Trade relations between China and Denmark have continued to develop in recent years. As one of the European economic powerhouses, Denmark's cooperation with China has gradually deepened, and bilateral trade has expanded. Denmark's exports to China mainly include machinery and equipment, electronic products, food, and agricultural products. The increasing cargo volumes accelerate the development of Sino-Denmark logistics.
This guide written by Jike will give you all the information you need to start. Feel free to contact us for a shipping quote so we can assist you with your business!
Shipping to Denmark - A Complete Guide
How to start shipping to Denmark
Before shipping to Denmark, many aspects need to be covered, including the customs aspect of the actual shipment, which requires sufficient experience and understanding of the market conditions. It is essential to find the right freight forwarder before shipping. So here are a few things to consider when you are ready to export your goods to Denmark.
Process in shipping from China to Denmark
| China - Denmark transportation process generally includes the following steps | |
| 1. Preparation of Goods | Once goods are ready, prepare all necessary documents and certificates, including packing lists, invoices, certificates of origin, and other export documents. |
| 2. Choose Freight Forwarders | Choose a reliable and experienced China/Denmark shipping company or freight forwarder and confirm the best shipping methods, shipping schedule, freight rates, and other information. |
| 3. Booking Space/Flight | Booking with the shipping company or the forwarder to ensure that the goods can be loaded on time and there will be no delay in transportation. |
| 4. Ship Out | The goods are loaded into containers/flights and shipped by rail/sea/air from departure to Denmark. |
| 5. Prepare Customs Clearance | When transporting goods, prepare all kinds of documents and papers required for the import of Denmark, such as bills of lading, packing lists, and commercial invoices. |
| 6. Cargo Arrival | Cargo arrives at the port of destination. |
| 7. Import Declaration | Submit the relevant documents to Denmark Customs for import declaration. At this point, import duties and taxes may need to be paid. |
| 8. Inspection (if needed) | Customs officials might conduct random spot checks on goods to confirm the accuracy of declared information. |
| 9. Pay to Customs | Based on the results of the customs declaration, you should pay the appropriate customs clearance fee. If there are any penalties or additional costs, they should be all settled at this stage. |
| 10. Pickup and Delivery | After getting the customs clearance release order, you can arrange for the pickup of the goods and land transportation to your designated address. Some freight forwarders like Jike Logistics will provide door-to-door shipping from China to Denmark. |
Understanding Denmark's Trade Policy ( Tariff Policy)
Denmark advocates an open market economy and encourages foreign investment and collaboration. The country has relatively lenient policies for foreign capital, providing a favorable investment environment for foreign enterprises. Denmark also values the knowledge economy and innovation, striving to develop high-tech and green industries.
Regarding trade cooperation, Denmark actively participates in multilateral trade agreements such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). It has signed bilateral trade agreements with many countries to promote trade and economic collaboration. Denmark is also one of the world's largest exporters, with its main export products including industrially manufactured goods, food, energy products, and more.
| Danish Tariff Policy | |
| [Overview] | Whether an individual or a business entity is engaged in importing goods in Denmark (from countries outside the EU), import duties and taxes are payable. Import duties and taxes are all calculated on the value of the shipment, i.e., the CIF (Cost Inward Fee). |
| [Tariffs] | Danish tariff rates basically range between 0% (e.g., books) and 17% (e.g., Wellington boots). Certain goods, such as laptops, cell phones, digital cameras, and game consoles, are exempt from customs duties. Certain goods may be subject to additional duties, depending on the country of manufacture; for example, bicycles made in China are subject to an additional 48.5% anti-dumping duty. |
| [VAT] | Danish VAT = standard VAT rate of 25% x (CIF price + import duty). |
| [Starting point] | Denmark has a starting point for customs duties. Imported goods with a value (FOB) of up to 1,150 kroner are exempted from customs duties; imported goods with a value (FOB) of up to 80 kroner are exempted from value-added tax (VAT). |
| [Others] | Consumption tax: Taxes and duties levied on specific commodities such as tobacco products. Additional Customs Fees: Fees levied on the inspection, examination, and testing that must be performed when imported goods pass through customs. |
How long does it take to clear customs from China to Denmark？
Customs clearance time varies depending on the type of goods, document preparation, customs process, etc. Shipping goods from China to Denmark takes 2 to 7 working days. Customs clearance is easy if it is a personal parcel of general cargo sent abroad. You can soon see the completion of customs clearance on the status of the goods. Still, there is another possibility, which is more common in sensitive goods, that is, the customs detain the goods for a long time, and it may be necessary to pay customs duty before release, or the goods can not be successfully cleared, and can only be returned or destroyed. It might take a longer time in special cases. Communication with us or a customs clearance professional before shipping is recommended to get an accurate time estimate.
Documents required for shipping to Denmark
The most important shipping documents
● Commercial invoice
● Packing list
● Bills of lading/sea waybills
● Import and export declarations
● Certificate of origin (if needed)
The above only lists most of the more common documents in freight transportation; others are not involved in the actual situation as a standard; it is recommended to negotiate with the agent to understand well in advance to be prepared.
Sea freight Shipping to Denmark from China
Sea freight is an affordable mode of transportation for large quantities of goods or when delivery is not urgent. Ocean freight from China to Denmark usually takes longer but is relatively inexpensive. You can choose between full container (FCL) when goods are larger than 15cbm or less-than-consolidated container (LCL) transportation when goods are less than 15cbm, which is flexible depending on the quantity of goods and your needs. The cost of ocean freight from China to Denmark depends on the type of cargo, mode of transportation (FCL or LCL), port of origin, and port of destination.
