Export to Spain - Fedex
International Resource Center
Spain Country Profile
* Country Information
* Trade Group Member
* General Import Clearance Information
* Spain Import Prohibitions
* General Import Restrictions
* Spain Import Restrictions
* Special Import Provisions
o Personal Effects
o Samples
o Gifts
* Standards
* General Export Clearance Information
* Spain Export Prohibitions
* General Export Restrictions
* Spain Export Restrictions
* Regulatory Contact Information
Country Information
Capital: Madrid
Population: 40,448,191 (July 2007 est.)
Language: Spanish. Many businessmen speak English.
Weights and Measures: Metric
Currency: Euro
Time Zone Operates on Greenwich Mean Time
Daylight Savings Time is observed mid-March through mid-October.
Spain GMT+1
Trade Group Member
Spain is a member of a number of international economic organizations including the:
European Union
Since 1957, the European Union allows for the free movement of goods between Spain and the other member states: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and United Kingdom. The European Union has numerous bilateral and multilateral agreements, such as the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (formerly the Multi-Fiber Agreement), PECO countries Agreement, Israel Agreement, Turkey Agreement, Baltic Sea countries Agreement, European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland). All these agreements are grouped under the umbrella of the World Trade Organization (WTO). All agreements ratified by European Union Executive Commission automatically apply to all EU member states. Exemption or reduced tariff is applicable only to qualified members under the agreement as originating goods.
World Trade Organization
Established in 1995, the WTO has a membership of over 140 countries. It is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world's trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters and importers conduct their business.
World Customs Organization
The WCO aids the national economic wealth and social protection of its members by promoting honest, transparent and predictable Customs. Established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council, the WCO is an independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. The WCO is the only intergovernmental worldwide organization competent in Customs matters.
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
The mission of OPCW is to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention in order to achieve the OPCW's vision of a world free of chemical weapons, and a world in which co-operation in chemistry for peaceful purposes for all is fostered. In doing this, their ultimate aim is to contribute to international security and stability: general and complete disarmament; and global and economic development.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna
CITES entered into force on 1975 and now has a membership of 152 countries. These countries act by banning commercial international trade in an agreed list of endangered species and by regulating and monitoring trade in others that might become endangered.
Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer is a landmark international agreement designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. The treaty was originally signed in 1987 and stipulates that the production and consumption of compounds that deplete ozone in the stratosphere are to be phased out.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
The OECD groups 30 countries in an organization that, most importantly, provides governments a setting in which to discuss, develop and perfect economic and social policy. They compare experiences; seek answers to common problems; and work to co-ordinate domestic and international policies that increasingly, in today's global economy, must form a web of even practice across nations.
Wassenaar Arrangement
Established in order to contribute to regional and international security and stability by promoting transparency and greater responsibility in transfers of conventional arms and dual use goods and technologies, thus preventing destabilizing accumulations. Participating states, Spain included, will seek, through their national policies, to ensure that transfers of theses items do not contribute to the development or enhancement of military capabilities, which undermine these goals, and are not diverted to support such capabilities.
General Import Clearance Information
Clearance Process
Working with Customs officials throughout the world, FedEx has developed innovative technology to eliminate many steps of the paperwork-handling process and expedite the movement of international shipments. An example in China is the FedEx Expressclear Electronic Customs clearance system. Starting at the origin location, state-of-the-art technology allows the processing of shipment paperwork and electronic transmission of documents to the designated FedEx hub and destination clearance location. The Expressclear system also keeps a database of regulatory information, which includes; importers' numbers, broker designations, corporate contact names and telephone numbers. At a FedEx hub, international shipments are sorted, scanned and loaded onto an international flight. Vital shipment information is keyed into a worldwide manifest database, which is linked to computer systems operated by brokers and Customs officials in many countries. Even before the plane has taken off, or while it is in the air, Customs agents and brokers at the destination airport of entry can begin examining shipping manifests, querying air waybill data if they need more details, assessing duties and taxes and selecting the shipments they wish to examine. By the time the plane arrives at its destination, many packages have already been cleared by Customs. As the plane is unloaded, the Expressclear system identifies packages to be examined and prints "cleared" Customs labels for all others. Cleared shipments are transferred to trucks for immediate delivery. International shipments are scanned at all key points throughout the process, and this allows for up-to-date status reports including when Customs clearance is obtained.
Spain, like most member states of the European Community, bases its Harmonized Tariff Schedule (Nomenclatura Aduanera) on the TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Community) which is issued by the Commission and the Member States for the purpose of applying Community measures relating to import and exports, and-when necessary- to trade between member sates. The TARIC also serves as a basis for the working tariffs and tariff file of Spain and other Member States.
Spanish customs values shipments at C.I.F. prices. Import duty rates are divided into two classifications: Most Favored Nation (MFN) and General. Import duties are calculated on ad valorem basis, i.e. expressed as a percentage of the value of the imported goods. There are three primary entry types for importing into Spain:
1. Standard clearance procedure
2. Simplified clearance procedure
3. Simplified declaration procedure
The first two procedures apply to all shipments regardless of value; the third one applies to shipments of commercial samples or gifts below 45 EURO and/or to negligible value shipments below 22 EURO and provides Duty and Tax relief.
