Market
Chewing gum (HS 170410) in Denmark is a two-way traded confectionery product within the EU single market, with material cross-border flows. In 2023, Denmark reported chewing gum imports of about USD 5.98 million (notably from the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden) and exports of about USD 7.36 million (notably to Germany, Sweden, and Norway). Major branded products marketed in Denmark include global gum portfolios such as Mars Wrigley brands (e.g., ORBIT and EXTRA). A Denmark-specific commercial factor is that chewing gum is explicitly covered by Denmark’s chocolate/sugar products excise duty framework (“chokoladeafgift”), affecting landed cost and compliance planning.
Market RoleTwo-way trader; net exporter by value (HS 170410, 2023)
Domestic RoleBranded consumer confectionery market supplied through intra-EU trade and imports from outside the EU.
Risks
Tax And Excise HighDenmark explicitly includes chewing gum in its excise duty regime for chocolate and sugar products (“chokoladeafgift”); incorrect classification or failure to manage excise obligations can create material compliance risk, penalties, and severe margin disruption for DK-bound shipments.Confirm product classification under Denmark’s chokoladeafgift framework before launch; align importer/warehouse flows and invoicing to excise handling requirements and maintain documentation supporting any claimed exemptions (e.g., medicinal products).
Regulatory Compliance MediumNon-compliance with EU/Danish labeling requirements for sweeteners (including required aspartame/phenylalanine-source statements where applicable) can trigger enforcement actions, recalls, or retailer delisting in Denmark.Run a Denmark/EU label compliance check against Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 and relevant sweetener/additive labeling triggers; follow Danish Veterinary and Food Administration guidance for aspartame labeling.
Sustainability MediumDenmark’s packaging producer responsibility rules (in force from 1 January 2025) can add administrative burden and fees for packaged chewing gum placed on the Danish market, including for non-Danish companies selling into Denmark.Assess whether you qualify as a producer/importer under Denmark’s packaging EPR, register ahead of placing goods on the market, and set up packaging-material mass-balance reporting processes.
Consumer Perception LowAspartame remains a high-attention sweetener: IARC classified it as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B) while WHO/JECFA reaffirmed the ADI; this can influence retailer and consumer sentiment toward certain sugar-free gum formulations in Denmark.Offer non-aspartame formulations where feasible, and ensure transparent labeling and substantiated claims; monitor retailer policy changes on controversial additives.
Sustainability- Denmark extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging (in force from 1 January 2025) creates mandatory registration/reporting and fee exposure for companies placing packaged products on the Danish market.
FAQ
Is chewing gum subject to Denmark’s chocolate and sugar products excise duty (chokoladeafgift)?Yes. Chewing gum (“tyggegummi”) is explicitly listed as excise-duty liable under Denmark’s chokoladeafgift framework, so DK market entry planning should include excise compliance and cost impact.
Which countries were Denmark’s main chewing gum (HS 170410) import sources in 2023?In 2023, Denmark’s recorded HS 170410 imports were led by the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden (with additional volumes from Spain and China).
Which markets did Denmark export chewing gum (HS 170410) to in 2023?In 2023, Denmark’s recorded HS 170410 exports went mainly to Germany and Sweden, with Norway also among the larger destinations.
What labeling warning is highlighted in Denmark if a chewing gum uses aspartame?Danish guidance notes that if aspartame is used, it must be declared in the ingredient list (e.g., as sweetener with name or E-number) and labeling should also include a phenylalanine-source notice to protect people with phenylketonuria (PKU).
When did Denmark’s producer responsibility for packaging rules start, and can they apply to imported packaged chewing gum?Denmark’s producer responsibility for packaging took effect on 1 January 2025 and can cover companies that bring packaged products into circulation on the Danish market, including importers and sellers (including distance selling).