In an increasingly interconnected world, importing from China to Spain has become a key opportunity for companies and entrepreneurs seeking to optimize costs, access a wide variety of products and position themselves in competitive markets.
From cutting-edge electronics to innovative vehicles such as cars and motorcycles, China offers a diverse portfolio that meets the needs of multiple sectors. However, navigating complex logistics, customs and regulatory processes can be a challenge without the right support.
At Across Logistics, with a global network spanning offices in Barcelona, Madrid, Rotterdam, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and more, we understand the demands of international trade. As an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and with certifications such as ISO 9001 and IATA, we offer customized solutions that simplify importing, reduce costs and ensure efficiency, even in urgent or specialized shipments.
In addition, our commitment to sustainability enables our customers to offset their CO2 emissions, aligning with the values of a green economy.
In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to import from China to Spain, highlighting requirements, costs and practical tips.
What can be imported from China to Spain?
China is one of the world’s largest manufacturing centers, making it an inexhaustible source of products for the Spanish market. Thanks to its massive production capacity and the variety of goods available, import opportunities are vast, ranging from everyday consumer items to specialized goods that require precise logistical handling.
📌 At Across Logistics, we have perfected the transportation and management of a wide range of products, adapting to the needs of our customers in different industries.
Import Highlights
💻 Electronics and Technology: From smartphones and accessories to components for the technology industry, China is a leader in innovation. Our expertise ensures that these products arrive in perfect condition, even in express shipments.
👕 Apparel and Textile: Fashion items, both for established brands and emerging trends, are popular with Spanish importers. We have logistics solutions that optimize time and costs.
🚗 Vehicles (Cars and Motorcycles): The import of automobiles and motorcycles, including innovative electric models, is gaining ground. Across Logistics manages the entire process, facilitating the entry of these goods into the Spanish market.
💊 Pharmaceutical Products: Thanks to our GDP (Good Distribution Practices) certification, we handle imports of drugs and sensitive products with the highest quality standards.
🧪 Chemical Materials and Dangerous Goods: With a focus on safety, we offer specialized solutions for regulated products, complying with European Union regulations.
⚙️ Automotive Parts and Components: Companies in the automotive sector rely on us to import key parts that drive the Spanish industry.
Requirements to import from China to Spain
Importing from China to Spain involves complying with a series of legal and logistical requirements to ensure that the products reach the European market without complications.
🌍 At Across Logistics, with our global network that includes offices in Barcelona, Madrid, Rotterdam, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and more, we facilitate this process thanks to our certification as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and our in-depth knowledge of EU regulations.
Here are the key steps and essential requirements, with a special focus on products such as vehicles (cars and motorcycles).
Required Documentation
For any import, it is essential to prepare the proper documentation:
📑 Commercial Invoice: Details the products, their value and origin. More info
📑 Packing List (Packing List): Specifies the contents of each shipment to facilitate customs inspection.
📑 Certificate of Origin: Proves that the goods come from China, which may influence the applicable tariffs. More info
📑 Specific Licenses or Permits: Depending on the product, such as drugs (requiring GDP certification, which we have) or dangerous goods, additional authorizations are required.
Customs compliance
As an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), Across Logistics streamlines customs procedures, reducing waiting times and ensuring compliance with EU regulations. Some key points include:
✅ Registration as an Importer: You must be registered in the Register of Intra-Community Operators (ROI) if you operate within the EU.
✅ TARIC codes: Each product has a specific code that determines the tariffs. Our team helps you to correctly classify your goods. More info
✅ Specific requirements for vehicles: To import cars from China to Spain or motorcycles, the following is required:
- Certificate of Conformity (COC): Proves that the vehicle complies with European standards (e.g. Euro 6 for emissions).
- ITV Technical Report: Necessary for homologation in Spain.
- Spanish registration: Final procedure after inspection.
European Union regulations
In order to market products imported from China in Spain, it is essential to comply with European Union regulations, which establish standards for safety, labeling and sustainability.
❗ Safety and quality: The EU requires products such as electronics and textiles to comply with specific regulations, such as the CE marking, which certifies their conformity with European requirements, and the RoHS directive, which restricts the use of hazardous substances in electronic equipment.
❗ Waste management and sustainability: WEEE regulations govern the collection, recycling and treatment of waste electrical and electronic equipment, requiring importers to comply with criteria for the reuse and safe disposal of these products. In addition, environmental regulations in the EU are constantly evolving, favoring companies that adopt sustainable practices.
❗ Labeling and origin: All products must include clear information in Spanish on their composition, instructions for use and country of origin. In the case of electronics, additional certifications may also be required for distribution in the European market.
