Powerful laser pointers

Member: 

Basic information

1

Outline of the system

Norway has a non-automatic licence in place for powerful laser pointers. The Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority is the competent authority for granting licences. A licence is necesarry to own, possess, manufacture, import, export, use or sell powerful laser pointers in Norway. Permits will be granted to those who have a legitimate need to use a powerful laser pointer.

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Product coverage

A licence is required for all importers of powerful laser pointers class 3R, 3B and 4. The permit may be granted for a given period of time.

Nature of licensing

Automatic

3

If Automatic, administrative purpose

Non-Automatic

4

If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime

5

Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

Imports are not regulated on a quantitative basis. The objective of the licencing system is to prevent harmful and potentially dangerous use of laser pointers. The overall purpose is to ensure the proper use of radiation, prevent harmful effects of radiation on human health and contribute to the protection of the environment.

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Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

There are no restrictions as to the quantity or value of imports.

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The system applies to products originating from which country?

The system has a global application.

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Expected duration of licensing procedure

Eligibility of applicants

12

Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?

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What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?

All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence.

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Is there a registration fee?

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Is there a published list of authorized importers?

Contact point for information on eligibility

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Ministry/Authority

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Address

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Telephone

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Fax

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E-mail address

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Website

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Contact officer

Submission of an application

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Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application

Documentation requirements

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What information is required in applications?

The following information is required in the application: Name and address of applicant, item number according to the Norwegian customs tariff, description of goods, end-use statement, country of origin, and other relevant information (such as date, signature, telephone number, reference).

Authorization is granted only when

(a) the applicant can document that the laser pointer is designed, classified and marked in compliance with requirements stated in Section 35;

(b) the applicant can document that the planned use of the laser pointer is justified according to Section 5; and

(c) no reason to anticipate misuse of the laser pointer.

Authorizations can be granted to undertakings and individual persons. An authorization can involve several laser pointers and be time limited.

In the authorization, the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority may set further conditions to assure justified use of radiation and prevent against harmful effects of radiation on human health. This may include further conditions for the radiation use, registration, reporting, competence, training, security, use of measuring equipment, maintenance routines, quality control of apparatus and equipment for radiation use, return schemes, financial guarantees, import, export, emergency preparedness and design of premises.

The Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority may cancel, change or set new conditions in an authorization, and if necessary, withdraw an authorization if:

(a) conditions set, or orders made pursuant to the Radiation Protection Act are materially or repeatedly ignored; or

(b) it follows from an authorization issued under Sections 9 or 10 or the Public Administration Act Section 35.

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What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?

Window of submission of an application

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How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?

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Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain

Applications for licences are not limited to any particular time of year.

Issuing the license

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Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

Import applications must be written. The application will be handled without unnecessary
delay.

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Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence

The processing time for an application is 30 days.

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Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?

The Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority issues the licence.

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Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?

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Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?

Fees and other administrative charges

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Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

There are no charged levies or other licensing fees.

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What is the amount of the fee or charge?

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Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?

No deposit or advance payment is required for licensing.

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Amount or rate?

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Is it refundable?

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What is the period of retention?

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What is the purpose of this requirement?

Refusal of an application

40

Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?

If the applications meet the criteria, a licence is granted.

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Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

An application may only be refused if it fails to meet the ordinary criteria.

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Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?

The reasons for any refusal are given to the applicant in the decision.

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If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

The decision of the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority may be appealed to the Ministry of Health and Care Services.

Importation

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Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?

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What documents are required upon actual importation?

At the actual time of importation, the Authority's decision to grant a licence should be presented to customs.

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Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?

There are no other administrative procedures required prior to importation.

Conditions of licensing

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What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?

The licence may be time limited if the Authority so decides.

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Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?

There is no penalty on licences which have not been used or on licences which have only
been used partially.

49

Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?

Licences cannot be transferred between importers.

Foreign Exchange

50

Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?

N/A

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Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?

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Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?

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What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?