Shipping time and shipping costs from China to Copenhagen Ports, Denmark
| Shipping Costs for 20ft | Shipping Costs for 40ft | Transit Time | |
| Shanghai Port | USD 2040 | USD 3330 | 51 Days |
| Shenzhen Port | USD 1490 | USD 2530 | 30 Days |
| Guangzhou Port | USD 1950 | USD 3330 | 32 Days |
| Hongkong Port | USD 1950 | USD 3330 | 32 Days |
| Qingdao Port | USD 2290 | USD 3780 | 51 Days |
| Nanjing Port | USD 2290 | USD 3730 | 51 Days |
* FYI, the quotations are daily FCL shipping rates for port-to-port in January.
* If you want the latest shipping costs from other Chinese Ports to other Danish ports like Aarhus Port, Aalborg Port, Fredericia Port, and Copenhagen Poer, please get in touch with Jike for a Quote!
FCL/LCL Freight Quote from China to Denmark.
Air freight shipping from China to Denmark
Air freight is the fastest way of transportation and is suitable for goods that need to be delivered urgently. Air transportation from China to Denmark usually takes only a few days and is suitable for urgent orders or time-sensitive goods. However, air transportation is more expensive and suitable for small quantities, high-value or urgent shipments. The cost of air freight from China to Denmark depends on the weight and volume of the shipment, flight availability, and airline policies. Depending on various factors, average airfreight costs may range from $3-$8 per kilogram.
| Major Airports in China | Major Airport in Denmark | China-Denmark Major Airlines |
| Shanghai Pudong International AirportAirport （PVG） | Copenhagen Kastrup Airport (CPH) | Lufthansa Cargo (LH) |
| Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) | Billund Airport (BLL) | Qatar Airways (QR) |
| Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) | Aarhus Airport (AAR) | China Eastern Airlines (MU) |
| Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) | Aalborg Airport (AAL) | Air China Ltd. (CA) |
| Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) | Vagar Airport (FAE) | Turkish Airlines (TK) |
Transportation times of Air Freight
Air transport is one of the fastest options, typically taking around 3 to 7 days to reach Denmark from China.
Air Freight Quote from China to Denmark.
Rail freight shipping from China to Denmark
Rail freight services from China to Denmark are middle-ground transportation between air and sea. This mode of transportation utilizes railroad lines such as the "China-Europe liner" to transport goods from inland China to Denmark in a time-efficient and economical manner.
Rail transportation is usually faster than sea freight but less expensive than air freight. Rail transportation from China to Denmark usually passes through countries such as Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, etc. and is then transported to the destination via the Turkish railroad system.
This mode of transportation is suitable for medium-sized shipments, especially if they need to be transported to Denmark in a relatively short period. Railroad transportation is also more stable and safe, as the goods are not affected by factors such as sea weather during transportation.
Transportation times of Rail Transport
Rail transport from China to Denmark is a relatively newer option. The transit time for rail transport depends on the specific route and usually requires 15 days to 25 days.
It's important to note that transit times are approximate estimates, and actual transit times may vary due to weather, traffic, customs clearance, and more. When choosing the appropriate transportation method, it's recommended to consider transit time, cost, and the urgency of the shipment. The best approach is to consult with professional freight agents or transportation companies to obtain more accurate transit times and tailored recommendations.
Railway Freight Quote from China to Denmark.
What Should We Consider When Calculating Shipping Costs from China to Denmark
● Nature and Volume of Goods
Different types of goods may incur varying transportation costs. The volume and weight of the goods are also factors affecting costs, as larger or heavier goods may require additional handling and resources.
● Mode of Transportation
The chosen transportation mode significantly impacts costs. Airfreight usually comes with higher costs but faster speed, while sea freight costs less but takes longer. Rail transport provides a middle-ground option.
● Origin and Destination
The distance and traffic conditions between the origin and destination affect transportation costs. Costs may vary between different cities.
● Additional Fees
Additional transportation fees may be involved, such as fuel surcharges, security fees, etc. These fees can fluctuate over time and need to be confirmed in advance.
● Customs Clearance Costs
Goods entering Denmark require customs clearance procedures, which may incur expenses such as customs agent fees and import taxes.
● Insurance
If you need to purchase transportation insurance for your goods, insurance costs must also factored in.
● Transportation Time
Transportation time directly relates to costs, as faster transportation methods may require higher fees.
● Quantity of Goods:
Bulk shipments often yield more competitive prices, while small quantities might incur higher costs.
● Nature of Goods
Special types of goods, such as hazardous materials, may require additional handling and specialized transport, affecting costs.
Why is Jike Logistics the best Freight Forwarder for Shipping from China to Denmark?
1. Tailored Solutions
Currently, 42% of our staff have more than ten years of freight shipping from China to Denmark. They have been working on different Sino-Denmark shipping projects for different products.
No matter what your cargo is, what shipping method you want, and where your shipment goes in Denmark, as long as they are transporting from China, our experts will optimize the best shipping solution to meet your specific shipping needs from China to Denmark.
2. Competitive Rates
Optimizing your shipping costs is also our top mission in shipping from China to Denmark. We have yearly contracts with airlines and shipowners in Sino- Denmark route. To some extent, we have cheaper First Leg Shipping in China and Denmark.
And we have been partnering with renowned carriers and agencies in Denmark. With rich shipping experience, we know how to clear and deliver your shipments to Denmark in capable hands at competitive prices.
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