Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but navigating the customs process can be daunting, especially when you’re relocating an entire household. Spain, like any other country, has its own set of customs regulations and requirements, and these can feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared.
Whether you’re packing up furniture and personal belongings or even bringing your car and pets, understanding Spain’s import rules is key if you want to avoid delays, extra fees or unexpected complications. Below, we’ve taken a look at everything you need to know about Spain’s customs process, ensuring that your move goes as smoothly as possible.
Shipping Personal Belongings and Household Goods to Spain
When moving to Spain, one of the most important things to consider is how you will transport your personal belongings. As is the case with most countries in the EU, Spain allows you to import household goods and personal items duty-free under certain conditions. But, to ensure you’re shipping everything correctly, you need to be prepared and follow specific guidelines.
For example, to qualify for duty-free import, you need to be a resident of Spain or planning to obtain residency. If you’re moving permanently, you must prove residency within six months of your belongings arriving. Otherwise, you may be required to pay the duty at a later date. You also need to ensure that your items must have been owned and used for at least six months prior to your move to Spain to avoid taxes and duties. If you bring new or unused goods with you, you may be subject to additional charges.
You could be asked to provide paperwork showing what you are bringing into Spain with you, so be ready to provide it. This includes an inventory list of your belongings, proof of residency and your passport.
Prohibited Items at Spanish Customs
Spanish customs laws are in line with EU regulations, which does make them somewhat easier to navigate. This means that there are several items that are completely prohibited from entering the country. Bringing any of these items could result in severe penalties, including confiscation, fines or even legal action.
Illegal Drugs
As is the case in most countries, bringing illegal substances into Spain is forbidden. This applies to all types of recreational drugs, including cannabis, even in small amounts.
Weapons and Firearms
Unless you have special permits, all weapons, firearms and ammunition are prohibited. This also includes pepper spray and other self defence tools.
Endangered Species
The import of products made from endangered animals or plants – such as ivory, coral or certain types of wood – is forbidden under CITES regulations.
Pirated and Counterfeit Goods
Counterfeit products, such as fake designer clothes, electronics and DVDs, are not allowed into Spain.
Meat and Dairy Products
Bringing meat or dairy products from outside of the EU is not permitted, and this is to prevent the spread of diseases in Spain. The same applies to live animals without proper paperwork. Luckily, Spain has a lot of delicious food for you to enjoy, and you won’t struggle to find meat and dairy products once you’ve moved.
Spain’s Restricted Items
As well as banned items, Spain also has a list of restricted items. Again, these are in line with the EU’s import regulations. Though these are not entirely prohibited, importing these items comes with certain conditions. For example, you might need a special permit, or you might need to declare the items at customs.
Alcohol and Tobacco
Spain has specific limits on the quantity of alcohol and tobacco you can bring for personal use. Generally, you can bring up to one litre of spirits with an alcohol content of more than 22%, or two litres of wine under 22%. For tobacco, you are limited to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
Cash
If you are carrying more than €10,000 in cash – or the equivalent to €10,000 in other currencies – you need to declare it at customs. This is to ensure that you comply with anti-money laundering regulations.
Prescription Medications
You can bring personal use medications into Spain, but you need to have the original prescription or a doctor’s note. This is to prove that the medication has been prescribed to you, and no one else, and a medical professional has signed it off. Certain medications, particularly strong painkillers or those containing controlled substances, may require additional documentation.
Plants and Seeds
If you are planning to bring plants, seeds or other agricultural products to Spain, you must declare them. This is because Spain has restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of pests or diseases.
Cultural Artefacts
Any objects of historical or cultural significance – such as antiques, artwork or archaeological finds – may need special permits to enter Spain.
Tips for a Smooth Spain Customs Experience
There’s a lot to think about when you’re navigating Spanish customs, especially if you are making the move with your pet cat or dog, or if you have a lot of personal belongings to think about. But, there are things that you can do to ensure a smooth, stress-free and straightforward customs experience.
Know the Rules in Advance
There are a lot of customs rules, so make sure to know them in advance. Make sure you’re familiar with the customs regulations that are specific to Spain, especially regarding prohibited and restricted items. You’re less likely to make a mistake if you know what to expect.
Be Honest About Your Items
If you’re unsure whether an item needs to be declared, it’s best to declare it anyway. It’s better to declare something that doesn’t need to be declared, than to risk not declaring something that customs are going to have a problem with.
Be Smart About Your Packing
Don’t just throw things into boxes and hope for the best. Keep items that you may need to declare – such as medications, artefacts or cash – easily accessible, so that you can present them to customs officers if needed. Packing a detailed list of your belongings can also help streamline the process.
Carry Documentation
If you’re bringing something that needs to be declared to Spain, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork. For example, a lot of medication requires documentation showing that it’s been declared by a medical professional. You might need to have receipts or proof of ownership for valuable items, especially electronics or expensive items.
Use a Reputable Removals Company
Using a professional removals company, one that’s experienced with international moves to Spain, can make your customs experience a lot simpler. Experts can help you to navigate the customs process and ensure your items are properly packed and documented.
Streamline The International Removal Process
Moving to Spain offers the opportunity for a fresh start and, with the right preparation, the customs process won’t ruin that. Whether you’re moving for work, family or a change of scenery, a smooth customs experience will allow you to focus on enjoying your new home in Spain. To ensure that your experience with customs is simple and straightforward, enlist the help of a professional removals company.
At United International Removals, we use our extensive experience with removals to Spain to streamline the entire process. Get in touch to find out more.