Importing from the United States to Spain represents a great opportunity for companies and entrepreneurs looking to access exclusive products, reduce costs or expand their catalog with high-demand items. However, the process can be complex if you do not have the proper knowledge about regulations, tariffs, transportation and customs management.
A mistake in the choice of supplier, incorrect documentation or poor logistical planning can result in unnecessary costs, delays and blockages at customs. To avoid these problems, it is essential to understand each step of the process and to have a reliable logistics partner to simplify the operation.
In this guide, we will explain in detail how to import from the U.S. to Spain efficiently, addressing key aspects such as supplier selection, the most appropriate transport, the costs to be considered, the required documentation and the best strategies to optimize the process.
If you want to reduce risk and ensure that your import is fast, cost-effective and hassle-free, Across Logistics can help you manage the entire process safely and efficiently.
Why import from the U.S. to Spain?
The United States is one of Spain’s main trading partners, with a volume of imports covering key sectors such as technology, machinery, fashion, automotive and pharmaceuticals.
Import from the U.S. not only provides access to innovative and high quality products, but can also represent a significant competitive advantage for companies seeking to differentiate themselves in the Spanish market.
Advantages of importing from the U.S.
✅ Access to exclusive products
The United States is a leader in innovation and development in multiple industries. Importing from this country allows access to products that are not yet available in the Spanish market or that are in high demand, which can provide a competitive advantage.
✅ More competitive prices
Many companies find better-priced suppliers in the U.S. than in Europe, especially in sectors such as technology, fashion and machinery. The cost difference, combined with an efficient logistics strategy, can improve profit margins.
✅ High quality and exacting standards
Products manufactured in the USA generally comply with strict quality controls and international standards, ensuring their reliability and acceptance in the European market. This is especially relevant in sectors such as healthcare, automotive and electronics.
✅ Diversification opportunity
Importing from the U.S. allows us to broaden our product offering and diversify our portfolio, reducing dependence on European or Asian suppliers and minimizing supply chain risks.
Sectors with the highest demand for imports from the U.S.
Some of the most imported products from the United States to Spain include:
Automotive and spare parts: High-performance vehicles and components.
Industrial machinery and equipment: Advanced technology for sectors such as construction, manufacturing and energy.
Electronic products and technology: Hardware, components and devices with high added value.
Fashion and footwear: Recognized brands in high demand in the European market.
Cosmetics and beauty products: Innovative items with unique formulations and international certifications.
Supplements and pharmaceuticals: Nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals and regulated health products.
📢 Considering importing from the U.S.? Across Logistics helps you manage every step of the process to make your import safe, efficient and cost-effective.
Step by step: How to import from the U.S. to Spain
Importing from the United States to Spain requires strategic planning to avoid mistakes, minimize costs and ensure that the goods reach their destination without problems.
Below, we explain the step-by-step process for a smooth and efficient import.
Identify suppliers and profitable products
Before starting any import operation, it is essential to ensure that the supplier meets quality, reliability and regulatory compliance requirements.
🔎 Where to find reliable suppliers in the USA?
B2B Marketplaces: Platforms such as Alibaba (US version), ThomasNet or Global Sources connect manufacturers and distributors.
Trade fairs and industry events: Attend trade fairs such as CES (technology), Magic Las Vegas (fashion) or IMTS (industrial machinery) helps to contact reliable suppliers.
Directory of manufacturers: The US Chamber of Commerce and industry associations publish listings of certified manufacturers and exporters.
🛑 Key factors when selecting a supplier
Verify the supplier’s reputation: Investigate its history, certifications and references.
Request product samples before placing a large order.
Confirm compliance with EU regulations: Some products require specific certifications for entry into Spain.
Choosing the right means of transportation
The type of transport influences the costs, delivery times and feasibility of the import. The two main options are:
🚢 Sea transport (ideal for large volumes)
LCL (ocean groupage): You share space in a container with other importers, which reduces costs if your cargo does not fill a full container.
FCL (Full Container Load): If you import large quantities, a 20′ or 40′ FCL is more cost effective.
✈️ Airfreight (for urgent or high value shipments)
Faster, but with higher costs.
Recommended for technology products, fashion or high value-added components.
📌 Tip: Evaluating costs vs. delivery times is key to optimizing logistics.
💡 Across Logistics advises you on the best transportation option according to your needs and budget.
Documentation required to import from the U.S.
One of the most common errors in imports is the lack of documentation or incorrect information, which can lead to delays and additional customs costs.
✅ Commercial Invoice y packing list: Specifies the content, value and origin of the goods.
✅ Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB): Transport document certifying the shipment.
✅ Certificates of Conformity: Depending on the product, CE certification may be required, FDA (for medical devices or food) or ISO standards may be required.
✅ SAD (Single Administrative Document): Essential for import clearance in Spain.
✅ EORI Number: Necessary for any company doing business outside the EU.
🚀 Don’t want to worry about documentation? Across Logistics handles all the paperwork so that your goods pass through customs without any problems.
How to import a car or motorcycle from the USA to Spain. Practical example
Importing a vehicle from the United States to Spain is an increasingly popular option for collectors, motor enthusiasts and companies looking for exclusive models or more competitive prices. However, it is a process that requires compliance with customs regulations, homologations and specific tax payments.
