Home » Canary Islands

Shipping to Canary Islands- A Strategic Trade Location For Tech

The Canary Islands are rapidly emerging as a hotbed for innovation — welcoming digital nomads, fintech ventures, and global technology enterprises to its shores. As a result, managing imports into this archipelago has become strategically important for growing tech companies. Yet, despite its charm,navigating the Canary Islands’ import landscape brings its own regulatory nuances. At TLS Technologies we help with complete end-to-end compliance for all types of shipping across Canary Islands.

Home » Canary Islands

Shipping to Canary Islands- A Strategic Trade Location For Tech

The Canary Islands are rapidly emerging as a hotbed for innovation — welcoming digital nomads, fintech ventures, and global technology enterprises to its shores. As a result, managing imports into this archipelago has become strategically important for growing tech companies. Yet, despite its charm,navigating the Canary Islands’ import landscape brings its own regulatory nuances. At TLS Technologies we help with complete end-to-end compliance for all types of shipping across Canary Islands.

Why Is the Canary Islands Significant in Tech Trade?

More than a scenic location, the Canary Islands has emerged to be a competitive business hub on the globe. The region nurtures over a thousand active technology companies and invests heavily in smart cities, renewable energy, and gaming. For tech businesses, the incentives are unusually attractive as the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC) grants one of Europe’s lowest corporate tax rates for qualifying businesses. Furthermore, generous R&D tax credits (up to 45% or more) are available, helping innovative companies deepen their research investments.
The Canary Islands, as an Outermost Region of the EU, possess a unique customs and tax framework while also receiving specific EU funding. These factors make the Canary Islands a strategic base for tech firms wanting to launch, scale, or regionalize their operations — especially when paired with a logistics partner that understands the local complexity.

Population

2.2 million

Biggest Industry by export

Refined Petroleum

Capital City

Santa Cruz de Tenerife; Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Biggest industry by import

Cars

Overcoming the Shipping Challenges In Canary Islands:

Importing into the Canary Islands is not like typical EU trade. Even if your goods originate from the Spanish mainland or another EU country, they are still treated as imports under local law. 

Here are some of the main hurdles companies face

  • IGIC vs. VAT: Instead of EU VAT, the Canary Islands impose the Impuesto General Indirecto Canario (IGIC) — which is generally lower (around 7%) but must be handled through separate filings. 
  • AIEM Import Tax: Electronic and tech goods manufactured outside the Canaries may be subject to the AIEM (Tax on the Import and Delivery of Goods). Depending on the item, this can range from roughly 5% to 20%. 
  • Comprehensive Customs Documentation: To clear customs, you must prepare full documentation: a Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, and sometimes a CE Declaration of Conformity.
  • Permitting for Telecom / IT Hardware: Importing specialized equipment (e.g., telecom or data center hardware) may require additional certification or local permits.
  • Internal Logistics Complexity: While the Canary Islands have good sea and air connectivity, distributing goods between the islands can be logistically challenging and time-consuming.

Top Trade Partners with Canary Islands

Asia

China

North America

United States of America

South America

Brazil

Special Tariff Measures & Exemptions

Under certain conditions, companies can benefit from tariff exemptions. For instance, the Canary Islands apply Specific Tariff Measures (STM) for industrial products. This allows capital goods, raw materials, and components used in industrial or commercial activities to be imported duty-free, under the regulation of Council Regulation 1386/2011.

These exemptions can significantly reduce landed costs — especially for technologically intensive imports.

How TLS Technologies Simplifies Your Import Journey

Expanding into the Canary Islands comes with unique opportunities — but also specific customs, tax, and regulatory requirements that can slow down your operations if not handled correctly. At TLS Technologies, our competitive edge lies in our deep expertise and unwavering commitment to supporting technology-driven industries in navigating the complexities of importing and exporting into this special EU outermost region.

As a trusted Importer and Exporter of Record (IOR/EOR) for the Canary Islands, we specialize in managing the movement of IT hardware, telecommunications equipment, and high-value electronics. The region’s distinct tax structure — including IGIC and AIEM — requires precision, compliance, and detailed understanding, and that’s exactly where we add unparalleled value.

Expanding Your Business in Canary Islands:

With years of experience working with the Canary Islands’ customs authorities and regulatory bodies, we ensure every import is executed smoothly and compliantly. We protect you from unexpected penalties, incorrect filings, and shipment delays by managing each requirement with accuracy and foresight.

From documentation, certification, and customs clearance to safe delivery across the islands, we handle every part of the IOR/EOR process so you can stay focused on your business. Whether you’re shipping servers for a data center, deploying network equipment, or supporting remote IT infrastructure, you can rely on us for seamless execution.

Our proven track record of completing complex technology imports on time and within budget gives your business the operational confidence it needs. We tailor our services to match your technical and logistical requirements, ensuring flexibility as you expand into Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, or any of the other islands.

Expand into the Canary Islands Without the Hassle

When you choose TLS Technologies, you’re not just hiring an IOR/EOR service — you’re gaining a strategic partner committed to accelerating your success in the Canary Islands. Let us handle the regulatory challenges, tax compliance, and ground logistics of your imports, while you focus on innovation, growth, and building your presence in one of Europe’s most promising technology hubs.
Get a free quote today and request Compliance Support for Your Shipment with TLS Technologies.

Feel Free to Contact Us