Tiny Denmark - much smaller than Nova Scotia - has punched above its weight since the time of the Vikings in the 8th century. From those seafaring marauders, Denmark has evolved into a peaceable Kingdom at the forefront of scientific research and the development of computer languages.
But the Danes also know how to relax. And so the world can thank them for:
The stories of Hans Christian Andersen
Playing with Lego
Getting comfortable and cozy with hygge
As a developed country with a high standard of living, Denmark has a healthy e-commerce economy - each Dane spends about $3500 USD per year. That's thanks in part to the Danish having amongst the highest rates of internet use and smartphone penetration in the EU.
So, maybe it's time for you to say hej to some very modern Vikings.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Denmark through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Denmark. In case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Denmark
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Sonderborg, SO, DK
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Helsingor, HE, DK
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
Svendborg, SV, DK
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Herning, HE, DK
In transit
May 31, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 30, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Denmark before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You may ship a gift to a person in Denmark exempt from duty and VAT if the shipment is valued at DKK 360 (about $75 CAD) or less.
Any gift shipment over DKK 360 (about $75 CAD) will incur VAT (25%). Up to the value of DKK 5,250 (about $1085 CAD), a flat duty rate of 2.5% will be applied unless the duty for the item is 0%.
Tobacco products will incur their declared duty rates. Gift shipments are expected to be:
Of an occasional nature
Intended for the personal use of the recipient or his or her family
Shipped without any expectation of payment
If the gift shipment contains any one of the following products: alcoholic beverage, tobacco product, perfume, or toilet water, it will incur VAT and possibly other special taxesregardless of its value.
However, if any of the above products are within certain quantity limits, they will be duty-free. Details about quantity limits for each can be found here.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in Denmark will be exempt from VAT and duty if its value is DKK 360 (about $75 CAD) or less.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to a business in Denmark will incur duty and VAT. There are no exemptions.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada ships a gift to an individual in Denmark, the shipment will incur duty and VAT. There are no exemptions.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Niels Bohr Blegdamsvej 17 2100 Copenhagen Denmark
Phone: +45 35 32 52 09
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If there are multiple gifts in one shipment and each has a value of DKK 360 or less (about $75 CAD), then no duty or VAT will be levied.
However, if any one of the items has a value over DKK 360, then it will incur VAT and duty.
If a shipment contains 2 gifts with values of DKK 400 and DKK 180, only the one below DKK 360 will be duty and tax free, and the value of the DKK 400 gift CANNOT be split to bring the total up to DKK 360.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Niels Bohr Blegdamsvej 17 2100 Copenhagen Denmark
Phone: +45 35 32 52 09
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
You may ship your personal effects to Denmark from Canada duty and VAT free providing:
You have lived in Canada for at least 12 consecutive months
Your belongs are used and you have owned them for at least 6 months
The goods will be used in the same way in Denmark as in Canada
Your belongings will arrive in Denmark within 12 months of your arrival
The personal effects cannot be lent or rented out, or pawned for at least 12 months from their entry to Denmark
Goods considered personal effects include:
Household appliances
Furniture
Bicycles and other sports equipment
Portable tools, equipment, and instruments required for your work or trade
Moving Temporarily
Students
If you move to Denmark to study, you may ship your personal effects duty-free from Canada providing they are for your personal use while enrolled full-time in an educational institution.
Allowed goods include:
Used furniture and appliances that are normally found in a student's quarters
Equipment, materials, and items required for school and learning
Used linen and clothing
NOTE:
You may claim the student duty exemption several times in each school year.
Non-Students
If a non-student moves temporarily to Denmark, their personal effects may be shipped from Canada duty and VAT free.
The following conditions apply:
The effects are used have you have owned them for a minimum of 6 months
The goods will be used for the same purposes in Denmark as they were in Canada
You have been a resident in Canada for a minimum of 12 continuous months
You cannot lend, rent, or pawn your effects for the first 12 months of living in Denmark
Personal effects are items such as:
Furniture
Home appliances
Sports equipment like a bicycle
Small, portable instruments and tools required for your trade or work
Moving Permanently
If you are moving permanently to Denmark as a result of marriage, you may ship your personal effects duty-free from Canada. The duty exemption is allowed for personal goods and new items.
Wedding gifts are also exempt from duty with a limit of DKK 7,500 per gift (about $1550 CAD), but they may not be alcoholic beverages or tobacco products.
To receive exemption, the following conditions apply:
You have lived continuously in Canada for a minimum of 12 months
You present a marriage certificate
The goods enter Denmark within 2 months before or 4 months after the wedding date (if they enter before the wedding, a deposit in the amount of duty and VAT is required)
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
A detailed description of each item is provided
If moving permanently is due to marriage, a marriage certificate is required
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
5 Pairs
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
IN
$40.00
1 Each
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
CA
$478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Personal Effects Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Food, Chocolate, Candies
There are strict controls governing the shipment of animal, dairy, and plant products into the European Union in order to prevent the spread of diseases and potentially harm agricultural production.
