No, child labor under 14 is not legal in Denmark, as the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet) enforces strict age restrictions under the Danish Working Environment Act (Arbejdsmiljøloven). Exceptions exist only for light, non-hazardous tasks with parental consent and limited hours, but formal employment remains prohibited.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Denmark
- Age Threshold: Employment under 14 is prohibited, with exceptions for cultural, artistic, or sports activities requiring prior approval from Arbejdstilsynet.
- Parental Consent & Supervision: Parents must provide written consent, and minors may only perform light tasks (e.g., shelving books) under direct adult supervision for ≤2 hours daily.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: New EU directives on child labor, transposed into Danish law by 2026, will further restrict hazardous work and mandate enhanced risk assessments for minors in family businesses.
Violations are penalized under §27 of the Working Environment Act, with fines up to DKK 50,000 (≈€6,700) for employers. Cultural exceptions (e.g., child actors) require individual permits, ensuring compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.