Tobacco, drugs, medicines, weapons and their parts, strategic materials and their parts, CITES commodities, alcohol and all other licensable commodities cannot be processed under the simplified declaration procedure.
Imported goods are not legally entered until after the shipment has been released by Spanish Customs. Spain Customs may pull any shipment at any time for review or investigation, which could result in clearance/delivery delays. NOTE: In addition to the Customs Department, importers should contact other agencies when questions regarding particular commodities arise. For example, questions about textile products should be forwarded to the Secretaria General De Comercio Exterior (COMEX) for import license requirements.
The Importer of Record or a licensed Customs Broker may account for goods. According to the Importer of Record's profile FedEx GTS SPAIN will either provide notification upon arrival of shipments to the Importer's designated Customs Broker or clear and advance payment of any duties and taxes levied for the shipments on behalf of the importer.
Note: A Customs (entry and payment processing) account can be established at any customs office and by the importer himself for his shipments or by FedEx for all its customers. Currently only FedEx's account is being used. An air waybill may be used for qualifying standard clearance procedure merchandise (samples and low value shipments) arriving by air, but all other merchandise must be presented with a commercial invoice that contains all the data requirements of Spanish Customs Department.
Goods may be transported in-bond to another point of entry for clearance by re-manifesting (infrequent) to that location, by using house air waybills or by using T docs (EU transit system). A bonded carrier is required to transport the shipment from the point of arrival to point of clearance. Arrangements for transporting the merchandise to an interior point in-bond may be made by the consignee, by the customs broker or by any other person having sufficient interest in the goods for that purpose.
If it is desired to postpone the release of the goods, they may be placed in FedEx's cage in a bonded warehouse until the documentation has been obtained for appropriate release. If the goods are not released from Customs within 5 days, they are reported to the Customs Office warehouse and abandoned or sent back to the origin at shipper's expense.
Free Trade Zones/Warehouses
There are three different customs regulations in Spain. The EU common customs apply to the mainland and Balearic Isles. The Canary Islands, previously a customs-free area, is undergoing a transition period to meet EU customs regulations. There is a customs-free trade area in the two northern Africa enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, which are under Spanish sovereignty.
Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla are not considered as part of the EU due to different Customs policies. Only documents are accepted to Ceuta and Melilla. Duties and taxes shipments destinated to Canary Islands must be billed to consignee. Paperwork delivered to cnee/cnee's broker will constitute POD.
Both in the mainland and islands there are numerous free trade zones (in most of Spanish airports and seaports) where manufacturing, processing, sorting, packaging, exhibiting, sampling and other commercial operations may be undertaken free of any Spanish duties or taxes. The largest free trade zones are in Barcelona, Cadiz and Vigo. Others vary in size from a simple warehouse to several square kilometers. Spanish customs legislation allows for companies to have their own free trade areas. Duties and taxes are payable only on those items imported for use in Spain.
Document Requirements
Several different forms of documentation may be required for shipments to Spain. Exporters are required to present one commercial invoice, one bill of lading and three copies of a certificate of origin for all shipments. Other certificates are necessary for exporting pharmaceutical goods, perishable foods, live animals and some medical goods. Some of the documentation required may be:
Air Waybill - An air waybill or carriers certificate (naming the consignee for customs purposes) is required as evidence of the consignee's right to make entry.
Commercial Invoices - Invoices are required for all dutiable shipments relating to commercial transactions between companies and companies; companies and individuals, regardless of the value. Commercial invoices should show freight, insurance and similar charges as separate items when applicable, regardless of the INCOTERM used on the transaction. It must be in Spanish for export shipments or accompanied by a translation. It can be in any official language for import shipments and, if required by customs, must be accompanied by a translation. A party, who is knowledgeable of the transaction, must furnish translation, if requested.
Specific invoice details are required for a number of commodities including the following:
* Textiles - the fabric breakdown, whether knit or woven and, for clothing articles, the gender;
* Marked/mutilated samples - the words "mutilated samples" or "marked samples, not for resale" as applicable;
* Software on CD's and floppy disks - The value of software must be shown separately from software support.
Dangerous Goods Certification - Some goods will, in addition to the standard documentation noted above, require DG certification. (i.e. perfumes, liquor, chemicals, etc.)
Import Licenses
Import Authorization: (Autorizacion Administrativa de Importacion, AAI) - used to control imports, which are subject to quotas.
Prior notice of imports: (Notificacion Previa de Importacion) - used for merchandise that circulates in the EU Customs Union Area, but is controlled for statistical purposes only. The importer must obtain the document and present it to the General Register.
Importers apply for import licenses at the Spanish General Register of the Secretaria General de Comercio Exterior. A commercial invoice that includes freight and insurance, the C.I.F. price, net and gross weight, and an invoice number must accompany the license application. Customs accepts commercial invoices by fax. The license, once granted, is normally valid for six months but may be extended if adequate justification is provided.
