Denmark Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Denmark customs guide supports individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation, or door-to-door shipping to the Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark follows EU customs frameworks, but enforces its own regulations on household goods, vehicles, pets, restricted items and residency documentation.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Denmark, including export packing, freight coordination, customs documentation, and final delivery throughout Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg.

1. Moving to Denmark – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Household Goods

Denmark allows the duty-free import of used household goods when an individual relocates their residence from a non-EU country. To qualify, the goods must:

Have been owned and used for a minimum of 6 months
Be intended for continued personal use — not resale
Arrive within a reasonable period before or after your relocation
Belong to a person who is becoming a Danish resident

Important: Duty exemption applies only to used goods. New goods or items still in packaging may be taxed.

1.2 Entry from EU vs Non-EU Countries

From EU: No customs duty, but restricted items still apply
From non-EU: Full customs inspection and documentation required

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

The following documents are typically required for customs clearance in Denmark:

Copy of passport (photo page)
Danish residency documentation or proof of pending registration
Detailed inventory list in English or Danish
Bill of lading / seaway bill / airway bill
Declaration confirming that goods are for personal use

2.2 Inventory Requirements

Clearly describe goods — avoid vague labels such as "miscellaneous"
Group fragile or high-value items separately
Ensure every box is numbered and corresponds to the inventory
Electronics and antiques may require proof of use

H-H Relocations Tip: Accurate labeling reduces the risk of inspection delays or duty assessment.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles to Denmark

3.1 Vehicle Import Conditions

You may import a vehicle as part of your relocation, though specific rules apply:

Vehicle must have been owned and used for at least 6 months abroad
It cannot be sold in Denmark for 12 months after import
Vehicle must comply with Danish and EU standards
Taxes may apply even if personal-use exemptions are granted

3.2 Required Vehicle Documents

Original registration/title documents
Proof of ownership and insurance
Bill of lading
Danish residence documentation

Important: Denmark applies some of Europe’s highest vehicle registration taxes — research before shipping.

4. Bringing Pets to Denmark

Denmark follows EU pet import rules for dogs, cats and ferrets.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

ISO-compliant microchip
Valid rabies vaccination
EU pet passport or veterinary health certificate
Tapeworm treatment where applicable

Pet Travel Tip: Ensure vaccination sequences align with travel dates — pets without proper certification may be denied entry.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Other Restricted Items

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol can be imported for personal use, but commercial quantities require declaration and duties. Duty-free allowances do not apply to freight shipments, only to personal travel.

5.2 Tobacco Products

Tobacco is controlled and may incur taxes depending on quantity. Keep amounts within personal-use limits and declare where applicable.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

Denmark enforces EU restrictions on biosecurity and animal-origin goods:

Fresh meat, dairy and many food products from non-EU countries are not permitted
Plant-based items may require phytosanitary certificates
Items that pose disease or pest risks may be refused entry

Important: Do not include prohibited food or plant products in your shipment. Customs may seize or destroy goods that breach safety regulations.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Denmark

The following items are not permitted in personal household goods shipments:

Illegal narcotics and controlled substances
Weapons, explosives and unlicensed firearms
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Obscene or prohibited publications
Endangered animal products without proper certification
Items posing public safety or biosecurity risks

Violations may result in confiscation, fines, or legal penalties. When unsure, verify before placing items in your shipment.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Denmark

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

To ensure a smooth international move from Toronto to Denmark, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Start documentation early to avoid clearance delays
Ensure all goods are used, not new, to claim duty-free import
Separate high-value items and list them clearly
Keep important personal documents with you—not in the shipment

7.2 Why work with a specialist overseas mover

Denmark’s customs processes require organized documentation and familiarity with EU rules. Working with a qualified international mover provides:

Compliance guidance on restricted items
Customs-ready inventory and packing support
Door-to-door services, including destination coordination
Reduced risk of duty assessments or inspection delays

Relocation Tip: The earlier you consult with your relocation professional, the smoother your Denmark shipment will clear.

8. Useful Official Links – Denmark

Always confirm the latest rules directly with Danish authorities:

This guide supports your relocation planning. Final authority rests with the Danish Tax Agency, Veterinary & Food Administration, and related Danish/EU agencies.