When importing goods from outside Norway, there is often a need to store them temporarily before the customs clearance process is completed and they are released for free circulation. In such cases, we use customs warehouses – storage facilities where goods remain under customs supervision.

In Norway, the most commonly used are Type A and Type E of customs warehouses. 

What is the difference between them, and which one should you choose? Read more below.

Type A Customs Warehouse – Public Customs Storage

A Type A customs warehouse is a public customs warehouse (offentlig tollager), most commonly operated by customs agencies, logistics companies, or distribution center operators. This solution is designed to allow multiple companies to store their goods in one shared location, without the need to operate their own warehouse.

Key characteristics of a Type A warehouse:

• Availability and ownership of goods: Storage is available to various companies, and the goods may belong to different importers.
• Responsibility: Lies with the warehouse operator (e.g. a customs agency).
• Location: Typically located outside the importer’s premises, such as in a customs agency’s warehouse.
• Control: A high level of customs supervision – frequent inspections and standard procedures.
• Usage: Ideal for companies that do not have their own advanced warehouse infrastructure or import goods occasionally.

Type E Customs Warehouse – Private Customs Storage

A Type E warehouse is a private customs warehouse (privat tollager) that can be operated directly by the importer or the owner of the goods. This solution is ideal for companies that want to keep the goods on their own premises before customs clearance, while maintaining their customs status and formally keeping them outside the market.

Key characteristics of a Type E warehouse:

• Availability and ownership of goods: Exclusively for the warehouse owner and only goods that are owned by the warehouse holder may be stored there.
• Responsibility: Full responsibility lies with the company operating the warehouse.
• Location: Usually located in the company’s own warehouse facilities.
• Control: Less intensive customs supervision, but requires accurate record-keeping and strict compliance with procedures.
• Usage: Perfect for importers with regular goods flow who want direct access to shipments while awaiting clearance.

Although Type A and Type E customs warehouses differ in structure and responsibility, they share some important features.

Both must be officially registered and approved by Tolletaten (the Norwegian Customs Authority), and goods stored within them remain under customs supervision. They cannot be sold, used, or altered without formal customs clearance.

A customs warehouse is an extremely useful tool for companies involved in international trade. Understanding the differences between Type A and Type E warehouses allows importers to choose the solution that best fits their specific needs.