Goods that are shipped to a Spanish customs area without proper import licenses or declarations are usually subject to considerable delay and may run up substantial demurrage charges. Prior to making shipments, exporters should ensure that the importer has obtained the necessary licenses.
Sanitary Certificates - Animal and Plant Health Inspections certificates may be required for the importation of living plant material, including plants, plant products and seeds. Health inspection requirements also govern the importation of animals and parts of animals, including meat products, skins, hides and similar products, marine mammals, fish, crustaceans, or mollusks and parts thereof. Most of these certificates are obtained by providing the proper documentation to the Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentaci€n, (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Products).
Pharmaceutical Certificates - These certificates are required by Spanish Customs for drugs and certain sanitary items. A standard analysis bulletin issued by the manufacturer, listing the product composition, is acceptable for customs purposes.
Bills of Lading - No special regulations
Certificates of Origin - Certificates of Origin are required for the importation of any Textile products valued at over 45 Euro. Exceptions from this requirement include marked and mutilated samples; luggage made up of textile materials, canvas bags, and bona-fide gifts, personal effects. A Certificate of Origin is recommended to be provided for every commodity subject to import licensing and /or quota restrictions from some origin countries and is required for all textile products imported into Spain that originate in Hong Kong, Macao, or Singapore regardless of the value.
Certificate of Origin Form A - A Certificate of Origin Form A may be required for goods under formal entry claiming preferential duty or exemption under the various agreements of Generalized System of Preferences. It should be produced at the time of entry and must be in the possession of the Importer at the time of entry. Origin of the goods must be detailed on the commercial invoice.
EUR 1 Form Import - An EUR 1 form may be required for goods under formal entry claiming preferential duty or exemption under various bilateral agreements by the European Union countries and some specific countries or groups of countries. It should be produced at the time of entry and must be in possession of the Importer at the time of entry. Origin of the goods must be detailed on the commercial invoice.
EUR 1 Form Export - An EUR 1 form may be compiled exporters from the European Union to some countries to claim preferential duty or exemption under the various agreements as per the above paragraph.
Quotas - Quotas have been assigned by the European Union to specific countries for specific products, which allow for the controlled importation of specific products.
Declaration of Antiquity - A declaration must be shown on the invoice for goods over 100 years old. The statement must include the words "circa date" followed by the year of manufacture whether known or estimated.
Customs Valuation
All goods categorized, as non-document commercial goods shipped to Spain must have a proper value declared and proper description provided which should convey the shipper's intent related to the goods as well as any special processing requirements that exist for the goods shipped. Everything has a value, whether or not a transaction took place. Failure to properly document value of any goods will result in delays and or additional fees as deemed necessary in addition to warehouse fees.
Spain applies Article VII of the World Trade Organization concerning Customs valuation. Members of the European Union adhere to Article VII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade concerning customs valuation. There are five methods for the determination of customs valuation in descending order of application. The first states that customs valuation is the transaction value, i.e., the price that is actually paid or payable for the goods by foreign importers, plus certain costs and expenses; for the transaction value to be acceptable, certain conditions must be met, notably that the buyer and seller be unrelated. If the first method is rejected by Customs, other means may be adopted to establish customs value as follows: transaction value of identical goods; transaction value of similar goods; deductive method, i.e., the resale price, less such costs as customs duties, taxes, and commissions; and computed value, utilizing costs of production, profit, and other expenses. The agreement further provides for customs valuation based on either FOB or CIF value. Other areas are covered, such as rapidity of clearance of goods, currency convertibility, appeal privileges and rights, and publication of laws and regulations.
Import Duties
Countervailing
Countervailing duties are assessed to counter the effects of subsidies provided by a foreign government for merchandise exported to Spain resulting in artificially low prices that are detrimental to Spanish and other European Union member states industries. The duration of the countervailing duty imposition varies from case to case and the duty imposed currently ranges from 5 to 33 percent.
Watch Duty Rate
Watches imported into Spain are subject to classification and duty assessment based on a per item basis. The actual duty and the final rate of duty are determined based on the classification of the watch at the time of entry processing with customs.
Antidumping
Under strict enforcement of unfair trade laws, Customs will assess antidumping duties or countervailing duties. Spanish antidumping legislation is in accordance with Article VI of the GATT (WTO), which recognizes dumping and export subsidization as importation of products into the commerce of another country at less than the normal value of the products, thereby causing, or threatening to cause, material injury to domestic industry or materially retarding the establishment of a domestic industry. Dumping is considered to take place if the price of the product exported from one country to another is less than the comparable price, in the ordinary course of trade, for the like product when consumed in the exporting country, or in the absence of such domestic price, is less than either the highest comparable price for the like product for export to any third country or the cost of production of the product in the country of origin plus a reasonable addition for selling cost and profit. Due allowance will be made in each case for differences in conditions and terms of sale, for differences in taxation, and for other differences affecting price comparability. In order to offset or prevent dumping, an antidumping duty may be levied in an amount not greater than the difference between the dumped price and the comparable price of the product.
