Customs regulations and required documents
Personal effects import regulations
Denmark
Customs regulations
Do not get involved with drugs of any kind. Although Denmark is generally a liberal society, drug use is illegal, and laws are enforced. You will not be treated more leniently than residents. Drug dealers can receive heavy sentences. Anyone found in possession of illegal drugs deemed to be for personal consumption will often receive a fine or a short prison sentence.
As of 1 August 2018, it’s illegal in Denmark to wear in a public place any clothing which conceals the face. There are exemptions allowed in Danish law, when concealing your face serves a ‘worthy purpose’, e.g., for health reasons. Failure to comply with this law is punishable by a fine of DKK1000 (around €135). The fine can increase for repeat offenders. The law applies to both residents and visitors.
Homosexuality is legal and Danish law allows same sex marriages.
Whale meat is available in The Faroe Islands and Greenland but importing it into the UK/EU is illegal under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Any importation of whale meat to the UK/EU will result in seizure of the goods, possibly a fine of up to £5,000 and a custodial sentence.
Taking food and drink into the EU
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons.
- Customs procedures, including the classification and valuation of imported goods entering Denmark, are governed by EU rules. For information on import duties and tariffs, U.S. exporters may contact the Danish Customs Office listed below:
Central Customs and Tax Administration
Sluseholmen 8B,
DK-2450 København
Danmark
http://www.skat.dk/
Tel: +45 72-221818
- The following provides information on major regulatory efforts of the EC Taxation and Customs Union Directorate:
- The Union Customs Code (UCC) was adopted in 2013 and its substantive provisions apply from 1 May 2016. It replaces the Community Customs Code (CCC). In addition to the UCC, the European Commission has published delegated and implementing regulations on the actual procedural changes. These are included in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/341 and the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447.
- There are a number of changes in the revised customs policy which also require an integrated IT system from the customs authorities. In April 2016, the European Commission published an implementing decision (number: 2016/578) on the work program relating to the development and deployment of the electronic systems of the UCC. The EC continues to evaluate the timeline by which the EU-wide integration of the customs IT system can be implemented. The current deadline of December 2020 may be extended until 2025 (draft proposal)
- Key Link: Homepage of Customs and Taxation Union Directorate (TAXUD) Website
- Customs Valuation – Most customs duties and value added tax (VAT) are expressed as a percentage of the value of goods being declared for importation. Thus, it is necessary to dispose of a standard set of rules for establishing the goods’ value, which will then serve for calculating the customs duty.
- Given the magnitude of EU imports every year, it is important that the value of such commerce is accurately measured for the purposes of:
- economic and commercial policy analysis;
- application of commercial policy measures;
- proper collection of import duties and taxes; and
- import and export statistics.
- These objectives are met using a single instrument – the rules on customs value.
- The EU applies an internationally accepted concept of ‘customs value’.
- The value of imported goods is one of three ‘elements of taxation’ that provides the basis for assessment of the customs debt, which is the technical term for the amount of duty that has to be paid, the other ones being the origin of the goods and the customs tariff
Click here to view : Customs Regulations
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Passport
- Bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Packing list in English
- Declaration from diplomatic organization (diplomats)
- Detailed inventory (if alcohol is included in the shipment)
Specific Information
- All household goods shipments arriving by sea, air, rail, or road must be cleared through Customs at the port of entry (POE).
- Those coming from non-European Union countries, household goods which have been owned and used for a minimum of 6 months and intended for owner of the goods’ use, may be imported duty free by any person taking up residence in Denmark.
- Returning citizens must have lived outside the EU for minimum 12 months to qualify for the duty-free importation of household goods; verification from an employer or authorities abroad may be required.
- The owner of the goods must be registered as a resident with the Danish authorities (Folkeregister) prior to Customs clearance and the goods must be imported within 12 months of the owner of the goods’ arrival.
- Goods may be imported 6 months ahead of the owner of the goods’ arrival.
