A major change to postal services is sure to impact Americans living in Norway. Here’s what you need to know, plus one important exemption.
Norway’s postal service Posten Bring has announced that, from Saturday 23 August 2025, it will no longer be possible to send parcels to the United States valued at less than NOK 8,000 (about USD $800).
Posten truck in Finnsnes, Norway. Photo: Adwo / Shutterstock.com.
The decision follows a change introduced by the Trump administration in July, which removed the long-standing customs and tax exemption for low-value imports. Previously, parcels worth less than USD $800 could enter the U.S. without duties or formal clearance.
Thankfully for Americans in Norway, or anyone else with friends and family in the U.S., there is an exemption for low value personal mail and gifts.
Impact on Norwegian Senders
Posten Bring press manager Kenneth Pettersen said that Friday 22 August will be the last day to send such parcels.
Last year, around 130,000 shipments in this category were sent across the Atlantic. Pettersen explained that it will be smaller online retailers who feel the impact most.
The suspension also covers parcels to Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory.
According to Posten, halting the service is the only option because the American rules have created uncertainty around transport logistics, returns, and liability. Although the regulations were confirmed in July, they do not officially take effect until 29 August.
The corporate services “Business Parcel” and “Pick Up Parcels” can also be sent as before, but a 10-digit U.S. tariff code must be provided. The EMS service to the U.S. can no longer be used.
International Cooperation
Pettersen stressed that the problem is not unique to Norway. “We are in the same situation as other postal companies in other countries, and there is now extensive cooperation to gain clarity in the process and what possibilities exist,” he said.
Posten Bring is working with postal operators in Sweden and Finland, which are also suspending shipments to the U.S. under the same value threshold.
Exceptions to the New Rules
Parcels valued at more than USD $800 can still be sent as normal, provided they are declared to customs.
There are also two important exceptions. Gifts between private individuals worth less than USD $100 can still be sent, as can postal shipments containing documents.
There is no change for shipments from the USA to Norway, says a press contact at Posten.
What This Means For You
If you live in Norway and need to send something to friends, family, or customers in the United States, you’ll need to check the value carefully.
Gifts under USD $100 and documents can still be posted without issue. Anything else must either exceed the USD $800 threshold or be sent using an alternative courier service that can handle customs clearance on your behalf.
Posten made clear they hope this is a temporary measure and that a solution can be found.