Below, we explain the key steps to do it correctly.
Step 1: Selecting the vehicle and verifying its legality in Spain
🔹 Where to buy: Cars and motorcycles can be purchased through official dealers, auctions, private sellers or specialized platforms such as Copart, Bring a Trailer or eBay Motors.
🔹 Homologation in Spain: Not all imported vehicles comply with European regulations. Before buying, it is key to verify if the model can be homologated according to EU standards, considering aspects such as emissions, lights, mileage speedometer and vehicle structure.
🔹 Vehicle history and condition: Checking the vehicle’s Carfax or AutoCheck allows you to know its maintenance history, accidents or legal problems.
Step 2: Choice of transport method
Option 1: Sea transportation 🚢
This is the most common and economical option, using sea containers (FCL or LCL) or Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels specialized in vehicles.
Option 2: Air transportation ✈️
Suitable for luxury cars or high value motorcycles. Although faster, its cost is considerably higher.
💡 Across Logistics advises you on the best transportation option according to your budget and delivery times.
Step 3: Documentation required for import
The documentation to import a vehicle from the U.S. to Spain is the same as detailed above in the section on documents required for importation.
If you have questions about a particular document, Across Logistics will handle all the customs paperwork to avoid delays.
Step 4: Payment of customs duties and taxes
Upon arrival in Spain, the following costs must be settled at customs:
🔹 Import tariffs
New and used cars: 10% on the CIF value.
Motorcycles: Between 6% and 8%, depending on cylinder capacity and category.
🔹 Import VAT
21% on the CIF value + duties (except in the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, where it varies).
📌 Example of tax calculation
If you import a car valued at 20.000€ with a transport and insurance cost of 2.000€, the calculation would be:
CIF value: 22.000€.
Tariff (10%): 2.200€.
Taxable income: €24,200
VAT (21%): 5.082€.
Total to be paid in customs: 7.282€.
💡 Across Logistics helps you calculate and manage these costs to avoid import delays and surprises.
Step 5: Homologation, registration and insurance in Spain
After passing through customs, the vehicle must be adapted to European regulations and registered in Spain.
🔹 Homologation and ITV
If the car does not have a Certificate of Conformity (COC), it must undergo individual homologation.
Pass a Vehicle Technical Inspection (ITV) by adapting aspects such as lights, emissions and speedometer.
🔹 Registration and payment of road tax
Pay the Registration Tax (according to CO₂ emissions).
Apply for the Spanish license plate at the DGT.
To contract a civil liability insurance to be able to circulate.
🚀 Across Logistics: Your logistics partner for importing vehicles from the USA.
Importing a car or motorcycle from the U.S. may seem like a complex process, but with Across Logistics you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from having experts handle everything from transportation to customs and tax formalities.
📞Contact our team and receive advice on how to import vehicles safely, quickly and smoothly.
Costs of importing from the U.S. to Spain
One of the most critical factors in any import is the total cost of the process. Failure to correctly calculate the associated costs can cause a business to lose profitability or face unexpected costs at customs. To avoid surprises, it is essential to know in detail all the elements that make up the final import price.
Logistics costs: Transportation, storage and handling
🔹 International transportation
The cost of transportation will depend on the means of transport chosen:
- Ocean (FCL or LCL): More economical for large volumes.
- Air: More expensive, but ideal for urgent or high value goods.
- Courier vs. consolidated cargo: For smaller shipments, a courier service may be viable, albeit at higher rates.
🔹 Port and airport charges
In addition to international freight, there are additional costs to consider upon arrival in Spain:
- Handling fees at ports or airports.
- Storage costs if the goods are not picked up immediately.
🔹 Customs management and clearance
Import clearance involves administrative procedures that can be complex. Having a customs broker expedites the process and avoids delays.
💡 Across Logistics offers comprehensive management that optimizes logistics and customs costs to save you time and money.
Duties and taxes: How to calculate them
The final import cost includes not only transportation and logistics management, but also customs duties and taxes.
🔹 Import tariffs
Tariffs depend on the tariff code (HS Code) of the product and the trade agreement between the U.S. and the EU.
Example of common tariffs:
- Electronic products: 0% – 14%.
- Textile and fashion: 12% – 18%.
- Machinery: 3% – 5% Machinery: 3% – 5% Machinery: 3% – 5% Machinery: 3% – 5% Machinery: 3% – 5%
- Food and beverages: Varies according to product type (additional certifications required)
To find out the exact tariff for a product, you can consult the EU TARIC system or ask a customs broker for a study.
🔹 Import VAT
In addition to import duties, import VAT is payable (21% in Spain, except in the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla).
📌 Basic formula for calculating import VAT:
(CIF Value + Duties) × VAT Rate
Where:
✅ CIF Value = Price of product + Freight + Insurance
✅ Tariff = Applied on the CIF value
✅ VAT = Calculated on the total of both values.
Example of calculation:
If you import a lot of electronic products with a CIF value of 10.000€ and a tariff of 5%, the calculation would be:
Fee: 10.000€ × 5% = 500€.
