Denmark
Key advice
Denmark is a member state of the European Union: if you reside in another EU country, no customs checks apply to your underwater photo/video equipment – complete free movement, with no declaration or taxes. British travelers (post-Brexit): the EU personal allowance (~430 EUR) technically applies, but used personal photo equipment practically passes without inspection in almost all cases.
- Customs authority
- Skatteforvaltningen — Toldstyrelsen (Direction des Douanes)
- Personal duty-free allowance
- N/A pour résidents UE / ~475 USD (~430 EUR) pour voyageurs non-UE
- ATA Carnet
- Not accepted
- Official website
- skat.dk ↗
Practical scenarios
You are traveling to Denmark from France with a GoPro Hero 11 and its waterproof housing, valued at approximately €600. As a resident of an EU country, your equipment benefits from the free movement of goods. Upon your arrival at Copenhagen Airport, you have no customs procedures to complete. You simply pass through the usual checks without needing to declare your equipment. The risk is zero, as no taxes or checks apply in this context.
You are arriving in Denmark from Germany with a Sony A6700 mirrorless camera, an Isotta housing, and a macro lens, with a total estimated value of €3,500. As an EU citizen, the free movement of goods applies. You do not need to declare your equipment to Danish customs. There are no forms to fill out, no taxes to pay. The risk is non-existent; your equipment is considered personal effects in free circulation within the Schengen area.
You are a professional British photographer (non-EU) arriving in Denmark with a Nauticam system for Sony A1, two lenses, and arms, valued at €15,000. Although the personal allowance for non-EU travelers is approximately 430 EUR, used professional equipment intended for temporary use is generally admitted without taxation. It is advisable to carry purchase invoices to prove ownership and value. You might be asked to justify the professional and temporary use of the equipment if an inspection is conducted, but the risk of taxation is low for used equipment that will be re-exported.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to declare my underwater photo equipment when arriving in Denmark if I'm coming from another EU country?
No, if you are arriving from another European Union member state, you do not need to make any declaration for your underwater photo equipment. Denmark is part of the EU, which guarantees the free movement of goods without customs checks, declarations, or value limits for EU residents.
Is there a value allowance for underwater photo equipment if I'm coming from a non-EU country like the UK?
Yes, for travelers coming from non-EU countries, the personal allowance is approximately 430 EUR. Above this amount, duties and taxes could theoretically apply. However, used personal photo equipment is very often admitted without taxation for temporary use, even if it exceeds this allowance.
Where can I find official information on Danish customs regulations for travelers?
For more information, consult the official website of the Danish Customs Agency (Skatteforvaltningen — Toldstyrelsen) directly: https://www.skat.dk/skat.aspx?oId=1946735. This site provides details on import rules and allowances for travelers.