Guide to Sending Parcels to Spain

The Spaniards created the world's first global empire that held sway for 400 years. And its influence is felt to this day: Spanish is the world's 2nd most spoken language, Dali and Picasso are household names, and everyone enjoys the best sleep of the day: a siesta.

Today, Spain boasts an advanced, modern economy with half of its population using e-commerce, and steadily growing. The value of Spain's e-commerce is expected to increase from $19 billion (USD) today to $27 billion by 2022. That's a bright future!

The sources of information on this page come directly from the European Commission Spain pages, the Tax Agency for Spain, and number of other government sources.

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Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Spain through a variety of carriers using Secureship

Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Spain. Whether you are an everyday shopper or a business, you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.

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IconEasy Tracking Information

Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Spain


IconDisclaimer

While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is important to consult a licensed broker in Spain before shipping any goods.

Full tracking information for parcels to Spain is available with Secureship
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Apr 1, 2024
8:49 am
Sevilla, SE, SP
Delivered
Mar 31, 2024
7:18 am
Valencia, Va, SP
In transit
Mar 30, 2024
9:03 pm
Barcelona, Ba, SP
International Clearance
Mar 30, 2024
8:14 am
Madrid, MD, SP
In transit
Mar 30, 2024
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Mar 29, 2024
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan

IconTypes of Shipments

Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.

Documents Only

Most documents can be shipped to Spain duty-free providing they have no commercial value.

There are restrictions on what can be shipped duty-free. If you exceed these restrictions, then tax and duty becomes payable. Some restrictions are shown below in the table.

Special Cases

  • Shipments to the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa: only letters are accepted without an invoice. All other shipments require an invoice.
  • For shipments to the Canary Islands, if documents weigh no more than 10 kg then no invoice is required.
Airline tickets Must be validated
Annual reports Must only be shipped to shareholders or company officials.
Blueprints Must have no commercial value and are for intercompany use or as a bid invitation (for example, architectural plans for an EU contract).
Brochures Must be for intercompany use or for non-commercial purposes.
Business cards A maximum of 15 business cards allowed.
Cheques Only personalised cheques allowed.
Credit cards Must be personalised
Event tickets

Tickets for football (soccer) matches, concerts, or stage performances may be sent, but to a maximum of 10 kg per shipment.

Tickets shipped from a printing company to ticket sales office or an organiser of an event may not be sent as documents.

Examination Papers A limit of 10 kg
Greeting Cards and Invitations

Only considered documents if personalised.

Non-personalised invitations and greeting cards require an invoice.

Manuals (Technical) Only the appropriate number of manuals are allowed.
Negatives

Only negatives, slides or print films being sent to a press or publishing agency are allowed.

If the items have had value added through press or editorial charges, they then require an invoice.

Newsletters (Company)

Only intercompany documents for use within the company and with no commercial value are allowed.

Shipments from a publisher or printing company are considered non-documents.

Newspapers Only those for non-commercial purposes are allowed.
Stationery Stationery must be personalised with no commercial value and the number of pieces is appropriate for non-commercial use.
Traveller's Cheques Must be personalized

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US

Shipping Gifts

A gift parcel to Spain of €45 EUR (about $67 CDN) or less will be duty-free.

Alcohol, tobacco products, cosmetics and perfumes are NOT allowed to be shipped as gifts.

A parcel above €45 EUR will incur duty fees of 2.5% and VAT (Value Added Tax) of 21%.

NOTE: Spanish Customs may reject gift shipments that weigh more than 5 kg (11 lbs).

Additional Info

1. Gifts may include life saving drugs and medical equipment. They will not be charged duty.

2. Gifts can be shipped and accepted by individuals, societies, corporate bodies and institutions like colleges and schools, BUT they are intended for an individual's own use.

3. If the value of the value of the gift exceeds 10,000 INR, then duty will be applied to the entire amount of the gift.

NOTE: Be aware that a number of restricted and prohibited goods cannot be sent as gifts. Gifts containing restricted or prohibited goods, unsolicited or not, may be confiscated and the receiver may be financially penalized.

Gift Checklist

  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
  • The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
  • List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
  • Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Miguel de Cervantes
Calle de los Escritos, 3
28801 Alcalá de Henares
Madrid, Spain

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge


Sending Multiple Gifts to Spain

Be sure to:

  • Words "Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package" appear in General Description of Goods as well as the Detailed description of goods (see sample)
  • Individually wrap and tag each gift separately.
  • Ensure the names on each tag are different and clearly marked on the commercial invoice.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Miguel de Cervantes
Calle de los Escritos, 3
28801 Alcalá de Henares
Madrid, Spain

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $39.99
1 Each Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket

CA $49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
https://www.correos.es/ss/Satellite/site/info_corporativa-1363192044030-1363187250387/detalle_empresa-sidioma=en_GB
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US

Shipping Personal Effects

Your personal effects can be shipped to Spain duty and tax free providing:(Adapted from source a).

  • They are used and have been owned for 6 months or more.
  • you have lived outside of Spain for a year or more.

NOTE: Medicines and food items are prohibited from being shipped as part of personal effects.

Moving Temporarily


DISCLAIMER: No information was found regarding students & non-student shipping personal effects to Spain. However, since Spain is part of the EU, rules should be similar to other EU countries, such as Germany. Therefore, personal effects should be exempt from duties and taxes.
Students:

Personal effects are considered to be:

  • Household goods such as linens, shoes and clothing.
  • Educational materials (paper and pens, computers and books).
  • Furniture that a student would use, like a desk and chair.
Non-Student:

No special action necessary other than indicate "Personal Effects" on the commercial invoice under General Description or Remarks section and anticipated return date


Moving permanently

If you are moving to Spain having lived outside the country for a year or more, you may bring your used personal effects into the country tax and duty-free.

The following conditions apply:

  • Your goods may not be lent, sold or given away for at least after your arrival.
  • The goods must match your social and economic status.
  • Your effects must arrive in Spain within 1 year of having obtained a Residence or Work permit AND no later than 3 months after you arrive in Spain.

NOTES:
  • You must be in Spain at the time your personal effects arrive.
  • Shipments without the proper documentation will incur duties and taxes as assessed by the Spanish Customs Authorities (see document checklist below for details).

Moving Permanently - Personal Effects Checklist
  • Passport, the original or notarized copy
  • Residence or Work permit
  • A letter from your employer stating your length of stay and position.
  • A notarized copy of the Numero de Identifications de Extranjero (NIE).
  • A Certificate of Residence Change (Asunto Cambio Residencia).
  • A comprehensive inventory of your goods with values (2 copies in Spanish, dated, and signed by you).
  • A Customs Application to import your personal effects duty-free.
  • Bill of Lading or Airway Bill.
  • A declaration attesting to your length of stay in Spain.

If you need any information on shipping personal effects, you will need to contact a Spanish Customs Broker. Some you may wish to consult are:

Sources:
https://www.correos.es/ss/Satellite/site/info_corporativa-1363192044030-1363187250387/detalle_empresa-sidioma=en_GB
https://www.export.gov/article?id=Spain-customs-regulations

Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects

Ship To Invoice
Miguel de Cervantes
Calle de los Escritos, 3
28801 Alcalá de Henares
Madrid, Spain

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
5 Pairs Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes

IN $40.00
1 Each Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket

CA $478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsFood, Chocolate, Candies

Food and food items like chocolate and candies can be sent to Spain as long as they follow the rules and standards of the European Union.

What You Can Send

  • Most foodstuffs
  • Infant food and milk and medically required foods, providing they do not require refrigeration before opening.

Do Not Send

  • Meat or milk products
  • Certain U.S. Beef hormones
  • Foodstuffs containing saccharin
  • Mushrooms and bacterial cultures

Sources:
https://origin-www.canadapost.ca/cpc/en/support/personal/international-destination-details.page?countrycode=ES

Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies

Ship To Invoice
Miguel de Cervantes
Calle de los Escritos, 3
28801 Alcalá de Henares
Madrid, Spain

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsSamples

Commercial samples are those that can only be used for demonstration purposes. The aim is to encourage people to place orders of the samples, not sell them.

The commercial invoice must clearly state that the package contains samples.

You must use the words "mutilated samples", or "marked samples, not for resale" as appropriate.


Samples shipped to Spain may qualify for duty-free entry if:

  • They are of negligible value (up to €22 - about $33 CDN - and no more than 10 kg in weight).
  • They are for encouraging orders related to the sample.
  • There is no more than one sample of each style or quality in the consignment.
  • The goods are supplied directly from outside Spain.
  • They must be consumed or destroyed during demonstration or exported within 12 months of entry.

NOTES:

Duties can be avoided If samples are shipped with an ATA Carnet. (See Temporary Imports section for details.)

Sources:
https://iccwbo.org/resources-for-business/ata-carnet/
https://cms.iccwbo.org/content/uploads/sites/3/2016/11/ATA-leaflets-country-English.pdf

Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample

Ship To Invoice
Miguel de Cervantes
Calle de los Escritos, 3
28801 Alcalá de Henares
Madrid, Spain

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsAdvertising Material

Advertising material is distributed to promote products or services.

Items that may be used to advertise a business include:

  • Brochures
  • Posters
  • Price Lists
  • Catalogues
  • Instructions for use of a product

Shipping advertising material is fairly straightforward. Ensure that the:

  • Printed material clearly displays the name of the business or organisation that produces, sells, or hires out the goods, or offers the services advertised.
  • Total gross weight does not exceed 1 kg.
  • A shipment with printed advertisements must be for only one service or product

Sources:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:324:0023:0057:EN:PDF

Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material

Ship To Invoice
Miguel de Cervantes
Calle de los Escritos, 3
28801 Alcalá de Henares
Madrid, Spain

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.

CA $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsRepairs

Sending a piece of equipment for repair to Spain is straightforward.

Duties and taxes are exempt because of the European Union's inward processing rules.

Inward processing means items from outside the EU sent into the EU to have work done on them, for instance, to be repaired.

Items Under Warranty

As Canada and Spain have a free-trade agreement (CETA), repairs under warranty returning to Canada from Spain are duty-free and will not be charged GST.

Items No Longer Under Warranty

An item that is no longer under warranty and returns to Canada from Spain will be charged GST. The GST will be charged on the value of the repair and on any parts required for the repair.

Sending Product for Repair to Spain:

When sending equipment for repair to Spain, be sure the following information is on the parcel:

  • The words 'REPAIR & RETURN' are stated on the commercial invoice under General Description or Remarks.
  • The Product or Serial number is indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section on the commercial invoice.
  • A copy of the Repair Contract is included with all your export documentation.

Returning Product After Repairs are Completed:

For product repaired in Canada and returning to Germany, complete the following:

  • Write 'REPAIR & RETURN' on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section.
  • Indicate the value of the product INCLUDING the cost of the repair under the Detailed Description of Goods section
  • Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Spain

Be sure to write the necessary information on the commercial invoice according to the document checklist below.

Repair Checklist
  • Commercial Invoice must clearly state under the General Description or Remarks section the following: 'REPAIR & RETURN' and include the estimated time of return
  • Include repair contract with shipment
  • Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section

Sources:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/inward-processing_en
https://www.agenciatributaria.es/AEAT.internet/en_gb/Inicio/Ayuda/Modelos__Procedimientos_y_Servicios/Ayuda_P_DC46___Autorizacion_de_la_utilizacion_de_la_importacion_temporal/Ayuda_P_DC46___Autorizacion_de_la_utilizacion_de_la_importacion_temporal.shtml
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d8/d8-2-10-eng.html

Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair

Ship To Invoice
Miguel de Cervantes
Calle de los Escritos, 3
28801 Alcalá de Henares
Madrid, Spain

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00

US $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Temporary Imports / Exports for shipments to the NetherlandsTemporary Imports

Temporary importation of certain goods into Spain, without incurring duties or taxes, is allowed for a period of up to 24 months. Make sure to clearly indicate the return date on the commercial invoice.

