Night vision and thermal cameras in Scandinavia: purchase, possession, and use in Norway, Sweden, and Finland

Country-by-country legal guide — Norway · Sweden · Finland

Scandinavia (Finland, Norway, and Sweden) ranks among the most dynamic European markets for night vision (light intensification) and thermal imaging, driven by highly organized night hunting practices and efforts to combat African Swine Fever (ASF) in wild boar populations. However, the three countries operate under different legal frameworks—and none of them treats ownership the same way as actual use during hunting. Here is what you need to know before buying, importing, or using a night-vision device or thermal camera in Norway, Sweden, or Finland.

⚠ Legal disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. Regulations change rapidly, particularly regarding the management of wild boar (*vildsvin* in Swedish, *villsvin* in Norwegian, *villisika* in Finnish). Always check current regulations with the competent authorities (Polismyndigheten in Sweden, Miljødirektoratet/politiet in Norway, Suomen riistakeskus in Finland) before any purchase, importation, or use.

One thing the three countries have in common: unrestricted possession, regulated use.

In all three countries, the fundamental rule is the same: owning a night-vision monocular or binocular, or a handheld thermal camera, generally does not require any special authorization—it is not classified as a weapon. What is regulated—sometimes strictly—is:

1. Mounting it on a firearm (thermal scope, clip-on) is therefore subject to each country's firearms regulations.
2. Its use during night hunting—where the central question is whether the device is classified as "artificial light" or as a prohibited electronic sighting device.

It is also worth noting that Norway is not a member of the European Union (it is part of the European Economic Area, EEA/EØS); this changes the situation regarding customs and VAT compared to Sweden and Finland, both of which are in the EU.

🇳🇴 Norway — nattkikkert and varmesøkende camera

In Norwegian, these products are generally searched for under the terms nattkikkert or nattoptikk (night vision), and varmesøkende kamera or termisk kikkert / termisk sikte (thermal camera or glasses).

Possession and purchase

There is no general ban on owning or buying night vision devices or handheld thermal cameras in Norway. These devices are sold freely by specialized Norwegian retailers (nattoptikk, varmesøkende kamera).

Use in hunting: a legally disputed situation

This is where Norway clearly distinguishes itself from its neighbors. Article 20 of the *viltloven* (Wildlife Act) prohibits the use of "artificial light" (*kunstig lys*) while hunting. The *Miljødirektoratet* (Environment Agency) considers this ban to apply to both electronic night vision and thermal imaging, whether the device is handheld (*håndholdt*) or a sight mounted on the weapon.

However, this interpretation is challenged by legal experts and hunting associations (NJFF), who argue that a thermal camera emits no light and therefore should not fall under the ban. No court ruling has yet settled the matter; the situation thus remains a legal gray area for ordinary hunting.

Two exceptions, however, are clear:

• Ettersøk (searching for wounded game with a dog, especially after a road collision): the use of artificial light and nattkikkert is permitted, provided that it is reported beforehand.
• Wild boar (*villsvin*): following the example of Sweden and Denmark, a regulatory relaxation is being prepared to explicitly authorize the use of electronic sighting devices and artificial light sources as part of the wild boar management plan—without extending this to other ordinary game species.

Finally, mounting a night-vision or thermal sight on a firearm falls under the *våpenforskriften* (firearms regulations) and involves rules independent of the issue of hunting itself.

Importing from France: customs and VAT

As Norway is a member of the EEA but not the European Customs Union, an order placed from France is not subject to customs duties (since the goods originate from the EU/EEA) but remains subject to Norwegian VAT (25%), payable uAs in Norway, the purchase and possession of a nattkikare or a handheld värmecamera is free in Sweden, without a special permit, for wildlife observation (viltspaning) or searching for injured game (eftersök).pon importation—unless the seller is registered under the VOEC (VAT on E-commerce) scheme and charges Norwegian VAT directly. This is a factor to anticipate: the French price (including tax) does not correspond to the final price paid in Norway.

