Denmark customs rules & duty-free allowances
Denmark enforces strict customs rules for non-EU arrivals, with a particular focus on alcohol and tobacco limits. The biggest risk is failing to declare cash over 10,000 EUR, which can lead to seizure and fines up to 50% of the amount. Customs officers are thorough, and penalties for non-compliance are steep.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without prior authorization)
- Counterfeit goods (including fake designer items, pirated software)
- Endangered species products (CITES items like ivory, rhino horn, certain furs)
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (except with special permit)
- Knives with blades over 7 cm (including butterfly knives, switchblades) – illegal to possess without valid reason
- Obscene or indecent material (including child pornography)
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications containing controlled substances (require prior approval from Danish Medicines Agency)
- Live animals (require rabies vaccination, microchip, and EU pet passport or equivalent)
- Plants and seeds (require phytosanitary certificate and must be declared)
- Drones over 250g (must be registered with the Danish Transport Authority and follow EU drone rules)
- Cultural heritage items (antiques over 100 years old may require export permit from the country of origin)
Arriving: red vs green channel
After landing, follow signs to the customs area. If you have nothing to declare or goods within the duty-free limits, use the green channel. If you have goods exceeding allowances, restricted items, or cash over 10,000 EUR, use the red channel. No arrival card is required unless you have something to declare.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Yes, Denmark offers VAT refund (moms) for non-EU residents. Minimum purchase per receipt: 300 DKK (~45 USD). Look for 'Tax Free' shops. Claim at the airport (e.g., Copenhagen) before check-in at the Global Blue or Planet Payment kiosks. Refund is typically 13-19% of the purchase price.
Bringing medication
Personal medications in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's note are allowed for up to a 3-month supply. Controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD meds) require prior approval from the Danish Medicines Agency. Some common Western drugs like codeine are prescription-only in Denmark.
Food, plants & animal products
From outside the EU: no meat, dairy, or products containing them. Fruits, vegetables, seeds, and plants require a phytosanitary certificate and must be declared. From EU countries: most food is allowed for personal use.
Rules worth knowing
EU vs non-EU rules
If you arrive from another EU country, you can bring unlimited alcohol and tobacco for personal use, but customs may ask for proof it's not for resale. From outside the EU, strict limits apply.
Alcohol and tobacco for personal use only
Customs officers may question large quantities even within limits. If they suspect commercial intent, they can seize goods and fine you.
Cash declaration is mandatory
Failing to declare cash over 10,000 EUR (or equivalent) can result in seizure and fines up to 50% of the amount. Always declare at the red channel or online.
Greenland and Faroe Islands are not EU
If you arrive from Greenland or the Faroe Islands, you are treated as arriving from outside the EU for customs purposes, even though they are part of the Kingdom of Denmark.