While a small market in the European Union, Denmark provides export opportunities for U.S. wine, seafood, tree nuts and several other products. The focus of the exporter guide is Consumer-Oriented Products and Seafood products and provides practical tips to U.S. exporters on how to do business in Denmark. Scandinavia is a high-income country located in Denmark. The small, open economy of the country is highly dependent on foreign trade.
The Danish export process
Exporting goods is a business-friendly environment and Denmark is a member of the European Union. Here’s a general guide on the process:
Identify your target market
Market research: Do some research to find out where the markets for your products may be.
Understand regulations: Learn about export regulations, labelling requirements and customs procedures that apply in your target market.
Choose a distribution channel
Direct exporting: Choose modules by which to sell directly to importers or end users of the final product.
Indirect exporting: You use intermediaries: distributors or agents, to sell or market your products for you.
Prepare export documentation
- Commercial Invoice: It is a detailed document containing the goods being exported, and their value.
- Packing List: A list of items shipped, descriptions, and quantities.
- Bill of Lading: A document of receipt for cargo delivered to a carrier for shipment.
- Certificate of Origin: A document that certifies the country of origin of goods.
Customs clearance
Export declaration: Notify Danish Customs and complete and submit an export declaration.
Customs procedures: As per Danish customs procedures and regulations.
Export Licenses: Certain goods will need special export licenses or permits.
Shipping and logistics
Choose a reliable Carrier: Choose a reputable shipping company and use them to transport your goods.
Packaging and labelling: Comply with your international shipping standards and your customs regulations by packaging and labelling your products correctly.
Insurance: Get insurance on the goods while travelling.
Payment and financial considerations
Payment terms: Find out which payment terms are the best (say, e.g., letter of credit, wire transfer, etc.) to minimize risks.
Currency exchange: Arrange for currency exchange to pay you in the currency you prefer.
Banking and financial services: Build relationships with banks plus financial institutions to engage through worldwide transactions.
Compliance and regulations
Export Controls: Export control rules including Danish rules and international trade agreements.
Intellectual property rights: Registering trademarks and patents will protect your intellectual property rights.
Environmental Regulations: Packaging and labelling as well as transportation of goods have to comply with environmental regulations.
Additional tips
Seek Professional Advice: If you are not sure how to go about exporting consider consulting an export consultant or international trade advisor to navigate the complexities.
Join Trade Associations: Relevant trade associations can give you valuable information, networking opportunities and support.
Utilize Government Resources: Use of government resources and export promotion agencies for procuring market information, financing facilities and export assistance.
Special customs requirements
The shipper/exporter themselves will do an export declaration to customs which must be done. The latest 24 hours before vessel arrival (weekends excluded) export declaration (MRN) is required. Before sending to Maersk, status 40 must be released (customs system).
If you follow these guidelines and get professional advice you can export goods from Denmark to international markets.
Danish export controls
Denmark’s export controls comply with EU regulations covering four regimes: Wassenaar (general products), the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Australia Group (chemicals) and the Missile Technology Control Regime.
How to export
Indirect selling and direct selling are the most common ways to export. Indirect selling involves an export intermediary (such as an export management company (EMC) or an export trading company (ETC) taking responsibility for finding overseas buyers, shipping products, and collecting payment.
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