International companies ordering corporate gifts in Norway are often surprised by how Norwegian VAT (MVA) works. If you are sending gifts to employees, customers, or partners in Norway, it is important to understand how VAT is applied — especially when comparing local suppliers with international gifting platforms. Buying Corporate Gifts from a Norwegian Supplier Kosibox is a Norwegian-owned company with a warehouse outside Oslo, delivering corporate gifts across Norway. Because both the products and the delivery service are handled within Norway, Norwegian VAT applies to the order. For international customers, this usually means: - VAT is added to the invoice - The VAT rate depends on the product category - The VAT is paid directly to the Norwegian supplier during checkout This is generally the simplest and most predictable solution when sending gifts within Norway. Norwegian VAT Rates for Corporate Gifts Norway has multiple VAT rates depending on the type of product: - 25% VAT — the general VAT rate used for most products and services - 15% VAT — commonly used for food and beverage items Because many corporate gift boxes contain food products, orders may include a combination of VAT rates. At Kosibox, prices are typically displayed excluding VAT for business customers. The applicable VAT rate is shown on the product page and the final VAT breakdown is visible during checkout. Using an Overseas Gifting Company Some international companies choose to use overseas gifting providers shipping into Norway. While this can work, VAT and import handling still need to be addressed. In practice, Norwegian VAT usually has to be paid when the shipment enters Norway. Depending on how the shipment is structured, additional customs handling fees may also apply. A key point is to ensure that the **recipient in Norway is not unexpectedly charged VAT, duties, or customs fees upon delivery.** This can create a poor recipient experience and undermine the purpose of the gift. For this reason, many international companies prefer working with a local Norwegian gifting supplier that already handles VAT and domestic distribution. Can International Companies Reclaim Norwegian VAT? This depends on whether the company has a registered business presence in Norway. If your company has: - a Norwegian entity, - a Norwegian VAT registration, - or a Norwegian branch structure such as a NUF (Norwegian Registered Foreign Company), then reclaiming VAT may be possible through normal accounting and tax processes. If your company does not have a Norwegian registration, reclaiming Norwegian VAT can be difficult or impractical. In many cases, the VAT simply becomes part of the total gifting budget. Because VAT recovery rules vary depending on company structure, international businesses should consult their accountant or tax advisor for formal guidance. Norway is in Europe, right? Norway is **not part of the EU**, although it is part of the wider European Economic Aera (EEA). Thus, Norway is not part of the EU customs union, and all goods crossing the border between Norway and the EU are subject to VAT and any potential duties. For European companies wanting to order gifts from EU to Norway, or order gifts inside Norway with local delivery, Norwegian VAT will apply regardless. Why Local Delivery Matters Norway is geographically large, with complex logistics and strict import handling rules compared to many EU countries. Using a local supplier can simplify: - VAT handling - delivery timing - recipient communication - customs risk - address validation - support in Norwegian and English For international companies sending gifts to recipients in Norway, local fulfilment often reduces operational complexity and improves delivery reliability.