Shipping Spain from Canada: Things to Consider
With the addition of the Canadian European Free Trade Agreement (CETA), trade between Canada and Spain will continue to grow. Canadian companies and online sellers rely on low cost shipping to Spain to reach their customers and suppliers in Europe.
A few quick points to consider when shipping international between Canada and Spain
- Canada Post is the preferred option for individuals shipping small parcels and personal items to Spain (see Canada Post international shipping options below).
- Market dominant carriers, such as UPS, FedEx have crazy high base pricing. Discounted shipping can be obtained via "comparison quotes reseller sites" but discounted retail can still be expensive and such sites often lack support, logistics expertise and ability to import.
- Jet's logistics professionals will personally respond to your inquiry within 1 business day sharing our expertise and helping you find the right solution (we freely recommend alternative carriers and methods that may better suite your needs). Ask Jet.
- Ecommerce shippers usually need a much lower cost than can be provided by traditional shipping methods and need direct shipping solutions (visit our ecommerce page).
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This post provides a deeper dive and explores of the main elements of international shipping between Canada and Spain:
- Customs clearance of parcels to Spain sent from Canada
- Carrier Shipping options Spain from Canada
- CETA Duty free clearance for Canada Origin goods
- Shipping Canadian Shopify Orders to Spain and the EU
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general information only and is not intended to, constitute legal and/or tax advice. Producers, shippers, exporters, importers should confirm their processes with their customs brokers, carriers and regulating authorities. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this site are hereby expressly disclaimed. The content on this posting is provided “as is”; no representations are made that the content is error-free.
Canadian companies rely on low cost shipping to Spain and can now benefit from CETA free trade provisions.
Import to Spain Clearance Notes
Duty Free Status for Packages Sent from Canada to Spain
Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff rates are generally applicable for good traded between Spain and Canada. Goods that meet The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) rules of origin can benefit from preferential duty free import. The MFN tariff rates of Canada and Spain apply to goods that do not meet the rules of origin (non-originating goods) under CETA.
Many goods can be imported to Spain duty free that are valued under €150 Euros but VAT will still be applied.
Goods manufactured in Canada can qualify for duty free status under the Canadian European Free Trade Agreement (CETA).
To qualify for duty free status under CETA, the goods must be accompanied by a certificate of origin and other supporting documents. See section below on duty free CETA shipping from Canada to Spain.
Canada Origin Goods shipped to Spain via courier can qualify for duty free status via a CETA statement or origin on the shipping paperwork.
COMMERCIAL INVOICE AND VALUATION
The customs valuation is based on CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) which means that the amount used to assess customs duty is the sum of cost of goods, insurance and shipping cost to Spain
- Customs tariff applicable on imported goods depend on HS Codes
- The standard rate of VAT imposed on parcels sent from Canada to Spain is 21%
VAT for Online orders shipped to Spain and EU countries must be prepaid
CIF VALUE FOR GOODS SHIPPING TO SPAIN
When shipping from Canada to Spain, be sure to include the "CIF" Value (Cost + Insurance + Freight) on the Commercial Invoice.
Spanish customs bases duty and taxes on the CIF Value.
- The CIF value is the Cost of goods plus insurance and freight charges.
Duty Free and Value Added Tax
Virtually all items imported to Spain from Canada are subject to Value Added Tax/ VAT. Even if a package is imported duty free the imported value is most often subject to an added Tax of 21%.
Restricted Items for shipping from Canada to Spain
The restricted items to Spain are similar to all countries. It is important to note that Food products (Ministry of Health), Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics (CITES) and Electronics (Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism) require additional approvals.
Shipping Personal effects to Spain:
Jet often manages the shipping of personal effects Spain from Canada but there are restrictions. Personal goods are generally meant as being used, over 1 year old and for personal use only.
Requirements include:
- Reliefs from duty/VAT applicable only for the situations listed in the EU Regulatory Nº 1186/2009 and Spanish Law 37/1992. In these cases, the importer has to justify in writing that he/she meets the conditions for exemptions.
