International moves require preparation and planning to relocate from one country to another. In addition to securing the services of an international moving company, packing your belongings and planning your moving budget, you must also consider the customs regulations, as they often vary and are subject to change.
Whatever your reasons for relocating to Denmark, you'll need to be properly prepared when entering the country through customs. Here's what you need to know when preparing to travel to Denmark from the United States:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When you arrive in Denmark, you're going to need to present the customs officials with several documents detailing the inventory of your shipment and your identification. This will make your transition into the country as smooth as possible.
Here is what you'll need:
- Passport
- Residence visa/permit
- Work permit
- Danish Customs Form (G55)
- Registration with the Danish National Register
- Rental contract or lease contract (providing proof of residency in Denmark)
- Original Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Complete list of inventory and packing list (in English, containing the contents of all boxes included in the shipment)
SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Before you begin unpacking and settling in, you'll have to make sure your shipment fits all of the regulations to clear customs. Each country has its own unique set of shipping guidelines that must be followed, so here's what to expect when moving to Denmark:
- All household goods and personal effects may be imported duty free provided the items have been owned for at least 12 months prior to importation
- Household goods and personal effects must be imported within one year of the customer's arrival in Denmark
- All items being imported must be for the sole use of the customer and may not be lent, sold or otherwise disposed of during the customer's stay in Denmark
- Prior to the shipment's arrival, the customer must be registered as a resident of Denmark
- All shipments arriving by sea, air, rail or road must be cleared through customs at the point of entry
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are prohibited from being imported into Denmark through customs and may be seized by customs and border authorities upon arrival:
- Narcotics/illegal drugs
- Explosives, ammunition and weapons of any kind
- Pornographic materials
- Any furs, skins, tusks, horns, or other similar animal products
- Perishable foods
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Restricted items are items which may be limited to certain quantities or require additional duties, taxes or fees before they can be cleared by customs officials. Here are the items that are restricted and dutiable by the government of Denmark:
- Firearms (require an import license from the Denmark Ministry of Justice and the local police department, as well as a shooting permit)
- Antiques (may be imported duty free, but subject to a VAT of up to 25 percent of value, must be accompanied by a certificate proving the item is over 100 years old)
- Artwork, paintings and carpets (may be imported duty free as long as the customer contacts the Destination Agent prior to arrival to notify them of the shipment)
- New items (subject to duty and VAT)
- Medicines (require approval by the Danish Health Authority)
- Alcohol and tobacco (no limits on quantity; if any alcohol or other bottled beverages are imported, inventory list must clearly state the brand, quantity and size of bottle; subject to tax and duty)
- Tobacco (no limits on quantity, subject to tax and duty)
- Dry and canned food (must be contained within the household goods shipment)
- Inheritance (may be imported duty free for up to two years after the estate has been finalized, customer must present either a will or a notarized legal declaration from the attorney of the estate)
- Live plants (require prior authorization from the Danish government Plant Protection Service and certificate obtained from the customer's origin stating that the plant is free of all diseases)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
There are several regulations regarding the import of a motor vehicle into Denmark. Before you move, familiarize yourself with these regulations so that you can be prepared when it's time to relocate overseas with your vehicle:
- All vehicles may be imported duty free, however they are subject to a high registration tax
- All vehicles must be in the owner's possession for at least six months prior to importation and may not be sold, lent or otherwise disposed off within the first 12 months of the customer's residency in Denmark
- Once the vehicle has been cleared through customs, the customer must register the vehicle within 14 days
- All vehicles must pass an technical examination before being allowed to apply for tax registration
- The following documents are required when importing a vehicle:
- Original certificate of title and vehicle registration
- Valid driver's license
- Insurance card
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Pets are always welcome when moving overseas; after all, you wouldn't want to move without them, would you? However, many destinations have their own laws for bringing animals into the country. Here's what you need to know when importing your pet to Denmark:
- All pets and animals must be accompanied by a certificate of vaccination stating that the animal has received its required vaccinations, including rabies, at least 30 days prior to arrival
- All pets must be accompanied by a health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than 30 days prior to arrival
- All pets must be equipped with a microchip or tattoo for identification purposes
- Up to five pets are allowed importation at a time
To help you prepare for your move, we've provided you with a few links to learn more about the complicated international moving process: