What is Poste Restante?

Poste Restante is a French term meaning "remaining mail". It is an international recognized service by the Universal Postal Union that enables recipients to collect their parcel in one post office.

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Online shopping in Norway - Duties and fees

When you order from a foreign online store, the following applies:

• VAT: 25% of the value of the goods upon entry into Norway.
• Customs fee: Added for certain goods, e.g. clothes.
• Exception: Shipments with a value below NOK 350 are VAT-free.

Customs clearance of goods

When an item is sent to Norway, it must be cleared, which means:

1. Calculation and payment of VAT as well as any duty and other charges.
2. The carrier usually handles customs clearance and charges an additional fee for this.

Cost calculation for Norwegian VAT

The basis for VAT calculation is the sum of:

• Price of the item
• Shipping cost
• Any insurance

You usually pay VAT twice:

• In the sender's country (included in the purchase price).
• When entering Norway.

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Value limits for private import into Norway

If you have been outside Norway:

• More than 24 hours: You may bring goods worth up to NOK 6,000 without duty and fees.
• Less than 24 hours: The limit is NOK 3,000.

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Advantages of sending parcels to Strömstad

As Sweden is part of the EU, special rules apply to goods sent to Strömstad:

• No duty on goods from other EU countries.
• VAT is paid according to the VAT rate in the sending country (included in the price).
• No carrier fee for storage or customs clearance.

Advantages of Poste Restante Service Strömstad:

• Save Norwegian VAT and customs fees.
• Better prices and larger selection when shopping online.
• Lower shipping costs and shorter delivery times within the EU.
• Avoid problems with suppliers who do not ship to Norway.

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Cost comparison

1. Order directly to Norway

• Price of item: NOK 1,500
• Shipping and insurance: NOK 100
• VAT (25%): NOK 400
• Transporter's fee: NOK 253

Total to pay: NOK 2,253

• Duties and duties: NOK 653 (43% of the item's cost price).

2. Order to Strömstad via Poste Restante

• Price of item: NOK 1,500
• Shipping and insurance: NOK 80
• Fees to Poste Restante Strömstad: NOK 99

Total to pay: NOK 1,679

• Fees and duties: NOK 99 (6% of the item's cost price).

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Imports to Sweden from countries outside the EU

When importing to Sweden, the following fees apply:

• Duty: 0-20%, depending on the item.
• VAT:
• 25% on most items.
• 12% for food.
• 6% for printed products, e.g. books.

Exception:

• Goods with a value under SEK 1,300 (excl. shipping) are duty-free, but VAT must be paid.
• The exception does not apply to tobacco products, perfume or scented water.

Poste Restante Service Strömstad can be a practical alternative if the supplier does not send goods directly to Norway.

For more info see The Customs Office