Denmark customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Denmark's duty-free allowances for non-resident adults arriving from outside the EU are 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 liters of wine/beer (under 22% ABV), 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco, and personal goods up to 1,350 DKK (approx. 200 USD). Cash of 10,000 EUR or more must be declared. All travelers must be 18+ for alcohol and tobacco. These rules apply in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1L spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2L wine/beer (under 22% ABV). Traveler must be 18+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,900

Cash or equivalent monetary instruments of 10,000 EUR (approx. 10,900 USD) or more must be declared to Danish Customs (SKAT) upon arrival.

Goods duty-free

$200

Duty-free allowance for gifts and personal goods is 1,350 DKK (approx. 200 USD) per person. Above that, duty and VAT apply.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychoactive substances (except for medical use with a permit)
Counterfeit goods, including fake brand items
Endangered species products (CITES-listed animals, plants, ivory, etc.)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a Danish police permit
Pornographic material depicting minors
Meat and dairy products from outside the EU (with limited exceptions for small quantities from certain countries)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines for personal use: must carry a prescription or doctor's note for more than 3 months' supply
Plants, seeds, and soil: require a phytosanitary certificate
Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets): must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, and EU pet passport
Drones: must comply with Danish drone regulations (registration, insurance, and altitude limits)
Satellite phones: require a license from the Danish Energy Agency

Rules worth knowing

EU vs. Non-EU Allowances Differ

If arriving from another EU country, duty-free limits are much higher (e.g., 10L spirits, 800 cigarettes). The allowances above are for non-EU arrivals only.

Tobacco and Alcohol Age Limit

You must be 18 years old to import alcohol and tobacco into Denmark. Proof of age may be requested.

Green Customs Channel

If you have nothing to declare (goods within allowance, no prohibited/restricted items), use the green channel. If unsure, use the red channel.

VAT Refund for Tourists

Non-EU residents can claim a VAT refund on goods purchased in Denmark (minimum purchase 300 DKK per shop) when exporting them within 3 months. Keep receipts and use a refund service at the border.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if you are arriving from an EU country, you can bring unlimited alcohol for personal use, but quantities above 10L spirits, 20L fortified wine, 90L wine, and 110L beer may be questioned as commercial.

You must declare any cash or equivalent monetary instruments of 10,000 EUR or more (approx. 10,900 USD). There is no limit on how much you can bring, but undeclared amounts above the threshold can be seized.

Meat and dairy products from outside the EU are generally prohibited. From EU countries, you can bring most foods for personal use. Fruits and vegetables from non-EU countries may require a phytosanitary certificate.

You do not need to declare medication for personal use if it is for up to 3 months. For larger quantities or controlled substances, carry a prescription or doctor's note. Some narcotic medications require a special permit.

The duty-free allowance for gifts and personal goods is 1,350 DKK (approx. 200 USD) per person. If the total value exceeds this, you must pay duty and VAT on the full amount.

Yes, but you must register the drone with the Danish Transport Authority if it weighs over 250g, have liability insurance, and follow altitude and no-fly zone rules. Commercial use requires additional permits.

Official source

Danish Customs (SKAT)