Companies engaged in international trade within the European Union might be required to meet Intrastat obligations, alongside submitting periodic VAT returns or European Sales Listings (ESL). If the value of their transactions exceeds a certain threshold, they are obligated to report the arrival of goods from other EU member states and/or the dispatch of goods to those states.
Data on Denmark’s goods trade with other EU countries, covering both imports and exports, highlights the ongoing development of the EU internal market. This information is essential for compiling the Balance of Payments and National Accounts statistics, and it plays a key role in helping ministries formulate trade policies and establish trade agreements. Consequently, strict quality standards are applied to ensure the accuracy of this data.
For assistance with Intrastat reporting in Denmark, feel free to reach out to us for more information.
An overview of Intrastat
Serving as a statistical framework for companies involved in trade within the EU, Intrastat was established to monitor the flow of goods and gather data on foreign trade. This system has been in effect since January 1, 1993, taking over from customs declarations as the primary source of trade statistics in the EU. Such statistics are crucial for analyzing trade policies and sectors. Companies must provide Intrastat declarations that specify the arrivals and shipments of goods among EU member states.
The requirements for Intrastat data vary by country and are determined by the reporting thresholds set by each EU member state. These thresholds indicate the value of goods that need to be included in Intrastat declarations and may be subject to change. To remain compliant with Intrastat reporting obligations, businesses must keep themselves informed about these thresholds and provide accurate information. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in penalties and other repercussions.
Every month, member states send their data to Eurostat, usually within a 40-day timeframe. Prior to this submission, national authorities collect the following details:
- the category of goods,
- the partner member state,
- the flow type (incoming or outgoing),
- the nature of the transaction,
- the goods’ value,
- the reference period,
- the identification number of the reporting entity,
- the quantity of goods.
In Denmark, commodity codes play a vital role in Intrastat declarations, using an 8-digit system to categorize goods for both external trade and intra-EU trade statistics. The Combined Nomenclature (CN) classification system is revised annually to maintain the accuracy and relevance of goods classification, incorporating supplementary units as necessary.
The Intrastat page provides the capability to create and report data regarding trade among European Union (EU) countries and regions. The Danish Intrastat declaration contains information related to goods trade for reporting needs. Additionally, users can submit a Danish Intrastat report alongside the European Sales Listing using IDEP.web.
The role of Intrastat in EU trade
Businesses that are established or registered in a European Union member state and participate in intra-community transactions, whether for arrivals or dispatches, are required to submit an Intrastat report if they meet the current thresholds set by that country. This requirement pertains to the volume of purchase or sales transactions carried out within the internal market of the EU.
For companies involved in intra-EU trade, Intrastat data is extremely valuable, providing insights that go beyond mere regulatory compliance. By analyzing this data, businesses can discern trends and patterns in the flow of goods among EU nations, pinpointing high-demand products and uncovering new market opportunities. Strategic decisions can be informed by this information, enabling companies to concentrate sales efforts in areas with high demand or to set up new distribution centers.
The provision of data to government departments for developing trade policies, planning transport infrastructure, and assessing markets relies heavily on Intrastat. By collecting information on the movement of goods between EU countries, it helps detect potential VAT fraud, maintain accurate trade statistics, and inform policy decisions.
In addition, the data facilitates strategic decision-making by providing a transparent perspective on market conditions and identifying potential growth areas. It also enables businesses to assess how regulatory changes affect trade flows, allowing them to adjust their strategies according to new policies. Ultimately, utilizing Intrastat data empowers companies to make informed, data-driven choices that strengthen their market presence and competitive advantage within the EU.
As a result, Intrastat in Denmark is a vital resource for companies engaged in intra-EU trade as well as for the authorities overseeing its regulation.
Intrastat reporting procedures for Denmark
Filing a Danish Intrastat Declaration is necessary when intra-community transactions exceed the limits set by the Intrastat customs code. If the thresholds for intra-community arrivals or dispatches are surpassed during the year, a declaration must be submitted in the month the threshold is reached. Not keeping track of the flow of arrivals (goods coming from an EU member state to Denmark) or dispatches (goods sent from Denmark to another EU member state) may lead to penalties and fines.
In Denmark, Intrastat reporting mandates that information be submitted on a monthly basis, with a deadline set for the 10th working day following the end of the reporting month. However, there are two distinct deadlines: one for larger reporters (Group 1), which is earlier, and another for smaller reporters (Group 2), which is later.
Businesses will be informed of their group classification by the Danish authorities through letters concerning their Intrastat reporting requirements.
The Danish Intrastat Declaration consists of the following sections:
- Intrastat returns in Denmark,
- the frequency and deadline for Intrastat returns in Denmark.
Danish Intrastat reporting comprises two primary elements:
- Arrivals (inward movements): Goods imported into a particular EU member state from another EU member state.
- Dispatches (outward movements): Goods exported from a specific EU member state to another EU member state.
