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Correos - Post and Import

Image Source: correos

Correos is the Spanish postal service.

General Recommendation for Shipping

In general, the postal service of your home country handles standard shipping efficiently to the Islands in the same way Correos does while shipping to your home country.

However, there are specific considerations for shipments exceeding 300 SDR:

  • Below 300 SDR: A simple import process is usually possible.
  • Above 300 SDR: Additional paperwork is required.

SDR? Starwars DineRos? Nope :-) It's an international value. Maybe you wanna check this out to learn how much "real" money this means in your currency:
https://www.imf.org/external/np/fin/data/rms_mth.aspx?reportType=CVSDR

Example: 300 SDR ×1,22849 EUR​ = 368,547EUR (March, 17th 2025)

At the end of your order, your provider should issue a CN2x (CN22 or CN23) form for customs processing. Additionally, make sure to include:

  • An invoice for the goods or a proforma invoice
  • Recipient information, ideally including a NIE number (if applicable)
  • All documents should be placed in a customs shipping pouch

Often, the CN2x form is just a sticker on the package. In that case, place the remaining documents in the shipping pouch for proper customs handling.

Be aware that in many countries, shipments exceeding 1,000 EUR may require an export permit. The exact threshold varies by country, so always check local regulations.

It's best to check with the shipping service in your country, as they often have special offers or solutions for handling complex customs procedures.

Keep in mind: Food, electronic hardware like laptops or something with a batterie in it, may need special "service" to get to the islands. For more complicated shipments read the import example below :)

Import Example - Used Laptop

The detailed process may vary depending on the sender’s postal service in other countries, but in general, it works for most national postal services around the globe.

But importing something to the island could be a mess, depending on the items.

Determining the Price of the used Laptop

The price determines which customs form you'll need:

  • Items up to ca. 350 Euro ( 300 SDR) : Use the CN22 form.
  • Items over €350 up to €999.99: Use the CN23 form.
  • Items over €1,000: It gets complicated. In most countries, the sender must obtain an export authorization, which in the EU is processed online through the Automated Export System (AES). Due to the extensive customs knowledge required, we strongly recommend involving a professional. This often goes beyond standard private parcel shipping services. This is also why many online retailers do not ship to the Canary Islands; they need an invoice without VAT and the aforementioned export authorization -> Documento Único Administrativo
Choosing a Shipping Service

When using DHL, visit DHL Online. Consider using Standard + Premium for items over €500 and add insurance. Remember, express doesn’t necessarily speed up customs processing.

Keep in mind, the provider will ask for some information in the form. In most cases it speeds up your customs procedure, if you place the correct Commodity Code.

Inc ase you fill out the wron one, the customs employee get confused and may start a deeper inspection as required (costs time at the end).

As example for a used Laptop use the "Commodity Code" 8471500000, as listed on TARIC Support.

Attaching the invoice

You must attach a copy of the invoice (create one if you don’t have it). Attach this and the form on the outside of the package. For a reference on how to do this, see Document Pouches on Amazon.

Creating a Correos Account for Canary Islands Imports

If you’re dealing with Canary Islands imports, having an account at Correos is a lifesaver. They handle the complicated aspects, and you just pay the dues. More information can be found on the Correos website.

Important regulations batteries/food

To avoid problems while shipping electronic parts with batteries or food, keep the following regulations in mind. Shipping goods with batteries means, you have to declare the shipment in a specific way. In most cases, it is easier to find a company that can handle the importing for you, but it is not cheap at all.

If you are shipping goods with batteries, you must declare the shipment in a specific way. In most cases, it is easier to find a company that can handle the importing for you, but it is not cheap at all.

SOIVRE Declaration

In some cases a shipment with goods like electronic/food and so on to Canary Islands a SOIVRE declaration is required, along with CodCice and CodPi.

This can be complicated, but you can contact the SOIVRE department to get access and all the detailed information you need:

Dirección Territorial de Comercio - SOIVRE
Battery Documentation Example

The documents you need to provide can look like these examples from Lenovo:

For more information, refer to the 2023 Import/Export Guide.

Calculating Taxes To Avoid Suprises

To calculate the tax, use Modelo 040. 
For the Laptop example to find the right tax code, open Clasificación de mercancías frecuentes y tipos impositivos and search for 8471. The last two columns indicate the tax rate. In this case, only 7% I.G.I.C applies, and there is no A.I.E.M. 
Note: You must search for 8471 because this is the main TARIC number and includes 8471500000.

Correos Service Fees

The service fees by Correos can be found on page 33 of the Correos Price Document. 

Remember, doing customs steps yourself can save money but requires solid tax knowledge. Share your experiences and let’s make this a comprehensive guide for everyone!

Easy Import for Residents?

Have a look at Gobierno de Canarias - Importaciones! You can declare the laptop there and provide all documents for the batteries, including the invoice (a proforma invoice is acceptable), but you still have to do the SOIVRE declaration. For items without any batteries, this can speed up the import process.

EORI Number Registration

For heavy users or companies you can get your own EORI number here: EORI Registration

Conclusion

If you’re not a resident, it is nearly impossible to import a a laptop by yourself due to the extensive regulations. 
Take it with you by plane or ferry may work, but customs will may want a DUA in some cases and if you get stopped, you’ll need to provide it. You can go to customs at the airport to do it the correct way.

The import process for the Canary Islands can be a hassle depending on the items you wish to import. Since the Canary Islands are not part of the EU-Tax Union, everything shipped to the islands is considered an import.