Being a part of the European Union (EU), Denmark abides by its common trade laws, which include those about import taxes and customs. Businesses and people engaged in international commerce must comprehend import tariffs as they have an impact on expenses, legal adherence, and the general effectiveness of import operations. This page covers important topics that importers should be aware of and offers an uncomplicated description of importation tariffs in Denmark.

Overview of import duties
Levies or tariffs levied on products coming into Denmark from non-EU nations are known as import duties. These levies have several uses, including bringing in money for the government, securing indigenous businesses, and controlling global commerce.
Denmark doesn’t levy importation duties on products from other members of the EU because it’s a member of the EU customs union. Trade between member nations is eased and obstacles are removed by the free movement of products inside the EU. Nonetheless, import levies and customs processes apply to items coming from non-EU nations.
Determining import duty rates
A product’s import duty amount is determined by several criteria, including:
- The type of product
Harmonised System (HS) codes, a global norm for categorizing traded goods, are used to classify goods. The EU’s Common Customs Tariff (CCT) assigns a certain price to each group.
- The origin of the goods
Denmark abides by the trade accords that the EU has with other nations. Reduced or no duty rates may apply to goods from countries having preferential trade arrangements. For instance, reduced tariffs are frequently applied to imports from nations that are part of the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP).
- The declared value
The worth of the products, including their price, transportation, and insurance, is used to determine importation tariffs. To guarantee adherence to customs laws, accurate assessment is essential.
Customs procedures in Denmark
Customs clearance is required for goods coming into Denmark from non-EU nations. A customs assertion, which includes comprehensive details on the products, their value, and the appropriate tax rates, must be submitted by importers. The EU’s Customs Decision System is the only way to electronically submit the customs notification.
The declaration must include:
- A detailed description of the goods.
- Their HS code classification.
- The total value, including shipping and insurance costs.
- Relevant documents.
Additionally, products may be inspected by customs officials to verify conformity. To prevent delays and guarantee a seamless customs clearance procedure, proper planning, and paperwork are crucial.
Exemptions and special provisions
Some goods may be exempt from importation duties under specific conditions. For example:
- Low-value shipments
Import taxes are sometimes waived for goods priced below specific levels, such as tiny shipments or personal presents.
- Temporary imports
Duty exemptions may be available for items briefly imported for displays, maintenance, or special occasions as long as they are reexported within a predetermined window of time.
- Humanitarian aid
In some cases, goods meant for philanthropic causes, disaster assistance, or educational reasons might not be subject to tariffs.
To find out if their products are eligible for exemptions, importers can refer to EU legislation or Danish customs officials.
Value-Added Tax (VAT) on imports
Denmark levies value-added tax (VAT) on imported items in addition to import charges. One of the highest VAT rates in the EU is typically 25%. VAT is computed using the goods’ entire value, which comprises:
- The cost of the goods.
- Import duties.
- Shipping and insurance costs.
The role of trade agreements
The EU’s vast network of trade agreements with nations worldwide is advantageous to Denmark. By lowering or doing away with import taxes, these agreements aim to increase commerce. For instance: The majority of tariffs on products exchanged between the EU and Japan are eliminated under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. Also, the EU and Canada’s Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) reduces tariffs on a wide range of products.
Economic impact of import duties
An important part of Denmark’s economy is importation taxes. On the one hand, they safeguard home industries by lowering the price competitiveness of imported items. This promotes investment in Danish companies and keeps jobs in the area.
Still, import levies may make imported particulars more precious for both consumers and businesses. Advanced levies may increase manufacturing costs for businesses that depend on factors or raw materials from non-EU nations, which may reduce their capability to contend in markets.
You may also find these articles helpful



