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Importing to the Canary Islands With TradeWise as Your Importer of Record

The Canary Islands are part of Spain and the EU, but they have their own tax rules. Importing to the Canary Islands takes planning, though. Every shipment you import into the Canary Islands needs a customs declaration, even from mainland Spain, and local taxes are paid at the border. One missed step can lead to rejection. We act as your importer of record in the Canary Islands and manage the filings for you.

Trade lanes from Canary Islands to Europe, Gulf and the USALas PalmasEuropeGulfUSA

Trade lanes from Canary Islands to Europe, Gulf and the USA

IGIC
7%
Duties
By HS code
Lead time
3 to 4 weeks
Restricted
None listed
Best carrier
Freight forwarder
Non-working days
Sat & Sun
Language
Spanish

Mandatory DUA Customs Declaration for Shipments to the Canary Islands

Every commercial shipment to the Canary Islands needs a customs declaration, wherever it comes from.

The islands sit inside the EU customs union but outside the EU VAT area.

So instead of Spanish VAT, they charge IGIC, their own tax, at import. The importer files a DUA, the Single Administrative Document, and pays IGIC and any AIEM before release.

Applies toSea freightAir freightCourier

What Exporters Need to Know

  • Get an EORI numberCommercial importers need an EORI number and a Spanish tax ID.
  • Nominate your importerYou can name TradeWise as the importer of record for every filing.
  • Invoice without Spanish VATMainland suppliers invoice without IVA. IGIC is paid on arrival.
  • File the DUAThe importer files it with TARIC codes, a full invoice and Incoterms.

Exporter Shipped Goods, With TradeWise as IOR

How TradeWise Supports Exporters Shipping to the Canary Islands

First, you invoice the goods and share the product details with us. Then, you mention TradeWise as the official entity legally responsible for importing your goods into the islands. Once you set up this process, all your future shipments go through the same smooth process. You stay listed as the exporter on every document. We handle all import formalities in the Canary Islands.

Ask about DUA setup

Canary Islands spotlight

Your DUA, Step by Step

Every Canary Islands shipment follows this path when TradeWise is your importer of record.

Pre-arrival filingDUA and IGIC
  1. Invoice is checked

    We confirm TARIC codes, values and Incoterms.

  2. DUA is filed

    As your importer of record, with our EORI number.

  3. IGIC and AIEM are paid

    Plus customs duty for goods from outside the EU.

  4. Cargo Ships and Clears

    Goods are released at Las Palmas or Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Import Requirements for the Canary Islands

What Canary Islands Customs Checks Before Your Goods Are Released

Spanish customs clears all imports into the islands.

Goods from outside the EU pay EU customs duty by HS code, and many IT products carry 0% duty. IGIC is then charged at 7% for most goods. AIEM, a local tax that protects island industry, applies to some products. Are you wondering how to import laptops and servers to the Canary Islands? Start with these four checks.

CE MarkingElectronics must meet EU rules and carry the CE mark.
Spanish LabelingProduct information for sale must be in Spanish.
Duty by HS CodeEach line item is classified, then IGIC is added.
Filed Before ReleaseThe DUA and payment go in before goods leave the port.

Before you ship

Your Canary Islands Shipment File

  1. Commercial invoiceFull details, with Incoterms and no Spanish VAT
    Required
  2. Certificate of originNeeded to claim lower duty under EU agreements
    If applicable
  3. Packing listLinks the invoice line by line
    Required
  4. Bill of lading or air waybillMatches the invoice and packing list
    Required
  5. EU declaration of conformityFor CE-marked electronics
    Required

TradeWise prepares and checks this whole file for you before dispatch.

Population
2.2 M
Capital
Las Palmas
Biggest export
Refined petroleum
Biggest import
Cars

Africa region

Documents and Pre-Shipment Checks

Many African markets check documents carefully long before the cargo arrives. Port delays occur when compliance documents slip away. That is where TradeWise steps in. TradeWise guarantees that necessary certificates of conformity and export records are completed by our specialists before your shipment leaves. TradeWise takes on the backend convolution, saving you time.

Unique Pain Points and Challenges Facing the Canary Islands

These five issues slow down most shipments.

Customs on EU goods

Goods from mainland Spain still need a DUA.

Wrong VAT on invoices

Mainland suppliers must invoice without IVA, as an export.

AIEM on some goods

Some goods pay AIEM on top of IGIC. Check HS codes before you quote.

Island logistics

Transit from the mainland adds days, so plan stock early.

Carrier limits

Some couriers don't ship here, or charge high handling fees.

Countries Associated With the Canary Islands

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Outbound

Export Requirements for the Canary Islands

  • Customs DeclarationA DUA is filed for every shipment leaving the islands.
  • Certificate of OriginNeeded to claim lower duty under EU trade agreements.
  • Export LicenceNeeded first for controlled and dual-use technology.
  • IGIC ExemptionExports leave the islands free of IGIC.

Specialized Solutions and Services for the Canary Islands

Three services remove the most common causes of delay in the Canary Islands.

Expert Importer of Record (IOR) Services

TradeWise prepares and files every customs document correctly. Our IOR services in the Canary Islands help you import IT equipment to the Canary Islands without holds or delay.

IOR

IGIC and AIEM Planning

We check which taxes apply to each product before you ship.

IGIC and AIEM

Customs Classification Services

Our team assigns the right TARIC code from the start, avoiding costly reassessments.

Customs Classification

Canary Islands Compliance Regulations

These are the Canary Islands import regulations for IT equipment, the authorities and rules your goods must satisfy before they can be sold or used. Do I need an importer of record in the Canary Islands? If you have no local entity, yes. TradeWise can take that role.

Most Important for Tech Imports

EU Product Rules and CE Marking

Electronics sold here follow EU product law. Radio devices, such as laptops, phones and routers with Wi-Fi, must meet the Radio Equipment Directive and carry the CE mark. The importer must keep the EU declaration of conformity on file.

TradeWise checks your full compliance file for you to speed up Canary Islands import customs clearance.

Spanish Customs

This government department manages imports and exports. It collects duty, and checks required licenses.

Canary Islands Tax Agency (ATC)

The regional tax agency manages IGIC and AIEM on imported goods.

EU Customs Union

Goods from outside the EU pay the same duty as in mainland Spain.

Canary Islands' Trade at a Glance

The Canary Islands sit off the coast of West Africa. Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are the main ports.

Most goods arrive from mainland Spain and other EU countries, with growing volumes from China.

Customs on EU goods, local taxes and island logistics are real hurdles. With the right partner, shipments stay compliant, efficient, and cost-effective, whether you import tech goods or export dual-use products.

Mainland SpainOther EU StatesChina

Important Dates

Public holidays can delay shipping deadlines. Plan around these dates each year.

March or April

Holy Week

Easter closures slow down offices.

30 May

Canary Islands Day

The regional holiday across all islands.

August

Summer slowdown

Many businesses run small teams.

Every Week

Saturday and Sunday

The weekend in the Canary Islands. Plan customs work for Monday to Friday.

Ready to Ship to the Canary Islands?

Tell us what you are shipping. Our team will help you with all the requirements and paperwork. After that we will send you a quote with every cost listed.

  • Reply within one business day
  • Every cost quoted upfront
  • Canary Islands requirements confirmed before you ship

Emailinfo@tradewiseint.com

Phone+971 50 713 0614

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