Excise Duties
Excise taxes are assessed against certain commodities, which are normally identified as "luxury" goods. The excise tax is normally assessed against tobacco products, perfumes and alcohol products but can also be assessed against other goods as deemed by Spanish regulations.
Additional Duties
Import Taxes
Most imports enter under MFN Rates (Most Favored Nation) rates. Relative high tariffs apply to textile, automobile, consumer electronics, cereal, meat, dairy, sugar, alcohol, and tobacco.
In addition to duties, goods imported into Spain are also subject to a value-added Tax (VAT) which is generally charged at one of three rates:
1. The standard rate of 16% applicable to most manufactured goods, if the value is greater than 25 Euros.
2. The reduced rate of 7%, applicable mostly to applied to the sale and imports of human or animal foodstuffs, water, agricultural chemicals, pharmaceuticals for animal use, medical and health products, mopeds, personal dwellings, hotel and restaurant services, transportation services, agricultural services, street cleaning services, entertainment services, building and construction services, medical services and funeral services.
3. The reduce rate of 4% applicable bread, dairy products, eggs, fruits and vegetables, books and newspapers, pharmaceuticals for human use, vehicles and medical items for handicapped people and vehicles for public transportation.
The VAT is not imposed in the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla. The General Indirect Canarian Tax of 4.5 percent is imposed in the Canary Islands.
Canary Islands is not part of the European Union's free movement of goods arrangement due to local customs policies, all shipments must be BSO (other than docs in FedEx letter) and require a CI and recipient's EIN/VAT number for clearance purposes. Clearance will be performed by a Non-FedEx broker (either consignee's broker or one assigned by FedEx if not selected by origin) at an additional fee. Duties and Taxes will be billed to consignee. Shipments with origin in the European Union require the EIN/VAT/Passport number of the shipper, paperwork delivered to consignee's broker will constitute POD. RTS from Canary Islands is not possible, the only option is to destroy. Silver and Gold jewelry (Precious Metals) shipments from non European Union countries to Canary Islands are accepted BSO only with a broker sited at Madrid.
Excise duty rates may also be applicable on certain items such as alcohol and tobacco. For further information, please contact the Agencia Estatal de Administracion Tributaria (Customs) at www.aeat.es.
Customs Fees
Fines and Penalties
Fines and penalties may be imposed for failure to present a customs declaration or commercial invoice within the prescribed time and for variations between volume and value of goods declared and those actually presented for customs clearance. Variations due to damage or spoilage are not penalized. Deficiencies or excesses of less than 4 percent are not penalized. For an attempt to circumvent customs regulations or to obtain a lower rate of duty by importing separately all of the parts of a whole mechanism, apparatus, or other object, the duty will be assessed at the rate levied on the assembled mechanism, apparatus, or object, and a fine will be charged based on the differences in the rates of duty concerned.
Invoice Fee
Customs in some situations will assess additional fees based on the invoices provided for a shipment. The fee is usually levied if they deem them necessary as part of the terms of entry due to the size of the shipment and the related large number of invoices provided by the shipper for his goods.
Examination Fees
Additional fees can be assessed on some commodities to cover the expense of performing the examinations and or testing required as a condition of the goods entry into the commerce of Spain. Commodities affected: cosmetics, drugs and medicines, artwork.
Exchange Controls
There are no foreign exchange controls.
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT's)
Technical barriers or non-tariff barriers to trade, as they are sometimes known, can cause many problems for exporters looking for new markets for their products. These barriers can be in the form of regulations, standards, testing and certification procedures. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade tries to ensure that these barriers do not create unnecessary obstacles. To obtain further information on Technical Barriers to Trade as well as Notifications on technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures, go to the WTO website at http:// trade-info.cec.eu.int/tbt/index.cfm.
Consular Fees
There are no consular fees for Spain.
Spain Import Prohibitions
The following commodities are prohibited into Spain:
*
Atlantic red tuna fish (Thunnus Thynnus) originating from Belize, Panama, and Honduras
* Toys and games containing copper sulfate
* Items having a flexible metal blade entirely contained in a plastic, paper, or fabric sheath
* Illicit Narcotics and Drugs
* All forms of asbestos fibers
* L-trytophane and any items having L-trytophane as an ingredient
* Rubber erasers that are similar in appearance to food products that are easily ingested
* Medical thermometers containing mercury intended for human consumption
* Certain U.S. Beef hormones
General Import Restrictions
The following items are not acceptable for carriage to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)
* APO/FPO addresses.
* C.O.D. shipments.
* Human corpses, human organs or body parts, human and animal embryos, or cremated or disinterred human remains.
* Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold- for- pick-up to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.)
* Firearms, weaponry, and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).
* Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control.
* Live animals (including insects) except via our Live Animal Desk (1.800.405.9052).
* Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).
* Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by local, state, provincial or national law.
