British exporters who want to send their goods to Norway have always needed to provide the necessary documentation even before the UK left the European Union.
This is because Norway has never been part of the EU. Along with Lichtenstein, Iceland, and Switzerland, Norway is a constituent state of the European Free Trade Association, or EFTA. Consequently, little has changed for British export firms who send freight to Norway even in the current post-Brexit trading arrangements. However, not all firms are geared up to handle exports to Norway on a frequent basis. What should you do if you want to send freight to Norway for the first time?
Choose a Shipping Method
Depending on what you are sending to your Norwegian customers, you will need to organise your consignment in one of three ways. The first – and quickest – is air freight. Norway has several international air hubs that receive cargo. The busiest serves the country’s capital, Oslo. Failing that, you can set up a pallet delivery for your freight to Norway. Pallet deliveries can be handled by courier van or put onto lorries.
Typically, these vehicles will access North Sea ferry crossings from Immingham Port and make their way to Norway landing at Brevik. Some road routes will also make land in Denmark or Germany and make their onward journey from there. The other option is to go for a cargo route over the sea without a dedicated driver. This might mean grouping your consignment with others in a service known as groupage which is highly cost-effective. Cargo ferry routes depart from Immingham to Bergen, Haugesund and Tananger these days.
Arrange Freight Handling to Norway
Unless you have your own logistics team and delivery drivers, it will be best to turn to a professional freight forwarding company to arrange the transit of your freight to Norway. This is especially the case when you want a low-cost option like groupage. According to Barrington Freight, a freight forwarding firm based in eastern England, many British exporters waste money needlessly by sending freight to Norway via Calais when more direct options are available that often cost considerably less. What’s more, freight forwarders should be able to arrange shipping insurance for you, as well. This is good to know if you won’t be paid for your freight to Norway until after it has arrived at its destination and been assessed.
Provide Customs Clearance Declarations
All freight to Norway must be declared to HMRC prior to leaving the country. This means British exporting firms must have an official EORI number and make a new declaration every time they ship something overseas. Make sure you use the right commodity coding for your class of goods or retain the services of a customs clearance agency to get the paperwork in good order for you instead.
Choose one with experience in dealing with Norwegian customs officials since you’ll also need your declaration to meet their expectations when they’re inspected on arrival in the country. If not, your goods could be held up at the border indefinitely.
