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ES The Canary Islands are not only famous for their sunshine, beaches and volcanic landscapes, but also for their attractive shopping opportunities. Many holidaymakers take advantage of their stay to buy perfume, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco products or electronics at lower prices.
But why are many products cheaper on the Canary Islands than on mainland Europe? And how much are you actually allowed to bring back duty-free to Germany, Austria, other EU countries or the Spanish mainland?
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about duty-free shopping on the Canary Islands. We also explain the current duty-free allowances and what you should keep in mind when returning home.
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Why are products cheaper on the Canary Islands?
Although the Canary Islands are politically part of Spain and therefore belong to the European Union, they have a special tax status.
The Canary Islands do not apply Spanish VAT (IVA). Instead, they use the much lower IGIC (Impuesto General Indirecto Canario). The standard IGIC rate is only 7%, whereas the Spanish mainland and many other EU countries apply significantly higher VAT rates.
As a result, many products can be offered at lower prices.
The most attractive products include:
- Perfume and cosmetics
- Designer fashion
- Watches
- Jewellery
- Electronics
- Spirits
- Tobacco products
Well-known brands are often 10 to 30 percent cheaper than in Germany.
Are the Canary Islands really duty-free?
This question often causes confusion. The answer is:
Yes and no.
Although the Canary Islands are part of the European Union, they are not part of the EU VAT and excise duty area.
Therefore, similar import regulations apply when returning from the Canary Islands as from a non-EU territory.
This means:
- Shopping is particularly attractive from a tax perspective.
- Duty-free allowances apply when returning home.
- If these allowances are exceeded, customs duties and import taxes may become payable.
Which products offer the best savings?
Perfume
Perfume is one of the most popular souvenirs. Many international brands are considerably cheaper on the Canary Islands than in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other European countries.
Especially at airports and in specialist perfume stores, you can often find attractive offers. Savings of 20 to 40 percent are not uncommon.
Tobacco products
The Canary Islands have been among the cheapest regions in Europe for tobacco products for decades.
Many visitors buy:
- Cigarettes
- Cigars
- Cigarillos
- Pipe tobacco
However, strict quantity limits apply when entering your destination country.
Alcohol
Spirits are also often significantly cheaper.
Particularly popular are:
- Whisky
- Rum
- Gin
- Vodka
- Liqueurs
Many well-known brands are often considerably cheaper than in other European countries.
Electronics
Electronics can also be cheaper, although it is always worth comparing prices.
Be sure to pay attention to:
- Warranty conditions
- Power plugs
- Return policies
- Possible customs duties and import taxes if you exceed the duty-free allowance
How much can you bring back duty-free from the Canary Islands?
As the Canary Islands are not part of the European Union's VAT and excise duty area, special duty-free allowances apply when entering many countries – even if you are travelling within Europe. The permitted quantities depend on your destination country.
Germany
When entering Germany, the same duty-free allowances apply as for travellers arriving from a non-EU VAT territory.
Tobacco products (aged 17 and over)
- 200 cigarettes or
- 100 cigarillos or
- 50 cigars or
- 250 g of smoking tobacco
Alcohol (aged 17 and over)
- 1 litre of spirits exceeding 22% alcohol by volume
- or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages up to 22% alcohol by volume
- plus 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer
Other goods
- Goods with a total value of up to €430 when travelling by air or sea
- €300 when entering by land
- €175 for travellers under the age of 15
Austria
Austria follows the EU traveller allowances almost entirely. This means:
- 200 cigarettes
- 1 litre of spirits exceeding 22% alcohol by volume
- or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages up to 22% alcohol by volume
- 4 litres of wine
- 16 litres of beer
- Goods with a total value of up to €430 when travelling by air
The duty-free allowances are therefore virtually identical to those in Germany.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands also applies the EU traveller allowances for arrivals from the Canary Islands:
- 200 cigarettes
- 1 litre of spirits exceeding 22% alcohol by volume
- or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages up to 22% alcohol by volume
- 4 litres of wine
- 16 litres of beer
- Goods with a total value of up to €430 when travelling by air
Switzerland
Different regulations apply here, as Switzerland is not a member of the European Union.
