24 Import/export of animals, plants, and pets

24.1 General information

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Norwegian legislation prohibit the import of endangered animal or plant species, or products made from them, into Norway. Examples of endangered species include elephant, leopard, tiger, wolf, wolverine, certain crocodile and snake species, certain birds of prey and eggs of certain bird species, as well as certain orchids and cactuses.

Neither endangered animals and plant species nor products made from them may be exported from Norway. Examples of endangered species which can be found in Norway and are covered by this prohibition are wolf, arctic fox and wolverine, as well as some birds of prey. Exporting the eggs of endangered bird species is also prohibited.

Norway’s animal import regulations are very strict. There have been no incidents of rabies in Norway since 1814, and the import of animals which may carry this disease – including dogs, cats, and ferrets – is especially restricted. No diplomatic privileges are extended in connection with importing animals into Norway.

Further detailed information about importing pets and the new EU/EEA pet passport can be obtained from Norwegian foreign service missions. Alternatively, you may wish to consult the Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s website (in Norwegian) (click on Import/Eksport in the menu bar at the top, then Sports- og kjæledyr left menu bar).

24.2 Pets

Dogs, cats and ferrets imported to Norway must fulfil specific requirements regarding rabies (i.e. they must be vaccinated and have a blood test). The rules are based on Commission Regulation (EC) No. 998/2003 and concern only pets accompanied by their owner or person responsible for them on behalf of the owner and not intended to be sold or transferred (including as a gift). The EC Regulation introduced a pet passport scheme, under which dogs, cats, and ferrets originating from EU/EEA countries are issued with a passport and animals from outside the EU/EEA are required to have a veterinary certificate issued by an official veterinarian.

Norwegian and Swedish dogs and cats may travel without restrictions between the two countries. For animals imported into Norway or Sweden, import documentation must be available on demand. Permission to import animals other than dogs, cats and ferrets may be granted. Applications for import permission should be made to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority or the Directorate for Nature Management. No application form is required.

If import requirements are not fulfilled, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority can decide to expel, quarantine or put down the animal(s) in question. The animal’s owner is responsible for all expenses incurred in connection with importing it to Norway.

24.3 Restrictions

It is prohibited to import the following dog breeds (whether pure- or crossbred) to Norway: Pit Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, and American Staffordshire Terrier.

It is also prohibited to import reptiles (except certain tortoises, provided a special permit has been granted), other exotic animals, animals presenting a danger to Norwegian nature, or protected animals.

It should be noted that heavy penalties are imposed for violation of the rules regarding the importation of animals into Norway.