If you live in Gran Canaria and want to order a product from a website with a value of more than €150, you need to consider some taxes, customs fees and other costs that are added to the price. In this blog post, I will explain what these costs are and why they exist.
IGIC vs VAT
Gran Canaria is part of Spain, but not of the VAT area of the European Union. That means that there is no VAT on the products you buy, but there is a local consumption tax called IGIC (Impuesto General Indirecto de Canarias). This tax varies depending on the type of product you buy, but it is generally 7% in restaurants, hotels, shops (excluding clothes and shoes which are 3%) and in car rental and jewelry which are 13.5% .
Import Duty
In addition to the IGIC, you also have to pay import duty if you import a product from outside the Canary Islands. This applies also to products that come from Spain or other EU countries. The import duty ranges between 5 and 15% depending on the type of product you import. You also have to fill in a DUA (Documento Único Administrativo), a customs form that is required for personal imports above €150. You can request this form online or at the customs office at the Gran Canaria airport.
NIE Number
Another requirement for importing products over €150 is having a NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), which is a tax identification number for foreigners in Spain. You need this number to fill in the DUA form and to pay the taxes and fees. You can apply for a NIE number at the local police station or at the Spanish consulate in your country of origin. The NIE number is valid for life and does not need to be renewed.
Why These Costs Exist
These taxes and fees are intended to protect and stimulate the local economy, taking into account the specific characteristics and constraints of the Canary Islands as an outermost region. However, they can also lead to higher prices and longer delivery times for the consumers in Gran Canaria. That is why it is important to be well informed before you make an online purchase and compare whether it is cheaper to buy locally or import. A great alternative to Amazon is the local website www.guanxe.es.