Taxable income: 10,000 + 500 euros = 10,500 euros
VAT (21%): 10.500€ × 21% = 2.205€.
Total to be paid at customs: 500€ (customs duty) + 2.205€ (VAT) = 2.705€.
How to reduce logistics and customs costs
✅ Choose the right means of transportation: Not always the cheapest option is the best. Evaluate the cost-time ratio of each option.
✅ Consolidate shipments: Grouping several imports into a single container can reduce costs.
✅ Correct tariff classification: Ensuring that the product has the correct tariff code avoids cost overruns at customs.
✅ Take advantage of special regimes: such as the Inward Processing Regime (RPA), which allows temporary imports without paying tariffs.
✅ Work with a specialized logistics operator: Across Logistics helps you optimize the entire process, from transportation to customs cost management.
Customs and import clearance in Spain
The Customs clearance is one of the most critical moments in the process of import from the U.S. to Spain . An error in documentation, incorrect tariff classification or non-payment of taxes can slow down delivery and generate additional costs.
To avoid these problems, it is essential to know how the customs clearance process works and what strategies to use to minimize risks.
How does customs clearance work in Spain?
When goods arrive in Spain from the U.S., they must pass through Customs to be inspected and released. This process involves the following steps:
🔹 Registration and validation of documentation: The Tax Agency reviews the documentation submitted by the importer or his customs representative.
🔹 Tariff classification and duty calculation: Each imported product must have a TARIC code that determines the applicable tariff.
🔹 Safety and regulatory control: Some goods are subject to additional controls, such as sanitary (food, cosmetics), technical (electronics, machinery) or environmental.
🔹 Clearance of taxes and customs duties: The importer must pay the import VAT and customs duties for the goods to be released.
🔹 Release of goods: If everything is correct, Customs releases the cargo for delivery to the final destination.
💡 Across Logistics manages the entire process to get your goods through customs without problems or delays.
Main customs problems and how to avoid them
🔴 Missing or incorrect documentation
❌ Problem: An incorrect document can detain the merchandise at customs.
✅ Solution: Ensure that the commercial invoice, packing list and certificates are correct before shipment.
🔴 Incorrect tariff classification
❌ Problem: Using the wrong tariff code may result in cost overruns or penalties.
✅ Solution: Consult with a customs expert to correctly classify the merchandise.
🔴 Goods subject to additional inspection
❌ Problem: Products such as cosmetics, food or electronics may require extra certifications.
✅ Solution: Review regulations prior to importation to obtain the necessary permits.
🔴 Problems with payment of duties and taxes
❌ Problem: Failure to pay taxes on time can cause withholdings and delays.
✅ Solution: Have a customs broker manage the payment and avoid delays.
How Across Logistics facilitates customs clearance
📌 Complete management of the process: We take care of all documentation, tariff classification and tax formalities.
📌 Reduction of dispatch times: We optimize the document flow so that the merchandise is released without delays.
📌 Regulatory advice: We help you comply with import regulations to avoid customs blockages.
📌 Optimized customs cost calculation: We avoid cost overruns with efficient tax planning.
🚀 With Across Logistics, your goods reach their destination without complications or unforeseen costs.
How Across Logistics can help you import from the U.S. to Spain
Importing goods from the United States to Spain involves a series of customs procedures that require specialized knowledge and experience. At Across Logisticswe offer comprehensive customs management to ensure that your imports comply with all applicable regulations and are carried out efficiently.
Customs Management Services
Our team of experts provides a wide range of services to facilitate your import operations:
🔹 Customs declarations: We handle the filing of import and export declarations, as well as intra-community declarations T2L and for destinations with special tax regime T2LF. We also handle declarations for goods under special regimes such as Customs Warehouse (DA), Inward Processing Regime (RPA), Outward Processing Regime (RPP) and Temporary Importation (IT), as well as transit declarations.
🔹 Assistance in physical inspections: We coordinate and assist in physical inspections with the competent authorities, representing importers and exporters to ensure that goods comply with the necessary regulations.
🔹 Customs, fiscal and tax consultancy: We offer advice on applicable customs and tax regulations, customs operations, management of guarantees and authorizations for special regimes, ensuring that your operations comply with all legal and fiscal obligations.
Advantages of choosing Across Logistics
By relying on Across Logistics for your imports from the U.S., you benefit from:
✅ Authorized Economic Operator (AEO): We have the status of Authorized Economic Operator in Customs Simplifications and Safety and Security (AEOF), which recognizes us as trusted agents in the international supply chain and gives us access to advantages in customs procedures.
✅ Customs Services Management: We manage the necessary procedures with the different border inspection services, such as Foreign Health, Animal Health, Plant Health, SOIVRE and Pharmacy, to authorize the import or export of goods.
✅ Processing of Certificates of Origin: We handle the processing of certificates of origin EUR-1 and ATR for the application of the corresponding tariff preferences, optimizing the costs of your imports.
With Across Logistics, your imports from the United States to Spain will be in the hands of professionals dedicated to ensuring that every step of the process is carried out with maximum efficiency and in compliance with current regulations.