* Money (coins, cash, currency, paper money and negotiable instruments equivalent to cash such as endorsed stocks, bonds and cash letters).
* Collectible coins and stamps.
* Pornographic and/or obscene material.
* Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes or other medical waste.
* Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.
* Shipments that require us to obtain any special license or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.
* Shipments whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.
* Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination.
* Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.
* Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.
* Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.
* Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.
* Shipments* being processed under:
Duty drawback claims unless advance arrangements are made.
Temporary Import Bonds - acceptable under the FedEx International Broker Select option, for initial import only.
U.S. State Department licenses.
Carnets.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration export permit.
Shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone.
Letters of Credit (however, shipments covered by a Letter of Credit calling for a "Courier Receipt" as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600 may move via FedEx International Priority).
Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).
Shipments moving into or out of Foreign Trade Zones or bonded warehouses.
*You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF), FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA) or FedEx International Controlled Export. For information on FedEx International Premium, IXF and ITA, call FedEx Express Freight Services at 1.800.332.0807. For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.247.4747or your local FedEx customer service representative.
Spain Restrictions
The importation of certain classes of merchandise may be prohibited or restricted to protect the economy and security of Spain and other EU member states, to safeguard consumer health, well being, and to preserve domestic plant and animal life. Some commodities are also subject to an import quota or a restraint under bilateral trade agreements and arrangements. In addition to Customs requirements, many prohibited or restricted imports are subject to laws and regulations administered by other Spanish Government agencies for which the Spanish Customs Department is the enforcer. These laws and regulations may, for example, prohibit entry; limit entry to certain points; restrict routing, storage, use; require treatment, labeling or processing as condition of release. Customs release only takes place when the additional requirements are met. These requirements apply to all importation types, including shipments made by mail. The exporter should make certain that the Spanish importer has provided proper information to (1) permit the submission of necessary information concerning packing, labeling, etc. and (2) ensure that necessary arrangements have been made by the importer for entry of the merchandise into Spain.
The following commodities are prohibited via FedEx International Priority (IP) services into Spain. However, you may be able to use another FedEx service for shipping these items. For additional shipping options, please contact your local FedEx customer service representative.
* Drugs, non-prescription
* Drugs, prescription
* Human semen
* Vitamins
* Viagra
* Food, non-perishable
The following commodity is restricted via FedEx International Priority services for import into Spain.
Arabic Coffee is restricted for import into Spain under FedEx Express International Priority Service. Specific forms and documentation must be accompanied with this commodity for clearance. For further information, please call 1-800-247-4747 in the U.S. or contact your local FedEx customer service representative.
Special Import Provisions
Food Products
The importation of food products containing meat or milk products for personal consumption is prohibited unless accompanied by the necessary documentation from the official veterinary services of the country of origin. Infant milk, infant food and special foods required for medical reasons can be imported under the condition that these products do not require refrigeration before opening, that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and that the packaging is unbroken.
All shipments from Canada, China, Japan and the United States containing Non Manufactured Wood Packing Materials (NWPM) of coniferous wood, must be treated and marked. If originated in China, the shipment must also have a Certificate of Attestation. Repaired Articles or Articles for Repair.
Articles consigned for temporary import traveling under Carnets, goods for display, goods for demonstration, goods for exhibition, goods for repair, goods for incorporation into other articles and goods imported for further processing and re-export are not acceptable for importation into Spain via FedEx IP Service. These articles require special processing and customs clearance, which are not handled under the express carrier operation commitments. Clearance delays could be experienced on entries lodged for these types of shipments.
Spain has also set up very restrictive regulations for imports of explosives, fire weapons, defense equipment and material, tobacco and gambling material. Furthermore, the government highly restricts the import of many types of pharmaceutical products.
Personal Effects
Personal belongings of Spanish (EU) citizen residents are entitled entry free of duty. Personal belongings taken abroad, such as worn clothing, etc. may be shipped back to Spain and receive free entry provided they have not been altered or repaired while abroad and prior ownership can be proven. The shipping documents should be clearly marked "Spanish Goods Returned" with the reason why clearly stated and with the goods identified as personal effects.
Items such laptops watches PC's, cameras, tape recorders, Camcorders, video players, CD and DVD players or other articles that may be uniquely identifiable by serial number or permanently affixed marking, should be documented on owner declaration at the Customs Office at the port of exit, at the time of export or when physically carried abroad. This declaration will expedite free entry of these items upon return. The declaration is valid for any future trips as long as the information on it remains legible. Registration must be made in person.
Samples
Samples may qualify for duty free entry if:
* They are of negligible value (EURO 45 or less),
* They are for solicitation of orders for the goods of the kind represented by the sample,
* There is not more than one sample of each style or quality in a consignment,
* The goods are supplied directly from abroad,
* They will be consumed or destroyed during demonstration and are packaged and properly marked in a manner which precludes their being used as other than samples. (ie: foodstuffs, non-alcoholic beverages, perfumes and chemical products.)
