When a foreign company is looking to do business in Norway, navigating the legal landscape can be challenging. Not only does Norwegian Compliance include an extensive list of obligations and responsibilities, but there are also special legal requirements for certain professions. Electrical work is one of these particularly regulated categories. The requirements of the regulations are designed to ensure safety and compliance with Norwegian statutory law and regulatory framework. In this blog you get a comprehensive overview of the requirements for foreign enterprises intending to undertake electrical work in Norway.
Legal framework and regulatory authority for electrical work in Norway
The legal framework for electrical work in Norway is primarily governed by the Electricity Supervision Act and the Regulation on Electrical Enterprises and Qualification Requirements for Work Related to Electrical Installations and Equipment (FEK). These regulations set the standards for safety, qualifications, and operational procedures within the electrical sector. Oversight and enforcement of these requirements are managed by the Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB), the national authority responsible for ensuring that all electrical work complies with Norwegian laws and safety standards.
Let’s look at the process of registering and achieve approval for foreign subcontractors in the electrical sector.
1. Registration in the Electricity Business Register
Registration obligation
First you must register in the Electricity Business Register if you intend to offer or engage in electrical installation, maintenance, or related services in Norway. This requirement applies to foreign entities operating through a local branch, subsidiary, or directly.
Registration process
The registration process involves submitting detailed information about your enterprise operations and the qualifications of your personnel engaged in electrical work.
Key details required include:
- Legal name and registration details of the foreign entity.
- Description of the intended scope of electrical work.
- Qualifications of your personnel, particularly the responsible electrical professional.
- Contact details for overseeing regulatory compliance.
The DSB administers this process, and registration must be completed before commencing any electrical activities to avoid non-compliance. The standard processing time is typically 1 to 2 weeks.
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2. Approval of the responsible electrical professional
Qualifications
Every electrical enterprise must designate a qualified responsible electrical professional to oversee electrical work. This individual must possess appropriate academic qualifications and substantial experience in electrical installations and safety protocols. For foreign enterprises, the DSB assesses and approves the qualifications of the designated professional.
Duties and responsibilities
The responsible electrical professional ensures compliance with safety standards and legal requirements.
Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing electrical installations and maintenance work.
- Ensuring rigorous adherence to risk assessments and safety measures.
- Consulting with the DSB for inspections and compliance audits.
If you fail to appoint a qualified responsible electrical professional, you risk suspension or revocation of the enterprise's registration. Penalties may also be imposed. The approval process typically takes up to 4 months.
Qualification requirements for electricians
All electricians performing work in Norway must meet the qualification requirements prescribed by law. This includes holding relevant certifications, such as the Craft Certificate. Foreign electricians must submit their qualifications for evaluation by the DSB, and additional assessments may be required if foreign qualifications are not immediately recognized.
The requirements and obligations described in this blog comes in addition to many other requirements that you must adhere to when in Norway.
Additional requirements for subcontracting
If your electrical enterprise requires use of foreign subcontractors distinguishing between employees and subcontractors is critical to avoid costly mistakes that can potentially disrupt the project timeline.
Also read: Employees vs. Subcontractors: The importance of proper classification
Requirements for workers from non-EU/EEA countries
When you are bringing foreign workers to Norway, you might also have to apply for a work and residence permit for your workers. In Norway, there are specific requirements for skilled workers like electricians. Make sure you know these requirements and how to act in adherence to Norwegian law.
Also read: Work permits in Norway for skilled workers
Plan ahead and avoid costly delays
Given the complexity and length of the registration and approval processes for foreign workers in the electrical sector, you should start early to avoid unnecessary costs and delays. Compliance with all registration and qualification requirements is essential for smooth and successful operations in Norway's electrical sector.
If this guide is overwhelming and you are not sure how to proceed, we recommend that you seek professional advice and support.
NEED HELP WITH REGISTRATION AND APPROVAL?
Let us know. Our experienced legal team is happy to assist.
