What changes when goods come from Asia
The EU has no free trade agreement with China, so Chinese goods generally pay the standard third-country duty set by the product’s TARIC code. Some Chinese products also carry trade defence measures such as anti-dumping or countervailing duties, which are worth checking before you place the order.
Other Asian countries do have agreements with the EU – Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Singapore, for example. If the goods meet the rules of origin and the supplier documents this properly, the duty can be reduced or removed.
Why the Canary Islands are different
The Canaries are inside the EU customs union, so the duty rate is the same as in Rotterdam or Valencia. What differs is indirect tax: there is no VAT here but IGIC (standard rate 7%, with other rates for some goods), charged on the customs value plus duty and costs up to the first destination on the islands.
On top of that, the Canarian AIEM applies to certain goods even when they come from Asia, and retailers in the special retail scheme pay a surcharge on import IGIC. Everything arrives by sea at Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Granadilla, or by air.
Incoterms: who pays for what
Your Incoterm decides where the supplier’s responsibility ends. Under EXW or FOB you arrange the main freight; under CIF the supplier pays the sea freight to the port, but unloading, clearance and taxes in Tenerife are still yours. If you are offered DDP, ask how IGIC and AIEM will be paid – neither is VAT.
How we handle your import from Asia
- Online quote: tell us the product, quantities, supplier and Incoterm on WhatsApp or by phone.
- Pre-check: from the pro forma and data sheet we find the tariff code, check anti-dumping, AIEM and product rules, and estimate your landed cost.
- Transport: we coordinate sea freight (full container or groupage) or air freight to Tenerife through our partner network.
- Declaration and taxes: we file the import declaration and handle duty, IGIC and AIEM.
- Delivery: once cleared, we arrange delivery to your warehouse or shop.
What we need from you
- Commercial invoice showing value, currency and Incoterm, plus a packing list.
- Transport document: bill of lading or air waybill.
- Proof of origin, if an EU trade agreement applies.
- Data sheet or photos of the product and any certificates (e.g. CE marking).
- Your company’s Spanish tax number (NIF) and EORI number (in Spain it is based on the NIF).
FAQ: importing from China and Asia
Do I pay VAT when importing from China to Tenerife?
No. VAT does not apply in the Canary Islands. You pay any customs duty, IGIC (standard rate 7%) and, for some goods, AIEM.
How much duty do Chinese goods pay?
It depends on the TARIC code: some goods are duty-free, others carry higher rates or anti-dumping duties. We check before you commit to the order.
Can I reclaim the import IGIC?
Businesses in the general IGIC scheme can usually deduct import IGIC. Retailers in the special retail scheme pay a surcharge instead and cannot deduct it. We confirm this for your case.