Some samples of a commercial value may enter Spain and be free of duties and taxes if a bond or deposit of the total amount of duties and taxes is arranged. These samples must be re-exported within one year in order to recoup the deposit.
Designer Samples (Textiles)
Apparel manufacturers importing samples of apparel for the manufacturing of similar goods in Spain may bring one sample of each style duty free into Spain. A shipment may contain several different samples, as long as there is only one sample of each kind. In order to enforce this condition, Customs requires that the style number of each sample appear on the commercial documents. The commercial invoice must contain in the product description the intent of the shipper that the goods are intended as samples. Failing to provide this information clearly will result in normal consumption entry with duty and taxes assessed.
Gifts
Casual donations sent by people abroad to friends in Spain, or imported personally by persons who are not residents of Spain, as gift for friends are not subject to duty or taxes.
Gift shipments are limited to a maximum of 45 EURO. Advertising matter, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, perfumes, coffee, tea and software are excluded from the gift provisions.
Duty-Tax Free entry allows for gifts up to $40 USD weighing less than 15 lbs (7kgs) and clearly identified on waybill and invoice as "unsolicited gift". The shipment must be from an individualto another and should not contain tobacco, liquor, coffee, tea, oil, meat or poultry. Both perishable and non-perishable foods are prohibited for import to individuals in Spain.
Articles consigned as "Unsolicited gifts" are acceptable and will be allowed entry free of any duty or VAT providing the shipment is valued at less than 45 EURO originated from and consigned to an individual, and are individually wrapped. Multiple gifts can be consigned in one shipment so long as the individual parcels enclosed are individually tagged with the recipients name, are individually wrapped and the value does not exceed the per person limit of 45 EURO. Shipments consigned to companies as gifts for an individual may be denied entry as gifts and will be subject to full duty and VAT. Generally, most articles can be consigned as gifts, except those articles noted prohibited or restricted for import (see General Import Prohibitions and Restrictions).
Standards
Spain has established specific certification for certain products. This "homologation" involves cumbersome product testing by approved laboratories. However, a product that meets the standards and certification requirements of any other EU country can be imported and sold in Spain without further testing. Spanish homologation requirements remain in force for computer keyboards and screens, dot matrix printers, teleprinters, medical equipment, electric typewriters, telecommunications equipment, motor vehicles, bicycles, pleasure boats, gas connectors, etc.
The Spanish Standards Certification Association (AENOR = Asociacion Espa“ola de Normalizacion y Certificacion) is responsible for developing voluntary standards and certification programs. It represents Spain in international standards institutions. The Spanish government publishes a list of approved laboratories for testing and certification each year.
Spain now allows the entry of used equipment, material and goods. However, they are subject to the same standards concerning safety as apply to any new import. Additionally, there may exist regulations specific to the particular type of equipment, such as computers and peripherals that is being imported.
Labeling, Marking Requirements
Country of Origin Marking
Every article entering Spain must be marked with the name of the country of origin in any official language, preferably in Spanish, unless an exception of marking is provided for in the law. The country of origin is the country of manufacture, production, or growth of the article. The requirement applies to each unit unless exempted. The phrase "made in" is required only in the case where the name of any locality other than the country or locality in which the article was manufactured appears on the article or its container. The marking "made in (country), "product of (country)", or other words of similar meaning must appear in close proximity to and in comparable size letters of the other locality to avoid possible confusion. When marking is not feasible, such as when the article is too small or marking would in some way damage the merchandise, then the packaging or container that will reach the final consumer must be marked.
The following are specific categories of goods, for which marking, labeling, and/or testing requirements are applicable in Spain:
Foodstuffs: The Direcci€n General de Salud P?blica sets human consumption standards for the preparation, residual content and storage media for virtually all classes of foodstuffs. The labels on the container must include the product designation, a list of ingredients, the weight or volume, dates (manufacturing, packing, minimum shelf life, and expiration dates), directions for food preservation (if applicable), identification of the firm involved (manufacturer, packer, or importer) and the country of origin. If the original label is not in Spanish, a similar one must be prepared in Spanish and be firmly affixed to the container. Milk products, margarine, chocolate and soaps have other, more technical labeling requirements. Wines and other alcoholic beverages must meet Spanish standards.
Textiles: Customs and point-of-sale regulations require that all textile goods and ready made clothing have a Spanish label. Standard Spanish textile nomenclature and content requirements must be stated on the label. Requirements relating to textile content, labeling and packaging are specific and extensive. Royal Decree 928/1987, dated June 5, 1987, regulates them. Manufacturers' trademarks, duly registered, are permitted on textile products.
Drugs, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics: These goods are subject to technical inspection and registration by the Direcci€n General de Salud P?blica prior to entry. There are also detailed marking and labeling requirements, somewhat similar to those for foodstuffs, which include detailed chemical composition.
Fertilizers and Fungicides: Imported fertilizers must be registered with the local Agriculture Ministry Office. Inspection and analysis will be performed prior to customs clearance. The Ministry of Agriculture must approve all printed advertising and publicity materials, and labels must be in Spanish and include detailed precautions.
