Why a plane alone is not enough in the Canaries
Even a shipment from Madrid or Barcelona needs a customs declaration and IGIC on arrival in the Canaries, because the islands are outside the EU VAT area. From outside the EU it is also a full import with duty. Without a declaration, the goods wait in the airport cargo terminal, however fast they flew.
Air cargo arrives at Tenerife North or Tenerife South. For goods from outside the EU, the Union Customs Code allows the declaration to be lodged before the goods arrive (Article 171), so clearance can be prepared while they are in the air, provided the data is complete.
When does air freight make sense?
- When stopping costs more than the freight: a broken-down machine, an aircraft or a ship waiting for a part.
- High-value goods with little weight or volume.
- Samples, small spares or material with a fixed delivery date.
For heavy or bulky loads, a well-planned sea or ferry shipment usually works out better; we compare both for your case. Watch out for lithium batteries, aerosols, paints or certain chemicals: they may be restricted as dangerous goods on aircraft, so it is worth knowing before you book.
How we handle it
- Message us on WhatsApp with what it is, where it is, weight, dimensions and deadline.
- We review the documents and tell you what is missing before it ships.
- We coordinate booking and collection with our air freight partners.
- We prepare the declaration and calculate IGIC, AIEM and any duty so that payment does not hold up clearance.
- We coordinate pick-up at the airport and delivery in Tenerife.
What to have ready before it ships
- Commercial invoice with a clear description, value and currency
- Packing list with gross weight and dimensions per package
- Tariff code, if you have it
- Spanish tax number (NIF) of the importer in the Canaries and its IGIC status
- Proof of origin if the goods come from outside the EU and may qualify for preference
- Safety data sheet if they could be dangerous goods
Questions about urgent shipments
How long does an urgent shipment to Tenerife take?
It depends on the origin, connections and airline, and on whether customs decide to inspect. What we can control is that paperwork does not add days. Give us your case and we will give you a realistic estimate.
Does an urgent shipment from mainland Spain go through customs too?
Yes. There is no duty, but a customs declaration and IGIC are needed on arrival in the Canaries, exactly as with sea freight.
Express courier or air cargo?
Courier companies usually offer their own clearance for small parcels. If the shipment is larger, does not fit the courier network or you prefer to control clearance, we arrange it as air cargo.