Why your parcel goes through customs in the Canaries
The Canaries are outside the EU VAT area, so every consignment entering the islands needs a customs formality – whether it comes from China, Germany or a warehouse in Madrid. What changes with value and origin is the declaration and the charges:
- Up to €150: a simplified declaration (H7) and, at present, no IGIC, except on alcohol, perfume and tobacco. Some products may still pay AIEM.
- Online orders from outside the EU up to €150: since 1 July 2026 a flat €3 customs duty per item (per type of goods declared), a temporary EU measure planned until July 2028. Gifts between private individuals are excluded.
- Over €150: a full import declaration, IGIC at the product’s rate and, for non-EU goods, the normal duty.
Who has your parcel and what your options are
Your parcel is held by Correos or the courier (DHL, UPS, SEUR…) until it is cleared, and the notice comes from them. With Correos, the arrival notice is handled on correosaduanas.es, where you choose one of three routes: Correos clears it for a fee, you clear it yourself with the tax agency (using electronic ID such as a digital certificate), or you use a professional of your choice who files the DUA. Couriers work in a similar way, with their own charges. Keep to the deadline in the notice, or the parcel may go back to the sender.
Watch out for scam texts
Many texts pretend to come from Correos or a courier (“parcel held, pay the fees here”). Spain’s cybersecurity institute INCIBE warns about these campaigns. Never pay through a link in a text: type the official Correos or courier address yourself and check the tracking number there.
When and how we help
- Get in touch on WhatsApp or by phone with the notice and tracking number.
- Review: we check the invoice, contents and origin and tell you which charges apply.
- Liaise with Correos or the courier so they know a professional of your choice is clearing it.
- DUA: we prepare and file it and tell you the amount to pay.
- Delivery: once released, Correos or the courier delivers the parcel to your door.
What we need: the notice or tracking number, the invoice or proof of payment including shipping, a description of the contents if unclear, and your ID or NIE.
FAQ: parcels at customs
Do you have my parcel?
No. KLC Aduanas does not receive or store parcels. It is with Correos or the courier that sent you the notice. We can prepare the DUA if you are asked for one.
Do I pay IGIC on an order under €150?
Not at present, except on alcohol, perfume and tobacco. You may still face the €3-per-item duty (non-EU orders), AIEM on some goods and the carrier’s handling fee.
I got a text asking me to pay customs fees. Is it real?
Be suspicious. Check the shipment by typing the official Correos or courier website yourself – never through the link in the text.
Official sources
- Correos Aduanas – FAQ (clearance options)
- Spanish Tax Agency – Low-value consignment declarations in the Canaries (H7)
- Spanish Tax Agency – E-commerce changes from 1 July 2026
- European Commission – Temporary flat duty on low-value imports
- BOE – Law 20/1991, art. 14 (IGIC exemption up to €150)
- INCIBE – Scam texts impersonating Correos and couriers