- This is subject to the owner of the goods providing a security deposit to the authorities for the applicable duty, tax and value added tax (VAT) payments.
- Assessing the duties and taxes on used personal effects is tedious and will require considerable handling costs.
- Please note that all consignments entering the European Union (EU) must comply with the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM15) that sets the guidelines for the use of wooden packaging material in international trade.
- Visitors and Danish citizens who do not reside in Denmark cannot import household goods free of duty.
- Diplomats employed with a foreign organization in Denmark may import personal effects free of duty and without Customs inspection, provided the local organization has issued a declaration.
- Returning Danish diplomats do not receive Customs exemptions or privileges, and shipments of household goods and personal effects will be subject to normal Customs regulations, including the payment of duties and taxes for restricted items.
- The duty-free import of household goods and personal effects to a secondary residence in the European Union is no longer permitted (as of December 1, 2008).
- The content of any packed by owner (PBO) cartons must be declared on the inventory to facilitate Customs clearance.
Click here to view : Country Guide
Dutiable Items
For free import regulations for the Faroe Isl. and Greenland, see separate subsections below.
Free import to passengers arriving in Denmark (excl. Faroe Isl. and Greenland) with goods purchased within the EU which are for personal use only:
Tobacco products, for passengers aged 16 and over:
- 800 cigarettes; or
- 400 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each); or
- 200 cigars; or
- 1 kilogram of pipe or cigarette tobacco;
Alcoholic beverages, for passengers aged 16 years and older:
- 10 liters of spirits over 22%; or
- 20 liters of alcoholic beverages less than 22%; or
- 90 liters of wine (though no more than 60 liters of sparkling wine); or
- 110 liters of beer.
Free import to passengers arriving in Denmark
(excl. Faroe Isl. and Greenland) from non-EU Member States (incl. Aland Island, Canary Islands, Channel Islands and other similar territories) :
Tobacco products, for passengers aged 17 and older:
- 200 cigarettes; or
- 100 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each); or
- 50 cigars; or
- 250 grams of tobacco; or
- proportional assortment;
Alcoholic beverages, for passengers aged 17 and older:
- 1 liter of spirits over 22% volume, or non-denatured ethyl alcohol with more than 80% volume; or
- 2 liters of spirits or aperitifs made of wine or similar beverages less than 22% volume, or sparkling wines or liquor wines; or
- a proportional mix of these products; and in addition
- 4 liters of wine; and
- 16 liters of beer;
Medicinal products sufficient for personal needs;
Other goods (for air travelers) up to a total value of EUR 430.- per traveler.
Free import for passengers arriving in the Faroe Isl.:
Tobacco products, for passengers of 18 years and older:
- 200 cigarettes; or
- 100 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each); or
- 50 cigars; or
- 250 grams of tobacco;
Alcoholic beverages, for passengers of 18 years and older:
- 1 liter of spirits over 22% volume and 1 liter of fortified wine less than 22% volume and 2 liters of beer; or
- 1 liter of spirits over 22% volume and 2 liters of table wine and 2 liters of beer; or
- 4 liters of table wine and 2 liters of beer; or
- 10 liters of beer;
50 milliliter of perfume, 250 milliliters of eau de toilette, 3 kilograms of chocolate products; 10 liters of soda;
Other goods up to a total value of DKK 2.500,-.
Free import for passengers arriving in Greenland:
Tobacco products, for passengers of 18 years and older:
- 200 cigarettes; or
- 100 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each); or
- 50 cigars; or
- 250 grams of tobacco;
Alcoholic beverages, for passengers of 18 years and older:
- 1 liter of spirits over 22% volume or 2 liters of fortified wine under 22% volume; and
- 2,25 liters of table wine of max. 15% volume; and
- 2 liters of beer: and
- 2 liters of soft drinks containing carbonic acid;
50 milliliter of perfume, 250 milliliters of eau de toilette, cosmetics and other toiletries up to max. DKK 1.000,-.;
4 kilograms of chocolates and sweets, 4 kilograms of coffee or tea, 5 kilograms of meat, meat products or poultry.
