When do you have to pay customs on parcels from England (the UK)?
Brexit and online shopping
Short answer
The United Kingdom is no longer part of the EU, so a parcel sent from England to Denmark follows the rules for goods from outside the EU. You pay 25 % Danish VAT from the first krone, calculated on the goods, freight, duty and fees. From 1 July 2026 parcels worth EUR 150 or less carry a duty of EUR 3 per item group, and above EUR 150 the normal duty rate for the type of goods applies. From 1 November 2026 an EU handling fee of EUR 2 per item group is added, and the carrier usually charges about 150–250 kr. for the customs declaration.
Why
- The rules depend on where the parcel is sent from, and the UK counts as outside the EU.
- VAT applies to every parcel, whatever its value.
- Some carriers hand over the parcel only after duty and VAT are paid.
Details
If the webshop uses the special EU scheme for goods under EUR 150, you pay Danish VAT at checkout and no import VAT on arrival.
Tip
Use the customs calculator on toldst.dk to estimate the duty for your type of goods before you order.
What may differ
The customs calculator does not take trade agreements between countries into account, so the final duty can differ from the estimate.
Common misconception
Parcels from England are treated like parcels from other European countries in the EU.
What actually happens
The UK is outside the EU, so VAT, duty and fees apply as for the USA or China.
People also ask
- Is there VAT on parcels from the UK?
- How much is the carrier fee for customs?
- Do you pay customs from Norway?
Sources
- Virk: Import of goods, trade with the United KingdomChecked at:
- Danish Customs Agency: Online shopping outside the EUChecked at:
- Danish Customs Agency: New duty from 1 July 2026Checked at:
- Danish Customs Agency: New fee on e-commerce goods from outside the EUChecked at:
- Danish Customs Agency: Customs calculatorChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Entry and customs rules can change, so check the Danish Immigration Service, the Danish police and the Danish Customs Agency before you travel.
Planning and budgetRelated questions
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Do you pay customs on gifts sent to Denmark from outside the EU?
A gift sent by a private person from outside the EU is free of duty and VAT if it is worth EUR 45 or less.
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Can you bring medicine into Denmark?
Yes, from 1 January 2026 you may bring medicine into Denmark for personal use from any country, if it was sold legally in the country where you bought it.
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Can you bring meat and milk into Denmark from outside the EU?
No, travellers coming from a country outside the EU may not bring any meat or dairy products, which includes sausages, cheese and milk.
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Do you have to declare cash over EUR 10,000 when entering or leaving Denmark?
Yes, if you carry cash or other liquid assets worth EUR 10,000 (about 75,000 kr.) or more, you must declare them to Toldstyrelsen when you enter or leave Denmark.