COVID-19 pandemic: ESA approves renewal and amendments to Norwegian aid scheme for lost inventory

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has today approved amendments and renewal of a Norwegian scheme compensating undertakings for spoiled inventory that can no longer be sold or used.

The scheme was initially approved by ESA in May 2021, covering the period November 2020 to April 2021. The renewed scheme expires February 2022 and will compensate losses that originated in the period from 15 December to 13 January.

Norwegian authorities in December introduced containment measures to mitigate a surge in COVID-19 infections. These measures affected undertakings in the hospitality sector with a license to serve alcohol, such as restaurants, cafés and bars. As a result, many businesses were unable to sell or use products such as foodstuffs and beverages before they became spoiled or expired.

ESA has also approved the inclusion of an additional safeguard for avoiding overcompensation under the scheme.

The renewed measure has a budget of NOK 28 million (EUR 2.8m).

Norway notified the measure to ESA on 27 January 2022.

You can read ESA's decision here.

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