Outside the EU customs union
Goods from the EU still need export and import declarations.
Iceland is a small market with big digital demand. Its cheap renewable power and cool climate attract data centres, and its businesses rely fully on imported IT equipment. Iceland is in the European Economic Area (EEA), but not in the EU customs union. Importing to Iceland needs a full customs declaration, Icelandic VAT and a local ID number for the importer. We act as your importer of record in Iceland and manage every filing for you.
IcelandUSAEuropeGulfTrade lanes from Iceland to the USA, Europe and Gulf
No shipment can be cleared in Iceland without a kennitala.
The kennitala is Iceland's national ID number for people and companies. Every import declaration must show the importer's kennitala. Foreign companies without one cannot clear goods in their own name and cannot recover Icelandic VAT. Getting a kennitala for a foreign company takes paperwork and time. Your forwarder, broker and customer will all ask for it before the goods arrive. When TradeWise acts as importer of record, our local setup is used, so you do not need your own.
EXPORTER MANAGED SHIPMENTS, WITH TRADEWISE AS IOR
First, you share your commercial invoice and product details. Then, you name TradeWise as the official entity legally responsible for importing your goods into Iceland. 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 Iceland, from customs entries to import VAT.
Ask about Iceland setupICELAND SPOTLIGHT
Every Iceland shipment follows this path when TradeWise is your importer of record.
You send the invoice, packing list and commodity codes before dispatch.
Our broker lodges the entry under our kennitala.
Any duty and 24% VAT are calculated on the customs value.
Customs releases the goods and they move to your end user.
What Icelandic Customs Checks Before Your Goods Are Released
Iceland Revenue and Customs (Skatturinn) clears all imports into Iceland. Iceland removed customs duty on most industrial goods, so many IT products carry no duty. Import VAT of 24% still applies on the value plus freight and insurance. Wondering how to import laptops and servers to Iceland? Start with these four checks.
Before you ship
TradeWise prepares and checks this whole file for you before dispatch.
EUROPE REGION
A missing ID number, a wrong commodity code or a weak conformity file can stop a shipment at the border. That is where TradeWise steps in. Our specialists review your invoices, conformity papers and battery documents before your shipment leaves. TradeWise takes on the backend work, saving you time.
These five issues slow down most shipments.
Goods from the EU still need export and import declarations.
Foreign companies need a kennitala to import in their own name.
Most sea cargo arrives on a few weekly sailings from Europe and North America.
Winter storms can delay ships and flights.
Electrical goods may carry a recycling fee on import.
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Three services remove the most common causes of delay in Iceland.
TradeWise prepares and files every customs entry correctly. Our IOR services in Iceland help you import IT equipment to Iceland without penalties or delay.
ExpertWe provide the kennitala and VAT setup, so you do not need a local company.
LocalOur team classifies and values your goods early to avoid costly corrections.
ClassificationThese are the Iceland 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 Iceland? If you have no Icelandic entity or kennitala, yes. TradeWise can take that role.
Most Important for Tech Imports
As a member of the EEA, Iceland applies EU rules on electrical safety, EMC, radio equipment and RoHS. CE-marked products with an EU declaration of conformity are accepted. Radio and telecom devices must meet the rules of the Electronic Communications Office of Iceland. Some goods may also need import permits from the relevant authority. TradeWise checks your files to speed up Iceland import customs clearance.
Iceland Revenue and Customs collects VAT and checks every import.
Manages radio spectrum and checks telecom devices.
The housing and construction authority checks the safety of electrical products.
Iceland's economy is built on fishing, aluminium, tourism and renewable energy. Reykjavik's Sundahöfn is its main port, and Keflavík Airport is its main air cargo hub.
Its main trading partners include the Netherlands, Norway, the United States and Germany.
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 customs work, and weather affects transport.
March or April
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays.
17 June
The national holiday. Offices are closed.
Late December
Offices slow down and winter weather can delay cargo.
Every Week
The weekend in Iceland. Plan customs work for Monday to Friday.
Tell us what you want to import into Iceland. 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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