What is the engangsavgift and how big is it?

The engangsavgift is Norway's one-off vehicle registration tax, calculated by the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) based on the car's kerb weight and CO2 emissions — not a flat percentage. For a typical mid-size petrol car it can be very large; for an older car the age deduction (bruksfradrag) reduces it; for an EV it is minimal. Our team runs the Skatteetaten calculator for your specific car and quotes the figure before you decide.

Is import duty 0% for Japanese cars in Norway?

Under the EFTA-Japan Free Trade Agreement, duty can be 0% when valid Japan-origin proof accompanies the import. Without that proof, an MFN rate may apply. Our team prepares the origin documentation to maximise the duty saving.

Does Norway have an age limit on imported cars?

There is no fixed maximum age. In fact, older cars benefit from the age-based bruksfradrag deduction that lowers the engangsavgift — so importing an older low-mileage Japanese car can be very cost-effective.

Where does the car arrive in Norway?

The main vehicle import port is Drammen, near Oslo. Inland delivery from Drammen to Oslo is short; to Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim it adds more — we quote all city costs upfront.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Norway

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Norway is not an EU member but belongs to the EEA and the EFTA-Japan Free Trade Agreement area, which means import duty on Japan-origin cars can be 0% with valid origin proof — a real advantage. The catch is Norway's one-off registration tax, the engangsavgift, which is one of the most significant vehicle taxes in Europe. Unlike a flat percentage, it is calculated on the car's kerb weight and CO2 emissions, with an age-based "deduction for use" (bruksfradrag) that reduces it for older cars. For a typical mid-size petrol car the registration tax alone can be substantial — we show a representative figure of roughly 50% of car value on top of 25% VAT, but this is an estimate our team confirms with the Norwegian Tax Administration's (Skatteetaten) calculator before quoting. EVs are treated far more lightly, which explains Norway's world-leading EV uptake.

Main ports: Drammen
Import age rule: No fixed maximum age. Older used cars qualify for a larger "deduction for use" (bruksfradrag) that lowers the one-off registration tax. Port: Drammen.
Steering: both
Duties & taxes: Norway (EEA, not EU) charges 25% VAT on the import value, but the big cost is the one-off registration tax (engangsavgift), based on the car’s kerb weight and CO2 emissions (NOx too, until it was dropped in 2026) rather than a flat percentage. An age-based "deduction for use" lowers it for older cars. For a typical mid-size petrol car this still runs high, so we show a representative 50% on top of VAT. Because it is driven by weight and CO2, this is an estimate our team confirms with the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) calculator before quoting; EVs are taxed far more lightly.

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to Norway

Choose the right car for Norway's registration tax
The engangsavgift is driven by CO2 and weight, so the choice of car significantly affects the total cost. We advise on which models hit the lowest registration tax bands and shortlist options to your budget.
We source at USS auction
Our licensed USS team reads the auction sheet, confirms the car's weight, engine size and emissions profile, and bids on your behalf. These specs are needed to estimate the registration tax upfront.
Pre-shipment and origin documentation
We prepare the Norwegian customs declaration and the Japan-origin certificate needed to claim 0% EFTA-Japan FTA duty. Roadworthiness checks happen in Japan before loading.
Ocean freight to Drammen
The car sails to the Port of Drammen, the main Norwegian vehicle-import port near Oslo. We send the sailing schedule and tracking.

Import duties & taxes in Norway explained

Under the EFTA-Japan Free Trade Agreement, import duty on a Japan-origin car can be 0% with valid origin proof — without that proof, an MFN rate may apply instead. On top of duty you pay 25% Norwegian VAT (merverdiavgift) on the imported value. The major cost, however, is the one-off registration tax (engangsavgift), calculated by Skatteetaten on the car's kerb weight and CO2 emissions, with CO2 surcharges that rise steeply for higher-emission cars. An age-based deduction (bruksfradrag) lowers it for older vehicles. For a typical mid-size petrol car this still runs high; EVs face a much lower burden. Because the registration tax depends on your specific car's weight and CO2 output, this is an estimate our team confirms with the Skatteetaten calculator before quoting — our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Norway

Honda Fit
A small, low-emission hatchback — the Fit's modest CO2 output and low kerb weight keep Norway's engangsavgift as low as possible for a petrol car. Hybrid variants are even more favourable.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Compact and light with a small engine — both the weight and CO2 components of Norway's registration tax are minimised, making the Swift one of the more cost-effective Japanese imports for Norwegian buyers.
See prices
Mazda Demio
A small, efficient hatchback with a modest CO2 rating. The Demio's low weight helps keep the engangsavgift in the lower bands for a petrol import.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A reliable family sedan with a modest engine — reasonable CO2 output for a petrol car, and Toyota's broad parts and service network across Norway reduces long-term running costs.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Norway

Drammen — You are at the port — inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $150.
Oslo — Delivery from Drammen to Oslo adds roughly $160 for a sedan.
Stavanger — Delivery from Drammen to Stavanger adds roughly $290 for a sedan.
Bergen — Delivery from Drammen to Bergen adds roughly $300 for a sedan.
Trondheim — Delivery from Drammen to Trondheim adds roughly $370 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

What is the engangsavgift and how big is it?: The engangsavgift is Norway's one-off vehicle registration tax, calculated by the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) based on the car's kerb weight and CO2 emissions — not a flat percentage. For a typical mid-size petrol car it can be very large; for an older car the age deduction (bruksfradrag) reduces it; for an EV it is minimal. Our team runs the Skatteetaten calculator for your specific car and quotes the figure before you decide.
Is import duty 0% for Japanese cars in Norway?: Under the EFTA-Japan Free Trade Agreement, duty can be 0% when valid Japan-origin proof accompanies the import. Without that proof, an MFN rate may apply. Our team prepares the origin documentation to maximise the duty saving.
Does Norway have an age limit on imported cars?: There is no fixed maximum age. In fact, older cars benefit from the age-based bruksfradrag deduction that lowers the engangsavgift — so importing an older low-mileage Japanese car can be very cost-effective.
Where does the car arrive in Norway?: The main vehicle import port is Drammen, near Oslo. Inland delivery from Drammen to Oslo is short; to Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim it adds more — we quote all city costs upfront.