Norway sees record surge in China‑origin parcels

In June, 1.3 million VOEC parcels from China arrived in Norway, a rise of almost 50 % compared with the same month last year and representing roughly one‑third of the adult population receiving a China‑origin package. The total declared value of the shipments was 70 % higher than a year earlier.

Trade association Virke described the volume as “scary high” and warned that the influx creates unfair competition for Norwegian retailers. Foreign e‑commerce platforms such as Shein, Temu and Alibaba can sell goods tax‑free under the VOEC scheme, while Norwegian clothing chains must pay textile duties on goods they import for resale. Virke’s policy head Jarle Hammerstad said the low prices encourage a consumption pattern that is not sustainable and that many of the items come from sellers that do not adhere to environmental or chemical regulations. The EU has recently introduced additional import duties to curb the rapid growth of such shipments.