DenmarkDanmark
Overview
Denmark's customs administration is the Danish Customs Agency (Toldstyrelsen), an agency of the Ministry of Taxation. Toldstyrelsen operates at Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH), Billund (BLL), Aalborg (AAL), and other international airports; the ports of Aarhus (the largest container port in Denmark), Copenhagen-Malmö Port (joint with Sweden across the Öresund Fixed Link), and others; and land border crossings with Germany (Ellund/Padborg) and Sweden via the Öresund Bridge.
Denmark is a member of the EU customs union and applies the Union Customs Code (UCC) and EU CN8 tariff schedule. Returning EU travellers benefit from free circulation of EU-origin goods. Arrivals from outside the EU face the standard EU allowance: goods up to EUR 430 (air/sea) or EUR 300 (land/rail), plus the standard alcohol and tobacco allowances. Above the threshold, Danish moms (VAT) at 25% — Denmark applies a single VAT rate with no reduced brackets, unusual in the EU — and EU CN8 customs duty apply.
Denmark is a Schengen state; intra-Schengen travel does not require passport control. ETIAS launches for non-EU visa-exempt visitors from 2026.
For commercial imports, Toldstyrelsen operates DMS (Danish Customs System) electronic clearance platform aligned with the EU Single Window Environment for Customs. Importers need an EU EORI beginning with DK. Danish VAT at import is 25%, with the standard EU postponed-VAT mechanism available for AEO-authorised importers.
Denmark is a substantial industrial economy with strong pharmaceutical (Novo Nordisk — one of the world's largest by market capitalisation, driven by GLP-1 diabetes and obesity drugs), shipping and logistics (A.P. Moller-Maersk, the world's largest container-shipping company), wind energy (Ørsted, Vestas), and food-processing sectors. Copenhagen Airport is a major Nordic air hub.
For ecommerce parcels, Denmark applies the EU IOSS regime for ≤EUR 150 shipments. PostNord Danmark handles inbound postal mail.
Currency declarations are required above EUR 10,000 equivalent on entry or exit.
Denmark's alcohol policy is notably permissive compared to Sweden and Norway — alcohol is sold through regular retail rather than a state monopoly, and border-trade with Germany historically supports substantial alcohol import for Danish resale.
Some product categories require additional clearance. Lægemiddelstyrelsen regulates pharmaceuticals. Fødevarestyrelsen handles food. Erhvervsstyrelsen type-approves radio equipment. CITES permits are issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Postal-import handling is consolidated through PostNord Danmark. Above the low-value-import threshold, VAT is collected via the IOSS or by PostNord on delivery.
Prescription medications follow the standard EU framework: personal-use medications accepted with the prescription; controlled drugs require the Schengen Convention Annex 75 certificate.
The Kingdom of Denmark includes the Faroe Islands and Greenland, which operate their own customs regimes outside the EU customs union (they are constitutionally part of Denmark but not part of the EU for trade purposes).
Recent regulatory changes include the operationalisation of the EU CBAM, continued modernisation of DMS for AEO traders, Danish participation in the EU Single Window Environment for Customs, and expanding role of Copenhagen and Aarhus as Nordic logistics hubs.
For authoritative current rules, importers and travellers should consult www.toldst.dk and the EU customs portal.
Duty-free allowances (arriving travelers)
| Category | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 1L |
| Cigarettes | 200 |
| Personal goods value | US$460 |
| Travelers aged 17+ from outside the EU: 1 L spirits over 22% ABV (or 2 L under 22%) + 4 L wine + 16 L beer. Tobacco 200 cigarettes / 100 cigarillos / 50 cigars / 250 g loose. Goods up to EUR 430 (air) / EUR 300 (land). Intra-EU: personal-use quantities. | |
De minimis import threshold
N/A
0 EUR (post-2021 IOSS reform)
2021-07-01
EU EUR 22 import-VAT exemption ended 1 July 2021. All commercial parcels into Denmark attract 25% moms regardless of value. Customs duty 0% under EUR 150; standard rate above.
