Spain Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Spain customs guide supports individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation or import of household goods into Spain. Spain follows European Union customs regulations with additional local requirements for personal effects, vehicles and pets.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Spain, including export packing, ocean/air freight, customs documentation and final delivery to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Málaga, Bilbao and other destinations.

1. Moving to Spain – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Household Goods

Spain permits the duty-free import of used personal effects if:

You are taking up residence in Spain
Goods have been owned and used abroad for at least 6 months
Items are for personal and not commercial use
Your shipment arrives within 12 months of your relocation

Important: New items, recently purchased items or goods with tags may be taxed.

1.2 EU vs Non-EU Entry

From EU countries: No customs clearance for used goods
From non-EU (e.g., Canada): Full documentation and customs declaration required

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Passport copy
Residence permit, NIE number or entry visa
Bill of lading / airway bill
Detailed inventory in Spanish or English
Proof of residence in Spain (lease or work contract)

2.2 Inventory Rules

Provide clear descriptions and quantities
Avoid vague terms like “miscellaneous”
Declare electronics with serial numbers
Separate new goods for duty assessment

H-H Relocations Tip: Spanish customs values clarity. A well-prepared inventory minimizes inspections and delays.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Spain

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Vehicles imported into Spain must comply with European homologation standards and emissions criteria. Duty and taxes may apply unless exemption rules are met.

Vehicle must be owned and used for at least 6 months
Registration and inspection required before road use
Left-hand drive vehicles accepted but may require compliance checks

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original registration and ownership documents
Bill of lading / airway bill
Proof of residence in Spain
Insurance and compliance certificates

Important: Importing vehicles into Spain can be expensive. Many relocating families choose to sell their car before moving.

4. Bringing Pets to Spain

Spain follows EU rules for the importation of pets, including dogs, cats and ferrets.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

ISO microchip
Rabies vaccination as per EU timelines
EU pet passport or veterinary health certificate
Tapeworm treatment depending on species

Pet Travel Tip: Pets without proper documentation may be quarantined or refused entry at the Spanish border.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol may be imported for personal use, but duty and VAT apply above EU allowance limits. Declare all items, especially wine or spirits, to avoid penalties and inspections.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco imports are regulated. Duty applies depending on quantity and type. Shipping commercial quantities is not permitted under personal effects shipments.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

Spain follows EU regulations for the importation of food items:

Meat, dairy and animal-based products from non-EU countries are heavily restricted
Food may require health certificates
Plant-based items may require phytosanitary documentation

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Restricted Goods

Prescription medicines require accompanying documents
Chemicals or hazardous goods require advance authorization
Weapons and ammunition are restricted and require permits

Important: Failure to declare controlled goods can result in fines, confiscation or shipment delays.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Spain

Spain prohibits the import of the following goods:

Narcotics and illegal drugs
Weapons, explosives or ammunition without permits
Pirated or counterfeit products
Hazardous or toxic materials
Endangered species and wildlife products without CITES approval
Obscene or banned publications and media

Attempting to import prohibited items can result in prosecution or seizure.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Spain

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

To ensure a smooth international move from Toronto to Spain, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Start documentation early, including proof of residence
Ensure clarity of inventory descriptions
Separate and declare high-value items
Keep original documents on hand—not packed inside shipments

7.2 Why choose a Spain relocation expert

Spain’s customs system is clear but requires proper paperwork. Working with a professional international moving company provides:

Accurate customs declarations
Reduced risk of inspections or delays
Door-to-door solutions including customs clearance
Compliance with EU import and safety regulations

Relocation Tip: Spain is one of Europe’s most popular relocation destinations. Clear shipments and well-prepared paperwork ensure faster delivery.

8. Useful Official Links – Spain

Spanish authorities provide extensive guidance for customs, pets and vehicles:

This guide assists you in planning your move to Spain. Final import decisions rest with Spanish customs and relevant authorities.