Updated 16 March 2026: The article has been updated with new customs rules from the USA, effective from 24 February 2026 at 06:01 Norwegian time. A new flat tariff rate of 10 % now applies to all shipments to the USA.
Recent changes to US customs and import rules have made shipments from Norway more bureaucratic - and often more expensive - than before.
I'd rather spend my time making instruments, not interpreting customs rules and political statements, but unfortunately this directly affects my customers in the USA. Here is an updated and concrete explanation of what has changed, why shipping can look "crazy" in the store, and what customers in the US can expect when they order instruments from me.
What has changed (updated March 2026)
1) The de minimis scheme is still suspended - but there is a gift exception
The US maintained the suspension of the "de minimis" scheme (Section 321), which previously exempted shipments below a certain value from customs duties. This came into force in the autumn of 2025 and still applies: it is none General duty exemption for commercial shipments to the US, regardless of value.
However, there is an exception: Genuine gifts between private individuals (private-to-private) can be duty-free up to USD 100, based on 19 U.S.C. § 1321(a)(2)(A). This applies to not for ordinary store purchases - only genuine private gifts between individuals.
2) New flat tariff rate of 10 % - applicable from 24 February 2026
From 24 February 2026 at 06:01 Norwegian time, the US introduced a new flat tariff rate of 10 % on all international shipments - regardless of the origin of the goods. The previous IEEPA tariff rates, which varied according to where the goods came from, have been replaced by this single rate. This makes the costs more predictable than before.
The US authorities have signalled a possible increase to 15 %, but this has not been approved as of March 2026. Until a signed decision is available, 10 % applies.
3) Posten still requires advance payment of import duties
Posten's solution means that import duties and fees for shipments with a value of 0-800 USD are included in the shipping cost and paid when ordering. This means that the price you see at the checkout may include more than "pure shipping" - but it also means that you usually avoid an extra bill from the customs authorities when the parcel arrives.
What is included in the shipping price?
The shipping line in the checkout is the sum of several parts:
- Postage (shipping Norway to USA): approx. 505 kr
- Import tax (customs duty, 10 % of the value of the goods): varies according to the declared value of the instrument
- Customs clearance and handling fees: approx. 46 kr
Simple calculation example (parcel to the USA, instrument at USD 300 / approx. SEK 3,200):
- Postage: approx. SEK 505
- Customs (10 % of USD 300 = USD 30 ≈ SEK 320)
- Handling: approx. 46 kr
- = Total: approx. 870-900 SEK (depending on exchange rate and current value of goods)
Note: Actual amount depends on declared value, weight and exchange rate at time of order. The most important point is that the freight not is "The post office that got greedy overnight" - but that import duties and fees are collected in one payment when ordering.
Who pays - you or the customer?
In my online store, this is normally paid by the customer as part of the shipping at checkout. The advantage is that you as a buyer usually (Final judgement can always be made by US Customs, but in the vast majority of cases this should be taken care of).
For Americans: buying instruments from Norway in 2026 - what to expect at customs
If you are considering buying a traditional Norwegian wind instrument - such as a bukkehorn (goat horn), lur, or wooden flute – from Norway and having it shipped to the US, here is a plain-English overview of the current customs and import rules as of March 2026:
- No de minimis exemption for purchases: The US has suspended the Section 321 de minimis rule, which previously allowed many low-value shipments to enter duty-free. All commercial imports to the US are now subject to customs duties, regardless of value.
- Flat 10 % tariff on Norwegian goods: As of February 24, 2026, the US applies a flat 10 % tariff to imports from Norway (and most other countries), replacing the earlier, country-specific IEEPA rates. A possible increase to 15 % has been signalled but not enacted as of March 2026.
- Duties pre-paid at checkout: When ordering from Blåsemaker Grønnesby, the import duty is bundled into the shipping cost at checkout via Norway Post (Posten). You should not receive a separate customs bill on delivery.
- Gift exception (private person-to-person only): Genuine gifts between private individuals may be duty-free up to USD 100 under 19 U.S.C. § 1321(a)(2)(A). This does not apply to regular commercial purchases from a shop.
- Handcrafted Norwegian instruments: Traditional instruments like the bukkehorn and lur are rare, handcrafted items. The 10 % duty on a USD 200-400 instrument typically adds USD 20-40 to the total cost - a relatively modest amount for a unique piece.
Questions before ordering? Feel free to reach out - I am happy to clarify shipping costs and what to expect.
What do I do as a sender?
- I ensure correct digital customs declarations (product description, value, origin).
- I try to be open about the cost picture - so that you know what you're paying for before you order.
- I keep track of changes and update this page continuously when new information is available.
Questions before you order? Send me a message!