In 2026, Digitoll will be introduced as a new reform for digital customs reporting in Norway. For logistics players, this means significant changes in both responsibilities and routines. Digitoll introduces new obligations for carriers and importers – but also represents a unique opportunity for added value creation for those who take the right steps.
The reform will contribute to faster transport and clearance of goods, improved data quality, and more efficient collaboration between industry stakeholders. At the same time, it requires considerable effort from both authorities and businesses to realize the vision of a fully digital customs border.
As of now, many companies are still on the fence regarding Digitoll, and some measures from the Norwegian Customs Authority remain to further ease the transition. Nevertheless, there is little doubt that the Customs Authority is serious about implementation – and that the time for action has come for all affected actors.
In this article, we explain what Digitoll entails – and how you can succeed.
The Norwegian Customs Authority’s modernization program, Digitoll, consists of two main parts:
1. Reporting and information obligation (effective February 1, 2026)
The transporter's reporting and information obligation (MO) is the first part of Digitoll to be implemented and represents the most significant practical change for many. All transport and goods information must be submitted electronically to the Customs Authority before crossing the border, allowing vehicles to usually pass without stopping – guided solely by digital signals such as screens and traffic lights.
This differs significantly from the current system, where the transporter must physically appear at the customs office and present paper documentation. Since digital MO requires information about all shipments on a vehicle, it can pose additional challenges for actors engaged in consolidated shipments.
The solution lies in strong collaboration among parties sharing the same vehicle – a topic we address in our tips later in this article. In the long term, Digitoll MO will provide the Customs Authority with better oversight, faster customs processing, and smoother goods flow into Norway – benefits for all parties involved.
2. Changes in the customs declaration obligation (effective September 1, 2026)
The declaration obligation lies with the party responsible for clearing the goods – either the importer themselves or their customs representative. The change means that the customs declaration for each shipment must be completed and submitted to the Customs Authority via the TVINN system before the goods arrive at the border, regardless of the procedure used.
For many, this is a significant shift in customs practices, as the current direct clearance system – which allows up to 10 days to declare goods after crossing the border – will no longer be available.
What does this mean for freight forwarders, transporters, and importers?
The reporting obligation and the customs declaration obligation are closely linked. Both require major changes in how businesses handle cross-border freight and customs clearance, offering both greater benefits and increased responsibilities. Closer coordination between the importer, freight forwarder, and transporter is also required so that the digital information follows the goods all the way to the border.
For importers
Importers must provide complete documentation for the goods being imported so that customs clearance can be completed well before arrival. Commercial invoices, certificates of origin, and other relevant documentation must be made available to the internal customs department or an external customs representative in good time to ensure the declaration obligation is fulfilled.
For Freight Forwarders or Customs Representatives
Freight forwarders or customs representatives must ensure that goods are cleared well before they reach the border. This may require establishing new internal workflows, especially for those accustomed to the current direct clearance system.
The forwarder must also coordinate the process with the transporter, so that the reporting and information obligations are fulfilled by one of the parties. In cases where a consolidated vehicle carries shipments from multiple forwarders, clear communication among all parties is crucial. This ensures that information about all goods on the vehicle is recorded on the same Digitoll manifest – a key factor for the vehicle to receive a green light at the border.
System providers and the Customs Authority must facilitate efficient collaboration and technical data exchange to enable smooth consolidated shipments for logistics actors.
For Transporters
Currently, transporters are responsible for the reporting and information obligation at the border. With Digitoll digitalizing this process, it is important that transporters clearly define their role in relation to both the forwarder and the importer.
In some cases, it may be practical for the transporter to submit the digital transport information themselves. In other cases, the forwarder may take full operational responsibility, including submitting both transport and goods information.
If the forwarder assumes this responsibility, they must ensure efficient and reliable sharing of transport data, including vehicle information, driver details, customs location, and expected arrival times. It is also crucial that the responsible sender is notified of any changes in vehicle, route, or arrival time so that updated information can be sent to the Customs Authority before the goods arrive.
Based on experience from pilot projects with various industry players, we have identified several factors that can help your business succeed with Digitoll. Here are some general tips:
1. Position yourself as a serious Digitoll actor
Digitoll is a major challenge that requires clear focus. Start preparing today and consider how your business can gain long-term benefits from the reform.
2. Establish clear guidelines for partners
Define how customers, suppliers, and partners should interact with your organization during the transition to Digitoll. Clarity builds confidence, and all parties benefit from setting clear expectations for a successful process.
3. Start small and scale gradually
Begin with small volumes and increase gradually. This allows for early practical experience and a smoother transition. Set a target date for full implementation of Digitoll across all your shipments. Most importantly: try, learn, and iterate!
4. Map needs along the way
Identify technical and user-focused requirements that are not currently met. Skypass – along with other system providers – can develop solutions to better support your Digitoll operations. Collect hands-on experience to inform these solutions.
5. Ask for help
Sharing knowledge is key. Reach out to colleagues in the industry for insights and inspiration. There are partners available, from dedicated consultants to system providers, actively helping businesses navigate the transition.
To all readers: thank you for your attention, and good luck with Digitoll!
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