Products of animal origin, not originating from an EU Member State, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino or Switzerland, are not permitted to be imported into an EU Member State, with the exception of limited amounts from Andorra, Faroe Isl., Greenland, Iceland and small amounts of specific products from other countries.
Click here to view : Airport tax regulations details
- Pets need to be identifiable (tattoo or an electronic identification system), vaccinated against rabies and have a health certificate. For more information please refer to the nearest embassy.
- Maximum of 10 kg of meat, milk and dairy products coming from Croatia, Færøer Islands, Greenland and Iceland
- Powdered milk for babies, food for children and special medical food (including pets food) may be allowed if they need not to be refrigerated prior opening and that it is brand packaged food and the packaging has original seal (unless in use at the time) and its quantity must not exceed the weight of 10 kg originating from Croatia, Færøer Islands, Greenland and Iceland, and of 2 kg if originating in other countries.
- Fish only if it is disembowelled and does not exceed the weight of 20 kg,
- Currency – no restrictions if coming from EU country. Declarable for all travelling outside EU when the amount exceeds 10.000 euro or equivalent in another currency.
- Coats, fur and leather shoes made of protected animals will need special authorization.
Click here to view : Customs
Prohibited Items
- Meat and milk and any items thereof from non-EU countries with the exception of limited amounts from Andorra, Croatia, the Faeroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and small amounts of specific products from other countries
- Protected species and products thereof as listed by the CITES (Washington Convention) for example ivory, tortoise shell, coral, reptile skin, wood from Amazonian forests.
- Weapons and ammunitions
- Explosives
- Live, dead, and pre-manufactured animal parts outline in the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others.)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original registration
- Insurance card
- Original bill of lading
Specific Information
- Cars, motorcycles, airplanes, caravans, pleasure crafts, and motor trailers may be imported duty free if it is in the owner of the goods’ possession and registered abroad for a minimum of 6 months.
- The original foreign registration papers and insurance card must be available and submitted to Customs.
- The owner of the goods must personally present the vehicle to authorities for registration within 30 days following Customs clearance.
- Danish vehicle registration tax is extremely high and is required.
Pets
Documents Required
- Rabies vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Specific Information
- The entry of pets is permitted from most countries with valid documentation.
- The veterinary health certificate must not be more than 1 month old and must be issued by a European Union approved veterinarian
- The veterinary health certificate must be issued at least 3 weeks but not more than 12 months prior to departure from the origin country.
- Identification of the animal (tattoo or microchip) will be verified against documents prior to entry.
- All original documents must accompany the pet and be available to authorities at each point of transshipment and border crossings.
- Pets from certain countries may be required to undergo a rabies serological test prior to importation.
- Quarantine will not be required for healthy animals.
Pets:
Denmark: Cats and dogs are subject to Regulation (EC) No. 998/2003 and Regulation (EU) 576/2013 .
Birds are subject to Decision (EC) No. 25/2007.
For more information contact the Danish Consul.
Pets may enter as passenger’s checked baggage, in the cabin or as cargo.
Prohibited: the import of all birds, including pet birds and poultry, arriving from countries infected with Avian influenza.
Faroe Isl.: import to Faroe Islands of cats and dogs is only allowed if the owner has a permanent address in the Faroe Isl. or is moving to the Faroe Isl. for residence. Cats and dogs are not permitted for stays shorter than 3 months or if being in transit through Faroe Isl. to another country.
For other requirements see ”Denmark” above or www.hfs.fo
Greenland: Import regulations are very strict. An import license from the Ministry of Fisheries, Hunting and Agriculture, must be obtained prior to departure, see www.naalakkersuisut.gl/kl-GL
Baggage Clearance regulations:
Denmark: baggage is cleared at the airport of final destination.
