From October 1, 2025, new rules for the import of plants and plant products will enter into force in Norway. Importers will be required to submit a pre-notification to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) before the goods cross the border. The notification must be confirmed as received by Mattilsynet prior to entry. This change is linked to new customs procedures and the introduction of Digitoll.

Key Practical Changes

Until now, importers could send the pre-notification after the goods had crossed the border, as long as Mattilsynet received it before the shipment arrived at its final destination. From October 1, 2025, this will no longer be possible.

At the same time, changes are introduced in the TVINN customs system:
P2 – to be used for shipments requiring only a phytosanitary certificate. The certificate number must be entered in box 44.
P3 – to be used for shipments requiring both a phytosanitary certificate and prior notification to Mattilsynet in the MATS system. The phytosanitary certificate number must also be entered in box 44.

The new P3 reference is expected to be implemented on October 15, 2025.


Which Goods Are Affected?
The new obligations apply to goods already subject to phytosanitary regulations under §23 of the Plant Health Regulation, including:
– plants (nursery plants, propagation material, potted plants, etc.),
– soil, compost, and organic fertilizers,
– wood (roundwood, sawn timber, wood chips, wooden packaging, etc.),
– potatoes,
– turf grass (ready-made lawns),
– seeds (e.g., tomato, onion, leek),
– flower bulbs and some species of cut flowers,
– certain types of fresh fruit, berries, and vegetables,
– used agricultural machinery.


The new requirements apply to all importers, both businesses(nurseries, garden centers, retailers, seed companies, and any operators importing regulated goods) and private individuals (anyone ordering plants, bulbs, seeds, soil, or used agricultural machinery from abroad).


We recommend that importers check whether the goods they plan to import are covered by the new obligations. If you are a business, ensure that you are registered with Mattilsynet if required. Please also remember to obtain the phytosanitary certificate from the exporter in advance.

Sources:
https://www.mattilsynet.no/import/import-og-innforsel-av-planter-med-mer/fra-1.oktober-2025-ma-meldepliktige-planter-og-planteprodukter-forhandsmeldes-for-grensepassering

https://www.mattilsynet.no/import/veiledere-for-import-av-planter-og-andre-sertifikatpliktige-varer

https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2000-12-01-1333