Importing from Spain to the Canaries

[typhoonNige]

I am in the process of ordering new batteries from a Spanish company in mainland Spain for delivery to La Gomera, Canaries. I have received a very attractive quote which includes IVA. Can I avoid paying this? Does "yacht in transit" status help me?

 

[Tranona]

I am in the process of ordering new batteries from a Spanish company in mainland Spain for delivery to La Gomera, Canaries. I have received a very attractive quote which includes IVA. Can I avoid paying this? Does "yacht in transit" status help me?

It is your supplier that will determine whether they are prepared to invoice without VAT. However, think you will probably find the cost and hassle of clearing customs in the Canaries will wipe out any advantage of importing. Why not ask your Spanish supplier who is more likely to know the best way of getting goods to you.

 

[typhoonNige]

Thanks for the reply. I have asked the supplier and have had no reply, so thought I would tap into the collective wisdom of the forum. I'll probably follow your advice and pay the VAT though as a simple life is a happy life!

 

[jimbaerselman]

However, think you will probably find the cost and hassle of clearing customs in the Canaries will wipe out any advantage of importing.

My experience also. Typical customs handling fees (in most countries!) are usually over €50, excluding local duty and taxes, so it's rarely worth considering import over local supply for items costing under €1,000. Different within the EU and Turkey, of course.

 

[typhoonNige]

My experience also. Typical customs handling fees (in most countries!) are usually over €50, excluding local duty and taxes, so it's rarely worth considering import over local supply for items costing under €1,000. Different within the EU and Turkey, of course.

Unfortunately there is no local supplier for the batteries I need or anything equivalent so I need to use the Spanish supplier. He has agreed to not charge VAT but do I understand you correctly that by paying VAT to the supplier I will avoid any importation taxes at this end?

 

[rivonia]

Any purchase in the EU is VAT paid by the buyer.

If having goods delivered from one Spanish Region to another it is not classed as an Import. Canaries are Spanish.

Thats my take on it?

 

[duncan99210]

Canaries are like the Channel Islands: Spanish but not part of the EU. Therefore the Spanish supplier can invoice without VAT but the Canaries based customer will have to arrange customs clearance on arrival.

 

[typhoonNige]

Canaries are like the Channel Islands: Spanish but not part of the EU. Therefore the Spanish supplier can invoice without VAT but the Canaries based customer will have to arrange customs clearance on arrival.

...Which is what I have now done. Watch this space for updates!

 

[RAI]

The Canaries are outside the EU VAT agreements but add 7% local tax (IGIC?) to anything imported into the islands. Still, a 14% reduction if you can get the supplier to not charge Spanish VAT. Yacht in Transit might help if you get a good agent.

 

[typhoonNige]

The Canaries are outside the EU VAT agreements but add 7% local tax (IGIC?) to anything imported into the islands. Still, a 14% reduction if you can get the supplier to not charge Spanish VAT. Yacht in Transit might help if you get a good agent.

No vat charged but I expect local tax and some import duty, and probably some delays. At least this way I get some decent deep cycle batteries that fit the box!

 

[typhoonNige]

An update

The batteries finally arrived in La Gomera this morning. Although there were a few issues with the courier these were resolved with the help of the language skills of the marina staff and the supplier, and the savings relative to purchasing the same batteries in the UK came to about 25% - the VAT at 7% and a favourable exchange rate helped a lot. No doubt a shipping agent would have sped things up, but at a price I expect. Thanks for all the advice!

 

[colind3782]

A bit late but www.batterymegastore.co.uk have a branch in Spain with the free delivery etc.

 

[typhoonNige]

A bit late but www.batterymegastore.co.uk have a branch in Spain with the free delivery etc.

I went with Bureau Baterias as they are the Spanish importer of the brand I wanted (US Batteries). Thanks for the heads up though!