When shipping from China to Denmark, especially by sea, many people wonder whether purchasing cargo insurance is truly necessary. While it’s not legally required, getting insurance can protect you from significant financial loss in case of damage, delay, or loss in transit.
Ocean shipping from China to Denmark typically takes around 30–40 days, depending on the port of origin and the final destination. Since this journey is long and involves multiple handlings and transshipments, the risk of mishaps increases. That’s why many businesses choose to insure their goods, particularly for high-value or fragile items.
Furthermore, even if your freight forwarder has liability coverage, it often doesn’t fully cover the value of your cargo. For instance, if a container falls overboard or is damaged by seawater, the compensation may be limited or even denied due to specific shipping terms. Insurance gives you peace of mind, ensuring that if anything goes wrong, your investment is protected.
In short, while buying insurance isn’t mandatory, it’s a smart choice—especially for sea freight, where shipping times are longer and risks are higher.

People Also Ask (PAA)
1. Is cargo insurance mandatory for sea freight from China to Denmark?
No, it’s not mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended to protect against loss or damage.
2. How much does shipping insurance cost from China to Denmark?
It usually costs 0.3% to 0.5% of the goods’ declared value, depending on coverage and provider.
3. What happens if I don’t insure my shipment and it gets damaged?
Without insurance, you might not receive any compensation for lost or damaged goods.
4. Does shipping by sea increase the risk of cargo damage?
Yes, sea freight involves more handling and longer transit times, which increases exposure to risk.
5. Can I get insurance through my freight forwarder?
Yes, most freight forwarders offer cargo insurance as an add-on to their shipping services.