Exporting products from Spain to the United States represents a great opportunity for companies looking to expand into one of the largest and most profitable markets in the world. With more than 330 million consumers and a high demand for European products, the U.S. has become a key destination for sectors such as food, fashion, technology and machinery.
However, exporting to the U.S. is not as simple as shipping a product overseas. It requires complying with strict regulations, managing specific documentation and optimizing logistics costs to avoid delays and cost overruns at customs.
A small error in product classification, labeling or documentation can result in a U.S. Customs hold or even the return of the merchandise.
In this guide we explain everything you need to know to successfully export to the U.S., from legal requirements and necessary documentation, to managing tariffs and export logistics.
💡 If you need a logistics partner to help you streamline the process and ensure your goods arrive smoothly in the U.S., Across Logistics offers a one-stop solution.
Why export to the U.S.?
The United States is one of the most attractive markets for Spanish companies seeking to expand internationally.
Its high purchasing power, growing demand for European products and economic stability make it a key export destination.
Business opportunities in the U.S.
🔹 A market with more than 330 million consumers
The U.S. is the world’s second largest importer, with a constant demand for quality products. Sectors such as food, cosmetics, fashion and technology present great opportunities for Spanish companies.
🔹 Preference for European products
Products labeled “Made in Spain” enjoy a reputation for quality and exclusivity in the U.S., especially in sectors such as wine, olive oil, fashion and ceramics.
🔹 Diversification and expansion
Expanding to the U.S. reduces dependence on local and European markets, reducing economic risks and opening up new business opportunities.
📌 Across Logistics helps you identify the best export strategy to grow your business in the U.S. efficiently and safely.
Requirements for exporting to the U.S.
Exporting to the United States requires compliance with a series of regulations and certifications that vary according to the type of product. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in customs detentions, economic sanctions or the return of the merchandise.
In addition, it is important to note that foreign companies can export to the U.S. without having to have a physical location in the country. If this is what you need, Across Logistics can take care of setting up the necessary structure so that you can do it efficiently and without complications. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in customs detentions, financial penalties or the return of the merchandise.
Here are the key things to consider before shipping your product to the U.S.
Necessary regulations and certifications
Depending on the type of product, it is necessary to comply with specific regulations established by the U.S. authorities. These are the main agencies that regulate the importation of products into the USA:
✅ FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
Regulates the importation of food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and sanitary products.
The exporting company must be registered with the FDA and comply with regulations such as the FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) to ensure food safety.
✅ USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Controls the importation of agricultural products, meat, dairy and animal by-products.
Some products require prior inspection and health certificates issued in Spain.
✅ FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
Applies to electronic and telecommunication devices, ensuring that they comply with U.S. emission and safety standards.
✅ TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau)
Regulates the importation of wines, beers and liquors.
Specific labeling standards must be met and prior permits must be obtained.
✅ EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
Regulates chemicals, pesticides and articles that may affect the environment.
📌 Before exporting, it is essential to verify which agency regulates your product and what certifications are required. Across Logistics advises you on this process to avoid problems at customs.
Registration and additional requirements
In addition to complying with sector regulations, there are other general requirements for exporting to the USA:
🔹 Labeling and packaging: All products must comply with labeling standards in English. In the case of food, cosmetics and alcoholic beverages, labeling must include detailed information on ingredients, nutritional values and health warnings.
🔹 Restricted or prohibited products: The U.S. applies restrictions to products such as certain drugs, weapons, chemicals and textiles with specific components. It is advisable to consult the lists of restricted and regulated products before exporting.
📌 Across Logistics verifies compliance with all requirements to ensure your export to the U.S. goes smoothly.
Key aspects of U.S. Customs.
To export successfully to the U.S., it is important to consider the following customs issues:
CBP Authorized Broker: A broker authorized by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is required to handle exports. This broker must be a U.S. broker.
Bond request: The broker is the one who requests the Bonds (single or continuous) to be able to carry out exports of any kind (air, sea, land).
Correct tariff classification: It is essential to use the correct HTS code to avoid cost overruns and customs delays.
📌 Across Logistics has a structure in the USA that facilitates all these processes and can assist you in any step to export to the United States. From customs clearance to logistics optimization, our team ensures a smooth export.
Step by step: How to export from Spain to the U.S.
Exporting to the United States requires strategic planning to avoid mistakes, optimize costs and ensure that the goods arrive safely at their destination. Below, we explain each key step of the process.
Selecting the product and analyzing its demand
Before starting an export, it is essential to evaluate whether the product has sales potential in the USA. To do so, it is advisable:
✅ Research the market and competition: Identify product demand in the U.S. and analyze local competition.