Businesses must include statistical and fiscal information in their Intrastat declarations, which consists of:
- invoice value,
- commodity code,
- member state,
- additional information.
By providing accurate and timely data, businesses can meet Intrastat requirements in Denmark and steer clear of penalties. Declarations of this nature, which hold considerable statistical importance, are submitted to national statistical offices and are generally filed on a monthly basis, along with the VAT return.
Denmark’s Intrastat thresholds
A company is required to continue filing for an entire calendar year once it begins the process. For example, if a company surpasses the threshold for arrivals in March 2024, it must submit Danish Intrastat returns for arrivals until December 2025.
The system includes two essential statistical thresholds: the basic threshold and the detailed threshold. Significantly higher transaction values are associated with the detailed threshold in comparison to the basic threshold. The primary difference between these two thresholds lies in the quantity of data needed. Traders who exceed the basic threshold without reaching the detailed threshold are required to file a Danish Intrastat reporting declaration that contains a smaller dataset.
Effective January 1, 2024, Denmark has raised its Intrastat reporting thresholds to the following amounts:
- Arrivals: DKK 22 million (around €3 million), an increase from DKK 13 million.
- Dispatches: DKK 11 million (approximately €1.5 million), up from DKK 10 million.
The electronic reporting form for Danish Intrastat necessitates the inclusion of data such as the description of goods, commodity code, delivery terms, mode of transport, countries of origin and destination, weight and/or quantity, as well as the invoice value.
The determination of these thresholds is based on the invoice value. Authorities monitor these levels and frequently issue letters to taxpayers urging them to submit any outstanding Intrastat returns. Each year, thresholds are recalculated according to the calendar year.
Reporting exports and imports in Danish Intrastat
In Denmark, it is compulsory to report to Intrastat if a company’s trade in goods with other EU nations and Northern Ireland exceeds certain thresholds. This requirement is significant because it applies to all businesses involved in cross-border trade, not just large corporations. Therefore, smaller enterprises also bear the responsibility of contributing to trade data when they surpass the specified thresholds.
A separate entry must be submitted by importers for each type of goods (identified by an item code) imported in the reference month, provided that the transaction type and partner country within the EU, including Northern Ireland, are the same. In contrast, exporters need to categorize item entries based on the country of origin of the goods and the recipient’s VAT number.
In 2024, companies must report to Intrastat export if:
- Their total goods exports to other EU nations and Northern Ireland surpassed 11.3 million DKK in 2023.
- Their goods exports to other EU countries and Northern Ireland exceed 11.3 million DKK in 2024.
Likewise, in 2024, companies are required to report to Intrastat import if:
- Their total goods imports from other EU nations and Northern Ireland surpassed 41 million DKK in 2023.
- Their goods imports from other EU countries and Northern Ireland exceed 41 million DKK in 2024.
Verification is conducted to ensure that all enterprises required to report data have fulfilled their obligations within the Intrastat system. If an enterprise fails to comply, they receive a written reminder, and a handling fee may be imposed.
When it comes to Danish Intrastat reporting, it’s important to recognize that the system encompasses a wide array of transactions, extending beyond simple imports and exports of goods. Businesses must report different types of transactions, each with particular reporting criteria to guarantee the accuracy of statistical data.
Transactions involving processing and repair must be reported under Intrastat if goods are sent to another EU country for these purposes and then returned. Both the initial shipment and the return shipment are subject to reporting, usually necessitating detailed classification of the goods as well as information regarding the type of processing or repair performed.
The physical movement of goods represents the most frequently reported transaction type in Intrastat. This category encompasses the transfer of goods between Denmark and other EU nations, including Northern Ireland, regardless of whether a sale takes place. For example, if goods are moved from a warehouse in Denmark to another warehouse in Germany, an Intrastat report is necessary, even if the goods remain unsold.
Businesses operating in several EU countries are required to report intra-company transfers, which involve moving goods between different branches across borders. This reporting obligation encompasses not only finished products but also raw materials and components.
Ownership changes can occur without the actual movement of goods between countries. Such transactions are required to be reported if they pertain to trade statistics. For instance, consider a situation where goods stored in a consignment stock in another EU nation are sold, resulting in a transfer of ownership without the goods being physically relocated at that time.
A separate report is necessary when goods are returned from a buyer located in another EU country. The reporting of this return depends on the reason for it, such as defective items or excess stock, as well as the type of goods being returned.
Transactions involving the leasing, hiring, or loaning of goods that occur across borders for more than 24 months must be reported under Intrastat regulations. Although ownership does not change in these cases, the movement of the goods still needs to be recorded.
Detailed reporting is necessary for each of these transaction types, typically encompassing information like the value of the goods, net mass, transaction nature, and the country of origin or destination. To fulfill their Intrastat obligations, businesses must ensure that all pertinent transactions are accurately documented and reported.