International Standards

Denmark’s international trade policy aims at establishing more free trade on a global basis. The Danish economy, the global economy and the developing countries will all benefit from an increase in international trade. Denmark’s international trade policy is conducted in close co-operation with the other EU-countries. That is why most of the import and export standards are similar with the EU ones.

Denmark is among the most active trade liberal and development friendly Member States of the European Union. Accordingly, Denmark works within the European Union to promote common positions along these lines to help integrate developing countries into the multilateral trading system. Simultaneously, Denmark fully respects the fact that trade policy of the EC almost exclusively lies within the purview of community competence.

COMMERCIAL INVOICE

No prescribed form and a minimum of two copies are required. The invoice must include:

- the name and address of seller (supplier) and consignee;

- the date of the invoice and purchase;

- the number, type and gross weight of packages;

- the kind and quality of goods;

- an invoice price for each item (showing freight and insurance separately);

- discounts and rebates;

- conditions of payment;

- terms of sale and delivery;

- the date the invoice was prepared and the contract signed.

Many importers are authorised to use a Simplified Declaration Procedure (Immediate Release System) and may have special requirements about the presentation of invoice data. Veterinary certificates and/or plant protection certificates are required for agricultural products and foodstuffs.

LABELING

Every importer or exporter has to be sure that the exported/imported product has the label. The labeling language must be Danish.  Certain words from other languages, which are very similar to Danish in spelling, may be used.  In practice though, most of the labeling will have to be in Danish. The Danish Customs department pays a great attention of the labeling of the food products. 

Most foods are covered by the general regulation on labeling of foods, but certain foods are covered by specific regulations as: fish products, chocolate, fruit juice, marmalade products and food supplements.

Labeling of food additives (as such or in foods) is covered by a specific regulation on food additives.

All foods sold in Denmark must be marked with a batch-identifying code (a lot-number or a date of production).  This is true for “bulk packed” products as well as pre-packed products- and is the only requirement for “bulk packed” products.  All other information may be handed over to the importer in document form. 

Normally, all pre-packed foods intended for the final consumer or catering establishments must be labeled according to the general rules prior to retail sale or catering service:

- name and address;

- product designation;

- net weight;

- durability.

PACKAGING

The packaging must conform to European legislation on the prevention of health risks to consumers and the protection of the environment, especially as regards waste treatment. Packaging in wood or vegetable matter must be subjected to a phytosanitary inspection.  

The essential requirements are:

- packaging volume and weight must be the minimum amount to maintain necessary levels of safety, hygiene and acceptance for the packed product and for the consumer;

- packaging must be manufactured so as to permit reuse or recovery in accordance with specific requirements;

- emissions of noxious or hazardous substances in packaging must be minimised after disposal, including landfill leachate and ash from incineration;

- the sum of the concentration levels of cadmium, mercury, lead and hexavalent chromium should not exceed 100 parts per million.

INSURANCE

Through the insurance, the importer can control the risk of payment defaults. In this way, exporters that adhere to the terms of the relevant purchase orders/ sales contracts can be certain of receiving either payments from importers or indemnifications from the export credit insurance company, at the rate and within the time specified in its respective policy/policies. The insurance, also known as foreign accounts receivable insurance, protects your business against the failure of your overseas importer to pay its debts due to insolvency or failure to pay within the defined time frame. 

IMPORT LICENSE

This is one of the most important documents which has to be presented before importing foreign products in Denmark. Import restrictions can be product-specific or trade-specific. Many products are subject to product-specific standards and need to be supported by applicable certificates, product-specific licenses and documentation. Quite separately, quantitative restrictions or limitations and anti-dumping duties may apply to certain imported commodities. 

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations mean that manufacturers, sellers and distributors are responsible for taking back and recycling unwanted electrical and electronic equipment. Products covered under the regulations include:

- household appliances;

- telecommunications equipment;

- audiovisual and lighting equipment;

- electrical and electronic tools;

- medical devices.