How to Ship from the US to Spain: Complete 2026 Guide

Introduction

Spain is a growing e-commerce market with over 30 million online shoppers, making it the fourth-largest e-commerce market in the European Union. Spanish consumers increasingly purchase from international retailers, particularly for American brands in fashion, electronics, health and wellness, and specialty goods. The country's strategic position as a gateway between Europe, North Africa, and Latin America also makes it an important logistics hub for businesses with broader international ambitions.

Shipping from the US to Spain is well-served by all major international carriers, and Spain's inclusion in the EU means it follows standardized customs and import regulations. However, there are unique considerations to keep in mind, including regional differences in delivery infrastructure between mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza), and the Canary Islands, which have a separate customs regime despite being Spanish territory.

Whether you are an e-commerce business expanding into the Spanish market, an individual sending packages to friends or family, or a company fulfilling wholesale orders, this guide provides everything you need to know about shipping from the US to Spain in 2026.

Spain has also seen a significant increase in cross-border e-commerce adoption since the COVID-19 pandemic, with more consumers comfortable purchasing from international websites and expecting reliable delivery options. The country's logistics infrastructure continues to improve, with major carriers investing in expanded Spanish delivery networks and warehouse capacity. Understanding the carrier landscape, customs environment, and cost structure will help you ship to Spain confidently and cost-effectively.

Best Carriers for Shipping to Spain

USPS offers the most affordable options for small to medium packages. Priority Mail International provides delivery in 6 to 10 business days, while Priority Mail Express International delivers in 3 to 5 business days. First-Class Package International Service is available for items under 4 pounds with transit times of 10 to 21 days. USPS partners with Correos, the Spanish national postal service, for last-mile delivery. Correos provides reliable service in urban areas, though delivery to rural areas and islands may take additional time.

UPS serves Spain with UPS Worldwide Express (1-3 business days), UPS Worldwide Expedited (2-5 business days), and UPS Worldwide Saver. UPS has a solid network throughout mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, with its own delivery fleet in major metropolitan areas like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. UPS is an excellent choice for commercial shipments and time-sensitive deliveries.

FedEx provides FedEx International Priority (1-3 business days) and FedEx International Economy (2-5 business days) to Spain. FedEx has strong customs clearance capabilities and offers FedEx International Connect Plus as a cost-effective option for less time-sensitive shipments. FedEx is particularly popular for e-commerce fulfillment to Spain.

DHL Express delivers in 1 to 3 business days and has an extensive network throughout Spain. DHL is especially popular in Europe and offers strong customs brokerage services. For businesses regularly shipping to Spain, DHL's European expertise makes it a compelling choice.

SEUR (owned by DPDgroup) is Spain's leading domestic express delivery company, with coverage across all provinces including the Balearic and Canary Islands. While you cannot ship directly via SEUR from the US, some international logistics providers and consolidators use SEUR for last-mile delivery in Spain. Understanding SEUR's prominence helps e-commerce sellers recognize that some packages may ultimately be delivered by SEUR regardless of the international carrier used. SEUR's network is particularly strong in both urban and rural areas of Spain.

Shipping Costs and Transit Times

Important: Shipping to the Canary Islands often costs more and takes longer than shipping to mainland Spain. The Canary Islands are outside the EU customs territory, so separate customs requirements and additional local taxes (IGIC instead of VAT) may apply.

Customs, Duties, and Import Regulations

Spain follows EU customs regulations as a member state.

De Minimis Threshold: The EU de minimis threshold of EUR 150 applies. Commercial shipments valued at EUR 150 or below are exempt from customs duties but are subject to VAT. All commercial imports are subject to VAT regardless of value.

VAT (IVA): Spain applies a standard VAT rate of 21%. A reduced rate of 10% applies to certain food products, passenger transport, and hospitality services. A super-reduced rate of 4% applies to essential food staples, books, newspapers, medicines, and certain medical devices. VAT is calculated on the declared value plus duties and shipping costs.

Canary Islands (IGIC): The Canary Islands use a separate tax system. Instead of VAT, they apply IGIC (Impuesto General Indirecto Canario) at a general rate of 7%, with reduced rates for certain goods. The Canary Islands also have their own customs duty schedule, which can differ from mainland EU rates.

Customs Duties: Goods valued above EUR 150 are subject to customs duties based on HS tariff codes. Common duty rates include 0-5% for electronics, 8-12% for clothing, and up to 17% for footwear. Agricultural products may face higher duties.

Documentation: Commercial invoices must include detailed item descriptions, declared values, HS codes, country of origin, and full shipper and recipient details. Undervaluation is scrutinized by Spanish customs. For USPS, use CN 22 or CN 23 forms depending on value.

