Has Finn.no become an accomplice to the black economy?
There are a lot of strange things on Finn.no – from "slightly used" tires that look like they've been in Le Mans, to sofas that are "almost like new" but come with free stains and a couple of uninvited tenants.
But recently, something new has started to appear among the classified ads: brand new items, in large quantities, at prices that make even Biltema raise an eyebrow.
Sure, there are good deals out there, but when a private individual suddenly sells 40 brand new Pop Mart figures – all with the same background image and the plastic still on – then it's hardly a home cleanup.
An El Dorado for illegal trade
Finn.no has gradually become a small paradise for the black economy and pirated copies. New goods are sold as "private" advertisements, but the reality is that many of these sellers are running a business without paying a single krone in VAT ,taxes or customs duties .
It's a bit like tax-free on steroids: people go on vacation, fill their suitcases with goods, and suddenly they've "cleaned their homes" for 20,000 kroner - every week.
We see it every day.
As a Norwegian online store with a warehouse in Skoppum and full reporting to the Norwegian Tax Administration, we at Products By Nordvik ENK have seen this problem grow. Several sellers are posting large quantities of new Pop Mart figures at prices that are simply not possible if taxes are paid.
This is not about someone selling an extra figure from the collection – this is organized resale, with illegal import.
We have reported several cases to Finn.no, but unfortunately many seem to find ways around the system: new accounts, new usernames, same pictures. A kind of digital version of "whack-a-mole" – you knock down one, and two new ones appear.
When the platform looks the other way
We understand that Finn.no is trying to prevent illegal actors, but when the volume becomes too large, the platform quickly becomes part of the problem. When you receive alerts – but fail to respond effectively – it is difficult to claim that you are not facilitating the black economy.
A hopeless competitive situation
For those of us who are serious about our business, this becomes a hopeless competitive situation. We pay customs duties, VAT and taxes, have customer service, warranty schemes and Norwegian consumer rights.
Serious players must follow laws such as:
- Consumer Purchase Act – warranty and complaints
- Right of Withdrawal Act – 14-day right of withdrawal
- Marketing Act – requirements for fair and correct marketing
- Customs Act – requirements for correct declaration
- Value Added Tax Act – VAT obligation for commercial activities
At the same time, rogue actors are allowed to operate freely – without costs, without responsibility and without conscience.
It's like running a race with lead weights on your feet, while your competitor gets to ride an electric scooter.
It's not just about us – it's about the community
When people fail to pay taxes and fees, the entire community is weakened. It is this money that goes to schools, healthcare and kindergartens – and to ensure that we can all actually have a well-functioning society.
So yes – this is serious. But it is also a systemic problem that Finn.no must take responsibility for. We hope Finn.no will soon do the right thing – because when the black economy is given free rein, the whole of society loses.
About your rights as a customer
As a Norwegian consumer, you have strong rights. Read more here:
- Consumer Protection Authority – Right of withdrawal
- Consumer Protection Authority – Complaints
- Tax Administration – Taxes
About Products By Nordvik ENK
We are a Norwegian online store with a warehouse in Skoppum, specializing in genuine Pop Mart products, Labubu, DIMOO, Skullpanda and other collectible figures. With us, all goods are original, with hologram and QR verification – and of course with customs, VAT and warranty in order.