Cash declaration
US$11000
DKK
Arrival formalities
DKK — Danish krone
EU/Schengen kiosk — no paper customs form for EU travellers
- ETIAS (from 2026) — non-EU visa-exempt nationals
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or Air Waybill
- Country of origin declaration (or Certificate of Origin for FTA preferential entries)
- DMS Danish Customs declaration
- EU EORI on invoice
Restricted categories
- RESTRICTEDFirearms / ammunition (national permit + EU Firearms Pass)
- RESTRICTEDPharmaceuticals (national permit for non-EU prescriptions)
- RESTRICTEDCultural property over 50 years
- RESTRICTEDCurrency over EUR 10,000 (declaration)
Prohibited categories
- PROHIBITEDNarcotic drugs
- PROHIBITEDCounterfeit branded goods (EU Regulation 608/2013)
- PROHIBITEDCITES-listed species and parts
- PROHIBITEDAsbestos products
Special notes
- Denmark is in the Schengen Area; intra-Schengen travel does not require customs declaration.
- Currency: Danish krone (DKK); Denmark is not in the Eurozone.
- Greenland and Faroe Islands are NOT part of the EU customs territory — separate customs rules apply.
Import documentation
- —EU Customs Declaration (electronic via national portal)
- —Passport / EU national ID
- —EU Firearms Pass for licensed firearms
- —National permit for non-EU prescription medications
- —Cash declaration for amounts over EUR 10,000
Posting restrictions
National Post and Toldstyrelsen (Danish Customs Agency) handle inbound parcels at major IMCs. Personal-import parcels under EUR 150 attract 25% moms only; above attracts customs duty + moms + clearance fee. Prohibited mail: narcotics, counterfeit goods, CITES species, asbestos.
Top documented rules
10 of 20- PROHIBITEDCBD OilCBD Oil is generally prohibited for travelers entering Denmark.
- PROHIBITEDCannabis SeedsCannabis Seeds is generally prohibited for travelers entering Denmark.
- PROHIBITEDFirearmsFirearms is generally prohibited for travelers entering Denmark.
- PROHIBITEDPepper SprayPepper Spray is generally prohibited for travelers entering Denmark.
- PROHIBITEDPocket KnifePocket Knife is generally prohibited for travelers entering Denmark.
- RESTRICTEDVape / E-CigaretteVape / E-Cigarette is restricted for travelers entering Denmark; declare above the personal allowance.
- RESTRICTEDAlcohol / SpiritsAlcohol / Spirits is restricted for travelers entering Denmark; declare above the personal allowance.
- RESTRICTEDTobacco CigarettesTobacco Cigarettes is restricted for travelers entering Denmark; declare above the personal allowance.
- RESTRICTEDCash / CurrencyCash / Currency is restricted for travelers entering Denmark; declare above the personal allowance.
- RESTRICTEDCodeine (Medication)Codeine (Medication) is restricted for travelers entering Denmark; declare above the personal allowance.
Active Free Trade Agreements
Airports
- CPHCopenhagen Airport
- BLLBillund Airport
Land borders
Leaving Denmark
Industrial goods, services. Cultural property over 50 years requires Ministry of Culture permit.
- Pre-1945 art without permit
- Cultural property
- Foreign currency over EUR 10,000
Regulatory timeline
- EU-wide EUR 22 import-VAT exemption ends; all parcels attract 25% moms. skat.dk
Known scams
- Fake PostNord and GLS SMS phishing asking for a small DKK fee via a linked page. PostNord collects customs duty only via its official portal, never via SMS link. toldst.dk
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Top item rules for Denmark
Source: rules indexed for Denmark. See full rule list under the relevant traveling, posting, and importing hubs.
Frequently asked questions
How much alcohol can I bring into Denmark duty-free?
Travellers arriving in Denmark may bring 1 L of alcohol duty-free. Anything above the allowance must be declared at the red channel. Travelers aged 17+ from outside the EU: 1 L spirits over 22% ABV (or 2 L under 22%) + 4 L wine + 16 L beer. Tobacco 200 cigarettes / 100 cigarillos / 50 cigars / 250 g loose. Goods up to EUR 430 (air) / EUR 300 (land). Intra-EU: personal-use quantities.
How many cigarettes can I bring into Denmark?
200 cigarettes per traveller (or proportionally less in cigars / tobacco). Above-limit tobacco must be declared.
Do I need to declare cash entering Denmark?
Yes. Cash and equivalent bearer instruments above USD 11000 (DKK) must be declared on arrival.
What is Denmark's de minimis import threshold?
0 EUR (post-2021 IOSS reform). EU EUR 22 import-VAT exemption ended 1 July 2021. All commercial parcels into Denmark attract 25% moms regardless of value. Customs duty 0% under EUR 150; standard rate above.
Is VAT or GST charged on imports into Denmark?
