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How to Import a Car to Denmark
Importing cars from abroad into Denmark can be simple and profitable. Learn what documents, taxes, and steps you need to get started.
You’d like to start importing used cars to Denmark? That’s a good idea, seeing as more and more European buyers are turning to second-hand vehicles.
To keep the import process smooth and effective, there are some regulations and key documents that you should have in mind. With the right preparation, you can avoid delays, reduce costs, and get your cars ready for sale faster.
But first, let’s take a look at how the automotive industry performs in Denmark.
Get to know the Danish used car market
The number of new car registrations has been steady throughout the last few years. Early 2025, however, has even seen a rise in new purchases, suggesting an increased buying activity.
Image source: Statistics Denmark
The used market is thriving as well.
The total number of used car registrations increased 13% from January 2025 to April 2025. Healthy demand, combined with good resale activity, is definitely an encouraging sign for those looking to import used cars.
Image source: StatBank Denmark
In terms of fuel type in used cars, petrol still leads, but EVs are close behind. In fact, EVs now make up nearly 35% of used registrations, which is a remarkably high share compared to most European countries.
Now that you know that the Danish used car market is performing well, and that petrol, electric, and hybrid vehicles are in high demand, the only thing left to see is which models Danish buyers are actually choosing.
Take a look at the most popular models in Denmark so far in 2025:
Image source: Dataforce
As you can see, the list is dominated by fully electric vehicles, including the VW ID.4, ID. Buzz, Toyota bZ4X, and Tesla Model Y. This clearly shows that battery electric vehicles are not just growing in new sales; they’re now leading the overall market.
For the used car market, this trend suggests that demand for EVs will likely continue to grow, but petrol and hybrid models still hold strong resale potential.
Import regulations of Denmark
The import process in Denmark is mostly similar to that of other EU members, so you can expect standard car import duties and taxes.
However, there’s an additional step that’s unique to Denmark, and that’s the mandatory vehicle valuation before registration. All imported vehicles must be valued by the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency or by an approved independent valuation provider.
We’ll show you when and how to complete this step later on, so you can see how it fits in the overall import process. Now, let’s see the documents you’ll have to prepare for import.
Documentation for importing a vehicle to Denmark as a business
Here are the documents you’ll need during the import.
Vehicle purchase invoice
First, you’ll need a detailed invoice proving the purchase of the vehicle. If you’ve bought the car via eCarsTrade, you can find your invoice on your Personal page.
Regardless of where you bought the car, the invoice should contain:
- Buyer’s and seller’s information
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Make and model
- Purchase price
Original registration documents
You’ll need the original registration certificate from the country of export to confirm previous registration.
These documents are included with all the vehicles on eCarsTrade, so you’re already one step ahead in the import process.
COC
The certificate of conformity is a document that confirms that a vehicle complies with EU safety and environmental standards. Keep in mind that some used cars aren’t sold with their original COC.
If the vehicle you’re importing doesn’t come with a COC, don’t worry. You can easily order a new certificate from authorized providers, such as EuroCOC or COC Europe.
Image source: COC Europe
When ordering, make sure to have the VIN number ready, as it’s required to match the certificate to the specific vehicle.
Proof of identity
Finally, you should prepare proof of identity. If you’re importing as a registered dealership, you’ll also need proof of your business’s registration in Denmark.
Taxes when importing a car to Denmark
Let’s take a look at taxes you might need to pay so that you can estimate costs and prepare in advance.
VAT
Value added tax (VAT) is the main tax to consider when importing vehicles into Denmark.
If you import from within the EU and the vehicle is used, you generally don’t have to pay VAT. You’ll only need to pay 25% VAT in Denmark if the vehicle is considered new (this means it’s less than 6 months old or has under 6,000 km on the odometer).
The rules are different if you’re importing from outside the EU.
In that case, VAT always applies, and it’s usually 25% of the vehicle’s invoice value plus transport and insurance costs.
Customs duty
If you’re importing a vehicle from outside the EU, you'll need to pay customs duty in addition to VAT.
You’ll pay a 10% customs duty based on the vehicle’s invoice price, plus transportation and any extra costs. You’ll need to take care of both customs duty and VAT at the first EU entry point before the car can continue to Denmark.
Step-by-step process - from purchasing a car to importing it to Denmark
Here’s an overview of the entire process you’ll go through from buying and importing used cars.
1. Research and buy the car
You should start by researching your local market and identifying what types of vehicles your customers are looking for. On a broader level, Danish buyers currently prefer petrol and electric vehicles, so that could guide your sourcing strategy.
eCarsTrade is an online auction platform built for car dealerships looking for reliable ex-lease cars from across Europe. You can visit the platform, filter by used EVs, hybrids, or petrol vehicles, and place bids or buy directly at fixed prices.
All listings come with detailed information so that you can check car specifications and condition and make confident decisions before buying.
2. Arrange transportation to Denmark
You’ve bought the car online, and now it’s time to get it to your dealership.
Most of our customers opt for eCarsTrade delivery because it’s so convenient. We can organize transport on your behalf, and you simply choose the delivery location and wait for the vehicle to arrive.
3. Prepare the necessary documents
Gather all required documents, including the purchase invoice, original registration certificate, and, if available, the COC.
4. Have the car inspected
Take the car through registration inspection and customs inspection at a vehicle inspection centre. You can find office hours and locations of the centres here.
5. Request vehicle valuation
The next step is requesting a valuation. You have two options here.
One is submitting a request for vehicle valuation through the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency’s online platform (E-tax/TastSelv).
The other option is to go with a private valuation business. Keep in mind that these businesses usually charge a fee.
Either way, after you’ve requested the valuation, you’ll receive an estimated value that determines the registration tax. The tax will be paid by your customers once they register the car.
6. Pay VAT and customs duties if needed
If you’re importing from outside the EU, you’ll need to pay 10% customs duty and 25% VAT on the vehicle’s value plus transport costs.
For EU imports, VAT only applies if the vehicle is new (under 6 months old or 6,000 km).
Once this is settled, the car is ready for resale.
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Importing a car to Denmark - FAQ
► Do I have to pay VAT when importing used cars from the EU?
No, not if the vehicle is used. VAT only applies if the vehicle is considered new (less than 6 months old or under 6,000 km).
► I bought a car without COC, what now?
That’s common with used vehicles. You can easily order a replacement from trusted providers using the car’s VIN.
► Can I advertise the expected registration tax to customers?
Yes, and it’s often a good idea. You can request a valuation in advance and use it to give your customers a clearer picture of total costs.
► Who handles the transport if I buy through eCarsTrade?
We can! You can choose the eCarsTrade Delivery Service when completing your purchase, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Importare veicoli dall'Europa può essere complesso, ma eCarsTrade è qui per semplificare il processo. Scopri come:
