🇪🇸 Import Customs & Duties: Spain
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
21%
CIF value + duty. Reduced rates: 10% for food, water, housing; 4% for bread, milk, books, medicines. Canary Islands: 7% IGIC instead.
Clearance Time
2-5 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3.7% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 12% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-17% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-26% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 2.5-6.5% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-4.7% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Agencia Tributaria (AEAT) manages Spanish customs under EU Customs Code. Electronic declarations via DELT@ system. IOSS for low-value B2C imports. Correos handles postal customs and charges a handling fee for customs-liable parcels.
What to Actually Expect
Spanish customs is reasonably efficient. Correos charges ~€3-5 handling fee for customs processing. Express couriers handle clearance in 1-2 days. The Canary Islands have a separate tax system (IGIC 7% instead of IVA 21%), making imports there cheaper. Madrid-Barajas is the main customs hub.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
EU-standard licensing. Additional Spanish requirements for food products (AESAN health agency), agricultural products. Canary Islands (IGIC tax zone) have different import rules.
Certificate of Origin
Spanish Chambers of Commerce issue certificates. EU preferential certificates (EUR.1, EUR-MED) for FTA partners. Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla have separate customs regimes.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Spain:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $2 | $11 | $13 |
| $100 | $4 | $22 | $26 |
| $200 | $8 | $44 | $52 |
| $500 | $21 | $109 | $130 |
| $1000 | $42 | $219 | $261 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Spain
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Spain?
Spain has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Spain?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Spain is 21%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rates: 10% for food, water, housing; 4% for bread, milk, books, medicines. Canary Islands: 7% IGIC instead.
How long does customs clearance take in Spain?
Typical customs clearance in Spain takes 2-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Spain?
To import into Spain, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Spain?
Spain prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.