Denmark customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Denmark's customs is fully digital and famously strict on alcohol mixing: the 4-litre allowance is not a free-for-all, and bringing four bottles of vodka will cost you. Cash controls are enforced with real penalties, and food from outside the EU is largely banned.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
4.0 L
4 litres total, but max 1 litre over 22% ABV (spirits). The remaining 3 litres can be wine (max 2 litres) and beer (max 3 litres), or any combination not exceeding 4 litres total. Must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
10,000 EUR (approx. 10,800 USD) or more in cash, cheques, or easily convertible assets. Declare via the Toldstyrelsen app or website before passing customs. If you can't declare digitally, use the red channel.
Goods duty-free
$470
3,250 DKK (approx. 470 USD) for personal goods. Above that, 25% VAT plus duty (typically 0-20% depending on item) applies. Gifts under 350 DKK are duty-free.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and drugs (including cannabis, even if legal in your home country)
  • Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries (risk of African swine fever, etc.)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated media
  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives without permit
  • Endangered species products (ivory, coral, etc.)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Firearms and ammunition (requires police permit)
  • Medicines (prescription and controlled substances need documentation)
  • Plants and seeds (phytosanitary certificate required)
  • Drones (must comply with EU drone regulations and may need registration)
  • Satellite phones (may require permit)

Arriving: red vs green channel

At Danish airports, you'll see red and green channels. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. If you exceed any allowance or are unsure, use the red channel or declare via the Toldstyrelsen app before you reach customs. There is no paper declaration card; everything is digital or at the red channel.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Tourist VAT refund: minimum purchase 300 DKK (approx. 43 USD) in a single store. Look for 'Tax Free' or 'Global Blue' signs. Claim at the airport before check-in; you need the goods, receipts, and a filled form. Refund is 19% of the purchase price (VAT is 25%, but refund is calculated on the net amount).

Bringing medication

Bring personal medication in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's note. For controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD meds, sleeping pills), you need a Schengen certificate or Danish permit. Some common drugs like codeine are restricted; check with the Danish Medicines Agency. Max 3 months' supply for personal use.

Food, plants & animal products

EU rules apply: meat, dairy, and plant products from non-EU countries are generally banned or restricted. You can bring up to 10 kg of certain foods (e.g., fish, honey, eggs) from EU countries, but from outside the EU, most animal products are prohibited. Declare all food and plants; failure to do so can result in fines.

Rules worth knowing

Digital declaration mandatory

Since 2026, you must declare goods over the limits via the Toldstyrelsen app or website before customs. Paper forms are no longer accepted. If you can't declare digitally, use the red channel.

Alcohol mix rule

You can bring 4 litres of alcohol, but only 1 litre can be spirits over 22% ABV. The rest must be wine or beer. Bringing 4 litres of vodka is not allowed.

Cash declaration threshold

10,000 EUR or more in cash must be declared. This includes cheques and gold coins. Penalties for non-declaration can be up to 25% of the amount.

Bringing pets

Dogs, cats, and ferrets from non-EU countries need an EU pet passport, microchip, rabies vaccination, and sometimes a titer test. Check before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

No. The limit is 4 litres total alcohol, but only 1 litre can be spirits over 22% ABV. The remaining 3 litres must be wine or beer (max 2 litres wine, max 3 litres beer).
Yes, if you are entering or leaving the EU and carrying 10,000 EUR or more, you must declare it even if you're just transiting. Use the Toldstyrelsen app or red channel.
Yes, for personal use up to 3 months' supply. Bring original packaging and a prescription. For controlled drugs, you need a Schengen certificate or Danish permit. Check with the Danish Medicines Agency.
From EU countries: most food is allowed, but meat and dairy from non-EU countries are banned. From outside the EU: no meat, dairy, or plant products without special permits. Declare all food.
Before check-in, go to the Global Blue or Tax Free refund desk. You need the goods, receipts, and a filled form. Minimum purchase 300 DKK. Refund is 19% of the purchase price.
Yes: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco or 100 cigarillos. You can mix, but total must not exceed 200 cigarettes equivalent. Must be 18+.
If caught, you'll face a fine, confiscation of goods, and possibly prosecution. Always use the red channel or declare digitally if you're unsure.

Official source

Danish Customs (Toldstyrelsen)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Danish Customs (Toldstyrelsen) before travelling.