International e-commerce
International e-commerce can open up new markets and increase your company's growth potential. At the same time, you need to be able to navigate the complexities of cross-border e-commerce. This includes strategic considerations such as legal issues, product requirements and labelling in different countries, the handling of personal data, and customs and tax regulations.
This page does not cover country-specific regulations, but outlines common considerations, particularly within the EU/EEA.
For more detailed country-specific information, you can visit our sister organisation Business Sweden's e-commerce guide, which covers several countries around the world. You need to register to use the guide, but it is otherwise free.
Content
- Strategy
To establish an online presence in a new country or market, you need a clear and realistic export strategy. Start by identifying your target audience and creating an action plan for your international expansion.
- Legal issues
Setting up and running an international online store raises several legal issues. Before you start selling, you need to clarify which legal requirements apply in the relevant market.
- Product requirements and labelling
When you place a product on the market, whether in Norway or abroad, it must meet certain requirements before you can sell it.
- Distance selling
What sets e-commerce apart from buying directly from a physical store?
- Consumer protection and the handling of personal data in the EU/EEA
The EU and EEA have only partially harmonised rules on distance selling and consumer protection. Consumer protection covers both consumers' rights when making purchases and their right to privacy.
- Customs duties and taxes
All goods exported from or imported into Norway must clear customs and comply with customs and tax regulations, as well as product and health safety requirements. You will usually need to document this in the import and export paperwork.
- EU IOSS rules
This import scheme allows you to report and pay VAT monthly on goods you sell online to private consumers in the EU.
- Dispute resolution
Unfortunately, things do not always go according to plan. That is why it is important to have a plan for resolving conflicts effectively. This will save you time and make things easier if something goes wrong.
- E-commerce checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for your online store launch and succeed in new markets.