Many businesses contact me with the same challenge: “Buying from Alibaba is simple, but shipping to Denmark feels complicated and expensive.”
As the co-founder of DFH Logistics, I’ve helped importers worldwide—whether based in Denmark, China, or other countries—ship products smoothly from Alibaba to Denmark.
In this guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know: shipping methods, costs, transit times, customs, VAT, and DDP solutions.
Why buy from Alibaba and ship to Denmark?
Alibaba is one of the most attractive sourcing platforms for buyers worldwide, and Denmark is a growing market for imported goods.
Here’s why global businesses ship from Alibaba to Denmark:
- Lower sourcing costs: Chinese factories offer far better prices than EU wholesalers.
- Wide product range: Electronics, clothing, furniture, machinery, and packaging are among the top imports.
- Scalability: You can start with small parcels and scale to full containers.
- EU market access: Once cleared in Denmark, goods can be freely distributed across the European Union.
For Danish companies, Chinese exporters, and international e-commerce sellers, importing through Alibaba is an effective way to expand product offerings and improve profit margins.
How does shipping from Alibaba to Denmark work?
Placing an order on Alibaba is the easy part. The challenge is arranging shipping to Denmark in a way that is fast, cost-efficient, and compliant with EU rules. From my experience at DFH Logistics, shipments usually move in two ways:
1. Supplier-arranged shipping
Some Alibaba suppliers offer to ship directly to Denmark, often through express couriers or Alibaba’s Cainiao logistics. While this may work for samples or very small parcels, it comes with common issues:
- Limited choice of carriers or routes
- Higher costs for bulky or heavy cargo
- Delays in Danish customs clearance
- VAT and import duties left for the buyer to handle
2. Freight forwarder-arranged shipping
This is the option most global buyers prefer. When working with a professional freight forwarder like us, you gain full control and transparency. We take care of:
- Pickup from your supplier’s factory or warehouse in China
- Consolidation and repacking at our warehouse if needed
- Export customs clearance in China
- International transport by air, sea, express, rail, or truck
- Import customs clearance in Denmark, including 25% VAT and duties
- Final delivery to your warehouse, retail location, or Amazon FBA center
Why this matters
For Danish importers, Chinese exporters, or overseas e-commerce sellers, using a freight forwarder ensures shipments move smoothly. You don’t have to deal with hidden fees, unexpected customs problems, or unclear delivery schedules—we handle it all.
Should you let your Alibaba supplier handle the shipping?
One of the most common questions I hear from clients is: “Should I let my Alibaba supplier arrange the shipping to Denmark?”
When suppliers arrange shipping
Some suppliers on Alibaba offer shipping directly to Denmark. For samples or small packages, this can be convenient. But for larger or business shipments, there are frequent problems:
- Higher costs for heavy or bulky cargo
- Limited control over carrier choice and route
- Lack of transparency on transit times
- Customs clearance and 25% VAT left to the buyer
When a freight forwarder manages shipping
Working with a freight forwarder like us gives you more control and peace of mind. We provide:
- Pickup from multiple suppliers in China
- Consolidation, repacking, and labeling if needed
- Export customs clearance in China
- Reliable shipping via air, sea, rail, truck, or express
- Import customs clearance in Denmark with VAT and duty handled
- Door-to-door delivery, including to Amazon FBA
My advice
If you’re only testing a small order, letting your supplier ship may be fine. But if you’re handling larger shipments, or if you want predictable costs and smooth customs clearance in Denmark, it’s always safer to work with a freight forwarder. That way, you know your goods will arrive without delays or surprise costs.
What are the shipping methods from Alibaba to Denmark?
When shipping from Alibaba to Denmark, there are several transportation methods to choose from. Each has different costs, timelines, and advantages. Let me walk you through the main options.
1. Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
- Transit time: 3–7 days
- Best for: Small parcels under 100 kg, urgent samples, or high-value items
- Advantages: Fast, reliable, door-to-door
- Limitations: Expensive for bulky shipments
2. Air Freight
- Transit time: 2–5 days (airport-to-airport), 8–12 days including customs & delivery
- Best for: Shipments between 100–500 kg
- Advantages: Faster than sea, cheaper than express
- Limitations: Requires customs clearance and local delivery unless DDP is used
3. Sea Freight (LCL & FCL)
- Transit time: 40–50 days
- LCL: For shipments 1–15 CBM, sharing container space
- FCL: Best for full containers above 20 CBM
- Advantages: Lowest cost for bulk cargo
- Limitations: Slowest method
4. Railway Freight
- Transit time: 30–35 days
- Best for: Medium shipments needing faster delivery than sea at a lower cost than air
- Advantages: Balanced cost and speed
- Limitations: Limited availability and capacity
5. Truck Freight
- Transit time: 18–28 days
- Best for: Flexible door-to-door shipments across Europe
- Advantages: Faster than sea, avoids port congestion
- Limitations: Costs more for very large loads
6. DDP Shipping (Delivered Duty Paid)
- Transit time: 7–50 days depending on mode
- Includes: Pickup, export clearance, shipping, Danish customs, duty & 25% VAT, and final delivery
- Best for: Importers without EORI/VAT, Amazon FBA sellers, small businesses
Shipping Method Comparison Table
| Method | Transit Time | Cost Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Courier | 3–7 days | $$$$ | Urgent parcels under 100 kg |
| Air Freight | 2–5 days | $$$ | 100–500 kg shipments |
| Sea Freight LCL | 40–50 days | $ | 1–15 CBM cargo |
| Sea Freight FCL | 40–50 days | $ | Full containers (>20 CBM) |
| Railway Freight | 30–35 days | $$ | Medium cargo, cost/time balance |
| Truck Freight | 18–28 days | $$ | Flexible door-to-door delivery |
| DDP Shipping | 7–50 days (varies) | $$–$$$ | Importers without EORI/VAT, FBA sellers |
What is DDP shipping from Alibaba to Denmark?
One of the most popular choices among our clients is DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping. Whether you are in Denmark or abroad, this option is ideal if you want a simple, all-inclusive solution that avoids customs complications.
How DDP shipping works
When you choose DDP with a freight forwarder like us, here’s what happens:
- We pick up goods from your supplier’s factory or warehouse in China.
- Our team handles export customs clearance in China.
- The goods are shipped by air, sea, rail, or truck.
- In Denmark, we manage customs clearance, pay import duties, and cover 25% VAT on your behalf.
- Your cargo is delivered directly to your chosen address, whether it’s a warehouse, shop, or Amazon FBA center.
Why buyers prefer DDP
- No need for EORI or VAT registration – we act as the official importer.
- All-inclusive pricing – freight, duty, and VAT included in one quote.
- Time-saving – no delays due to paperwork or customs confusion.
- Door-to-door delivery – from the factory in China to your doorstep in Denmark.
My advice
If you are new to importing, don’t have a VAT number, or simply want peace of mind, DDP shipping is the best choice. It ensures your Alibaba orders arrive in Denmark without delays or unexpected costs.
👉 Learn more here: DDP Shipping Service
How much does it cost to ship from Alibaba to Denmark?
“How much will it cost to ship my Alibaba goods to Denmark?” The answer depends on your shipping method, the size of your cargo, and whether you choose DDP shipping or standard freight.
Key factors affecting cost
- Shipping method: Express, air, sea, rail, or truck
- Weight and volume: Air freight is billed by chargeable weight (kg), sea freight by CBM (cubic meter)
- Destination in Denmark: Deliveries to Copenhagen, Aarhus, or Odense may vary in trucking costs
- Duties & VAT: Denmark applies 25% VAT plus duty depending on HS codes
Average cost estimates (China → Denmark)
| Shipping Method | Transit Time | Cost Range (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Courier | 3–7 days | $6 – $10 per kg | Urgent parcels under 100 kg |
| Air Freight | 2–5 days | $4 – $8 per kg (100–500 kg) | Medium-sized urgent shipments |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 40–50 days | $1.9 – $4.9 per kg | 1–15 CBM shared container shipments |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 40–50 days | $1,200 – $2,800 per 20ft FCL | Bulk cargo or full container loads |
| Railway Freight | 30–35 days | $2 – $4 per kg | Medium cargo with cost/time balance |
| Truck Freight | 18–28 days | $2.5 – $4.9 per kg | Door-to-door EU delivery |
| DDP Shipping | 7–50 days | All-inclusive fixed quote | Importers without EORI/VAT, Amazon FBA |
What is the cheapest way to ship from Alibaba to Denmark?
