Customs Law and Other Customs-related Legal Topics (TOL220)
Customs law and other customs-related legal subjects is a legal subject that deals with the customs authority's competence in accordance with the Customs Act and the Customs Duty Act with associated regulations. The legal framework for the exercise of competence is also dealt with, such as the principle of legality. The subject also sheds light on other topics that are relevant for the practice of duties related to customs, cross-border trade and the transport of goods. This includes topics within criminal law, criminal procedure, intellectual property law and human rights.
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
TOL220
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
Norwegian
Content
Customs law is about the legal rules for the competence of customs authority, which appears in the Transport of Goods Act and the Customs Duties Act and related regulations. Important topics in the subject are the principle of legality and the statutory framework for the customs control activities and use of force. Particularly related to control activities are also the rules on other authorities' obligation to provide assistance and information to the customs authorities and the customs authorities' access to areas. Other topics within customs law are duties on arrival at or export from the customs area as well as customs processing and customs procedures on importation. The same applies to disclosure obligations and changes to declarations. The subject also includes the topics of retention, seizure, sale and destruction of goods as well as administrative and criminal sanctions for breaking the rules
Learning outcome
The completed and passed course will give students following learning outcomes:
After completing the course, students should have:
Good knowledge of customs regulations
Good knowledge of the legal framework for the Customs Authority's exercise of control and use of force
Knowledge of the principle of legality within administrative law
Knowledge of the main features of intellectual property law
Knowledge of administrative and criminal sanctions for breach of rules
Knowledge of retention, seizure, sale and destruction of goods
Knowledge of the legal framework for interagency cooperation
Knowledge of criminal law provisions in the Transport of Goods Act and the Customs Duty Act and a basic understanding of criminal law
Knowledge of relevant criminal procedural rules
Insight into relevant topics within human rights, including privacy
After completing the course, students should have the following skills:
Be able to practically apply basic principles and rules from the Norwegian Customs Authority's jurisdictional area
Be able to explain how the transport of goods to and from the customs area should take place
Be able to explain the rules on the handling of goods and the connection between the rules
Be able to describe how the Norwegian Customs Authority enforces laws and regulations and their role in society
Identify administrative and criminal sanctions for breach of rules
Combine legal and customs exercise of discretion
Identify administrative and criminal sanctions for breach of rules
After completing the course, students must have the following general competence:
be able to exchange views and experiences with others with a background in the subject area and through this contribute to the development of good practice
have the ability to reflect and think critically in a professional context
know the relevant rules within the Customs Agency's jurisdiction
be able to explain the Customs Agency's relationship with other administrative units and other actors
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|
Written exam | 1/1 | 6 Hours | Letter grades | Lovdata 1) |
1) Lovdata eksamensversjon
Digital written exam.
Coursework requirements
One compulsory assignment must be approved in order to take the exam. The assignment can be of a theoretical or practical character. The assignment can furthermore be organized as a group submission. Further information, such as the deadline for submission, will be announced on Canvas at the start of the course. Form of assessment: Approved/not approved
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Kristine Gullhav HansenHead of Department:
Tore MarkesetMethod of work
The course is a full time study. Forms of teaching are varied and include lectures, seminars and one compulsory assignment. Students are expected to work independently and it is assumed that the students come prepared for the lessons.