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International trade in Kalundborg sits at the intersection of local industry, a modern commercial port, and Denmark's membership in the European Union. Businesses shipping goods through Kalundborg rely on EU customs rules, Danish contract and commercial law, and sector-specific regulations such as product safety, export controls, and environmental rules. The Port of Kalundborg serves container, bulk, and project cargo, so traders often navigate customs warehousing, logistics contracts, and multimodal transport. For many transactions, the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods applies by default, unless the parties opt out.
Because Denmark is in the EU customs union and single market, trade with other EU countries is treated as intra-EU trade with no customs duties but with VAT rules and product compliance obligations. Trade with non-EU countries involves customs declarations, potential duties, and import VAT. With a strong industrial base in the municipality, including manufacturing and energy, companies in Kalundborg frequently handle dual-use items and specialized equipment that may require export permissions. A lawyer can help align your commercial terms with the complex framework of EU and Danish law that governs these activities.
Contract drafting and negotiation are central to cross-border sales and distribution. A lawyer can prepare or review sales, distribution, agency, or logistics contracts, select governing law and dispute resolution, allocate risk using Incoterms 2020, and ensure terms comply with Danish and EU competition rules.
Customs and VAT compliance benefit from legal guidance. You may need help obtaining an EORI number, classifying goods, determining origin, using customs procedures such as inward processing or customs warehousing, and applying the Danish import VAT accounting scheme. Errors can trigger duty reassessments, penalties, or shipment delays.
Export controls and sanctions compliance are critical. Counsel can assess whether items are dual-use or military, whether licenses are required, how EU sanctions affect your counterparties, and what screening processes you must implement. Non-compliance can lead to criminal or administrative penalties and reputational harm.
Transport and insurance arrangements often require tailored advice. A lawyer can align your Incoterms choice with cargo insurance, understand carrier liability regimes for sea, road, rail, and air, and address demurrage, detention, and force majeure provisions that commonly arise in port operations.
Regulatory and product compliance issues may apply to machinery, chemicals, electronics, food, medical products, and hazardous goods. Counsel can advise on CE marking, REACH and RoHS obligations, labeling, safety documentation, and approvals from Danish authorities.
Dispute resolution planning reduces risk. Lawyers can draft arbitration clauses, choose forums like the Danish Maritime and Commercial High Court, or structure mediation procedures. If a dispute arises, local counsel can coordinate litigation or arbitration, evidence gathering, and enforcement of judgments or awards.
Customs framework. Imports and exports are governed by the EU Customs Code and Danish implementing rules administered by the Danish Customs Agency. Businesses moving goods to or from non-EU countries must use an EORI number, file electronic customs declarations, and determine tariff classification, customs value, and origin. Preferential origin under free trade agreements may reduce duties, and exporters may need to use approved exporter or registered exporter systems to make origin statements.
VAT on cross-border trade. Danish VAT is typically 25 percent. Intra-EU supplies to VAT-registered businesses can be zero-rated under conditions. Imports from outside the EU are subject to import VAT. Many Danish VAT-registered businesses can account for import VAT in their VAT return rather than paying at the border, which helps cash flow. Excise duties apply to certain goods such as energy products, alcohol, and tobacco.
Contracts for sale of goods. The Danish Sale of Goods Act and the Danish Contracts Act set core rules. For international sales between parties in CISG member states, the CISG applies unless excluded in the contract. Parties commonly agree to Danish law or another chosen law and specify Incoterms 2020 to define delivery, risk, and cost allocation. Retention of title clauses are used in B2B contracts but have limitations in enforceability against third parties, so additional security may be advisable.
Transport and logistics. Sea carriage is governed by the Danish Maritime Code, which incorporates Hague-Visby Rules standards. Road carriage is subject to the CMR Convention. Air carriage follows the Montreal Convention, and rail transport is governed by CIM under COTIF. Port operations in Kalundborg follow port regulations and ISPS security requirements. Hazardous goods are subject to IMDG for sea and ADR for road.
Export controls and sanctions. Dual-use items are regulated under the EU Dual-Use Regulation and Danish rules administered by the Danish Business Authority. Military equipment exports are subject to specific licensing regimes. EU sanctions and embargoes are binding in Denmark. Screening of customers, vessels, and financial flows is a core compliance obligation for traders and logistics providers.
Product compliance and safety. CE marking regimes apply for many products such as machinery, low voltage equipment, radio equipment, and personal protective equipment. Chemicals are governed by REACH and CLP. Electronics must comply with RoHS and WEEE obligations. Food and feed require oversight by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, and medical products are regulated by the Danish Medicines Agency.
Competition, distribution, and marketing. The Danish Competition Act and EU competition law apply to distribution and agency agreements, resale price maintenance, exclusivities, and information exchange. Geo-blocking restrictions within the EU limit certain territorial sales restrictions for online sales. The Danish Marketing Practices Act sets standards for advertising, B2C disclosures, and comparative claims.
Data protection and cybersecurity. The GDPR applies to processing of personal data in cross-border trade activities such as customer due diligence, logistics tracking, and after-sales service. Contracts should include data processing terms and secure data transfer mechanisms when data leaves the EU.