Faroe Islands and Greenland: baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in Faroe Islands or Greenland and must be labeled to the airport of final destination.
Currency
Currency Import regulations:
Local currency (Danish Krone-DKK) and foreign currencies: same regulations as for Export apply.
Currency Export regulations:
Local currency (Danish Krone -DKK) and foreign currencies: amounts exceeding EUR 10,000.- or the equivalent in other currencies (incl. banker’s draft and cheques of any kind) must be declared.
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Entry to Denmark
From 1 March, those resident in the UK will be able to enter Denmark if they have a worthy purpose. You can see the list of worthy purposes on the Danish coronavirus website. This is a more extensive list than in recent months. You will need to provide evidence of your worthy purpose.
All UK resident travellers must also present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours before entry. Children aged 12 and under are exempt.
Danish citizens, UK nationals resident in Denmark, or other persons resident in Denmark will continue to be able to enter Denmark. If travelling by air, you will also need proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours before check-in.
The Danish authorities also require you take a test on arrival and to self-isolate for 10 days. There is an option to test to release after 4 days with a PCR test. There are some exemptions including those delivering goods and services in /out of Denmark.
You can check with the Danish authorities on their helpline (+45 7020 6044) for advice on the conditions of entry for foreign nationals.
You can also keep up to date at the Danish coronavirus website.
Face masks at Danish airports
It is now compulsory to wear face masks on flights with several airlines. You should check with your airline before travel. Passengers are responsible for providing their own face masks. It is compulsory to wear a mask throughout terminals in Danish airports. You should wear a medical mask from the moment you enter the terminals, on board the plane, and until you leave again upon arrival. It is recommended by the Danish health authorities to change the mask every 3 to 4 hours.
Travel to the Faroe Islands
All UK resident travellers to the Faroe Islands must have a special worthy purpose to enter in line with the Danish government’s stricter requirements.
You should check the latest guidance on entry requirements for travel to the Faroe Islands before departure.
You will be tested for COVID-19 on arrival. A follow up test on the sixth day of the visit is strongly recommended. Children younger than 12 do not need to be tested. Travellers will have to pay for the test. Each test costs approximately DKK 312 – 390.
You should expect long waiting times upon arrival.
All travellers should self-isolate until they have received the result of the follow-up test that can be taken six days after arrival. You shouldread the guidelines for home quarantine before you travel.
If you need further guidance or information on COVID-19 in the Faroe Islands you can visit the Faroe Islands’ dedicated website or call the Faroese Corona Hotline on +298 30 40 40 (open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm).
Travel to Greenland
Up until 18 April, all entry to Greenland is closed, unless you are a critical worker and your travel is approved by Greenland’s Corona Secretariat. All travellers on flights out of Greenland to Denmark will not be affected.
For further information regarding travel from Denmark to Greenland between 1 January and 18 April 2021, you can contact Greenland’s Corona Secretariat at [email protected].
You can keep up to date at Visit Greenland’s travel advice.
Regular entry requirements
The Danish authorities increased border controls at the land border with Germany in January 2016. Border controls were also introduced in November 2019 for travellers from Rønne, Helsingør, Frederikshavn, Grenaa and those using the Øresund Bridge, including all train traffic from Sweden. These checks are temporary but will be in place for an unspecified period of time.
If you’re travelling using the land border, or by rail, road, or ferry you should make sure you have your passport with you. Allow additional time, be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. Check with local media, your carrier, ferry operator or Danish State Railways (DSB) for more information.
When crossing from Denmark to Sweden various forms of ID are accepted, but must include a photograph, the holder’s full name, social security number or date of birth, holders signature, a stated validity and information on the issuing authority. Children under 18 accompanied by an adult with the appropriate ID are not required to carry ID themselves.
