Dropshipping rules in Norway

Dropshipping has become a popular business model in Norway, but it comes with complex legal obligations that every entrepreneur should be aware of. This guide will walk you through the key rules, requirements and practical solutions for running a legal and profitable dropshipping business in the Norwegian market.

Legal Registration Requirements

Company registration

All dropshipping companies in Norway must registered in the Brønnøysund Registers, either as:

Sole proprietorship (ENK): Suitable for beginners with low risk
Limited liability company (AS): Limits personal liability but requires NOK 30,000 in start-up capital

Your organisation number also works as an EORI number (Economic Operators' Registration and Identification) for imports from countries outside the EU/EEA.

MVA registration

When your annual turnover exceeds 50.000 NOK, the company must registered in the VAT register. Before registration, you are not allowed to charge VAT on sales.

VOEC scheme and VAT rules

VOEC (VAT On E-Commerce)

From 1 January 2024, the all goods imported to Norway pay VAT from the first krona. The VOEC scheme simplifies the process:

Foreign sellers can register in the VOEC register
Seller charges Norwegian VAT (25%) on sales of goods below NOK 3,000 per unit
Customer pays VAT at the time of purchase and avoids extra fees on delivery

Benefits of VOEC registration

Customers receive goods directly without customs clearance fees
Reduces the return rate by up to 14% compared to non-VOEC registered stores
Automated solutions like Shopify VOEC integration makes it easy to handle

Exceptions to VOEC

Certain product categories are excluded from the VOEC scheme and still requires manual customs clearance:

Food products
alcohol
Tobacco products
Pharmaceuticals

Consumer rights and returns management

Right of cancellation

According to Cancellation Act Norwegian consumers have the right to return goods purchased online within 14 days of receipt without giving a reason. As a dropshipper you must:

Clearly inform about the cancellation policy before the purchase
Accept returns even if your supplier does not
Refund the customer in full, including delivery costs

Lack of information about cancellation rights can Extend the deadline to 12 months.

Right of complaint

Electronic products are subject to a Complaint period of five yearswhile for goods with a limited lifespan (such as clothing) the deadline is two years. In the first six months, the seller must prove that the defect did not exist at the time of delivery.

Product liability and safety

CE marking and product safety

As an importer, you are legally responsible for ensuring that the products comply with Norwegian safety requirements:

62% of electronics and toys from dropshipping suppliers lack CE documentation
You risk fines of up to 10% of annual turnover in case of breach of safety rules
Product liability law hold you responsible for damages caused by defective products

Practical safety measures

Demand Test reports and certificates from suppliers
Use third-party services like Intertek or DNV GL for quality control
Characters product liability insurance to cover any claims for damages

Supplier selection and risk management

Due diligence process

Thorough supplier assessment is critical for successful dropshipping:

Geographical location: EU suppliers reduce delivery time from 30+ to 5-7 days
CertificationsSearch for ISO 9001 (quality) or BSCI (labour conditions)
Price guarantee: Negotiate price adjustment clauses max 2% per quarter

Contractual Protections

Delay penalties: 1% of order value per day late
GDPR compliance: Ensure suppliers don't misuse customer data
Counterfeit goods clauses: Agreement on 200% compensation for evidence of counterfeiting

GDPR and Data Protection

When processing customer data, dropshipping companies must comply with Norwegian Personal Data Act:

Obtain lawful basis for processing (consent or contract fulfilment)
Inform customers about the purpose of data processing
Pay special attention when transferring data to suppliers outside the EEA
Enter data processing agreements with all external parties that process personal data

Common Errors and Solutions

Top 5 Mistakes Among Norwegian Dropshippers

Missing VOEC registration (57% by newbies)
Unclear communication about customs and taxes (42% complaint rate)
Insufficient product documentation (68% missing CE reports)
Overestimation of storage capacity (22% experiences out of stock items monthly)
Non-compliant VAT reporting (penalty tax of up to 15% of the amount owed)

Effective Solution Strategies

Implement Shopify + DSers for automatic inventory management and VAT calculation
Use services like Zonos for real-time calculation of customs fees on your website
Consider the following blockchain tracking to document the origin of products

Conclusion and Recommendations

Successful dropshipping in Norway requires a balance between legal compliance and operational efficiency. Key actions include:

Correct registration of business and VAT matters
VOEC registration for smooth VAT management when importing
Careful supplier selection with a focus on EU-based quality suppliers
Clear communication about delivery times, return policy and possible fees
Regular reassessment of supplier agreements and legal obligations

By combining technology tools with proactive legal due diligence, you can minimise risk and build a sustainable dropshipping business in the Norwegian market.