Local permits and environment. Warehousing, processing, and logistics activities in Kalundborg may require municipal permits, environmental approvals, and compliance with noise and emissions limits under the Danish Environmental Protection Act. Industrial and port operators must meet safety and emergency planning standards, especially for hazardous substances.
Yes. Any business lodging customs declarations in the EU must use an EORI number. Danish companies apply through the Danish Customs Agency. Foreign companies use an EORI issued by their home EU customs authority. Without an EORI, shipments can be delayed or blocked.
Imports from non-EU countries may be subject to customs duty based on tariff classification and origin, plus import VAT at 25 percent. Certain goods also attract excise duties. Many VAT-registered businesses can account for import VAT in their VAT return, which reduces cash flow impact.
In many cross-border sales between parties located in CISG member states, the CISG applies automatically unless the parties exclude it. If you prefer Danish law without the CISG, state that the CISG is excluded and specify the governing law and dispute resolution in your contract.
Incoterms 2020 define delivery, risk transfer, and cost allocation. Choose a rule that matches your logistics and control needs. For containerized sea shipments, FCA, CPT, CIP, or DAP are common. Avoid EXW for exports due to customs and loading risks. If you use CIF or CFR, ensure they fit your cargo and insurance arrangements.
Licenses are required for dual-use items, military goods, and certain sensitive products. You must screen your goods against control lists and review end-use and end-user. Some destinations or parties are restricted by EU sanctions. When in doubt, seek a classification or advisory opinion and apply for the appropriate license before shipment.
Parties can agree to arbitration, often under the Danish Institute of Arbitration, or litigate in the Danish courts. Large commercial and maritime disputes may be heard by the Maritime and Commercial High Court in Copenhagen. For EU counterparties, jurisdiction and judgment enforcement follow EU rules. For non-EU counterparties, arbitration can provide neutral and enforceable outcomes.
Liability depends on the mode of transport and contract terms. Sea carriers are typically subject to the Hague-Visby regime in the Danish Maritime Code with package or kilo limits. Road carriers are subject to CMR limits. Air carriers follow the Montreal Convention. Declare value and insure cargo where appropriate, and align insurance with your Incoterms choice.
Yes. Contracts can be in English or another language. There is no general requirement for Danish-language contracts in B2B trade. To avoid disputes, include a governing law clause, jurisdiction or arbitration clause, and a language clause stating that the chosen language controls.
Retention of title is commonly used in B2B contracts under Danish law, but its effectiveness against third parties can be limited. Extended or all-monies retention of title may face enforceability issues. Consider supplemental security such as bank guarantees, letters of credit, or credit insurance.
EU sanctions are directly applicable in Denmark and must be followed. You must screen counterparties, vessels, banks, and transshipment points and assess sectoral restrictions. Breaches can lead to fines or criminal penalties. Build a documented screening and escalation process and monitor frequent updates to EU measures.
Danish Customs Agency - Handles EORI registrations, customs declarations, and customs controls.
Danish Tax Agency - Oversees VAT registration, import VAT accounting, and excise duties.
Danish Business Authority - Administers dual-use export controls and provides trade compliance guidance.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Provides trade policy updates and guidance on sanctions and export regimes.
Danish Maritime Authority - Oversees maritime safety and port state control relevant to sea carriage.
Port of Kalundborg - Publishes port operational rules, cargo handling information, and security requirements.
Danish Veterinary and Food Administration - Regulates food, feed, and animal-origin products for import and export.
Danish Medicines Agency - Regulates pharmaceuticals and medical devices for trade and distribution.
Danish Competition and Consumer Authority - Issues guidance on distribution, competition compliance, and marketing law.
Danish Institute of Arbitration - Provides arbitration rules and administration for commercial disputes.
ICC Denmark - Offers training and materials on Incoterms and documentary credits.
Confederation of Danish Industry and Danish Chamber of Commerce - Provide trade insights and member support.
Define your transaction clearly. Identify goods, counterparties, origin and destination, delivery points, and any sectoral constraints. This allows your adviser to map the applicable customs, VAT, and regulatory steps.
Assemble core documents. Gather product specifications, tariff codes, origin and value data, licenses or certificates, prior contracts, and logistics proposals. Accurate documentation reduces clearance risk and speeds up advice.
Choose commercial terms. Select Incoterms 2020, payment method, and insurance coverage. Align your choice with customs responsibilities and practical control of the shipment.
Screen compliance risks. Check export control status, sanctions exposure, and product compliance obligations. If licensing may be needed, start early, since approvals can take time.
Plan dispute resolution. Agree on governing law and jurisdiction or arbitration before you sign. For high-value shipments, consider arbitration with a seat in Denmark and emergency relief options.
Engage local counsel. A lawyer experienced in international trade in Denmark can coordinate with freight forwarders, banks, and authorities, tailor your contracts, and set up workable compliance procedures for operations through Kalundborg.
Implement operational checklists. Train staff on document accuracy, Incoterms application, customs deadlines, and sanctions screening. Periodically review procedures as EU and Danish rules evolve.
This guide is informational only. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified lawyer experienced in international trade law in Denmark.
