Act relating to the regulation of imports and exports

Section 1. The King may, in accordance with the restrictions ensuing from agreements with foreign states or international organizations, issue regulations prohibiting the import or export of goods, including live plants and animals, or requiring a special licence for such import or export. Special conditions may be laid down for granting such a licence.

The regulations referred to in the first paragraph shall also apply to imports from and exports to Svalbard, Jan Mayen and territories under the jurisdiction of Norway. The regulations relating to exports shall also apply to all deliveries to foreign countries of goods derived from catches from Norwegian vessels.

Section 2. All persons shall be obliged to supply the ministry concerned with the information required to implement the provisions of the Act. If so requested, the persons concerned shall be obliged to present accounts ledgers, as well as commercial and other documents that the Ministry regards as being relevant to the case. If necessary, the Ministry may request that such ledgers and documents be investigated by the police.

When so decided by the Ministry, public authorities responsible for assessing or collecting taxes or duty may be allowed access to information submitted in accordance with this Act.

When not prevented by the obligations of public office, all persons shall be obliged to maintain secrecy with regard to information received in the course of their duties pursuant to this Act. Sections 13 to 13e of the Public Administration Act do not apply here.

Section 3. The King or the agency so authorized may issue further regulations supplementing or implementing this Act.

Section 4. Any person who intentionally

1. imports or exports or attempts to import or export goods, including live plants and animals, in contravention of this Act or regulations issued pursuant to the Act, or who
2. contravenes or attempts to contravene conditions laid down pursuant to this Act, or who
3. sells imported goods, including live animals and plants, without notifying that conditions laid down pursuant to the first paragraph of section 1, restrict the right of disposal of the goods sold, or who
4. provides incorrect verbal or written information
   • a. in statements provided for the use of the public authorities or a public official in connection with imports or exports or with an application for a licence to import or export or
   • b. in statements which may lead to another person making such statements as referred to under litra a, concerning any circumstances of relevance for the right to import or export goods, or who
5. contravenes or attempts to contravene in any other way provisions of the Act or regulations issued pursuant to the Act,

shall be liable to fines or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both unless such conduct is liable to more severe penal measures.

Any person who is an accessory to such contravention as referred to in the first paragraph shall be liable to the same penalties.

Any person who unintentionally contravenes or is an accessory to such contravention as referred to in the first paragraph, shall be liable to fines or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months.

Contravention of this section is an offence.

Section 5. This Act shall enter into force immediately. Act No. 29 of 13 December 1946 relating to the provisional ban on imports and Act No. 30 of 13 December 1946 relating to the provisional ban on exports shall be repealed at the same time. Regulations issued and decisions made pursuant to the said acts shall be valid until they are repealed or replaced by regulations or decisions issued pursuant to this Act. Penalties imposed in response to contravention of such regulations shall correspondingly be subject to section 4.