The catalytic activity of Norit supported Cu, Ni and Cu-Ni catalysts was investigated in the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) by the oxidative carbonylation of methanol. Cu/Norit showed the best catalytic activity. The reaction was carried out in a continuous flow system at atmospheric pressure usually at 393 K. The main products were methyl formate, DMC and CO2. The methanol conversion on Cu/Norit achieved in steady state was about 22 % and the DMC yield 13.2 %. Based on the XPS data we can establish that copper reduced to its metallic form during reduction but oxidized in the reaction mixture, and is mostly in the Cu+ state, with some Cu2+. It is possible that the DMC formation rate depends on the surface concentration of oxidized Cu and on the ratio of Cu+ and Cu2+. Based upon the IR measurements adsorbed DMC was found on the surface of the Cu/Norit catalyst during the catalytic reaction.