China to Norway include MSC, CMA, HPL, ONE, COSCO, MSK, OOCL, and others.

The latest Rate Shipping from China to Norway.

Are there rail and road transport services from China to Norway?

Yes, there are services available through the China-Europe Railway Express and China-Europe Road Transport. However, due to factors such as freight costs, frequency of departures, and transit times, these services are not as stable or widely used as sea and air freight. For newcomers to importing, these services may be worth considering depending on the situation. However, for regular importers, we still recommend relying on traditional transport methods, as stability is key in balancing opportunities and risks.

Taxes and Duties in importing from China to Norway:

Norway is not a member of the European Union and has its own customs system. Whether for individuals or businesses, anyone importing goods into Norway (from outside the EU) must pay import taxes.

All import taxes are calculated based on the value of the goods, also known as the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) price. In addition, imported goods are subject to sales tax (VAT), and some goods are subject to excise tax and other import fees.

• Tariff

  Import duties are not fixed and depend on the classification code of the goods (usually based on the HS code) and the value of the goods. Norwegian import duty rates range from 0% to 25%, with the average rate being 1.06%. Some goods are exempt from tariffs, such as books, laptops, and other electronic products.

• Value-Added Tax (VAT)

  The standard VAT rate in Norway is 25%, but food products are taxed at a reduced rate of 14%.

  VAT = VAT rate × (CIF price + customs duty + other applicable taxes). Other taxes typically apply to specific goods, and these are charged at a rate of 0.5% based on the CIF price.

• Excise Tax

  For certain imported goods, the Norwegian government imposes an excise tax, with rates set annually. Common goods subject to excise tax include: non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages, packaged chocolate and sugar products, industrial ethanol, tobacco products, lubricants, mineral products, and chemical gases.

The method of taxation varies by product, and detailed information can be found on the Norwegian Tax Administration's website: www.skatteetaten.no/en/business-and-organisation/vat-and-duties/excise-duties/

Additional Notes:

1. Imported goods valued at no more than 200 NOK (FOB) are exempt from both customs duties and VAT.

2. Other import fees mainly apply to specific goods.

3. Overseas agents submit information to Norwegian Customs through the TVINN system for clearance, and declarations are made electronically. Unless special requirements exist, overseas sellers or freight forwarders do not need to declare goods in person to Norwegian Customs.

4. China and Norway have not signed any Free Trade Agreement (FTA), so a Certificate of Origin (C/O) can only prove the origin of the goods and does not provide tax reductions for customers.

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How long does import customs clearance take in Norway? 

Norway has a variety of regulations to strictly control the importation of all kinds of goods. If the rules are too complicated for you to understand, we have excellent customs brokers to help you get through them.

As you know, all goods must be cleared at the airport or port before they can be shipped. During this process, your interests  need to stay here for 1-5 days for customs inspection. Depending on the actual situation of your goods, the time is longer or shorter.

Anyway, JIKE Logistics has its own customs broker; if you have no way to get started, we are here waiting for you.

What shipping costs are included in shipping from China to Norway?

1. Base Shipping Costs: These are the fundamental charges for transporting goods from China to Norway. They vary based on factors such as volume, weight, mode of transportation, and the distance between the origin and destination.

2. Fuel Surcharge: This fee is associated with fluctuations in international fuel prices and may change over time.

3. Customs Brokerage Fees: These are service fees used for handling customs clearance documents and procedures.

4. Customs Duties and Import Taxes: They vary depending on the type and value of specific goods.

5. Value Added Tax (VAT): Calculated based on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value, with a standard rate of 25%, although some goods may qualify for lower rates.

6. Terminal Handling Charges: These fees cover unloading, sorting, and delivering goods at the destination port in Norway.

The specific amounts of these charges depend on various factors, including the type of goods, quantity, mode of transportation, and customs clearance processes. To obtain accurate cost estimates and breakdowns, it is advisable to consult with a professional freight forwarder like Jike Logistics. If you choose to work with us, we will provide detailed cost breakdowns based on your specific circumstances.

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How to Reduce Shipping Costs from China to Norway?

Here are some strategies to reduce overall shipping costs from China to Norway:

1. Consolidate cargo

   Consolidate packages from different suppliers into a bigger shipment to get a shipping discount from shipping company. These additional discounts can help you save a lot.

   
   

2. Off-season shipping: 

   Ship During the off-season or make booking as far in advance as you can,  to save money and ease any potential stress from delays.

   
   

3. Utilize Packaging: 

   As we know, packaging will affect cargo size, which affects shipment chargeable weight or chargeable volume. So before shipping, you should discuss packaging options and packing sizes with your chinese suppliers. In order to reduce freight costs, we should optimize packaging on the premise that the packing can protect our goods from damage.

Are there any restricted goods when shipping from China to Norway?

Certain goods are restricted for import to Norway and require government approval before shipment. Goods that do not have the necessary permits, approvals, or labels may be seized by Norwegian customs, and in the worst case, they may be confiscated or destroyed. Restricted goods include:

• Alcoholic beverages

• Tobacco

• Food, plants, seeds, animals

• Endangered species (CITES goods)

• Pharmaceuticals

• Waste materials

• Explosives, fireworks, and hazardous substances

• Weapons, weapon parts, and ammunition

• Cultural heritage items and antiques

What documents are required for customs clearance in Norway?

For general goods imported from China to Norway, the customs clearance process only requires electronic versions of the following documents: invoice, packing list, and bill of lading.

Is an origin certificate required for imports from China to Norway?

Typically, an origin certificate (C/O) is not required. As mentioned earlier, the C/O can only serve as proof of origin and does not provide any duty reduction under preferential trade agreements.

Are there any specific requirements for filling in the consignee's information on the sea freight bill of lading?

For full container loads (FCL), the consignee's organization number (company registration number or tax identification number) is required. In practice, many of our Norwegian clients use electronic releases or Seaway Bills, so no original bill of lading needs to be sent.

Do I need to provide a fumigation certificate when clearing goods through customs in Norway?

Norway is not an EU member, and fumigation is not a mandatory requirement. However, since Norway places great emphasis on environmental and ecological protection, it is recommended to fumigate wooden packaging and obtain a formal fumigation certificate to avoid any issues during customs clearance.

What should I pay attention to when asking a Chinese freight forwarder for the shipping cost to Norway?

Norway has a low population density, a shortage of skilled workers, and high labor costs. If your goods are heavy, your delivery address is in a remote location, or your warehouse lacks forklifts for unloading, these details should be confirmed with your freight forwarder in advance. This will allow the freight forwarder to account for any additional labor costs and provide a more accurate quote.

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Conclusion

When shipping from China to Norway, our team consists of experienced professionals who are familiar with Norway's customs policies and shipping requirements. Whether it's by sea, air, or rail, we can find the most economical and reliable way to meet your needs.

Choose us as your logistics partner, and let us embark on a successful and hassle-free shipping from China to Norway!

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