Ship Cars To The US From Norway: Full Costs, Documentation & Refunds

With Norway’s unique EV legacy, mint vintage Volvos, and Alpine-tuned SUVs, shipping a car from Norway to the US offers excellent value—especially if you navigate local paperwork, export rules, and refund options effectively. West Coast Shipping helps clients manage every detail, from Oslo or Bergen to your U.S. driveway, with unmatched transparency from quote to customs release.

Explore the complete Europe import flow in the full WCS Europe-to-US guide. For custom live rates and timing, use the car import calculator.

Costs and Ocean Transit: Norway to the US in 2025

• Typical ocean freight (Oslo/Bergen→New York): ~$2,750 per car, containerized groupage, about 18 days transit. Actual consolidation can add a few extra days depending on schedule.

• Norway collection: ~$450 is standard for most urban areas; remote districts may see modest surcharges.

• US port fees/handling: $600–$1,200 (including destination charges and required paperwork).

• US customs clearance and delivery: Estimated $1,000–$2,000 including domestic freight, depending on state.

Rates subject to route, market, and container schedules—always confirm your live price with WCS.

Norwegian Export Paperwork & Customs Steps

1. Vehicle Deregistration (Statens vegvesen):

   • Required to remove Norwegian license plates for permanent export.

   • You’ll receive a deregistration certificate for customs and refund claims.

2. Customs Export Declaration:

   • File with Norwegian Customs (“Tolletaten”), indicating intent to permanently export. Agents can do this on your behalf.

   • Use the TVINN system or in-person declaration. Must be completed before the vehicle leaves Norway.

3. Required Tax/Refund Documentation:

   • Proof of payment (and possible refund eligibility) for Norway’s one-off registration tax (engangsavgift).

   • Exporting vehicles registered after June 2014 and under 10 years old may entitle sellers to a partial registration tax refund (minimum NOK 7,500).

   • Document the export with a notarized export declaration for refund applications to Skatteetaten (Norwegian Tax Administration).

EV/VAT nuances:
Most Norwegian EVs were imported exempt from VAT. For ICE vehicles or high-value EVs, verify if VAT was paid and whether any export refund is possible (rare, but possible with evidence of VAT paid on import).

Must-Have Documents for US Import

• Export declaration from Norway (with deregistration and customs stamps)

• Original Norwegian registration certificate

• Bill of sale detailing the sale, price, and both parties’ information

• Carrier bill of lading

• Norwegian export VAT and registration refund paperwork (if applying)

• EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 for all US customs entries

Classic vehicles (25+ years): Enjoy expedited entry and reduced U.S. import costs—often only 2.5% duty and minimal modifications.

Modern/EV vehicles: May need additional U.S. EPA and DOT compliance work, check with WCS before booking.

Special Considerations: Norwegian Climate & Schedule

• Environmental benefits: Norway’s limited road salt and meticulous annual inspections make exported cars, especially Volvos and Teslas, supremely well-preserved.

• Winter shipping: North Sea storms can delay departures—allow buffer time if shipping between November and March.

• Container groupage: Not all Norwegian ports consolidate daily; book in advance for best departure windows.

Frequently-Exported Norwegian Models

• Classic and late-model Volvos

• Scandinavian-market Teslas and EVs (used, low-mile)

• Mercedes G-Wagens/4x4s set up for Norwegian terrain

• Unique vehicles originally imported under Norway’s generous tax-and-fee policies

All-In Norway–US Import at a Glance

Every shipment is unique. Always confirm your final timeline and price in writing with WCS.

Get a Custom Quote for Norway–USA Car Shipping

Leverage WCS’s cross-Atlantic experience, robust Scandinavian agent network, and door-to-door customs support. Start with the comprehensive Europe import guide, or use the car import calculator for a transparent estimate tailored to your car and route.