Currently, adults may import, among other things:
- 250 cigarettes (duty-free)
- 1 litre of alcohol exceeding 18% alcohol by volume
- 5 litres of alcohol up to 18% alcohol by volume
- Goods with a total value of up to CHF 300 (including gifts and purchases)
If this value is exceeded, Swiss VAT is generally payable.
Spanish Mainland
Many travellers assume that there are no import restrictions between the Canary Islands and mainland Spain. This is not correct.
Although both belong to Spain, the Canary Islands are a special tax territory. Therefore, flights to Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga or other regions of mainland Spain are generally subject to the traveller allowances that apply to special tax territories.
In practice, these largely correspond to the standard EU traveller allowances:
- 200 cigarettes
- 1 litre of spirits exceeding 22% alcohol by volume or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages up to 22% alcohol by volume
- 4 litres of wine
- 16 litres of beer
- Goods with a total value of up to €430 when travelling by air
What happens if you exceed the duty-free allowances?
If the value of your purchases or the quantity of goods exceeds the permitted allowances, you must declare them to customs.
Depending on the type of goods, the following charges may apply:
- Import VAT
- Excise duty
- Customs duties
If you fail to declare goods and are inspected, you may also face fines.
Is duty-free shopping at the airport worth it?
Many travellers prefer to shop at the airport before departure.
This can certainly be worthwhile, especially for:
- Perfume
- Cosmetics
- Spirits
- Confectionery
However, the duty-free allowances apply to all purchases combined.
It makes no difference whether you bought the goods:
- in town,
- at a shopping centre, or
- at the airport.
All purchases are added together.
Are there customs checks?
Yes. Although customs checks are relatively infrequent when travelling within Europe, travellers may be inspected at any time. Random checks are carried out regularly, particularly at airports.
For this reason, you should keep your receipts and voluntarily declare your purchases if you exceed the duty-free allowances.
Tips for shopping on the Canary Islands
To make sure your shopping is worthwhile:
- Compare prices
- Buy genuine products
- Choose reputable retailers only
- Keep your receipts
- Stay within the duty-free allowances
- Check warranty conditions
- Calculate the total cost of major purchases in advance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is shopping on the Canary Islands really tax-free?
Not entirely. Instead of Spanish VAT, the lower IGIC tax applies. This makes many products significantly cheaper.
Can I bring back unlimited amounts of perfume?
There is no quantity limit for perfume. The important factor is that you remain within the permitted value allowance.
How many cigarettes can I bring with me?
Up to 200 cigarettes per person aged 17 or over.
Do these rules also apply to flights to mainland Spain?
Yes. Due to the Canary Islands' special tax status, specific import regulations also apply when travelling to mainland Spain.
Conclusion: Shopping on the Canary Islands can be well worth it. Thanks to the low IGIC tax, many products are significantly cheaper than on mainland Spain or in other European countries. Perfume, cosmetics, tobacco products and spirits, in particular, often offer excellent savings.
To ensure your return journey is free from unpleasant surprises, you should be familiar with the applicable duty-free allowances and stay within them. By observing the permitted value and quantity limits, you can enjoy your holiday shopping without worry while saving money at the same time.
Start your holiday on the Canary Islands with us!
Are you planning a holiday on the Canary Islands and looking for the perfect accommodation? Then you've come to the right place! We offer a carefully selected range of holiday homes, fincas, apartments and villas on all of the Canary Islands, tailored to your wishes and requirements.
Whether you're looking for a holiday home with a private pool, a beachfront apartment or a traditional finca surrounded by nature, we'll help you find the perfect place to stay for your dream holiday.
With many years of experience and extensive local knowledge, we know the Canary Islands inside out and are happy to advise you on which island and region best suits your preferences. This ensures that your holiday is not only relaxing but also an unforgettable experience.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Together, we'll find the perfect accommodation for your well-deserved holiday on the Canary Islands!
Email:
Phone +34 675 400 700
