IOR and EOR Services Launched Into The Canary Islands!

Released On 5th Aug 2025

The Canary Islands are a huge destination for tourism, but like many island groups they are going through substantial growth, which means the same thirst exists for tech infrastructure that we are seeing globally in developing or small places.

The groundbreaking CanaLink Orient Island Ring - a €34 million, 553km submarine cable system - is currently under construction. It will connect Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura with a redundant high-speed network.

An emerging hub for tech startups!

The Canary Islands hosted ~75 tech startups in 2024, generating ~€27 million in revenue, creating 630 jobs, and attracting €804 million in investment, particularly in cloud-based systems, tourism tech, and digital marketing.

Importing technology goods into the Canary Islands 

Although part of Spain, the Canary Islands lie outside the EU VAT and customs union area. Therefore, all goods - even from mainland Spain - are treated as imports into the islands. Here’s what you need to know:

Required documentation and certification for tech goods: 

1. Commercial invoice
2. Packing list
3. Certificate of origin

For IT/telecom goods, CE marking is mandatory. You must also submit: 

• CE Declaration of Conformity
• Certificate of Conformity / telecom import permit where applicable

Taxes & duties in the Canary Islands

• IGIC (Impuesto General Indirecto Canario): the local consumption tax replacing VAT. For electronics, the standard IGIC rate is ~7%.
• AIEM (Arbitrio Insular de Entrada de Mercancías): an island-specific import tax, ranging from 5% to 15 - 20%, depending on product type (e.g. electronics may incur AIEM unless exempt).
• Import duties: apply if goods originate outside the EU or are subject to tariffs, irrespective of origin

Customs procedures and logistics 

• Shipments must be routed via road to mainland Spain (e.g. Cádiz/Huelva), then by ferry to the Canary Islands, or directly by sea or air freight to island ports - no special clearance via mainland Spain is permitted.
• Use a licensed customs broker or Importer of Record (IOR) who understands Canary Islands regulations - especially for DUA filings and tax payments.

Advice

• Work with an IOR/broker such as Mouse & Bear Solutions; we can help prepare accurate documentation; ensure product conformity and mitigate delays, especially for shipments from abroad.
• The Canary Islands are rapidly enhancing their digital and IT framework, making them an emerging Atlantic hub. However, importing technology goods requires careful navigation of a distinct customs framework.

Contact iorsolutions@mouseandbear.com or send a few details in the form below to get a quote.