Krever Temu-gebyr

MDG politiker Une Bastholm has called for Norway to introduce a levy on low-value packages imported from Temu and Shein, similar to the EU's measure. These Chinese online retailers often sell cheap and hazardous goods that threaten local businesses in Norway. Bastholm argues that such a levy, to be implemented from January 1st, 2027, should be at least 20 Norwegian kroner per package, matching the rate in the rest of the EU.

Currently, foreign e-commerce stores can send goods valued up to 3,000 kroner duty-free to Norwegian customers, a policy designed to ensure that online merchants pay at least some VAT to the Norwegian state. However, this has allowed massive volumes of cheap goods from retailers like Temu to enter the country with minimal control.

Bastholm aims to strengthen monitoring at the Tolerforbundet, Mattilsynet, and Forbrukertilsynet. Temu should not turn Norway into Europe's dumping ground for cheap waste, she says. The Finance Minister, Jens Stoltenberg, agrees that the current system is problematic and is working on several measures, including a possible import levy.

The government is also considering reducing VAT on imported textiles for Norwegian retailers, but not for foreign ones. However, Bastholm believes that these measures are insufficient. She and the clothing industry want to see more action, including removing VAT on second-hand clothing, repair services, and support for repair businesses.