Import rules · Rest of Europe

Wood packaging import rules: Norway

Norway: ISPM 15 status for pallets and crates, approved treatments, the plant protection authority, common pallet sizes and main ports.

Last checked: 2026-10
ISPM 15 on imports
Required
Enforced since
—
Treatments
HT, MB, DH, SF per ISPM 15
Plant protection authority
Mattilsynet (Norwegian Food Safety Authority)
Common pallet sizes
1200 × 800 mm (EUR)
1200 × 1000 mm
800 × 600 mm (half pallet)
Main ports
Oslo, Bergen, Drammen, Stavanger

Overview

Norway applies ISPM 15 to imported wood packaging through its national plant health regulations. Mattilsynet, the Food Safety Authority, is the national plant protection organisation and operates the import controls, with district offices near the main entry points. Norway is in the European Economic Area but plant health is outside the core EEA arrangements, so the rules are national, even though they follow EU concepts closely and Norwegian importers see much the same expectations as in Sweden or Denmark: debarked wood, an approved treatment and the IPPC mark. I could not confirm the year enforcement began, so the start year is left blank. Unmarked or infested packaging can be refused, treated or sent back, and the importer carries the cost. Most trade enters by sea through Oslo, Bergen, Drammen and Stavanger, plus a large volume of truck traffic from Sweden over the land border, which is where checks on pallets from Europe are most often a question. Norwegian goods exports of fish and metals mean many pallets are marked for onward shipment. The pallet landscape is European: the 1200 × 800 mm EUR pallet is the base unit in grocery and building supply, and 1200 × 1000 mm pallets appear in chemical and process industry flows. Exchange and rental pools operate, but I did not verify their market shares.

Key points

  • Not an EU member; plant health regulation is national but closely modelled on the EU
  • Mattilsynet performs import inspections and registers treatment companies
  • Packaging from the EU is handled under national rules, so check whether marking is demanded on your route
  • Non-compliant WPM can be refused, treated or returned

Frequently asked questions

Does Norway require ISPM 15 for wooden pallets?

Yes. Imported wood packaging must be treated and IPPC-marked in line with ISPM 15, enforced by Mattilsynet.

Is Norway part of the EU plant health system?

No. Norway sets its own plant health rules, which resemble the EU's, so do not assume EU-internal exemptions apply.

Which ports handle most pallet imports?

Oslo, Bergen, Drammen and Stavanger by sea, plus heavy road traffic from Sweden.

Sources

  1. Mattilsynet – Norwegian Food Safety Authority
  2. IPPC – ISPMs index (ISPM 15)

Import rules change. Confirm current requirements with the national plant protection organization or your importer before shipping. This page is general information, not legal advice.