Personal Gifts: Gifts between individuals are exempt from duties up to EUR 45 and must be clearly marked as gifts on the customs form.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Spain follows EU-wide prohibitions plus some country-specific restrictions:

• Prohibited: Narcotics, counterfeit goods, weapons without permits, products containing asbestos, goods violating intellectual property rights, and certain animal products without CITES permits.
• Restricted: Alcohol and tobacco (subject to excise duties), food products (must comply with EU food safety standards), plants and seeds (may require phytosanitary certificates), medications (personal quantities with prescription), electronics (require CE marking for commercial sale), and dietary supplements (heavily regulated in the EU).
• Spain-Specific: Spain has strict regulations on importing olive oil for commercial purposes (quality standards apply), cultural artifacts and antiques, and certain agricultural products. Importing jamón (Spanish ham) or similar cured meats from the US into Spain would face food safety regulations, though the reverse direction is more commonly an issue.

Packaging Tips for International Shipments

Use sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes designed for international shipping. Double-walled boxes are recommended for items weighing more than 10 pounds or for fragile goods. Ensure all items are individually wrapped and cushioned with at least 2 inches of protective material on all sides.

Apply strong packing tape across all seams using the H-tape method. Place a duplicate label and customs documentation inside the package. Spanish addresses should include the recipient's name, street address (calle, avenida, etc.), postal code (5 digits), city, province, and "SPAIN" as the country. For the Canary Islands, include the island name for clarity.

For the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands, consider that packages may undergo additional handling and routing. Extra-sturdy packaging is recommended for shipments to island destinations.

For liquids that are permitted for shipping, ensure they are sealed in leak-proof containers and placed in a sealed plastic bag within the outer packaging. Spain's warm climate, particularly in southern regions and during summer months, can cause temperature-sensitive items to degrade during transit or while in delivery vehicles. Consider thermal-insulated packaging for items like chocolates, cosmetics, or health products that may be affected by heat exposure.

Tracking and Insurance Options

USPS provides tracking for all services to Spain, with the most detailed tracking available through Priority Mail Express International. Once packages enter the Correos network, tracking updates may become less frequent. UPS, FedEx, and DHL offer comprehensive end-to-end tracking with real-time updates at every stage, including customs clearance status.

USPS includes up to $200 in insurance for Priority Mail International and Express International services, with additional coverage available. UPS and FedEx offer declared value coverage, and DHL provides shipment value protection. For high-value shipments, third-party shipping insurance from providers like Shipsurance can offer additional peace of mind.

How to Save on International Shipping

Compare rates systematically: Each carrier prices differently based on weight, dimensions, and origin. A shipment that is cheapest via USPS at 2 pounds might be cheaper via FedEx at 10 pounds.

Use Atoship: Atoship provides access to commercial carrier rates that are 20% to 40% below retail pricing. The platform's rate comparison tool lets you instantly see the best options across multiple carriers for your specific package to Spain.

Leverage USPS flat-rate options: For dense, heavy items, USPS flat-rate boxes to Spain offer excellent value. The weight limit is 20 pounds for medium and large flat-rate boxes, with predictable pricing.

Optimize box sizes: Avoid shipping air by using the smallest possible box. This is especially important with UPS, FedEx, and DHL, which all apply dimensional weight pricing.

Batch shipments when possible: If you regularly ship to Spain, consolidating orders into fewer, larger shipments can reduce per-item costs significantly.

Offer DDP for e-commerce: Paying duties and taxes upfront removes friction for Spanish customers and can increase conversion rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to ship from the US to Spain? Express carriers deliver in 1 to 5 business days. USPS Priority Mail International takes 6 to 10 business days. Economy services range from 10 to 21 days. Add 1 to 3 days for customs processing. Shipments to the Canary Islands or Balearic Islands may take 1 to 3 additional days.

What is the VAT rate on imports to Spain? Spain charges 21% VAT (IVA) on most imported goods. The Canary Islands use a separate IGIC tax at 7%. Reduced VAT rates of 10% and 4% apply to specific categories like food, books, and medical supplies.

Do I need to pay customs duties on packages to Spain? Commercial shipments valued at EUR 150 or less are exempt from customs duties but still subject to VAT. Above EUR 150, customs duties apply based on the product's HS tariff code. Gifts between individuals are duty-free up to EUR 45.

Can I ship to the Canary Islands the same way as mainland Spain? While the Canary Islands are part of Spain, they are outside the EU customs territory. Shipments to the Canary Islands may require separate customs processing, and IGIC (7%) applies instead of mainland VAT (21%). Some carriers charge different rates for the Canary Islands, and transit times may be longer.

What are the most popular items to ship from the US to Spain? Spanish consumers frequently purchase American electronics (especially Apple products and other tech devices), fashion and streetwear brands, health supplements and vitamins (though EU regulations apply), specialty food items, cosmetics and beauty products, and books. For personal shipments, common items include care packages with American snack foods and treats, clothing, small electronics, and gifts. When shipping electronics, be aware that Spain uses 230V/50Hz power, so electrical items designed only for 120V/60Hz US power will need voltage converters.

Do I need to provide a phone number for the recipient? Yes, including the recipient's Spanish mobile phone number on the customs form and shipping label is strongly recommended. Spanish carriers, including Correos and express couriers, frequently contact recipients by phone to arrange delivery or to notify them of customs charges that must be paid before release. Without a valid phone number, delivery attempts may fail, and the package could be returned or held at a sorting facility. Most Spanish mobile numbers begin with +34 6XX or +34 7XX.