From my experience, the cheapest way to ship depends mainly on the size of your cargo. If you’re moving large volumes or full container loads, sea freight is always the most cost-effective option. For medium shipments that are not urgent, railway freight can save money compared to air, while still being faster than sea. Small, urgent parcels are cheapest by express only when you consider the total value and the need for speed.
The key is to match your shipment type with the right channel: bulk orders go by sea, medium loads can benefit from rail or truck, and urgent or high-value items are better suited for air or express. If you want to simplify the process and avoid customs or VAT headaches, DDP shipping gives you an all-in-one solution with a clear, predictable cost.
Do you need an EORI or VAT number to import from Alibaba to Denmark?
One of the first things buyers often ask me is: “Do I need an EORI or VAT number to bring my Alibaba goods into Denmark?” The answer depends on how you arrange shipping.
EORI number
- EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is required for all businesses importing goods into the EU, including Denmark.
- Without an EORI, customs cannot process your import declaration.
VAT in Denmark
- Denmark applies a 25% VAT on most imported goods.
- Registered Danish businesses can reclaim this VAT through their tax returns.
- Individuals and companies without VAT registration must treat this as a fixed import cost.
When you don’t need EORI or VAT
- If you use DDP shipping, your freight forwarder (like us at DFH Logistics) acts as the official importer.
- We use our own EORI and VAT registration to clear your goods.
- You receive them with all duties and VAT already paid, no extra steps required.
How is Denmark customs clearance handled when shipping from Alibaba?
Customs clearance in Denmark may sound complicated, but once you understand the process, it becomes much more predictable. Let me walk you through how it works when we handle your shipments from Alibaba.
How the process works
- Before shipping: We review your documents—invoice, packing list, HS codes, and compliance certificates (CE, RoHS, REACH if needed). Fixing these early prevents delays.
- Arrival in Denmark: Goods usually arrive via Copenhagen Port or Aarhus for sea, and Copenhagen Airport for air shipments.
- Customs declaration: We file the necessary paperwork, including product details, values, and Incoterms.
- Duties & VAT: Customs assess duties (based on HS codes) and apply 25% VAT.
- Inspection: If customs select your goods for checks, we provide all required certificates or test reports.
- Release & delivery: Once cleared, cargo is delivered to your warehouse, retail location, or Amazon FBA center.
Key documents needed when do the Customs
- Commercial invoice & packing list
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- HS codes and origin of goods
- Compliance certificates if required
- EORI and VAT details (unless using DDP)
Common challenges for the Customs clean
- Wrong HS codes leading to overpaid duties
- Under-declared values that trigger fines
- Missing CE or REACH compliance causing cargo holds
- Unexpected charges when Incoterms are unclear
Tips for you:
If you want to avoid delays and hidden costs, always make sure your documents are correct before shipping. And if you prefer a stress-free option, choose DDP shipping—we handle customs, duties, and VAT so your goods arrive in Denmark ready to use or sell.
How long does it take to ship from Alibaba to Denmark?
One of the most common questions buyers ask me is: “How long will my shipment from Alibaba take to reach Denmark?” The delivery time depends on the shipping method you choose and how smooth customs clearance is. Here’s what you can expect:
Average transit times
- Express Courier (DHL, UPS, FedEx): 3–7 days, door-to-door
- Air Freight: 2–5 days airport-to-airport, or 5–8 days including customs and delivery
- Sea Freight (LCL/FCL): 40–50 days port-to-door (Copenhagen, Aarhus)
- Railway Freight: 30–35 days to Europe, plus trucking to Denmark
- Truck Freight: 18–28 days, direct overland or via EU hubs
- DDP Shipping: 7–15 days by air, 40–50 days by sea, with customs and VAT included
What affects shipping time
- Peak seasons: Expect delays around Chinese New Year and Christmas.
