From cheap air freight to complex customs rules, here’s what every shipper needs to know when shipping to Denmark from China.
Overview of shipping methods
When shipping from China to Denmark, your choice of transport plays a vital role in cost, delivery time, and overall efficiency. Below are three main freight options:
Sea freight: Best for bulk & budget
If you’re shipping large volumes of heavy goods, sea freight from China to Denmark is the most economical choice. A 20-foot container from Shanghai to the Port of Aarhus typically takes 30–40 days. While not the fastest, it’s ideal for oversized goods like furniture, automotive parts, or industrial equipment.
Real case: A Danish homeware company regularly imports three 20ft containers of assembled furniture from Ningbo. Though transit is slow, the cost savings of up to 70% over air freight make it their default choice.
Air freight: Fast and reliable
If speed is crucial, air shipping from China to Denmark offers unmatched transit times—usually 3 to 7 days. It’s an ideal fit for electronics, fashion, or small consumer products, especially when launching seasonal items.
Example: Ahead of a holiday sale, a Copenhagen-based tech retailer flew in 200kg of smartwatches from Shenzhen. The shipment, costing around $5/kg, cleared Denmark customs within 24 hours and hit the shelves just in time.
Rail freight: A balanced alternative
Rail shipping to Denmark from China is gaining popularity as a middle-ground option. Transit time averages 18–22 days. Cargo usually departs from cities like Chongqing or Xi’an and travels via Germany or Poland before entering Denmark.
Shipping costs and time estimates
Air shipping cost from China to Denmark per kg
Standard air freight：
- Cost: Approx. $4–$6 per kg
- Transit Time: 3–7 days
Express air shipping (e.g., DHL, FedEx)：
- Cost: Typically $10–$18+ per kg
- Transit Time: 1–4 days, door-to-door
Ocean freight rate to Denmark
FCL (Full Container Load)：
- Rate: $2,000–$3,500 for a 20ft container
- Transit Time: 30–40 days
LCL (Less than Container Load)：
- Cost: Around $80–$120 per CBM
- Transit Time: 35–48 days, including consolidation time
Rail Freight: Mid-Speed, Mid-Cost
- Cost: Between $1,000–$1,800 per pallet (LCL)
- Transit Time: 18–22 days
What affects your shipping cost & transit time?
Freight quotes aren’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on several real-world variables:
- Origin and destination cities (e.g., Shanghai to Aarhus vs. Shenzhen to Copenhagen)
- Cargo weight, size, and volume
- Shipping season (peak months like October to January are more expensive.)
- Carrier availability and fuel surcharges
- Denmark customs clearance delays or document issues
Need real-time shipping quotes?
ASLG offers expert logistics support for all types of shipping to Denmark, whether by air, sea, or rail. Our team can provide real-time rates, transit schedules, and tailored solutions based on your cargo type and budget.
Import regulations and customs in Denmark
Is Denmark in the EU customs union?
Yes. Denmark is part of the EU Customs Union, which means there are no customs checks on goods moving within EU borders. However, when shipping from China to Denmark, your cargo is subject to customs duties, VAT, and strict documentation protocols.
Customs clearance process in Denmark
Customs clearance in Denmark typically takes 1 to 3 business days, assuming your paperwork is spot-on. The required documents usually include:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (for sea freight) or airway bill (for air shipping)
- Certificate of origin, when applicable
Danish customs are efficient but thorough. Shipments with vague product descriptions, inconsistent HS codes, or missing values will likely be flagged. Double-check your documents before shipping—or leave it to a reliable freight expert.
What can you import & what needs extra attention?
Most general goods, such as electronics, clothing, kitchenware, or office supplies, follow standard EU rules. If correctly declared and classified, these typically clear customs without issue.
However, if you’re importing a car into Denmark, brace yourself for a more involved process.
Importing a vehicle into Denmark: What you need to know
If you’re shipping a car from outside the EU, here’s what to prepare:
- Register the vehicle with Danish authorities
- Ensure compliance with EU emissions and road safety standards
- Schedule a mandatory inspection with SKAT (the Danish tax authority)
Taxes and fees:
- 25% VAT based on the customs-assessed vehicle value
- A registration tax, which can reach up to 150% depending on the car’s CO₂ emissions, type, and value
Preparation is key when shipping to Denmark from China. Accurate documents, correct HS codes, and compliance with Danish import rules will keep your cargo moving and your costs under control. If you’re running a business, don’t forget about EORI registration and aligning with standard business customs in Denmark.
ASLG helps businesses navigate Denmark’s customs regulations seamlessly. We offer full guidance for document prep and clearance coordination so your cargo clears without delays or surprises.
Customs duties and taxes in Denmark
Customs duties in Denmark
Rates vary depending on the product, typically from 0% to 17%. You’ll need the correct HS code to find the exact duty rate for your goods. The HS code classification determines how much duty you’ll pay upon arrival. You can look for the Danish Customs Service (SKAT) Website.
VAT on shipping to Denmark from China
Denmark imposes a 25% VAT on most goods, which is collected when the item arrives at customs. It is a standard rate across most imports, including those from China to Denmark.
Exemptions and thresholds
- Low-value goods: Items valued under €150 are duty-free but still subject to VAT.
- Personal shipments: Gifts worth up to €45 may be exempt from customs duties and VAT, making them more affordable for personal importation.
To streamline the process, consider using our DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service. It ensures that all customs duties and taxes are prepaid, so you can receive your goods hassle-free at your doorstep.
Whether you’re managing Amazon FBA shipments or transporting dangerous goods, Airsupply provides fast, cost-effective logistics solutions from China to Denmark.
Our one-stop services cover major destinations across Denmark, including Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg, Frederiksberg, and Randers. We offer reliable, cheap air freight from China to Denmark, sea freight options, and tailored commercial and personal cargo logistics.
The transit time depends on your shipping method.
- Air freight: typically 3–7 days.
- Sea freight:averaging 30–40 days, port to port.
Rates vary based on shipment size, weight, and mode of transport. On average, you might pay anywhere from $3–6 per kg for air freight and $1,000–$3,000 per container for sea freight. Request a quote for the most accurate pricing.
The Port of Aarhus is Denmark’s largest container port and handles most international freight. Other important ports include Copenhagen, Fredericia, and Aalborg—each playing key roles in national and EU trade logistics.
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the primary hub for air freight from China to Denmark, handling a large volume of commercial imports. Other cargo-friendly airports include Billund Airport and Aalborg Airport, especially for regional distribution.
