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
Download accompanying PDF
This post provides a deeper dive and explores of the main elements of international shipping between Canada and Spain:
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
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.
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
Shipping parcels to Spain from Canada Post parcel options
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:
Purolator Courier is a market leader in Canada and offers international services for shipping to Spain via other carriers (such as UPS).
Learn more from Jet's Logistics Experts
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).
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.
Jetworldwide.com