How large is Denmark's registreringsafgift on a Japanese car?

Very large — Denmark's registration tax is among the highest in the world. It is assessed by Motorstyrelsen in bands (roughly 25%, 85% and 150% of Danish-market value) plus CO2 surcharges. For a typical mid-size petrol car the effective burden commonly sits around the 85% band. Low-CO2 and electric cars face much lower rates. We price the exact figure before you commit.

Is import duty 0% for Japanese cars in Denmark?

Under the EU-Japan EPA, duty can be 0% with valid Japan-origin proof. Without it, standard TARIC/MFN duty applies. Our team prepares the origin documentation so the preference is correctly claimed.

Is there an age limit to import a car to Denmark?

No — there is no fixed age cap. Older cars may have a lower assessed Danish-market value, which can reduce the registreringsafgift base, though CO2 surcharges still apply.

Where does the car arrive in Denmark?

The main vehicle-import port is Fredericia on the Jutland peninsula. Delivery to Copenhagen adds roughly $240 for a sedan; to Aarhus roughly $180; to Aalborg roughly $230. We quote all costs upfront.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Denmark

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Denmark is an EU member, so the EU-Japan EPA applies and import duty on Japan-origin cars can be 0% with valid origin proof — a strong starting point. Danish VAT (moms) is 25% on the imported value. There is no age cap on private imports, and both RHD and LHD are accepted, though Denmark drives on the right so most buyers prefer LHD export-spec cars. The reason Denmark requires careful cost planning is its registreringsafgift — the registration tax, widely cited as one of the highest in the world. It is levied in bands of roughly 25%, 85% and 150% of the car's assessed Danish-market value (as determined by Motorstyrelsen), with CO2 surcharges that rise sharply for higher-emission cars. For a typical mid-size petrol car the effective rate commonly sits in the 85% band, which means a car with a Danish-market value of €20,000 might carry a registration tax of around €17,000 before CO2 surcharges. We are honest about this: the tax is large, our team prices it exactly using the Motorstyrelsen assessment before you commit, and choosing a low-emission model is the most effective way to reduce it.

Main ports: Fredericia
Import age rule: No fixed maximum age for importing a used car. Older cars register, but the registration tax is assessed on the car’s estimated Danish-market value (age, mileage, condition, equipment). Port: Fredericia.
Steering: both
Duties & taxes: Denmark applies 25% VAT on the import value, but the decisive cost is the registration tax (registreringsafgift) — one of the highest in the world. It is charged in 2025 bands of roughly 25%, 85% and 150% of the car’s assessed Danish-market value, plus CO2 surcharges that rise sharply with emissions. For a typical mid-size petrol car the effective load sits around the 85% band, so we show a representative 85% on top of VAT. This figure depends heavily on the car’s assessed value and CO2 and is an estimate our team confirms with the Danish Motor Agency (Motorstyrelsen) before quoting — the true number can be lower (with deductions) or higher (high-CO2 cars).

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to Denmark

Choose a car with the registreringsafgift in mind
CO2 output directly drives the registration tax surcharges — the lower the emissions, the lower the bill. We advise on models that sit in the most favourable bands and shortlist options to your budget.
We source at USS auction
Our licensed USS team reads the auction sheet, confirms CO2 and fuel spec, and bids on your behalf. Emissions data is confirmed before quoting the registration tax estimate.
Pre-shipment and EPA origin documentation
We prepare the Danish customs declaration and the Japan-origin certificate for 0% EU-EPA duty, alongside roadworthiness checks in Japan.
Ocean freight to Fredericia
The car sails to the Port of Fredericia, Denmark's main vehicle-import port. We send the sailing schedule and tracking.

Import duties & taxes in Denmark explained

Under the EU-Japan EPA, import duty on a Japan-origin car can be 0% with valid origin proof; otherwise standard TARIC/MFN duty applies. Danish VAT (moms) is 25% on the imported value. The registreringsafgift is the dominant cost: it is charged in bands — roughly 25% on the first portion of assessed Danish-market value, then 85%, then 150% — plus CO2 surcharges. Motorstyrelsen determines the car's Danish-market value based on age, mileage, condition and equipment; the total registration tax for a mid-size petrol car commonly lands around the 85% effective rate. Deductions exist (e.g. for safety equipment), and EVs face a much lighter burden. Because the exact figure depends on Motorstyrelsen's assessment of your specific car, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car before you commit.

Popular Japanese cars for Denmark

Honda Fit
The Fit's small engine and low CO2 output keep both the base registration tax and the CO2 surcharges as low as possible for a petrol car. Hybrid variants are even more favourable in Denmark's tax structure.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
A light, low-emission hatchback that minimises the registreringsafgift. Low assessed Danish-market value and modest CO2 combine to make it one of the most tax-efficient Japanese imports for Denmark.
See prices
Mazda Demio
A compact hatchback with a modest CO2 rating and a low assessed Danish-market value — both factors keep the registration tax bill in the lower range.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
Reliable, practical and with Toyota's extensive Danish service network. A sensible family sedan for buyers who have budgeted for the registration tax and want long-term certainty.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Denmark

Fredericia — You are at the port — inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $150.
Odense — Delivery from Fredericia to Odense adds roughly $160 for a sedan.
Aarhus — Delivery from Fredericia to Aarhus adds roughly $180 for a sedan.
Aalborg — Delivery from Fredericia to Aalborg adds roughly $230 for a sedan.
Copenhagen — Delivery from Fredericia to Copenhagen adds roughly $240 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

How large is Denmark's registreringsafgift on a Japanese car?: Very large — Denmark's registration tax is among the highest in the world. It is assessed by Motorstyrelsen in bands (roughly 25%, 85% and 150% of Danish-market value) plus CO2 surcharges. For a typical mid-size petrol car the effective burden commonly sits around the 85% band. Low-CO2 and electric cars face much lower rates. We price the exact figure before you commit.
Is import duty 0% for Japanese cars in Denmark?: Under the EU-Japan EPA, duty can be 0% with valid Japan-origin proof. Without it, standard TARIC/MFN duty applies. Our team prepares the origin documentation so the preference is correctly claimed.
Is there an age limit to import a car to Denmark?: No — there is no fixed age cap. Older cars may have a lower assessed Danish-market value, which can reduce the registreringsafgift base, though CO2 surcharges still apply.
Where does the car arrive in Denmark?: The main vehicle-import port is Fredericia on the Jutland peninsula. Delivery to Copenhagen adds roughly $240 for a sedan; to Aarhus roughly $180; to Aalborg roughly $230. We quote all costs upfront.