Moms 25% (no reduced rates — Denmark applies a single VAT rate). Applied to imports plus EU CN8 tariff. EU IOSS for ≤EUR 150 ecommerce.
Can I bring prescription medication into Denmark?
Prescription medicines for personal use are generally allowed in reasonable quantities (typically 30-90 days' supply), accompanied by the original prescription and ideally a doctor's letter. Some controlled substances need import authorisation. Verify with Toldstyrelsen (Danish Customs Agency) for your specific medicine.
Can I send gifts by post to Denmark?
Gifts are accepted by post but are still subject to Denmark's import rules. Tax-relief gift thresholds (where they exist) are typically much lower than commercial thresholds. Declare honestly on the CN22/CN23 — undervaluation is treated as fraud.
What documents do I need to import commercially into Denmark?
A customs declaration filed with Toldstyrelsen (Danish Customs Agency), a commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document (AWB or B/L). Add a Certificate of Origin to claim FTA preferential duty. Sector-specific imports (food, plants, animals, medicines, electronics, dangerous goods) need additional permits.
What happens at Denmark's red and green channels?
The green channel is for travellers with nothing to declare. The red channel is for travellers carrying anything above allowances or any restricted goods. Spot checks happen at both. Lying or hiding goods can lead to seizure plus penalties.
What items are prohibited in Denmark?
Narcotic drugs; Counterfeit branded goods (EU Regulation 608/2013); CITES-listed species and parts. See the full prohibited list on this page.
What items are restricted into Denmark?
Firearms / ammunition (national permit + EU Firearms Pass); Pharmaceuticals (national permit for non-EU prescriptions); Cultural property over 50 years. Restricted items typically need a permit, certificate, or declaration. See the full restricted list on this page.
How do I declare goods on arrival in Denmark?
Use the red channel at the airport. Most ports of entry into Denmark accept either a paper declaration or, increasingly, an electronic declaration via an app or kiosk. Be ready to show receipts, prescriptions, or permits.
Can I bring food into Denmark?
Most countries restrict animal-origin food (meat, dairy) for biosecurity reasons; sealed commercial packaged food is sometimes permitted. Verify with Toldstyrelsen (Danish Customs Agency)'s agricultural / biosecurity authority before bringing food.
Can I bring vape devices or e-cigarettes into Denmark?
Vape rules are changing fast worldwide; Denmark may have specific restrictions, age limits, or outright bans. Verify on the current Toldstyrelsen (Danish Customs Agency) guidance before travel — bans have grown markedly since 2023.
Can I bring medicines containing controlled substances into Denmark?
Many countries require advance import authorisation for opioids, stimulants, and certain psychiatric medicines. Carry the original prescription, doctor's letter, and original packaging. For controlled substances, contact Denmark's health authority before travel.
Are duty-free purchases on arrival counted in my allowance?
Yes. Duty-free purchases at the destination airport on arrival count toward your alcohol and tobacco allowance, even though they were purchased after immigration. Buying duty-free at departure rather than arrival does not bypass the allowance.
What happens if a parcel arrives over Denmark's de minimis?
Above the de minimis, customs assesses duty and VAT/GST on the goods value (plus, in some regimes, freight + insurance). The carrier or postal operator usually clears it and bills the recipient. Recipients can refuse delivery if they don't want to pay.
Can I refuse to pay duties and return a parcel?
Yes. If you don't want to pay duties or taxes, you can refuse the parcel and the carrier will return it to sender or destroy it. This does not affect your tax record but means the goods don't enter Denmark.
How long does customs clearance take in Denmark?
Standard clearance for compliant parcels is typically same-day to a few days. Holds for incomplete declarations, biosecurity inspection, sanctions screening, or anti-counterfeit checks can take longer. Provide complete declarations to avoid delays.
Who do I contact if my parcel is held by Denmark customs?
Your carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, postal operator) is the first contact — they handle clearance on your behalf. If you need to deal directly with the authority, contact Toldstyrelsen (Danish Customs Agency) via the contact route on their official site.
What are common customs scams to watch for in Denmark?
Watch for: fake "customs fees" demands by SMS or email; impostor officials at airports; unsolicited phone calls about a "stuck parcel"; payment requests by gift card. Real customs authorities do not ask for payment via SMS link or gift cards. See our scams page for documented patterns.
Verify against Toldstyrelsen (Danish Customs Agency) before acting on any answer. Customs rules change frequently.
More for Denmark
Top inbound origins
Countries whose travelers most often arrive at Denmark.