How to Successfully Ship Goods from China to Denmark: Essential Tips

So, you’re looking to ship goods from China to Denmark, right?
But you’re probably thinking:

• How much is this going to cost?
• How long will it take?
• Which shipping method should I pick?

I’ve been there.
It’s a lot to figure out when you’re trying to move goods across continents.
But here's the thing: It doesn’t have to be complicated.
Once you know the options, you can make the right choice based on your needs, budget, and timeline.

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about shipping from China to Denmark.
By the end of this, you’ll know the best shipping methods, how much to expect to pay, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Why Ship from China to Denmark?

Before we dive into the how’s and what’s of shipping, let’s quickly answer the "why."

China is a manufacturing powerhouse.
It’s where you can find low-cost, high-quality products in bulk—from electronics to textiles, machinery to toys.
Denmark, on the other hand, is part of the European Union, and it’s a prime market for businesses looking to import goods.
The Danish market is pretty open to international products, and with its strong economy and high purchasing power, it makes sense to get goods from China to Denmark.

Shipping from China to Denmark is a key strategy for businesses involved in:

• Ecommerce (whether B2B or B2C)
• Wholesalers
• Manufacturers
• Retailers

The Four Shipping Methods from China to Denmark

Shipping from China to Denmark can be done through four primary methods:

1. By Sea
2. By Air
3. By Express
4. By Rail

Each option has its pros and cons. Let’s break them down.

1. Sea Freight: Budget-Friendly Bulk Shipping

If you’ve got a lot of goods to move, sea freight is the go-to.
It’s by far the cheapest option for shipping large, heavy goods, especially if you're importing bulk items.

Why Choose Sea Freight?

• Cost-effective for big shipments.
• Perfect for large, heavy, or bulky items that don’t need to be rushed.
• You can ship FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less-than-Container Load). If you’re not shipping a full container, LCL lets you share space with other shippers, saving on costs.

The Downside:

• It’s slow—typically around 30–45 days depending on the route and any potential delays at ports.
• If you need your goods in a hurry, sea freight is not the way to go.

When to Use Sea Freight:

• You’re shipping large quantities or heavy items.
• Time isn’t an issue.
• You want to keep costs low.

Pro Tip:

If you don’t have enough goods to fill a full container, LCL (Less-than-Container Load) is a smart way to ship.
It’s cheaper than booking an entire container, and you’ll share the space with other businesses.

2. Air Freight: Speed for Smaller, High-Value Goods

Need your shipment to get to Denmark fast? Air freight is your best option.
It’s quicker but comes at a premium.

Why Choose Air Freight?

• Fast delivery—typically 5-10 days.
• Ideal for smaller, high-value goods that need to arrive quickly.
• Great for perishable items or products that can’t afford delays (like electronics or fashion).

The Downside:

• It’s expensive.
• The cost is based on weight and volume, so lighter but bulkier shipments can cost more.

When to Use Air Freight:

• You need fast delivery.
• Your goods are high-value or time-sensitive.
• You’re okay paying a premium for the convenience.

Pro Tip:

Air freight is calculated by both weight and volume, so keep an eye on those measurements.
It’s worth comparing prices between different freight forwarders.

3. Express Shipping: Premium, All-Inclusive Service

If you're shipping small packages or need a hassle-free, door-to-door service, express shipping is a top choice.

Why Choose Express Shipping?

• Quick delivery, usually 3-7 days.
• Door-to-door service with customs clearance included.
• Ideal for small packages or sample shipments.

The Downside:

• It’s the most expensive option.

When to Use Express Shipping:

• You’re shipping small items or product samples.
• You need fast and secure delivery.
• You want a simple process with minimal hassle.

Pro Tip:

Stick with trusted carriers like DHL, FedEx, or UPS.
They offer fast tracking, excellent customer service, and the convenience of door-to-door delivery.

4. Rail Freight: The Middle Ground

Rail freight is an option that’s gaining traction, especially if you need something in between sea and air freight.
It’s faster than sea freight but cheaper than air.