You May Ship
Coffee*
Sweets* and candies*
Chocolate
infant food, powdered milk, and foods for special medical diets**
*These products will incur special taxes. Click here for details.
**Maximum of 2 kg and in unopened packages
Do Not Ship
Dairy products
Meat and foods with meat by-products
Fruit and vegetables
Seeds
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section (see sample)
Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the country
You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Niels Bohr Blegdamsvej 17 2100 Copenhagen Denmark
Phone: +45 35 32 52 09
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Commercial samples are shipped by firms to encourage sales and promote products, and may enter the country duty-free providing:
They are of negligible value
They are representative of the goods being sold
They have been made unusable for sale
Their presentation and quantity are clearly for display only and not for sale
NOTES: If the sample is a book, it must be stamped 'Review Copy'.
Consumable Samples
Samples of consumables such as food, beverages, cosmetics, and chemicals are to be presented in miniature packaging that is clearly different from a normal container for sale.
For example, samples of wines are to be in labelled bottles holding a volume of no more than 200 mL.
Commercial Sample Checklist
A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
If the sample is a book, it is stamped 'Review Copy'
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Niels Bohr Blegdamsvej 17 2100 Copenhagen Denmark
Phone: +45 35 32 52 09
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Equipment repaired in Canada will incur Danish VAT and duty only on the value of the repair and shipping costs.
However, if the Danish shipper has obtained pre-authorisation for an outward processing procedure to occur in Canada, then the repaired equipment can re-enter Denmark partially or fully exempt from duty and taxes.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment repaired in Canada under warranty without charge may re-enter Denmark exempt from import duty.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment repaired in Canada from Denmark that is no longer under warranty will incur GST on the value of the repair and on any new parts required to complete the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Denmark
Equipment for repair may be shipped to Denmark under the EU's inward processing rules. This means the work will be exempt from and duty and VAT providing the equipment is returned to Canada.
The exemption is eligible on the condition that the equipment is returned to Denmark within 3 years of its export.
Returning Repaired Product to Denmark
Equipment repaired in Canada will incur duty and VAT on the value of the repair and shipping costs when it returns to Denmark.
NOTES:
If the Danish shipper has obtained pre-authorisation for an outward processing procedure to occur in Canada, then the repaired equipment can re-enter Denmark partially or fully exempt from duty and taxes.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Denmark or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods of temporary nature may be shipped to Denmark exempt from duty providing they are returned to Canada when their time in Denmark is finished.
Goods that are often shipped for temporary entry include:
Commercial samples
Products for display at fairs and exhibitions
Sports gear for athletic events and competitions
Scientific and teaching equipment, and tools
Items required for artistic endeavours and events
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Denmark you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details are shown in the table.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently
travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 6 months in Lebanon
NOTE:
If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently
Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods of temporary nature)
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
The threshold value for duty on imported goods is €150 (about $225 CAD), which means no duty is incurred on shipments below this value. The threshold value for payment of VAT is DKK 80 (about $15 CAD).
Occasional Shipper
If you only occasionally ship goods to Denmark from Canada, for e.g., through eBay, they will be duty and VAT free if their value is DKK 80 (about $15 CAD) or less.
However, VAT will always be levied on shipments of tobacco products, toilet waters, perfume, and alcoholic beverages.
NOTES: Sweets, chocolate, coffee, tobacco, and alcoholic spirits will incur excise taxes.
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Denmark, we recommend you consult a Danish licenced customs broker.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Niels Bohr Blegdamsvej 17 2100 Copenhagen Denmark
Phone: +45 35 32 52 09
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Denmark. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Denmark, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
Shipments to Denmark have VAT and duty charges calculated using the CIF method, i.e, the sum of the customs value plus insurance fees plus freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By knowing the CIF value of a shipment, you will be able to predict the duty and VAT owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
The threshold value for duty and taxes is the amount below which a shipment may enter Denmark may enter without incurring a duty or tax. This is also known as the de minimis value.
The threshold for duty charges is €150 (about $225 CAD); for VAT, there is no exemption, so all shipments will incur VAT.
NOTE: Alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and eau de toilette are always subject to VAT, duties, and excise taxes.
Currency
Danish Krone (DKK)
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€150 (about $225 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (GCT)
25%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€0 - effective July 1st, 2021
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Because of the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement between Canada and the EU, most goods that enter Denmark from Canada have a zero or reduced duty.
From 1 July 2021, the VAT threshold will be zero. All imports will incur VAT regardless of value.
Excise Duty
Certain goods when purchased on-line from Canada and shipped to Denmark will incur excise duties. They include:
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Denmark from Canada can take between 2-3 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.
