A Wave of Cheap Parcels Reaches Norway. Companies Point to Unequal Rules
A record number of parcels from China are arriving in Norway. In June 2026 alone, 1.3 million parcels were registered, nearly 50 percent more than the previous year. The business organization Virke describes the scale of imports as "alarmingly high."
Norwegian entrepreneurs want stricter regulations.
Fot. Fotolia
The latest data from the Norwegian Customs Service (Tolletaten) shows a clear acceleration in purchases from Chinese online stores. The value of parcels registered in June was 70 percent higher than in the same month of the previous year. The number of orders is also increasing. In the entire first half of the year, Norway received 19 percent more such parcels.
Parcels Break Records. Shopping Accelerates
In June, 1.3 million parcels subject to the VAT on E-Commerce (VOEC) system arrived in Norway. This solution allows consumers to buy goods from foreign online stores without customs duties if the value of a single parcel does not exceed 3,000 NOK. The scale is significant. Statistically, almost every third adult resident of Norway received a parcel from China.
Virke assumes that a significant portion of orders come from platforms such as Shein, Temu, and Alibaba. In the organization's latest consumer survey, one in four respondents reported shopping on Temu. However, some customers order much more frequently. According to Virke, low prices encourage buying more products and discarding those that do not meet expectations.
Virke assumes that a significant portion of orders come from platforms such as Shein, Temu, and Alibaba. In the organization's latest consumer survey, one in four respondents reported shopping on Temu. However, some customers order much more frequently. According to Virke, low prices encourage buying more products and discarding those that do not meet expectations.
There are proposals for Norway to implement rules as strict as those in the EU.Photo: Adobe Stock, standard license
Companies Point to Inequality. Europe Tightens Regulations
The VOEC system effectively replaced the previous 350 NOK limit on January 1, 2024. Since then, Virke has been calling for changes, arguing that the current regulations provide foreign sellers with more favorable conditions than Norwegian retailers. Platforms such as Zalando, Boozt, and Temu can sell goods without customs duties. Norwegian clothing retailers, on the other hand, must pay textile duties on products intended for resale.
A similar increase in the number of parcels has been observed in the European Union. Between 2024 and 2025, their number increased by 26 percent, from 4.6 billion to 5.9 billion. According to the European Commission (EC), nine out of ten such products come from China. Virke also links the increase in sales in Europe to the reduction of customs exemptions for small parcels in the United States.
A similar increase in the number of parcels has been observed in the European Union. Between 2024 and 2025, their number increased by 26 percent, from 4.6 billion to 5.9 billion. According to the European Commission (EC), nine out of ten such products come from China. Virke also links the increase in sales in Europe to the reduction of customs exemptions for small parcels in the United States.
The European Union has introduced an import fee of three euros for goods valued up to 150 euros. Work is also underway on the European Product Act, which will require information on the origin, materials, and safety of each product. The new regulations will also make online platforms that facilitate sales responsible.
How do you rate this article?