🇬🇱 Import Customs & Duties: Greenland
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
No VAT system. Import taxes at varying rates apply instead. Alcohol and tobacco subject to high excise duties.
Clearance Time
3-10 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-5% | 85 |
| Clothing | 0-10% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 0-10% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-5% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 0-5% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 0-5% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark but NOT part of the EU (left in 1985). Greenland Tax Authority (Skattestyrelsen) handles customs. Import duties are generally very low or zero. No VAT system, instead, import tax at varying rates. Most goods imported from Denmark.
What to Actually Expect
EXTREMELY REMOTE, logistics are the main challenge, not customs bureaucracy. Only accessible by air and sea (no roads connecting settlements). Royal Arctic Line is the main cargo carrier. Air freight via Air Greenland. No international courier services to most towns (DHL only to Nuuk). Postal mail via PostNord can take 2-6 weeks. Climate causes seasonal shipping restrictions. Import duties are low but alcohol and tobacco heavily taxed. Population of ~57,000 across vast territory.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Required for firearms, explosives, and certain controlled substances. Strict biosecurity for animal and plant products. Alcohol subject to high import taxes.
Certificate of Origin
Standard certificate of origin. Greenland has its own trade agreements separate from the EU. OCT (Overseas Countries and Territories) status provides some EU preferences.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Popular routes to Greenland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Greenland?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Greenland is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Greenland?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Greenland is 15%. VAT applies to: No VAT system. Import taxes at varying rates apply instead. Alcohol and tobacco subject to high excise duties.
How long does customs clearance take in Greenland?
Typical customs clearance in Greenland takes 3-10 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Greenland?
To import into Greenland, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Greenland?
Greenland prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.