Spain has always been prominent as an import nation. It is surprising from capital goods, steel, and even textiles, considering it is home to famous clothing brands like Zara and Mango. Hence, this only shows that there is elbow room for many importers; thus, the question is, how do they ship to Spain?
This blog post will cover your questions about shipping goods to Spain.
Shipping to Spain
What are the Ways to ship to Spain?
You can choose between sea or air freight when shipping containers to Spain. There are also railway transits available, depending on the commodity. Hazardous, special cargoes and consumer goods often transit through railway freight.
The most popular mode of transporting goods from one country to another is sea freight, and Spain is no exception. There are 21 ports in Spain that you can consider when shipping your goods. Always check the trade routes available with your shipping company or freight forwarder.
On the other hand, if your goods require faster shipping, then you can consider airfreight. Remember that there’s limited space for air cargo when transferring goods via air, and you will have to pay more.
What are the Main Ports in Spain?
Spain has always been famous for commercial trading, and Spanish ports have played an essential role in the country’s maritime industry. Covered with water on its three sides, it’s an ideal place for ports and shipping hubs.
There are multiple ports in Spain, and always choose the nearest to your port of destination. Some of the biggest ports include Valencia, Barcelona, and Bilbao. Here are 15 ports in Spain by tonnage.
| Port | 2022 TEUs |
| Port of Algeciras Bay | 109.4 million tons |
| Port of Valencia | 81.1 million tons |
| Port of Barcelona | 67.7 million tons |
| Port of Bilbao | 35.5 million tons |
| Port of Cartagena | 34.5 million tons |
| Port of Huelva | 33.8 million tons |
| Port of Las Palmas | 22.8 million tons |
How much does it cost to ship a container to Spain?
On average, shipping to Spain from the United States and China can range from $1,000 to $5,000. Prices of shipments vary depending on the container size. Commodity types also play a crucial part in freight rates. Textiles, apparel, and plastics are some of the most significant imports in Spain, averaging almost $20 billion annually.
We quoted spot rates from some of the largest shipping companies on average shipping costs to give you a ballpark figure.
| Country | 20ft | 40ft |
| Hamburg, Germany to Barcelona | $ 1,300 | $ 1,600 |
| Paris, France to Barcelona | $ 1,600 | $ 1,800 |
| Los Angeles, USA to Barcelona | $ 1,800 | $ 2,600 |
| Trieste, Italy to Barcelona | $1,600 | $2,400 |
| China, Shanghai to Barcelona | $1, 300 | $ 1,800 |
What is the Transit Time when shipping to Spain?
Shipping to Spain takes an average of two to six weeks, depending on the port of origin. If shipping from New York, USA, your goods may arrive within 20 to 25 transit days, while from China, it would take 40 days. Meanwhile, shipping from European destinations like Antwerp takes only 15 to 17 days.
Meanwhile, shipments from Asia take the most extended transit times, about 50 days on average if not passing through the Suez Canal.
| Country | Days |
| Germany | 8 – 10 days |
| France | 24 – 28 days |
| USA | 30 – 45 days |
| Italy | 20 – 25 days |
| China | 38 – 40 days |
What paperwork is needed for international shipments to Spain?
When exporting to Spain, consider the restrictions and license requirements depending on your import. To better understand, always check the commodity code on the TARIC.
While there is a massive volume of pharmaceutical imports to Spain, some drugs are restricted, so you better check before planning your shipments.
All goods that are imported to European Nations like Spain should contain a Single Administrative Document (SAD), which is comprised of the following:
- Import licenses
- Certificate of Origin
- Insurance Documents
- Transport Document
- Inspection Certificate
Additionally, Spain’s imports will require the following:
- Bill of Lading
- Phytosanitary Export Certificate from the country of origin (simple copy)
- Importer Registration
- Spain Customs Value Declaration
- Tax Identification Number in Spain
- Packing List
- Commercial Invoice
- Combined Certificate of Value and Origin
How do I find a freight forwarder in Spain
It would be best always to consider who you transact with, especially when handling imports and exports. As a business, dealing with only the most trusted freight forwarders for a seamless shipping experience is essential.
Pangea has an extensive network of freight forwarders in Spain who can help you ship your containers and goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the estimated transit time for shipping a container to Spain?
If you’re planning to ship containers to Spain, always consider the time of the season, as peak seasons will entail longer transit days. Shipping to Spain takes about 15 to 60 days.
- How do you figure out the shipping cost to Spain?
There are a lot of factors that determine a shipping cost, which includes container size, commodity, transit time, incoterm, and weight. Hazardous and perishable goods will cost more due to temperature-controlled containers.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about how to ship to Spain, then we hope this blog post has answered all your initial questions. However, if you need more advice and help, tap into our Pangea freight forwarders network.
