Customs on EU goods
Goods from mainland Spain still need a DUA.
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.






Las PalmasEuropeGulfUSATrade lanes from Canary Islands to Europe, Gulf and the USA
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.
Exporter Shipped Goods, With TradeWise as IOR
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 setupCanary Islands spotlight
Every Canary Islands shipment follows this path when TradeWise is your importer of record.
We confirm TARIC codes, values and Incoterms.
As your importer of record, with our EORI number.
Plus customs duty for goods from outside the EU.
Goods are released at Las Palmas or Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
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.
Before you ship
TradeWise prepares and checks this whole file for you before dispatch.
Africa region
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.
These five issues slow down most shipments.
Goods from mainland Spain still need a DUA.
Mainland suppliers must invoice without IVA, as an export.
Some goods pay AIEM on top of IGIC. Check HS codes before you quote.
Transit from the mainland adds days, so plan stock early.
Some couriers don't ship here, or charge high handling fees.
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Three services remove the most common causes of delay in the Canary Islands.
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.
IORWe check which taxes apply to each product before you ship.
IGIC and AIEMOur team assigns the right TARIC code from the start, avoiding costly reassessments.
Customs ClassificationThese 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
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.
This government department manages imports and exports. It collects duty, and checks required licenses.
The regional tax agency manages IGIC and AIEM on imported goods.
Goods from outside the EU pay the same duty as in mainland Spain.
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.
Public holidays can delay shipping deadlines. Plan around these dates each year.
March or April
Easter closures slow down offices.
30 May
The regional holiday across all islands.
August
Many businesses run small teams.
Every Week
The weekend in the Canary Islands. Plan customs work for Monday to Friday.
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.
Emailinfo@tradewiseint.com
Phone+971 50 713 0614
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