Changes to the Movement of Goods Regulations for vessel transport

The proposed regulatory amendments were subject to public consultation from March 28 to May 23, 2025 (Digitoll consultation 6). Except for some linguistic adjustments and a later date for effectuation, the proposals have been implemented as suggested.

All who submitted consultation responses believe that the transition period, with the proposed effectuation date of February 1, 2026, is too short. Additionally, the development of the new SafeSeaNet Norway (SSNN) has been delayed.

Norwegian Customs has therefore decided to postpone the effectuation date of the new provisions until September 1, 2026. From that date, it will be mandatory to use the new SafeSeaNet Norway and, if applicable, send information to Norwegian Customs Digitoll API.

Data requirements

There are no changes to the obligation to provide information found in the ship’s general declaration, cargo declaration, crew's effects declaration, and the ship's stores declaration, respectively. However, it is new that the information requirements in Appendix 5 of the customs clearance regulations will also apply to transport by vessel. You can find Appendix 5 here: Regulations concerning importation and exportation of goods (Movement of Goods Regulations) - Appendix 5 (in Norwegian). Information for electronic submission of arrival notification - Lovdata.

Deadlines

There will be no change to the specific deadlines stating that the vessel operator must notify the vessel's arrival in the customs area at least 24 hours in advance, unless the journey lasts less than 24 hours, or in cases where the location or time is unknown or changes en route. The exception is the reference to the declaration, which must be submitted before or at the latest upon arrival at the destination.

Method of delivery

In addition to businesses being able to use SSNN to fulfill their digital notification and disclosure obligations, arrangements will be made for all or parts of the notification and disclosure obligations to be fulfilled by sending data directly to Digitoll's APIs, similar to other modes of transport.

Permission for further transport in the customs area

The current practice of granting permission for further transport by vessel within the customs area via an arrival notification in SSNN will be continued and incorporated into the regulations. Notification and disclosure data for all goods must be submitted before the first port of call (destination) according to the deadlines in § 2-3-1 first paragraph (and § 2-3-2 third paragraph) of the customs clearance regulations. However, the deadline for submitting a reference to the declaration is before or at the latest upon arrival at the destination where the relevant goods are to be unloaded.

This means that notification and disclosure data for all goods must be submitted according to the deadlines mentioned above, before arrival at the first destination. The requirement to provide a reference to the chosen customs procedure only applies to goods that are to be released for the chosen customs procedure at the relevant destination.

Permission to proceed to another location in the customs area

Under current regulations, prior permission must be obtained if the vessel is to proceed to a location where customs authorities are not stationed. The practice is that explicit permission is not obtained, but an arrival notification is submitted in SafeSeaNet Norway containing information about the time and place of arrival, and that Norwegian Customs can, if necessary, ask the vessel to proceed to another location.

Norwegian Customs must be able to carry out controls efficiently and in accordance with regulations. The regulation therefore emphasizes that the vessel operator must ensure the vessel proceeds directly to the location specified in the arrival notification. Exceptions may apply if Norwegian Customs instructs the vessel to proceed to another location where customs authorities are stationed.

Driver of a motor vehicle arriving in the customs area by vessel

A new provision has been included to clarify that the driver of a motor vehicle is responsible for reporting information about goods carried in the vehicle when it arrives in the customs area by vessel.