How to legally import from China to Spain
Importing from China is perfectly legal, but it has to be done meeting a series of requirements. Skipping them not only exposes you to penalties: it can leave your goods held at customs or stop you from selling them.
In this guide we review, step by step, what you need to import with full legal certainty.
Register as an importer
To import regularly you need to be registered with the tax authority under an activity that allows it and to have an EORI number, the identifier the EU requires of every operator carrying out customs procedures. Without an EORI you can't clear goods.
Classify and declare correctly
Each product has a tariff code (TARIC) that determines the duty and the applicable requirements. Declaring the classification, origin and real value of the goods is mandatory; falsifying them is a serious offence.
Comply with product rules
Many products must comply with European rules to be sold: CE marking, RoHS, labelling, safety standards... As the importer, you are responsible for the product complying, even if a third party manufactures it in China.
Pay the taxes
At clearance you must pay the duty and import VAT. Trying to evade them —for example, by undervaluing the goods— constitutes smuggling or fraud, with penalties that far exceed the saving.
Gather the documentation
- Commercial invoice and packing list.
- Transport document (Bill of Lading or Air Waybill).
- Certificate of origin, when applicable.
- Product conformity documentation (CE, certificates).
Mistakes that can cost you dearly
- Importing without an EORI or without being registered for the activity.
- Undervaluing the customs value to pay less.
- Selling products without the mandatory conformity (CE marking).
- Misclassifying the goods to reduce the duty.
How R'S WARE helps you
We accompany you throughout the process: we verify the product's conformity at the factory, manage the classification and documentation and coordinate customs clearance, so you import within the law and without surprises.