✅ Check restrictions and regulations: Confirm that the product complies with the requirements detailed in section 3. Requirements for export to the USA.
✅ Evaluate export costs: Include transportation, tariffs and distribution in the final price to ensure profitability.
Verify the necessary documentation
To avoid delays and problems at customs, it is essential to prepare the required documentation correctly. (This topic is expanded on in the later section Essential documentation for exporting to the U.S.).
Key documents include:
- Commercial invoice and packing list.
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB).
- Certificate of origin.
- FDA registration (if applicable).
Choosing the best means of transportation
The shipping method will depend on the type of product, volume and urgency of delivery.
🚢 Ocean Freight (FCL or LCL)
Ideal for large volumes or heavy goods.
FCL (Full Container Load): Full container, recommended for large exports.
LCL (Less than Container Load): Groupage with other goods, optimizes costs in small loads.
✈️ Air transportation
Faster, but with higher costs.
Recommended for perishable, high value or urgent shipments.
📌 Across Logistics advises you on the best transportation option to optimize costs and delivery times.
Calculation of customs duties and costs
Duties and taxes vary according to the type of product and its U.S. tariff classification (this point is developed in detail in the section Import Duties and Taxes in the U.S.).
The main costs to be considered are:
✅ Import tariffs according to HTS classification.
✅ Sales Tax depending on the state of destination.
✅ Excise Tax on regulated products such as tobacco, alcohol and chemicals.
📌 Across Logistics helps you calculate U.S. import costs to avoid cost overruns and customs delays.
Shipping and customs clearance management
🔹 Export clearance in Spain:
Presentation of the SAD (Single Administrative Document).
Management of inspections and required certificates.
🔹 U.S. import clearance:
Processing before the CBP (Customs and Border Protection).
Payment of duties and taxes.
Inspection of the goods according to the applicable regulations.
📌 Across Logistics manages customs clearance in both countries to ensure a smooth export.
Essential documentation for exporting to the U.S.
To avoid delays and problems at U.S. Customs, it is essential to have the correct documentation. A mistake in the paperwork can mean fines, blocking of goods or even the return of the shipment.
Here are the key documents you will need to export to the U.S. without complications.
Commercial and shipping documents
Commercial invoice and packing list 📄
Key document describing the merchandise, its value and terms of sale.
It must include details such as origin of the goods, description of the product, quantities and FOB or CIF value.
Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB) 📄
Bill of Lading (B/L)Maritime transport document that certifies the ownership of the cargo.
Air Waybill (AWB): Air Waybill that allows the tracking of the shipment.
Certificate of origin 📄
Document certifying the country of manufacture of the product.
It may be necessary to benefit from trade agreements or reduce tariffs on certain product categories.
Specific documents according to the type of product
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Registration ✅
Mandatory for the export of food, cosmetics, medicines and medical devices.
The company and the product are required to be registered prior to export.
Quality and conformity certifications ✅
Some products require certifications such as FCC for electronics, USDA for agricultural products or EPA for chemicals.
Etiquette and regulatory compliance ✅
All products must comply with labeling standards in English, including nutritional information, health warnings and bar codes.
ISF (Importer Security Filing) Security Statement ✅
Applicable to ocean shipments: must be presented prior to arrival of cargo in the U.S.
Customs documents for export from Spain
SAD (Single Administrative Document): Document required to formalize the exit of goods from the EU. Managed through the Spanish Tax Agency.
EORI Number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification Number): Required for exporters doing business outside the EU.
Additional declarations and permits: Depending on the type of product, phytosanitary declarations, veterinary certificates or export permits may be required.
Cargo insurance (optional, but recommended): Protects goods against damage, loss or theft during transport.
📌 Across Logistics takes care of the preparation and management of all documentation to make your export to the U.S. fast and hassle-free.
U.S. import tariffs and duties.
One of the most important factors in exporting to the U.S. is the calculation of the duties and taxes that will be applied to the merchandise upon arrival in the country. Not knowing these costs can affect the profitability of the business and generate problems in customs.
Here’s how tariffs work in the U.S. and what taxes you should be aware of.
How tariffs are calculated in the U.S.
Import duties in the U.S. are determined by the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), which classifies each product with a specific code that defines the applicable duty rate.
🔹 Where to check your product’s tariff
You can consult the HTS code and the applicable tariff on the official website of the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC).
You can also rely on a customs broker or a logistics operator such as Across Logistics to verify the exact cost before exporting.
🔹 Example of tariff calculation
If you export furniture with a 5% tariff, and the CIF value (product + transport + insurance) is 10.000€, the calculation would be:
Duty payable = 10.000€ × 5% = 500€.
