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Importing Pharmaceutical products from Norway into Australia (2026)

No FTA exists between Australia and Norway, so full MFN rates apply to all Chapter 30 pharmaceutical imports; the single most critical compliance obligation is confirming ARTG registration and holding a valid TGA Import Licence before the shipment departs Norway, as ABF will detain uncleared therapeutic goods at the border.

No FTA — MFN rates applyHS Chapter 30

Compliance requirements

  • Verify each product has an active ARTG entry and your TGA Import Licence covers those specific goods before shipment.
  • If importing narcotics or psychotropics, obtain a shipment-specific ODC permit at least 10 to 15 business days before departure from Norway.
  • Ensure the commercial invoice explicitly states Norwegian origin and includes all freight and insurance costs for accurate MFN customs valuation.
  • All therapeutic goods for human use must be listed or registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) before importation — ABF will hold shipments if the ARTG entry cannot be confirmed at the border
  • The importer must hold a current TGA Manufacturing or Import Licence (issued under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989) — this licence must match the specific goods being imported, and spot audits do occur
  • Narcotic, psychotropic, and certain precursor substances require a permit from the Office of Drug Control (ODC) under the Narcotic Drugs Act before each shipment; permits are shipment-specific so plan lead times of 10–15 business days
  • Biological medicines, vaccines, and any product of animal origin require DAFF biosecurity assessment and may need a Biosecurity Import Permit — cold-chain integrity documentation is also scrutinised at the border for temperature-sensitive biologics
  • Goods exempt from ARTG registration (e.g. certain compounded medicines or personal use exemptions) still require a formal TGA exemption reference to be cited on the import declaration to avoid ABF detention
  • No FTA exists between Australia and Norway, so MFN (general) tariff rates apply to all goods; a commercial invoice and packing list must confirm Norwegian origin but no preferential certificate of origin is required or available
  • Anti-dumping and countervailing measures administered by the Anti-Dumping Commission may apply to certain aluminium and steel products (HS Chapters 72, 73, 76); importers should check the Anti-Dumping Commission register before shipment
  • Strict DAFF biosecurity requirements apply to Norwegian seafood, fish products, and any goods containing biological material; import permits and health certificates issued by Norwegian competent authorities are mandatory for fish and aquaculture products entering under Chapter 3
  • Pharmaceutical and medical device imports (Chapters 30 and 90) must be registered with the TGA prior to importation, and industrial chemicals must be assessed or listed on the AICIS inventory; ACMA compliance labelling is required for all radiocommunications and electrical equipment

Key documents required

  • commercial invoice citing ARTG registration or listing number for each product line
  • TGA Import Licence or Manufacturing Licence copy (held by the importer of record)
  • Office of Drug Control (ODC) import permit for controlled substances (Schedule 8 or precursor chemicals)
  • Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Manufacturer's Certificate of GMP Compliance or equivalent TGA-accepted GMP clearance
  • DAFF Biosecurity Import Permit and cold-chain temperature records for biologics, vaccines, or animal-derived products

Import tip

Lodge your ODC controlled substance import permit application at least three weeks before the vessel or aircraft departs origin — ODC permits cannot be expedited after shipment, and a single missing permit number on the import declaration will result in ABF referral and potential destruction of the consignment.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 30 goods from Norway — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Other product categories imported from Norway