🇩🇰 Import Customs & Duties: Denmark
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
25%
CIF value + duty. Denmark has a flat 25% VAT with very few exemptions, no reduced rates. One of only a few EU countries with a single VAT rate.
Clearance Time
1-3 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3.7% (smartphones 0%, laptops 0%, TVs 14%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 12% (knitted garments 12%, woven shirts 12%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-17% (leather shoes 8%, synthetic shoes 16.9%) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-26% (meat 12.8%, dairy 9-36%, sugar 33.9 EUR/100kg) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% (CNC machines 0%, pumps 1.7%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 2.5-6.5% (perfumes 6.5%, skincare 2.5%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-4.7% (video game consoles 0%, dolls 4.7%) | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Danish Customs (Toldstyrelsen) under the Danish Tax Agency (Skattestyrelsen) follows EU Union Customs Code. Electronic declarations via Toldstyrelsen online portal. Copenhagen Kastrup airport is a major Nordic cargo hub. PostNord handles postal customs and may charge DKK 160 handling fee. IOSS for VAT from €0 since July 2021.
What to Actually Expect
Highly efficient EU customs with well-digitized systems. PostNord postal parcels clear in 1-2 days. Express shipments same day. Denmark has a flat 25% VAT with almost no reduced rates, one of few EU countries with a single VAT rate. Greenland and Faroe Islands are NOT part of EU customs territory, separate rules apply.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
EU-standard licensing. Required for agricultural quotas, dual-use goods, weapons. Danish-specific: among the highest alcohol excise duties in the EU. Strict food safety controls by Fodevarestyrelsen (Danish Veterinary and Food Administration).
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Danish Chamber of Commerce (Dansk Erhverv). EUR.1 movement certificate for EU FTA partners. REX system for registered exporters. Greenland and Faroe Islands have separate trade regimes.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Denmark:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $2 | $13 | $15 |
| $100 | $4 | $26 | $30 |
| $200 | $8 | $52 | $61 |
| $500 | $21 | $130 | $151 |
| $1000 | $42 | $261 | $303 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Denmark
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Denmark?
Denmark has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Denmark?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Denmark is 25%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Denmark has a flat 25% VAT with very few exemptions, no reduced rates. One of only a few EU countries with a single VAT rate.
How long does customs clearance take in Denmark?
Typical customs clearance in Denmark takes 1-3 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Denmark?
To import into Denmark, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Denmark?
Denmark prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.