Basic information
Outline of the system
Act No. 1 relating to firearms and ammunition etc. of 9 June 1961 and Regulation No. 904 on Firearms, Firearm Components and Ammunition 25 June 2009 require a permit granted by the Chief of Police for commercial and non-commercial imports of firearms, firearm components and ammunition (not covered by Act No. 39 relating to Explosive Goods of 14 June 1974 (applies only to Svalbard) or the Fire and Explosion Prevention Act).
Commercial imports of ammunition from a member state covered by the EEA Agreement may only occur pursuant to Directive 93/15/EEC of 5 April 1993 on the harmonization of the provisions relating to the placing on the market and supervision of explosives for civil uses.
Product coverage
Civil permits for commercial and non-commercial imports of firearms, firearm components (barrels, receivers, frames) and ammunition.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The purpose of the permit is to ensure that only suitable persons import firearms, firearm components and ammunition.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The system regarding import licensing of firearms, firearm components and ammunition regulates imports from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Act No. 1 relating to firearms and ammunition etc. of 9 June 1961 and Regulation No. 904 on Firearms, Firearm Components and Ammunition of 25 June 2009. The permit is statutorily required.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
It is not possible for the government or the executive branch to abolish the system without legislative approval.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Everyone is eligible to apply for a permit. A permit for commercial import will normally only be given to licenced firearms dealers or manufacturers.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The application for commercial imports of firearms, firearm components or ammunition and non-commercial imports of ammunition must contain information on:
- the applicant's (the firm's) full name and address;
- the number, nature or type, trademark, name of model, mechanism (type) and calibre, barrel length and firearms total length, for imports of firearms/firearm components;
- the quantity and weight, for imports of ammunition;
- the name and address of the supplier;
- whether the consignment is expected to arrive in several consignments; and
- who has granted the applicant a permit to conduct trade in firearms etc.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
The importer must also supply a copy of the document showing the purchase price.
The application for non-commercial imports of firearms, firearm components or ammunition must contain information on:
- the applicant's full name and address, date of birth and birthplace, and job or profession;
- mechanism (type) and calibre of firearms/firearm components;
- the applicant's potential use of the weapon; and
- the applicant's firearms permit, if he has one.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
A person needs a permit granted by the Police for commercial and non-commercial imports of firearms, firearm components and ammunition before importation.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
No.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
No.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
The Chief of Police.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
No.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
The fee for commercial imports of firearms, firearm components or ammunition is one per cent of the value, but minimum NOK 125 and maximum NOK 6,150 (the court fee multiplied by six). The fee for non-commercial imports of firearms, firearm components or ammunition is minimum NOK 512 and maximum NOK 1,025.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
For commercial imports of firearms, firearm components and ammunition the importer has to pay the fee either when an application is made or within 14 days after a permission is granted. There is no specific requirement to pay in advance or to deposit money for acquiring a licence.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
Police supervision of applications for commercial import permits:
In addition to check that a person who seeks an import permit is licensed to trade in firearms, firearm components and ammunition, and that the application meets the requisite formalities, the police evaluates whether the type and number of weapons the application concerns are defensible from policing, security and social points of view.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
The reasons for any refusal shall be given to the applicant.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Yes.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
The applicant has a right to appeal to the National Police Directorate. The procedures are pursuant to Norwegian administrative law.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
No.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
A permission granted by the Chief of police.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The permit for commercial imports of firearms, firearm components or ammunition is valid for a period of three months. It may on application be extended for further three months.
The permit for non-commercial imports of firearms, firearm components or ammunition is valid for a period of six months. It may on application be extended for further six months.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Transfer of an import permit is prohibited.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
N/A.