Total taxable income = 10.000€ + 500€ = 10.500€.
Tariff rates by product
✅ Products with reduced tariff (0%-5%)
Electronic and technological equipment.
Industrial spare parts.
✅ Products with standard tariff (5%-15%)
Fashion and footwear.
Manufactured products.
Consumer goods such as furniture and appliances.
✅ High tariff products (+25%)
Products subject to trade sanctions (steel, aluminum).
Textiles and certain agricultural products.
📌 Across Logistics helps you to correctly classify your goods to optimize customs costs.
Additional taxes and fees in the U.S.
🔹 Sales Tax
There is no federal VAT in the U.S., but each state applies its own sales tax.
It can range from 0% to 10%, depending on the state where the sale takes place.
🔹 Excise Tax (excise tax)
It applies to products such as tobacco, alcohol, chemicals and certain luxury goods.
📌 Tip: If you sell in the U.S. on a recurring basis, it is important to know the tax rates in each state.
How to optimize tariff costs
✅ Correct tariff classification: Avoid cost overruns by ensuring that your product is registered with the correct HTS code.
✅ Review trade agreements: Although there is no free trade agreement between the U.S. and the EU, some products may benefit from reduced tariffs.
✅ Logistics optimization: Grouping shipments or choosing the right port of entry can reduce costs at destination.
📌 Across Logistics helps you accurately calculate duties and taxes before exporting to avoid cost overruns and maximize profitability.
Common mistakes when exporting to the U.S. and how to avoid them
Exporting to the United States can be a great opportunity, but also a challenge if not planned correctly. An error in documentation, product classification or logistics strategy can result in delays, cost overruns and even the return of goods.
Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Failure to investigate product regulations before exporting
🔴 Error: Shipping products without verifying compliance with U.S. regulations.
✅ Solution: Consult the regulations of agencies such as FDA, USDA, FCC or EPA before exporting.
Example: A cosmetics exporter ships creams without registering his company with the FDA, which results in his merchandise being detained by U.S. Customs.
📌 Across Logistics advises you in the verification of regulations for each type of product.
Errors in documentation
🔴 Error: Incorrect data or incomplete documents on the commercial invoice or packing list.
✅ Solution: Ensure that all information is accurate and complete prior to customs clearance.
Example: A machinery exporter sends his invoice with a poorly detailed description of the product. Upon arrival in the U.S., customs requires additional information, delaying delivery.
📌 Across Logistics manages and reviews all documentation to avoid customs problems.
Failure to correctly calculate duties and taxes
🔴 Mistake: Not verifying the HTS code of the product beforehand and encountering higher than expected tariffs.
✅ Solution: Consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and calculate tariffs prior to export.
Example: A Spanish fashion company ships a batch of footwear without checking the HTS classification, applying a duty of 25% instead of the expected 10%.
📌 Across Logistics helps you determine the correct tariff classification to reduce costs.
Failure to optimize transportation and logistics costs
🔴 Mistake: Choosing an inappropriate transportation method that increases costs unnecessarily.
✅ Solution: Compare options between sea and air transport, evaluating costs and delivery times.
Example: An electronics exporter chooses air freight to reduce delivery times, but does not consider that its U.S. customer accepts longer lead times, which would have resulted in a 40% savings with ocean freight.
📌 Across Logistics analyzes the best logistics options to optimize your shipment.
Not having a specialized logistics partner
🔴 Mistake: Attempting to manage the export without experience in customs, regulations and international transport.
✅ Solution: Work with a specialized logistics operator to efficiently manage exports.
Example: A food exporter attempts to handle the shipment on his own and does not realize that he must file the ISF Security Declaration prior to ocean shipment, resulting in a U.S. fine.
📌 With Across Logistics, your export to the U.S. will be fast, secure and error-free.
How Across Logistics can help you export to the U.S.
Exporting to the United States can be challenging due to complex customs regulations and documentation requirements. At Across Logistics we specialize in simplifying this process for you. We offer comprehensive customs brokerage services, including:
✅ Customs declarations: We file import and export declarations, ensuring compliance with current regulations.
✅ Assistance in physical inspections: We coordinate and represent our clients during customs inspections, ensuring efficient management.
✅ Customs, fiscal and tax consulting: We provide specialized advice to optimize your operations and comply with tax obligations.
We are also certified as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), which recognizes us as trusted agents in the international supply chain and gives us access to advantages in customs procedures.
🚀 Trust Across Logistics to handle your exports to the U.S. safely and efficiently. Our team of experts is ready to help you every step of the way. ¿We speak?