- For new (purchased/gift) items, no relief from duty/TAX available.
- Detailed & itemized packing list always to be attached to the packages
Shipping of excess baggage to Spain: Generally, it is simpler and easier to ship your personal effects as excess baggage when you travel. Carrier excess baggage fees for a couple of bags is most often less expensive than shipping separately without having to manage the entry requirements (discussed above).
Shipping a box or several boxes: Jet Worldwide provides solutions shipping of international personal effects Spain from Canada via economy air. Get a shipping quote Spain from Canada via Jet.
Shipping a household/ container level: For shipping a full household, it is best to contact a moving specialists to arrange for packing and ocean transport.
Shipping Spain from Canada
Delivery Options and Carriers to Consider
Shipping Spain from Canada via Canada Post
Canada Post offers the lowest cost for individuals shipping small parcels to Spain.
Canada Post's international packet services are cost effective up to 2 kg. Shipments sent via Canada Post are delivered by the Spanish Postal Service Correos.
Correos, is the national postal service of Spain and the postal partner for Canada Post parcels to Spain.
Canada Post Service options for delivery to Spain
Shipping parcels to Spain via Canada Post packet service
- Canada Post International small Packet delivery to Spain: Surface, Air and "tracked"
- Contact Jet's team for updates on direct shipping for online orders to Europe.
Shipping parcels to Spain from Canada Post parcel options
- Canada Post international parcel delivery to Spain: Surface
- Canada Post Xpresspost to Spain
- Get a comparison quote for shipping to Spain
Shipping Parcels to Spain via UPS and FedEx Canada
UPS and FedEx are the largest carriers in North America and, along with DHL, offer reliable express delivery from Canada to Spain.
FedEx and UPS shipping options to Spain include:
- International priority air delivery: 2 days to Madrid and Barcelona
- International economy air shipping to Spain: delivery in 3-4 business days
- Get a comparison quote for shipping to Spain from Canada
Shipping to Spain via Purolator Canada:
Purolator Courier is a market leader in Canada and offers international services for shipping to Spain via other carriers (such as UPS).
Shipping from Canada to Spain via Jet Worldwide
- Jet Worldwide is a trusted brand that has been providing international shipping solutions for over 35 years.
- Jet Worldwide provides options for shipping between Canada Spain and the EU for ecommerce, parcels, pallets and online orders.
- Jet Worldwide offers transparency and world class logistics support. We are not shy about recommending alternative solutions as necessary. Contact Jet's logistics team.
Learn more from Jet's Logistics Experts
- Understanding key concepts for shipping from Canada
- Understanding key concepts for shipping TO Canada
- Prepayment of UK VAT when shipping online orders to the UK
- Prepayment of Value Added Tax to European Union Countries
- Understanding Benefits of the "new NAFTA" USMCA/ CUSMA
- Request a call back for your business shipping from Jet's logistics support team
CETA Duty Free Shipping from Canada to Spain
Country origin rules are associated with factors used to determine if the product is eligible for preferential duty free treatment under CETA. The good news for Canadian shippers to Spain is that CETA rules don’t require a formal certificate in order to obtain tariff benefits. A declaration on the invoice or any other commercial document accompanying the shipment is enough.
Online orders that qualify as Canadian origin under CETA can qualify for duty free import even if valued over 150 Euros. However, VAT will still apply (see section above).
The CETA country of origin declaration has a specific wording, which is fairly straight forward (check with up to date regulations before shipping).
Shipping Canadian Shopify and e-commerce Orders to Spain and the EU
Jet Worldwide is building international shipping solutions for Shopify, Canada's leading e-commerce platform. Building on Jet Worldwide’s decades of Canadian cross-border parcel shipping experience, our team is currently developing Shopify-integrated solutions for shipping to Spain and the entire European Union, allowing businesses to “self-fulfill” their orders.
For updates on the latest international shipping solutions for Canadian online orders, connect with Jet Worldwide’s e-commerce team.
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