How to Send a Package from Germany to Gran Canaria (Without a Customs Headache)
If you’ve ever tried to send something from Germany to Gran Canaria and ended up in a bureaucratic maze of forms, fees, and confusion, you’re not alone. Shipping to the Canary Islands can feel like sending a care package to the moon — but with a few smart moves, it doesn’t have to be a drama.
Here’s what you need to know to get your parcel safely (and smoothly) from Germany to Gran Canaria, without having it held hostage by customs.
📦 Use DHL with CN23 Form Attached
For private shipments (think: gifts, personal belongings, or a slice of home), DHL is often the easiest option. Their system automatically includes the CN23 customs declaration form, which is essential for international parcels heading to the Canary Islands.
- You can fill out the form online through DHL’s website:
DHL to Canary Islands – Private Customers
When filling out the CN23:
- Type of Shipment: Select “Sonstiges” (Other) — or “Umzugsgut” (household goods) if you’re sending personal moving items.
- Customs Tariff Number: Use the correct TARIC number based on what’s inside. For example, clothes ≠ electronics ≠ cookies.
- Description of Contents: Be specific and honest. “Private used clothing” is better than just “stuff.”
🛑 Don’t Wing the Taric Code
One of the biggest pitfalls? Picking the wrong customs tariff number (TARIC). This tiny number tells customs what your package is and whether it’s taxable. Using the wrong one can delay your delivery for weeks — or worse, get it sent back.
If you’re sending a mix of items, make a list and look up the correct TARIC code for each one. Customs officials will check if “used clothing” turns out to be a drone.
Pro tip: Don’t copy-paste codes you found online unless you’ve double-checked them with the EU TARIC system.
🏷️ Make Sure the Name and Address Are Perfect
This isn’t the time for typos. A misspelled surname, swapped numbers, or a vague street address can land your package in customs limbo. Double-check everything:
- Full name (as per ID)
- Complete address, including postal code and island (yes, the Canary Islands count as international for shipping purposes!)
- Local phone number for the recipient
📄 Thinking of Sending Moving Goods? Buckle Up
If you’re sending household items as part of a move (“mercancías de mudanzas privadas”), things get trickier. You’ll likely need:
- A full list of the items
- Proof of your move (a deregistration certificate from Germany can help)
- A DUA (customs declaration) submitted before the shipment
- Possibly an EORI number or export clearance through the ATLAS system in Germany
In short: it’s a bit of a paperwork party. If it’s more than a few boxes, consider hiring a professional shipping service to handle it.
📬 Expect Delays — Sometimes Long Ones
Even if you do everything right, customs can be slow. Some packages arrive in 5–9 days. Others? Weeks. Or months. Customs processing can depend on the accuracy of the CN23 form, the time of year (hello, Christmas delays), or just plain luck.
Common holdups:
- Incorrect or vague item descriptions
- Wrong tariff codes
- Missing recipient information
- High-value items triggering additional documentation
So: breathe deep, keep your receipts, and track your shipment like it’s your new side hustle.
✅ TL;DR Checklist for Smooth Shipping
- ✅ Use DHL with CN23 form included
- ✅ Fill in the form clearly and honestly
- ✅ Look up the correct TARIC codes
- ✅ Use the recipient’s exact name and address
- ✅ Avoid mixing item types unless you’re willing to list each one
- ✅ If shipping moving goods, prepare for more paperwork
- ✅ Be patient — customs might test it
Sending something from Germany to Gran Canaria can be simple… or mildly chaotic. But now you’ve got the inside scoop. Good luck — and may your parcel dodge all bureaucracy like a pro.
⚠️ Quick Disclaimer
This guide is based on personal experiences and public resources as of now. Customs rules and shipping procedures can change without much notice (because of course they can). Always double-check with DHL, the Spanish customs office (Aduanas), or a logistics professional if your parcel is valuable, urgent, or contains anything out of the ordinary. We’re just here to help, not replace official advice or legal guidelines.
