§ 47. When an invoice becomes binding
If you receive an invoice or bill and do not object within a reasonable time, you are bound by the price stated on it. Exceptions: if you have agreed on a lower price, or if the invoice is unreasonable. This means you must react quickly to invoices you disagree with.
Machine-translated from Norwegian. The Norwegian text is the one that applies. Read the original in Norwegian.Norsk English العربية Polski Українська
The text of the law (unofficial translation)
If the buyer has received a bill or note, he is bound by the price stated, unless he states within a reasonable time that he does not accept it. This does not apply where a lower price follows from agreement or the stated price is unreasonable.
What does this mean?
An invoice (faktura) is not just a demand for payment — it is also an offer of a price. If you stay silent, you are in practice saying yes.
Main rule: If you receive a bill and do not object within a reasonable time, the stated price applies. Your silence binds you.
Two exceptions:
- A lower price has been agreed: If you agreed on a specific price and the invoice is higher, the agreement applies — not the invoice. You can demand that the invoice be corrected.
- Unreasonable price: Even if you did not agree on a price, the seller (selger) cannot simply charge whatever he wants. If the invoice is unreasonable — far above the market or what is reasonable — you are not bound.
What counts as a "reasonable time" to object depends on the circumstances. As a private individual or small business: 1-2 weeks is normally safe. Business relationships with ongoing invoicing may require a faster response.
Why is this so important? Many people think they can just leave the invoice and discuss it later. That is not correct. Your silence makes you bound.
Examples
Petter has hired a tradesman for some minor work. They did not agree on a specific price. Petter receives a bill for NOK 12,500 — he thinks it is a lot for the work that was done. If Petter does not object, the invoice applies under § 47. He must react within a reasonable time: send a written message disputing the price, preferably explaining what he considers reasonable. He may be entitled to have the price reduced if 12,500 is above a "reasonable" level.
Sara has agreed with a supplier that the delivery of goods costs NOK 18,000. The invoice arrives for NOK 22,500. The agreement applies under § 47 — Sara is not bound by the invoiced price. She writes to the supplier: "The agreement was NOK 18,000. I request a credit note (kreditnota) for NOK 4,500 and will pay NOK 18,000."
Common mistakes
- Leaving invoices unanswered and thinking you can discuss them later
- Disputing orally without written evidence
- Forgetting to react quickly — the clock is ticking
- Thinking unreasonableness is easy to prove — it often requires comparative documentation
What should you do?
When you receive an invoice you disagree with:
- React quickly — within 1-2 weeks
- Object in writing — email or letter
- Give your reasons: agreed price, unreasonable price, or something else
- Withhold the disputed part, pay what you actually owe
- Ask for a credit note and an itemised breakdown
Template:
"I refer to invoice [no.] dated [date] for [amount]. I do not accept the invoiced amount. Reason: [the agreed price was X / the invoiced amount is unreasonable because Y]. I request a credit note and a new invoice for the correct amount [NOK Z]. I will pay what I actually owe when the ordinary deadline expires."