Why Choose Rail Freight?

• Faster than sea freight (around 15–20 days).
• More affordable than air freight.
• It’s an eco-friendly choice for businesses concerned about sustainability.

The Downside:

• Rail is not available everywhere. It works best for shipments traveling from China through Europe.
• You might still need to use trucks for the final leg of the journey in Denmark.

When to Use Rail Freight:

• You need a balance of speed and cost.
• Your shipment is traveling through Europe.
• You’re shipping large quantities but don’t need air freight’s speed.

Pro Tip:

Rail is great if you're shipping from China to northern Europe (Germany, Poland) before heading to Denmark.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship from China to Denmark?

The cost of shipping from China to Denmark depends on a few things:

• Shipping method: Air is more expensive than sea.
• Weight and volume: Heavier or bulkier shipments cost more.
• Customs fees: Denmark is in the EU, so you’ll deal with VAT and possible import duties.

Here’s a rough cost breakdown:

• Sea Freight: $1,000–$3,500 for a 20ft container (depending on the shipment size).
• Air Freight: $5–$8 per kg.
• Express Shipping: $10–$20 per kg.
• Rail Freight: $4–$7 per kg.

Pro Tip:
Get quotes from multiple freight forwarders to compare prices.
Rates can vary depending on the time of year, so always shop around.

Shipping Times from China to Denmark

How long will it take for your shipment to arrive?

• Sea Freight: 30–45 days.
• Air Freight: 5–10 days.
• Express Shipping: 3–7 days.
• Rail Freight: 15–20 days.

Pro Tip:
During busy seasons (like Chinese New Year or the holiday rush), shipping times can be longer.
Plan accordingly to avoid delays.

Customs and Import Duties in Denmark

Customs clearance can be a pain if you’re not prepared.
But if you have the right documents and know what to expect, it’ll be smooth sailing.

Key Documents You’ll Need

1. Commercial Invoice: List of items in the shipment and their value.
2. Packing List: Detailed breakdown of the contents.
3. Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: Proof of shipment and transport.

Taxes and Duties

• VAT (Value Added Tax): Denmark charges a 25% VAT on imports.
• Import Duties: These depend on the product category and its HS code.

Pro Tip:
Use a customs broker to handle all the paperwork.
It’ll save you time and reduce the risk of delays or fines.

Common Shipping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Delays

Why it happens: Port congestion, bad weather, or customs issues.
How to avoid it:

• Ship early and give yourself extra time.
• Work with experienced freight forwarders who know the ropes.

2. Hidden Costs

Why it happens: Unclear quotes or surprise fees.
How to avoid it:

• Always ask for an all-inclusive quote.
• Read the fine print to avoid unexpected costs.

3. Damaged Goods

Why it happens: Poor packaging or mishandling.
How to avoid it:

• Invest in strong packaging.
• Consider shipping insurance for valuable or fragile goods.

Conclusion: Shipping from China to Denmark

Shipping from China to Denmark doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
The key is choosing the right method for your needs, understanding the costs involved, and planning ahead to avoid common pitfalls.

Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:

• Sea Freight is your go-to for budget-friendly bulk shipping, but it’s slow.
• Air Freight is fast but comes at a premium. Great for high-value or time-sensitive shipments.
• Express Shipping offers convenience and speed, perfect for small, urgent shipments, but it’s the most expensive option.
• Rail Freight is the middle ground—faster than sea, cheaper than air, and eco-friendly. Great for shipments through Europe.

When it comes to costs, always get multiple quotes and account for customs fees, taxes, and any additional charges. The key to a smooth shipping process is planning ahead—choose your shipping method based on the size, weight, and urgency of your goods, and always be prepared for potential delays.

Shipping from China to Denmark doesn’t have to be complicated.
With the right strategy, you can get your products delivered on time, within budget, and with minimal hassle.

Now that you know the ins and outs, it’s time to choose the best shipping option that suits your business needs. Happy shipping!