China and Denmark have close trade ties, and sea container shipping is one of the most common logistics methods in trade between the two countries. This article will introduce the cost of container shipping from China to Denmark in detail.

Container Shipping from China to Denmark
Container transportation between China and Denmark is mainly completed by Sea Freight, and the main routes connect China’s eastern coastal ports (such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Qingdao) with Denmark’s Copenhagen Port, Aarhus Port, etc. The transportation time is usually 25-35 days (the specific time depends on the route, ship schedule and customs clearance).
Types of Containers
Containers shipped from China to Denmark mainly include the following types. It is crucial to choose the right container type according to the different needs of the goods:
- 20-foot standard container (20GP): suitable for heavier but smaller goods, such as metals, ores, mechanical equipment, etc., with a strong load capacity (about 28 tons).
- 40-foot standard container (40GP): suitable for larger but lighter goods, such as furniture, clothing, plastic products, etc.
- 40-foot high cabinet (40HC): The height is about 30 cm higher than 40GP, suitable for loading light goods but requiring more space, such as textiles, electronic products, household goods, etc.
Shipping 20ft Container Cost from China to Denmark
The cost of transporting 20ft container from China to Denmark consists of various costs, mainly including ocean freight, port charges, additional charges, and customs clearance charges.
- Ocean freight: basic freight from Chinese ports to Danish ports, excluding unloading and customs clearance at the destination port
- Port charges: Terminal handling charges (THC) at the port of departure and the port of destination
- Additional charges: fuel surcharge, peak season surcharge, etc.
Cost Component | Average Cost (USD) |
---|---|
Base Shipping Rate | $1,200 – $2,500 |
Fuel Surcharge | $200 – $600 (Depending on oil price fluctuations) |
Port Fees | $150 – $250 |
Customs Duties | $100 – $300 |
Insurance | $100 – $200 |
Total Cost | $2,000 – $3,500 |
Shipping 40ft Container Cost from China to Denmark
The cost structure of a 40ft container is the same as that of a 20ft container, but because the 40ft container has a larger volume and can transport larger items, the cost is about 50%-80% more expensive, but the unit transportation cost is lower.
Cost Component | Average Cost (USD) |
---|---|
Base Shipping Rate | $2,000 – $3,500 |
Fuel Surcharge | $200 – $600 (Depending on oil price fluctuations) |
Port Fees | $250 – $350 |
Customs Duties | $200 – $400 |
Insurance | $200 – $300 |
Total Cost | $3,000 – $5,000 |
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Denmark
The cost of shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Denmark varies depending on many factors, including the port of departure, the port of destination, the route, the shipping company, seasonal changes, and market supply and demand. Below are the costs from different ports in China to different ports in Denmark:
POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
---|---|---|---|
Shanghai | Copenhagen | $2050-$3350 | $3500-$5000 |
Shenzhen | Copenhagen | $2000-$3500 | $3450-$4950 |
Ningbo | Copenhagen | $2000-$3400 | $3650-$4850 |
Shanghai | Aarhus | $1950-$3450 | $3350-$4800 |
Shenzhen | Aarhus | $2000-$3300 | $3500-$5000 |
Ningbo | Aarhus | $2050-$3650 | $3450-$5050 |
Shanghai | Odense | $2100-$3500 | $3650-$4850 |
Shenzhen | Odense | $2000-$3400 | $3500-$4800 |
Ningbo | Odense | $2050-$3350 | $3750-$4950 |
Refer to the cost of shipping from China to other surrounding areas:
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to the UK
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Germany
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to the Netherlands?

Prohibited Goods for Shipping Container from China to Denmark
During the transportation process, some goods may be restricted by Danish laws or international regulations, including but not limited to:
- Dangerous goods (undeclared chemicals, explosives, flammable liquids, etc.)
- Weapons and military supplies (guns, ammunition, military equipment)
- Counterfeit and substandard goods (goods that infringe intellectual property rights)
- Food and animals and plants (unauthorized fresh food, live animals and plants, etc.)
- Pharmaceuticals (unapproved drugs or medical devices)
Importers need to check Danish customs regulations in advance to ensure that the goods meet the requirements.
Customs Clearance Documents for Shipping Container from China to Denmark
In order to successfully complete container transportation and customs clearance, the following documents are usually required:
- Bill of Lading (B/L): The ocean bill of lading is the most important transportation document, which contains information about the goods, shipper, and consignee.
- Commercial Invoice: Contains information such as description, quantity, price, etc. of the goods.
- Packing List: Detailed list of the packaging method, weight and size of the goods.
- Customs declaration documents: Import declaration documents filled in according to the requirements of Danish customs.
- Certificate of Origin (C/O): This document is required if you enjoy tariff concessions.
- Insurance Policy (optional): If the goods are insured, an insurance certificate is required.
The shipping costs of 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Denmark are affected by many factors. When companies and individuals engage in international trade, they should choose a reasonable transportation plan and ensure that all customs clearance documents are complete so that the goods can arrive smoothly.