Goods that are often part of a temporary import include:

  • Commercial samples
  • Professional and scientific equipment
  • Items that will be used or displayed at an exhibition, fair or similar event
  • Equipment required to evaluate and test the operation of other goods and equipment
  • Tools and specialised equipment required for repairing, exploring, producing or manufacturing
  • Materials and goods to be used for entertainment or during a public exhibition such as a trade show booth

Temporary imports must follow the conditions below:

  • The goods are not to be altered except through natural wear-and-tear due to use.
  • Goods may not stay in the EU longer than 24 months.
  • They will not be changed other than from normal wear-and-tear
  • Goods are expected to be re-exported from Spain

Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import

In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Spain, you can pick from Option 1 or 2 of the Temporary Import Methods listed below.

Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a Commercial Invoice (CI). More details below .


Option # Temporary Import Method Risk of paying Duties and taxes
1 Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided). High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2 Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet Very Low


1. Complete a Commercial invoice only


This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.

NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.


2. CI + an ATA Carnet

This option is ideal for items that frequently travel in and out of Canada. It's also extremely handy because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide, which makes the application process a one-time occurrence.

In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.

ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of this article. You can however, contact your local chamber of commerce and they will be able to guide you along. You can also find more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/


In addition to the 2 options above, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:

  • The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
  • Stay no longer than 24 months in Spain

NOTE:
  • If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
  • Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods of temporary nature).
Temporary Imports Checklist
  • Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
  • The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
  • Stay no longer than the period listed above
  • Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
  • Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
  • Any above listed items not listed in this checklist

Sources:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/specific-use_en
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/docs/body/guidance_special_procedures_en.pdf

 

Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports

Ship To Invoice
Miguel de Cervantes
Calle de los Escritos, 3
28801 Alcalá de Henares
Madrid, Spain

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 box Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment

CA $1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Permanent Goods / Sold To an individual or business within AngolaPermanent/Sold Goods

Occasional Shipper

If you only ship occasionally to Spain, for example, items sold on eBay, there isn't too much you need to do. You will need to:

  • Include 3 copies of the Commercial Invoice with your shipment
  • Provide a detailed description of the goods on the Commercial Invoice (in order to avoid customs delays).
  • Certain products/commodities may require additional customs forms

NOTE: An Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number is NOT needed if you are shipping as a private individual.

Regular Shipper

If you often sell and ship goods to Spain, we suggest you seek advice from a licensed customs broker in Spain. There may be specific requirements to consider, for instance, obtaining an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number.


NOTE: The EU requires CE (Conformité Européene) markings on many products (particularly electronics and medical equipment).

Sources:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/02_taxud_ucc_entry_of_goods_and_temporary_storage_quick_info_en.pdf.
https://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/ce-marking_en.
https://howtoexportimport.com/How-to-Import-to-Spain--10056.aspx.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods

Ship To Invoice
Miguel de Cervantes
Calle de los Escritos, 3
28801 Alcalá de Henares
Madrid, Spain

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
15 Each Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.

CA $132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

IconRequired Documents

Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming. So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.

Document Type When? Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading Always required This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels). These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.

When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.

B13a Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands

Learn more about the B13a form here.
Certificate of Origin (COO) Infrequently required

Allows a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Spain. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.

When an item with a COO is imported into Spain, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI) Infrequently required

Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise, it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet Infrequently required

Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.

See Temporary import section
ATA Carnet

Infrequently required.

Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.

If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.

. See temporary import section.

Certificate of Insurance Infrequently required

Shows that the shipment is insured.

Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise, it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.

Prohibited & Restricted Imports


Prohibited goods are not allowed to be shipped to Spain while restricted means there are rules governing the amount or who may send them.

Country's regulations may change. You should check with an official source for up-to-date information.