Complying with these regulations is key to avoiding problems at customs and ensuring smooth imports. Having a specialized logistics operator facilitates document management and compliance with these requirements, ensuring that products reach the market without complications.
How Across Logistics simplifies the process
Our experience in sectors such as pharmaceuticals (with GDP certification), automotive y technology enables us to handle complex shipments efficiently. Whether you are an SME importing clothing from China to Spain or a company needing to bring in chemical components, our 24/7 team guides you through every step, from document preparation to customs clearance.
Step by step: How to import from China to Spain?
Importing from China to Spain may seem like a complex process, but with the right guidance and the support of a logistics expert logistics operator like Across Logistics, it becomes a manageable and efficient task.
With our global network that includes offices in Barcelona, Madrid, Rotterdam, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and more, and our status as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), we are with you every step of the way.
Here are the key steps to importing successfully, including a practical example for products such as clothing and vehicles.
Step 1: Planning and supplier selection
🔍 Research: Identify trusted suppliers in China. Platforms such as Alibaba or trade shows are a good place to start. Check their reputation and request samples.
🤝 Negotiation: Establish clear contracts that specify pricing, terms and shipping conditions. At Across Logistics, we help you connect with suppliers and optimize terms.
💡 Tip: For vehicles (cars or motorcycles), look for manufacturers with type approval certificates (COC) compatible with European standards.
Step 2: Logistics management
🚢 Choice of transport: Decide between sea (more economical for large volumes), air (fast for urgent shipments) or road (for European routes). Our multimodal expertise ensures the best choice for you.
📦 Packaging and insurance: Make sure the goods are well packed and take out cargo insurance. Across Logistics coordinates everything from origin to destination.
🌍 Sustainability: We offer options to offset CO2 emissions, aligning ourselves with companies that prioritize ecology.
Step 3: Customs processing
📂 Documentation: Prepare commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and, if applicable, specific licenses (e.g. GDP for pharmaceuticals). As AEO, we expedite this process.
💰 Payment of duties and taxes: Calculate tariffs according to the TARIC code and pay the corresponding VAT. Our team assists you to minimize costs.
Step 4: Distribution and storage
🏭 Warehousing: Use our own GDP-certified warehouses for sensitive products such as pharmaceuticals, or general warehouses for other goods.
🚚 Distribution: Plan delivery to your final destination with our 24/7 logistics network. For vehicles, we manage the transfer to homologation centers.
Step 5: Emissions Offsetting (Optional)
If your company values sustainability, Across Logistics allows you to offset the emissions generated during transportation through green projects. This not only reduces your carbon footprint, but also strengthens your brand image.
Import costs from China to Spain: How much does it cost?
One of the most important factors when planning an import from China to Spain is to understand the costs involved. These can vary depending on the type of product, volume and logistics route, but with Across Logistics‘ experience and our certification as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), we help you minimize expenses while guaranteeing efficiency.
Below, we break down the main costs and offer practical advice, including a focus on vehicles such as cars and motorcycles.
Cost breakdown
🔹 Import duties: Established by the European Union according to the TARIC code, they range from 0% to 22% depending on the product. For example, vehicles (cars and motorcycles) usually have tariffs from 10% to 22%.
🔹 Import taxes (VAT): In Spain, VAT is 21% and is applied on the value of the product plus duties. For a shipment of €10,000, this could add up to €2,310.
🔹 Transport costs: They vary according to the method: sea shipment costs between €1,000 and €3,000 per container, while air shipment can exceed €5,000 for express shipments. Our global network optimizes these routes.
🔹 Customs fees and other expenses: They include customs broker fees (which we handle as AEO) and, in the case of vehicles, homologation fees (€100-300 per MOT inspection).
🔹 Insurance and storage: Cargo insurance can cost between 1% and 3% of the value of the shipment, and storage in our certified warehouses (such as GDP for pharmaceuticals) is competitively priced.
Practical example: How much does it cost to import a car from China to Spain?
Imagine that you import a car valued at 10,000 €:
Fees (10%): 1.000 €.
VAT (21% on €11,000): €2,310.
Maritime transportation: €1,500.
Homologation and registration: 200 €.
Approximate total: 14,010 €.
Tips for reducing costs with Across Logistics
✅ Efficient planning: Bundle shipments to take advantage of full container rates, a service we coordinate.
✅ Customs optimization: As AEO, we reduce delays and avoid fines due to documentation errors.
✅ Cost-effective sustainability: Offsetting CO2 emissions does not increase direct costs and enhances your brand image, an added value we offer.
✅ Customs Advice: We correctly classify your products in order to apply the lowest possible tariff.