Firearms: The Ministerio de Defensa must clear all firearms, and they must bear a stamp of certification.
Metals: The Spanish Guarantee Bureau provides assay services and affixes its hallmark for all imported precious metals.
Motor Vehicles: Each vehicle will be inspected for engraved serial numbers on both the engine and chassis. If one of these is not available, Spanish customs levies a special charge for stamping the number.
Tires and Tubes: All tires and inner tubes must be marked with a serial number.
For agricultural products, labeling requirements are fully harmonized with the EU labeling system; however, the labels must be in Spanish.
CE Marking
The CE (Conformit» Europ»enne) Marking is required to be displayed on regulated products offered for commercial sale on the European market. It indicates that a product complies with applicable European Directives related to health, safety, environment and consumer protection. Because the CE Marking identifies products that meet a common set of criteria established and adopted by the 15 CE members, the CE Marking on your products will permit them to move freely in commerce throughout the European market. The manufacturer, or authorized representative, is responsible for placing the CE Marking on compliant products. The common CE Marking logo is placed on the product, product literature or packaging as described in each Directive. Articles regulated under the European Directives that are not properly marked when imported are subject to delay in customs and may not be cleared for consumption.
Eco-labels
In March of 1992, the EU Council approved law 880/92 establishing a community-wide system for granting Eco-labels (green label) to products that voluntarily satisfy environmental standards.
The EU's objectives in setting up a system for issuing green labels are twofold. The labels inform consumers of products that are environmentally safer than others in all aspects of a product's life cycle. Furthermore, they improve the design, production and marketing as well as increase the use of products that have low or non-adverse effects on the environment and that use natural resources wisely.
The EU hopes that these objectives will increase the standards of health, security and the condition of the environment of the EU countries. Products imported into the EU that wish to obtain a green label must follow the same strict criteria as EU members.
Royal Decree established Spain's participation in the EU Eco-labeling program in April 1994.
General Export Clearance Information
Clearance Process
Exporting from Spain requires
1. Export Compliance;
2. Knowledge of your commodity;
3. Proper documentation including permits, licenses and related certificate of origins;
4. Pre-shipment requirements from the destination country.
Organic Law 3/1992 and Royal Decree 824/1993 regulate export controls. Export documentation requirements vary depending on the value of the goods, destination of the shipment and if the goods are controlled, prohibited or regulated. Goods that must be reported require a bill of lading/air waybill, an SAD (Single Administrative Document) export declaration, a commercial or a pro-forma invoice, as well as any export permits, certificate, licenses required for controlled, prohibited or regulated goods. All controlled, regulated commodities require an export permit regardless of the value. It is extremely important that all documents tendered for export clearance processing are accurate in every way. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation may result in lengthy delays in customs processing and may result in warehousing and other customs fees.
Export Permits - Specific export permits are for commodities subject to export controls. The Ministerio de Defensa is the government office for dual use exports (commercial items that may have military applications). Other departments and agencies have regulatory jurisdiction and issue licenses for controlled substances and precursor chemicals, for endangered fish and wildlife species, for defense services and articles, for arms and munitions, for nuclear material, equipment and technology, for fuels, for drugs and medical devices. Before exporting these items, special licenses must be obtained from customs office to insure that the items are not part of the national heritage of Spain. License requirements are dependent upon an item's technical characteristics, the destination, the end-use, end-user and other activities of the end-user. Specific questions pertaining to commodity licensing requirements should be directed to the lead agency. Agency information, telephone number and basic commodities that might require export permits could be identified by accessing the department and agency websites listed in the profile.
Document Requirements
Air Waybill - An air waybill or carriers certificate (naming the consignee for customs purposes) is required as evidence of the consignee's right to make entry.
Commercial Invoices - Invoices are required for all dutiable shipments relating to commercial transactions between companies and companies; companies and individuals, regardless of the value. Commercial invoices should show freight, insurance and similar charges as separate items when applicable, regardless of the INCOTERM used on the transaction. It must be in Spanish for export shipments or accompanied by a translation. It can be in any official language for import shipments and, if required by customs, must be accompanied by a translation. A party, who is knowledgeable of the transaction, must furnish translation, if requested.
Specific invoice details are required for a number of commodities including the following:
* Textiles - the fabric breakdown, whether knit or woven and, for clothing articles, the gender;
* Marked/mutilated samples - the words "mutilated samples" or "marked samples, not for resale" as applicable;
* Software on CD's and floppy disks - The value of software must be shown separately from software support.
Dangerous Goods Certification - Some goods will, in addition to the standard documentation noted above, require DG certification (i.e. Perfumes, Liquor, Chemicals, etc.)
Sanitary Certificates - Animal and Plant Health Inspections certificates may be required for the exportation of living plant material, including plants, plant products and seeds. Health inspection requirements also govern the exportation of animals and parts of animals, including meat products, skins, hides and similar products, marine mammals, fish, crustaceans, or mollusks and parts thereof. Most of these certificates are obtained by providing the proper documentation to the Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentaci€n, (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Products).
