Summary
When the holiday season is in full swing, gift-giving becomes a significant activity. With international travel commonplace and family members living abroad, the act of sending and receiving gifts has become a global affair. However, mailing gifts between countries is more complex than simply sending a package across town. International gift-giving involves considerations such as duty and, at times, VAT rates.
If you’re planning to mail gifts to or from Denmark, it’s crucial for senders to understand Denmark’s customs regulations in advance.
Things to Know Before Mailing Gifts to or From Denmark
It’s essential to purchase a basic postal tracking service or additional protection for your packages. Local post offices often receive reports of theft, particularly for items lacking tracking numbers. Moreover, the Danish postal service has been known to lose small packages; hence, a tracking number will assist in ensuring your gift reaches its intended recipient. The postal service advises using a large box for any gift item weighing 1 kilogram (2 pounds) or more. Additionally, if the declared value of the gift surpasses $100, a customs officer is likely to check the contents of the package.
VAT Rate on Gifts in Denmark
Unsolicited gifts sent from one person to another are exempt from VAT and duty charges, as long as the value is less than DKK 344 or $62.62 USD. Multiple gifts can be included in a single shipment, but each must be wrapped separately and tagged with the recipient’s name. The exemption limit applies per person, rather than for the entire group of recipients (e.g., a small group of family members in Denmark).
Determining who is responsible for paying duty and VAT rates in Denmark can be complex. Therefore, taking the time to check regulations before heading to the post office will minimize potential delivery mistakes. Larger gift companies typically ensure that the recipient is not liable for taxes on the gifts received. Furthermore, using companies based in the recipient’s region may sometimes help to avoid VAT and duty rates. Ultimately, the sender is responsible for any applicable VAT and duty taxes.
Weight and Value Limits for Gifts in Denmark
- The total weight must not exceed 70 pounds
- The total value must not exceed $2,499 USD
- The maximum dimensions must be smaller than 46 inches long, 35 inches wide, and 46 inches high
Restricted or Forbidden Items to Send or Bring
- All plant and animal species listed by CITES (Washington Convention) and items made from them, such as ivory, tortoiseshell, corals, reptile skins, and certain wood.
- All perishable foods
- Weaponry and ammunition
- Knives and other dangerous items
- Illegal drugs
- Culturally valuable antiques
- Alcohol
- Any item containing L-tryptophan as an ingredient
- Atlantic redfish originating from Honduras, Belize, and Panama
- Lottery tickets and gambling devices
- Obscene or pornographic materials
- Medical thermometers containing mercury for human use
- Certain U.S. beef hormones
- Toys and games containing copper sulfate
- Dimethyl fumarate and all products containing it
Customs Declaration Form and Instructions
When mailing gifts, be sure to include a customs declaration form for Danish authorities at the port of entry (e.g., the airport where your package arrives). It’s vital to fill out this form carefully. The wrapped gift must be weighed in pounds and ounces, and the total value of the gifts must be indicated on the form. Furthermore, use the dropdown menu to select Denmark or the recipient’s country of residence.