Visas
Greenland and the Faroe Islands aren’t members of the European Union. You don’t need a visa to enter for tourism, but you should get a work and residence permit before entry if you intend to live and work there.
The rules for travelling or working in European countries changed on 1 January 2021:
- you can travel to countries in the Schengen areafor up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training
- if you are travelling to Denmark and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days
- to stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you will need to meet the Danish government’s entry requirements. Check with the Danish Embassywhat type of visa, if any, you will need
- if you are in Denmark with a visa or permit, this does not count towards your 90-day visa free limit
Any time you spent in Denmark or other Schengen countries before 1 January 2021 does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
At Danish border control, you may need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. You may also need to:
- show a return or onward ticket
- show you have enough money for your stay
There are separate requirements for those who are resident in Denmark. If you are resident in Denmark, you should carry proof of residence as well as your valid passport when you travel. For further information on these requirements, see our Living in Denmark guide.
Passport validity
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip, and renew your passport if you do not have enough time left on it.
You must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).
If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Denmark. Your ETD must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.
Crime
Crime levels are generally low, but pickpockets and bag-snatchers operate in crowded areas mainly around Copenhagen.
Be aware that thieves can use a variety of methods to distract you, particularly when getting on and off from crowded public transport. Thieves are also known to operate opportunistically around hotel lobby areas and in cafes and restaurants.
Keep your personal belongings, including passports and money secure. You should also keep an eye on luggage, including in the overhead baggage compartment when travelling on trains to and from the airport.
This kind of crime is more common at the central station, Nørreport Station and on the main shopping street called Strøget and other areas popular with tourists such as Christiania, Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv. Pickpockets are also known to operate inside Kastrup airport.
You should take extra care in Christiania and Nørrebro, particularly late at night. There have been some instances of gang violence in these areas.
Local travel
Public transport is generally of a very high standard. You can buy bus, train and metro tickets at train station kiosks and some supermarkets. Downloading the DOT app lets you buy tickets online and get up-to-date travel information including the latest coronavirus guidance for public transport. You should check before travelling.
For intercity travel in Denmark, a seat reservation is required. All seat reservations are free at dsb.dk or ticket machines at stations.
There are outlets across many Danish cities that hire out quality bicycles for a reasonable fee.
Bicycles are widely used in Denmark and cycle lanes are commonplace. Many accidents occur when pedestrians don’t give the right of way to bicycles. Guides on cycling in Denmark have been published in English on the websites of Visit Copenhagen and Cyklistforbundet (Danish Cyclists’ Federation).
Electric scooters are available as a means of transport in and around Copenhagen and other locations in Denmark. Electric scooters are subject to road traffic rules; hiring and using these scooters under the influence of alcohol could result in a drink driver offence and a fine.
Ferries are available to transport you to Denmark’s many islands.
Road travel
Licences and documents
You can drive in Denmark with a UK driving licence.
If you’re living in Denmark, check the Living in Guide for information on requirements for residents.
Driving standards
Road conditions in Denmark are good and driving standards are fairly high. In 2019 there were 199 road deaths in Denmark (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 3.40 road deaths per 100,000 of the population and compares to the UK average of 2.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2019.
Driving regulations
Always wear seatbelts.
You must drive with dipped headlights at all times and they should be masked with special European opaque material available from most garages in the UK and Ireland. It is now law in Denmark to indicate before changing lanes on a motorway. You should carry a warning triangle in case of breakdowns.
Sanctions for speeding have become tougher. Those caught driving 100km/h in a 50km/h zone or past road works with a 50km/h restriction may immediately lose their licence.
You must give due consideration to the many cyclists present in Danish cities. Cyclists often have the right of way. It is particularly important that you check cycle lanes before turning right. See the European Commission, AA and RAC guides on driving in Denmark.
Employment
You should check carefully whether any offers of employment for asphalting or seasonal work are genuine, as there have been examples of people being misled Information on working in Denmark is available at newtodenmark.dk.
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