If you trade in firearms, parts thereof, and ammunition abroad, you must be aware that you cannot import firearms without a permit from the police or District Sheriff.
| 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. |
This information applies to those importing firearms for personal use. This means that this information does not apply to onward sale or other commercial use.
The police are responsible for the regulations regarding the import and export of firearms, parts thereof, and ammunition. To import any type of firearm, parts thereof, or violent weapons, you need a permit from the police or District Sheriff in the district where you are resident.
What can be imported without a permit
Some firearms may be imported into Norway without a permit from the police or District Sheriff. This applies, for example, to:
- air guns and pistols with a calibre of 4.5 mm or less
- flare guns other equipment for signalling
- airsoft guns
- paintball guns
There is an age limit of 18 years for importing air guns, paintball guns, and airsoft guns.
When you must have a permit from the police
Some types of firearms, parts thereof, and ammunition may require a permit from the police. Examples of types of firearms, parts thereof, and ammunition that require a permit from the police:
- rifles
- shotguns
- combination weapons (rifle/shotgun)
- pistols
- air guns and pistols with a calibre greater than 4.5 mm
- machine pistols / machine guns
- gas weapons
- shells
- projectiles
- casing with charges or detonators
- explosives
- light, fire, poison, or teargas canisters
- crossbows
- most types of defence spray
If you have obtained a permit from the police to import your firearm into Norway, you must carry this permit with you when crossing the border into Norway.
Some violent firearms may not be imported. This applies, for example, to:
- hand grenades
- bombs
- flick knives
- butterfly knives
- stiletto knives
- electroshock weapons
- knuckle dusters
- blowpipes
- slingshots
The items above are just some examples of what can and cannot be imported.
A complete list of products can be found in the firearms regulations (in Norwegian only)
Duties and tax for importing firearms, parts thereof, and ammunition
New and used firearms that have been bought abroad and that you bring as luggage can be imported free of duties and taxes. The value must not exceed the luggage value limit. If the value exceeds the value limit , you must pay 25 per cent in VAT. VAT is calculated based on the purchase price abroad. Remember to carry your permit from the police or District Sheriff.
If the firearms was sent to you from abroad, you must pay VAT of 25 per cent. VAT is calculated based on the purchase price plus postage and shipping costs. Remember to carry your permit from the police or District Sheriff on your person when collecting and obtaining customs clearance for the firearms.
Crossing the border with weapons, parts thereof, and ammunition
When you cross a border with weapons, parts thereof, and ammunition, under the general rule you must present the weapons and documentation to Norwegian Customs for inspection.
| Use the red channel | If you have a valid permit from the police for importing or exporting a weapon |
| Use the red channel | If you have purchased a weapon abroad, regardless of whether it is within or exceeds the value limit. |
| Exceptions: Use the green channel |
If you have a valid weapons pass and are travelling within the EU/EEA. |
Norwegian Customs can and will seize weapons found during green channel inspections even if the permit is in order. The only exception is if you are travelling with a valid weapons pass.