Prohibited Goods

  • Alcohol (only allowed by commercial enterprises)
  • Cosmetics (cannot be shipped to the Canary Islands)
  • Tobacco (cannot be shipped by individuals)
  • Medications (can only be carried into Spain on the person)
  • Narcotics and illegal drugs
  • Subversive and pornographic material
  • Toxic materials and chemicals as found in paints and cleaning fluids

Restricted Goods

  • Alcohol (only allowed by commercial enterprises)
  • Antiques and works of art
  • Cosmetics (cannot be shipped to the Canary Islands)
  • Tobacco (cannot be shipped by individuals)
  • Jewellery
  • Plants and seeds (must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate)
  • Endangered plants and animals (require a CITES certificate)
  • Plastic kitchenware and tableware from China and Hong Kong

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
https://www.agenciatributaria.es/AEAT.internet/en_gb/Inicio.shtml
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/individuals/buying-goods-services-online-personal-use/buying-goods/prohibited-or-restricted-goods_en

Duty & Taxes

For Spain, import duty and taxes are calculated using the sum of the Customs Value, Insurance Amount, and Freight Costs (shipping costs). This is known as CIF.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs

The CIF Value will enable you to predict how much duty and tax the recipient must pay to the Spanish tax agency to receive their goods.


Thresholds

Some countries provide a Duty & Tax Threshold (i.e. de minimis), which means that below a certain amount, no duties or taxes are incurred on the import of that shipment.

Regarding duties, shipments with a CIF value below €150 (about $234 CDN) incur no duty charges whereas for VAT, all shipments will incur this tax regardless of their value.

NOTE: Alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and eau de toilette are always subject to VAT, duties, and excise taxes.

Currency Euro (EUR) - €
TAX (VAT)

21%* - Almost all products

10% - Reduced rate

4% - Highly reduced rate

Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
150* €
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€0 - effective July 1st, 2021
Threshold Method CIF
Tax & Duty Calculation Method CIF

*For purchases of greater than 150 EUR made via the internet, a duty of 2.5% is incurred.


Duties on Imports
  • CandyN/A
  • ChocolateN/A
  • Spirits and WinesN/A
  • TobaccoN/A
  • Books0%
  • Documents0%
  • Video Games & Consoles0%
  • Computers & Laptops0%
  • Tablets0%
  • Mobiles0%
  • Cameras0%
  • Accessories for Electronics17%
  • Coats10%
  • Health & Beauty Products 0%
  • Jewellery0%
  • Shirts & Pants21%
  • Home Appliances0%
  • Toys0%
  • Sports Equipment3%
  • Watches 5.5%
  • Fashion12%
  • Audio Video2%
  • Luggage5%
  • Pets' Accessories3%
  • Home Gardening6%
  • Gaming0%
  • Dry Food and Supplements9%
  • Accessories (no battery)6%
  • Accessories (with battery)0%

Please be aware that duty values may change. For an up-to-date number, please contact a customs broker.

Sources:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/taric_consultation.jsp?Lang=en
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/individuals/buying-goods-services-online-personal-use/buying-goods/buying-goods-online-coming-from-a-noneu-union-country_en#heading_2
https://www.agenciatributaria.es/AEAT.internet/en_gb/Inicio/La_Agencia_Tributaria/Aduanas_e_Impuestos_Especiales/_Presentacion/Procedimientos_y_gestiones_en_la_Aduana/_PARTICULARES/Compras_por_Internet_y_envios_entre_particulares/_INFORMACION/Informacion_general_util/Informacion_general_util.shtml
https://www.correos.es/ss/Satellite/site/info_corporativa-1363192044030-1363187250387/detalle_empresa-sidioma=en_GB
https://www.avalara.com/vatlive/en/country-guides/europe/spain/spanish-vat-invoice-requirements.html

IconSpain Shipping Insurance

You can purchase insurance through Secureship, and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.

Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment, our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.

Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn't meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.

Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:

  • Personal belongings
  • Antiques
  • Artwork
  • Liquids (including alcohol)
  • Televisions
  • Jewellery in excess of $500
  • Perishable goods
  • Glass or Ceramic
  • And many more items

For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.

Questions about Shipping to Spain



How long does it take to ship to Spain from Canada?

Shipping to Spain from Canada can take between 2-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2 months to complete the delivery.

Find out how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment delivered to Spain by getting a quote now.


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