Exporting to Denmark

Many trade opportunities exist within the country of Denmark. It is a member of the European Union and one of the Nordic countries, which also includes Sweden, Finland, and Norway. While these countries have individual trade markets, they also create an excellent business connection together.

Market entry strategies include working with a local agent or distributor or establishing a branch office. Whatever option is chosen, make sure that all agreements follow the EU and member state laws. Long-term commitments are important. Many are conservative in nature and want products that have value. There are several resources to assist in beginning a business. Among them are the “Guide to Establishing a Business in Denmark” through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and the “Practical Guide—How to Start Up a Business in Greater Copenhagen” through Copenhagen Capacity.

Knowing what the business customs in Denmark are contributes to a company’s success. Learn how to address people, the typical dress code, and the usual approach to business meetings. Know that punctuality is essential, determine what normal working hours are, and when to schedule business meetings.

There are a variety of resources which can assist in learning more about market entry strategies, doing business in Denmark, business customs, and import/export requirements. These include the United States Commercial Service and the United Kingdom Trade and Investment.

Located in Northern Europe, Denmark joined the European Union in 1973. The EU is a Customs Union which consists of member countries who have formed a single region for customs purposes.   Goods that have been imported legally can circulate throughout the EU with no further customs checks. To learn more about the customs regulations, among the sources to consult are the European Commission Export Helpdesk and European Commission Taxation and Customs Union. Conducting due diligence in accordance with all of the regulations is essential.

Some products may require safety testing and certification for this market. While not all products are required to have a CE mark, others do require one. When affixing the CE mark to a product, a manufacturer affirms that the product meets the necessary requirements and can be sold throughout the EU.

There are also EU regulations that need to be followed, so it’s important to know what is required in Denmark. Among them are:

• REACH is the European regulation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals. The European Commission works closely with ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) in the implementation of this regulation.
• RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. It restricts the use of certain hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products.
• WEEE stands for Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment. WEEE requires the treatment, recovery, and recycling of electric and electronic equipment.

The official language of Denmark is Danish, but many speak English as a second language. German, French, and Spanish are also spoken within the country.

In Denmark, the voltage used is 230V at 50Hz. The most frequently specified plug pattern is the
Danish plug.

Sources:
www.export.gov/denmark
www.gov.uk
www.investindk.com
www.copcap.com

Sources for European Union:
www.ec.europa.eu
www.echa.europa.eu
www.rohsguide.com
www.exporthelp.europa.eu
www.europa.eu
www.export.gov/europeanunion

*Source: www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html

Country comparison—Population: Population compares estimates from the US Bureau of Census based on statistics from population censuses, vital statistics, registration systems, or sample surveys pertaining to the recent past and on assumptions about future trends. (July 2014 est.)

Country comparison—GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): GDP (purchasing power parity [PPP]) compares the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. A nation’s GDP at PPP exchange rates is the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States. (2013 est.)

Country comparison—GDP – per capita (PPP): GDP – per capita (PPP) compares GDP on a purchasing parity basis divided by population as of 1 July for the same year. (2013 est.)

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