- Customs clearance: Missing or incorrect paperwork can add several days.
- Final delivery: Remote Danish regions may take longer than Copenhagen or Aarhus.
What is the best shipping method from Alibaba to Denmark?
The best shipping method from Alibaba to Denmakr depends mainly on your shipment type. If you’re shipping small, urgent parcels, express courier or air freight is the fastest choice. For bulk cargo, sea freight is the most cost-effective, especially for full containers (FCL). Medium shipments often benefit from railway or truck freight, which balance cost and delivery time.
If you don’t have an EORI or VAT number, or simply want a stress-free solution, DDP shipping is the best option. With DDP, we take care of customs clearance, duties, and Denmark’s 25% VAT, so your goods move directly from your Alibaba supplier to your door without delays or hidden costs.
Step by step process of shipping from Alibaba to Denmark
Importers often feel lost about the actual process. To make it simple, here’s the typical flow we follow when moving goods from Alibaba to Denmark:
Step 1 — Confirm your order
Agree with your supplier on product details, quantities, and Incoterms (EXW, FOB, CIF, or DDP). Make sure the invoice and packing list are correct.
Step 2 — Choose your shipping method
Select express, air, sea, rail, or truck depending on your shipment size, urgency, and budget.
Step 3 — Pickup & consolidation in China
We arrange pickup from one or multiple suppliers and consolidate goods in our warehouse if needed.
Step 4 — Export customs clearance
Our team handles the export declaration in China to ensure your cargo is cleared for departure.
Step 5 — International transport
Your goods are shipped by the method you chose—air to Copenhagen Airport, sea to Aarhus or Copenhagen port, or via Europe by rail or truck.
Step 6 — Import customs clearance in Denmark
We prepare all documents, pay duties, and handle the 25% VAT (covered by us if using DDP).
Step 7 — Final delivery
Once cleared, your goods are delivered to your warehouse, retail store, or Amazon FBA center anywhere in Denmark.
Why choose DFH Logistics for shipping from Alibaba to Denmark?
At DFH Logistics, we’ve spent more than 12 years helping importers worldwide ship goods from Alibaba to Denmark. Whether you are a Danish retailer, a Chinese exporter, or an international e-commerce seller, our role is to make your shipping process simple, transparent, and stress-free.
Why importers trust us
- End-to-end service: From pickup at your supplier’s factory in China to final delivery in Denmark, we handle it all.
- DDP expertise: We specialize in Delivered Duty Paid shipping, covering customs clearance, duties, and Denmark’s 25% VAT.
- Multiple shipping options: Express, air, sea, rail, or truck—we help you choose the best fit for your cargo.
- Cost transparency: Competitive rates with no hidden charges.
- Free consolidation & warehousing: 30 days free storage in Shenzhen with supplier consolidation if needed.
- Compliance support: We ensure your goods meet EU import standards (CE, RoHS, REACH) to avoid delays.
- Amazon FBA ready: Labeling, packaging, and direct delivery to Amazon warehouses in Denmark or across Europe.
What makes us different
Many clients come to us after dealing with hidden costs, poor communication, or delays with other forwarders. We solve these problems by offering clear pricing, reliable schedules, and responsive support.
When you work with DFH Logistics, you’re not just hiring a shipping provider—you’re gaining a logistics partner who ensures your Alibaba shipments to Denmark arrive on time, at the right cost, and fully compliant with EU rules.
Conclusion
At DFH Logistics, we provide end-to-end support—from factory pickup in China, export clearance, and international transport, to Danish customs clearance, VAT handling, and final delivery. Our mission is to make shipping from Alibaba to Denmark as simple and cost-efficient as possible.
Ready to ship from Alibaba to Denmark?
Contact DFH Logistics today for a tailored quote. We’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on growing your business in Denmark and across Europe.