🇸🇪 Sweden — nattkikare och värmekamera

In Swedish, searches typically center on *nattkikare* (night-vision binoculars/monocular) and *värmekamera* or *värmesikte* (thermal camera / thermal scope).

Possession and purchase

As in Norway, the purchase and possession of a nattkikare or a handheld värmecamera is free in Sweden, without a special permit, for wildlife observation (viltspaning) or searching for injured game (eftersök).

Use in hunting: the case of the wild boar

Sweden has introduced a notable exception as part of the fight against African swine fever and wild boar overpopulation: night vision and thermal imaging equipment are permitted for hunting wild boar (*vildsvin*) around the clock, 365 days a year. For all other species, the use of such equipment during night hunting remains prohibited.

Mounting on weapon: obligatory tillstånd

Mounting a thermal sight or night-vision scope on a firearm requires a permit issued by the Polismyndigheten (Swedish Police). Furthermore, the legal framework governing firearms in Sweden (*vapenlagen*) was revised in June 2026; it is advisable to check the latest regulations before mounting any such device on a firearm.

Importing from France: Intra-Community VAT

As Sweden is an EU member, an order placed from France falls under the intra-Community VAT regime (distance selling, OSS scheme): depending on the applicable thresholds, Swedish VAT (25%) may apply instead of French VAT. However, there are no customs formalities, as Sweden is part of the European Customs Union.

🇫🇮 Finland — yönäkölaite ja lämpökamera

In Finnish, these products are searched under the terms yönäkölaite or pimeänäkölaite (night vision device) and lämpökamera or lämpötähtäin (thermal camera / thermal scope).

Possession and purchase

Possessing a night-vision or thermal imaging device for observation purposes is not restricted in Finland. However, their use during night hunting is strictly regulated by Article 33 of the *metsästyslaki* (Hunting Act), which generally prohibits the use of electronic sighting devices capable of magnification or image transformation, as well as artificial light sources, for night shooting.

Three named exceptions, and only three.

Unlike Sweden or Norway, Finland specifically lists the species for which a derogation exists:

• The raccoon dog (*supikoira*) — an invasive species, permitted since 2019;
• Wild boar (*villisika*) — permitted since May 10, 2024, as part of the effort to combat African swine fever (ASF), without the need for an individual derogation permit (*poikkeuslupa*);
• The white-tailed deer (valkohäntäpeura) — permitted only via an annual poikkeuslupa, limited to a specific area in southwestern Finland and reserved for hunting clubs (metsästysseurat) registered with the Suomen Metsästäjäliitto for that area.

For any other game species, the use of a night-vision device or a thermal sight during night hunting remains prohibited by the Hunting Act.

Importing from France: Intra-Community VAT

As Finland is an EU member, the same principle applies as in Sweden: there are no customs duties, but Finnish VAT (25.5%) may apply under the intra-Community distance selling scheme.

Comparison table — Norway, Sweden, Finland

Key takeaways

• In all three countries, purchasing and owning a night-vision monocular or binocular, or a handheld thermal camera, is not a regulated activity in itself.
• Nighttime wild boar hunting is the main driver behind the easing of regulations across the region, a move spurred by the fight against African swine fever—Sweden and Finland have already paved the way, and Norway is considering doing the same.
• Norway remains the most uncertain case regarding hunting use outside of wild boar hunting and tracking wounded game (*ettersøk*): in the absence of a court ruling, caution is advised.
• Mounting on a firearm is, in all three countries, a matter distinct from possession or sighting, and is subject to national firearms regulations.
• Regarding cross-border purchases, Norway applies its own 25% VAT with no customs duties (due to its EEA status), whereas Sweden and Finland operate under the standard EU intra-Community VAT regime.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a legal professional or the competent authorities in each country before purchasing, importing, or using a night-vision device or thermal camera.