Pharmaceutical Certificates - These certificates are required by Spanish Customs for drugs and certain sanitary items. A standard analysis bulletin issued by the manufacturer, listing the product composition, is acceptable for customs purposes.
Bills of Lading - No special regulations
Declaration of Antiquity - A declaration must be shown on the invoice for goods over 100 years old. The statement must include the words "circa date" followed by the year of manufacture whether known or estimated.
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Spain Export Prohibitions
The following commodities are prohibited for export from Spain:
*
Atlantic red tuna fish (Thunnus Thynnus) originating from Belize, Panama, and Honduras
* Toys and games containing copper sulfate
* Items having a flexible metal blade entirely contained in a plastic, paper, or fabric sheath
* Illicit Narcotics and Drugs
* All forms of asbestos fibers
* L-trytophane and any items having L-trytophane as an ingredient
* Rubber erasers that are similar in appearance to food products that are easily ingested
* Medical thermometers containing mercury intended for human consumption
General Export Restrictions
The following items are not acceptable for carriage to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)
* APO/FPO addresses.
* C.O.D. shipments.
* Human corpses, human organs or body parts, human and animal embryos, or cremated or disinterred human remains.
* Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold- for- pick-up to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.)
* Firearms, weaponry, and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).
* Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control.
* Live animals (including insects) except via our Live Animal Desk (1.800.405.9052).
* Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).
* Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by local, state, provincial or national law.
* Money (coins, cash, currency, paper money and negotiable instruments equivalent to cash such as endorsed stocks, bonds and cash letters).
* Collectible coins and stamps.
* Pornographic and/or obscene material.
* Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes or other medical waste.
* Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.
* Shipments that require us to obtain any special license or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.
* Shipments whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.
* Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination.
* Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.
* Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.
* Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.
* Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.
* Shipments* being processed under:
Duty drawback claims unless advance arrangements are made.
Temporary Import Bonds - acceptable under the FedEx International Broker Select option, for initial import only.
U.S. State Department licenses.
Carnets.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration export permit.
Shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone.
Letters of Credit (however, shipments covered by a Letter of Credit calling for a "Courier Receipt" as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600 may move via FedEx International Priority).
Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).
Shipments moving into or out of Foreign Trade Zones or bonded warehouses.
*You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF), FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA) or FedEx International Controlled Export. For information on FedEx International Premium, IXF and ITA, call FedEx Express Freight Services at 1.800.332.0807. For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.247.4747 or your local FedEx customer service representative.
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Spain Restrictions
The following commodities are prohibited via FedEx International Priority (IP) services from Spain. However, you may be able to use another FedEx service for shipping these items. For additional shipping options, please contact your local FedEx customer service representative.
* Drugs, non-prescription
* Drugs, prescription
* Human semen
* Vitamins
* Viagra
* Food, non-perishable
Regulatory Contact Information
Branch or Agency Name
Areas of Responsibility
Agencia Estatal de Administracion Tributaria (Customs)
Department of Customs
Especiales
Avda. Llano Castellano, 17
28034 Madrid
Phone: (34) 91-728-9450
Fax: (34) 91-729-2065
* Issues import and export licenses and permits for restricted commodities
* Import and export clearance
* Levies duty and taxes
* Inspects shipments
* Issues regulations about clearance
* Controls import and export enterprises
* Evaluates shipments
Secretaria General de Comercio Exterior
Department of Commerce
Paseo de la Castellana, 162
28046 Madrid
Phone: (34) 91-349-3871/3719
* Regulates export laws
* Promotes export trade
* Monitors trade compliance
* Enforces trade restrictions
Direccion General de Armamento y Material del Ministerio de Defensa
Department of Defense
Paseo de la Castellana, 162
28046 Madrid
Phone: (34) 91-395-5000
* Regulates arms and ammunitions
* Controls trade of munitions
* Controls trade of dual-use goods
Ministerio de Agricultura,
Pesca y Alimentaci€n
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Products
Paseo de la Infanta Isabel, 1
28014 Madrid
Phone: (34) 91-345-3931
* Controls the inspection of imported and exported seeds, pesticides, vet medicines, and fertilizers
* Drafts rules and regulations concerning the inspection and quarantine of imported and exported seeds, pesticides, vet medicines and fertilizers
Direcci€n General de Salud P?blica
Department of Public Health
Paseo del Prado, 18
28014 Madrid
Phone: (34) 91-596-1089/90/91
Fax: (34) 91-596-4480
* Controls import and export of medicaments and drugs and issues Drug Import Inspection Certificate
* Develops health policy
* Enforces health regulation
* Consumer protection and food policy
Asociacion Espa“ola de Normalizacion y Certificacion (AENOR)
Spanish Standards Certification Association
Genova, 6
28004 Madrid
Phone: (34) 91-432-6125
Fax: (34) 91-310-4032
* In charge of coordinating the establishment of standards.
* Responsible for developing voluntary standards and certification programs
* Publishes a list of approved laboratories for testing and certification each year.
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