Travelers from the United States traveling to Spain should be mindful of what they bring into the country. Items such as tobacco products, alcohol, agricultural produce, animals, weapons and drugs (pharmaceutical) must be declared. Not all of these items have to be declared, nor do they necessarily require travelers to pay import or export duties. Often fees and paperwork become an issue if a large quantity of restricted goods enter or leave the country. Declaration guidelines vary, depending on your country of origin and the item in question. More information can be found at www.travel.state.gov.
As a member of the EU, Spain is bound to uphold the customs and duties regulations of the EU, many of which are designed to foster free trade and bureaucratic transparency. The duties levied on individuals, businesses and organizations are therefore dependent on the country of origin or destination and the items to be transferred. In general, all EU nations have free trade with each other and a uniform tariff for goods traded to any EU nation by non-EU nations. More information, including specific programs and tariffs, can be found on the EU website at europa.eu/pol/comm/index_en.htm.
As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Spain is required to comply with general WTO trade practices. There are two such practices that have a large influence on international businesses hoping to operate in Spain. The government of Spain cannot treat citizens and foreigners differently when it comes to tariffs and duties levied on goods entering and leaving the country. The Spanish government cannot give preferential treatment to individuals or businesses in one country over those of another. While taxes, duties and customs fees can vary from industry to industry, within an industry all vendors have to be given identical treatment.