✅ Proactive Management: We reduce delays and penalties thanks to our 24/7 experience.
✅ Customized Solutions: For companies in the automotive or pharmaceutical sector, we design strategies that take advantage of legal exceptions.
Tariffs and regulations to be taken into account when importing from China to Spain
Imports from China to Spain are subject to a legal and customs framework established by the European Union, which requires detailed knowledge to ensure compliance.
Tariffs are determined according to the Union Customs Code (UCC) and the TARIC code, varying by product:
🏍️ Vehicles (Cars and Motorcycles): Subject to rates between 10% and 22%, depending on technical specifications and emissions regulations.
🩺 Specialty Products: Such as pharmaceuticals or chemicals, may benefit from reductions if they comply with specific regulations. These tariffs, together with the 21% VAT applied on the total value (including duties), are part of the mandatory legal cost.
Key Regulations
Compliance with EU Standards: All products must comply with safety standards, labeling and, in the case of vehicles, MOT approval in accordance with the Euro 6 standard.
Regulated Goods: Products such as motorcycle batteries or chemicals require additional permits, managed by our expert team.
Bonded Warehousing: We use bonded warehouses (DA), non-bonded warehouses (DDA) and temporary storage facilities (ADT) to legally defer payment of duties and VAT until distribution.
Common mistakes when importing products from China to Spain and how to avoid them
Importing from China to Spain offers great opportunities, but it also carries risks if not properly planned. We have identified the most common mistakes importers make.
These are detailed below, along with practical solutions to avoid them, including specific cases such as the importation of vehicles (cars and motorcycles).
Delays due to incomplete documentation
🛑 Mistake: Forgetting to include the commercial invoice, the certificate of origin or, in the case of cars, the Certificate of Conformity (COC), can stop the customs process.
✅ Solution: Across Logistics reviews all documentation prior to shipment, ensuring that it complies with EU regulations.
Problems with unreliable suppliers
🛑 Mistake: Selecting suppliers without verifying their reputation can result in defective products or delivery delays.
✅ Solution: Our team connects you with verified partners in China and monitors quality, especially for complex imports such as motorcycles from China to Spain.
Lack of knowledge about import tariffs or fees
🛑 Mistake: Underestimating tariffs (e.g. 10%-22% for vehicles) or VAT (21%) can generate unexpected costs.
✅ Solution: As AEO, we correctly classify products according to TARIC code and optimize taxes, saving you costs.
Poor transportation planning
🛑 Mistake: Choosing the wrong transport method (e.g. air for large volumes) or not foreseeing transit times can make the process more expensive.
✅ Solution: Across Logistics offers multimodal solutions (sea, air, land) and plans efficient routes.
Advantages of working with a logistics operator such as Across Logistics
Importing from China to Spain requires not only efficient logistics, but also an expert handling of customs processes. At Across Logistics we offer a comprehensive service from customs management to final delivery.
Here’s why we are the ideal partner for your import, whether you are bringing in vehicles (cars and motorcycles), pharmaceuticals or any other goods.
Expert customs management as Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)
As an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), certified in both customs simplification and security, we guarantee an agile and secure process. This means:
✅ Simplified procedures: We reduce waiting times at customs, which is crucial for urgent shipments such as motorcycles from China to Spain.
✅ Priority inspections: Our AEO status allows us to prioritize your goods, avoiding delays.
✅ Regulatory compliance: We ensure that all documentation, such as the Certificate of Conformity (COC) for cars, complies with EU regulations.
Advanced customs services
Our customs expertise, backed by years of import and export work, includes:
✅ Own bonded warehouses: We manage Customs Deposits (DA), Deposits Other than Customs (DDA) and Temporary Deposit Warehouses (ADT), allowing us to defer the payment of duties and VAT until the goods are distributed.
✅ Specialized advice: We calculate and optimize tariffs and taxes, such as those applied to vehicles (10%-22%), to minimize costs.
✅ Export services: In addition to importing, we facilitate exports to China, ideal for companies that operate in both directions.
Integrated logistics solutions
Beyond customs, we offer advantages that enhance your import:
✅ Global network: With a presence in key ports such as Shenzhen and Barcelona, we coordinate multimodal shipments (sea, air, land) efficiently.
✅ Quality certifications: We have ISO 9001, IATA and GDP (Good Distribution Practices), ensuring the integrity of sensitive products, such as pharmaceuticals.
✅ 24/7 availability: Our team is available at all times to resolve incidents.
Focus on sustainability
Committed to a green future, we offer options to offset CO2 emissions during transport, an added value for companies that prioritize sustainability. This not only reduces your carbon footprint, but also enhances your reputation in the European market.
