Spain export & EU customs checklist

EORI number. Economic Operators Registration and Identification number. The Spanish exporter needs a valid EORI (issued by the AEAT) to lodge an export declaration, and the consignee needs one in the destination country to import. For GB imports the importer needs a GB EORI.

Commercial invoice. The backbone of every customs declaration: seller and buyer, goods description, HS code, country of origin, value and currency, Incoterm and named place, gross and net weights. Inconsistencies here are the most common cause of hold-ups.

Packing list. Package count, type, dimensions and gross/net weight per line. Lets the carrier plan the load (loading metres and CBM) and lets customs reconcile the invoice against the physical goods.

CMR consignment note. The international road waybill under the CMR Convention. It names the sender, carrier and consignee, travels with the goods, and is signed at hand-over and delivery. It is the basis of the carrier's liability for the cargo.

HS / commodity codes. The 6-digit Harmonised System code — extended to EU CN8 for export and to the destination tariff for import — determines duty, VAT and any licences or controls. Confirm the code before you quote; a wrong code changes the cost and can stop the load.

Incoterms 2020. Agree who arranges and pays for carriage, insurance, export clearance and import clearance, and where risk passes (EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU, DDP). Always state the named place — "DAP Manchester" not just "DAP".

Proof of origin (EUR.1 / statement on origin). Where an EU trade agreement applies (for example the UK–EU TCA), a statement on origin or an EUR.1 movement certificate can reduce duty to zero — but only if the goods genuinely meet the agreement's origin rules. Non-preferential origin still belongs on the invoice.

United Kingdom (post-Brexit). Full export and import declarations apply. Our broker partners lodge the entries on both sides; you provide the commercial invoice, packing list, the importer's GB EORI, HS codes and the agreed Incoterm. Safety-and-security (ENS/EXS) data is also required.

Switzerland. Switzerland is outside the EU customs union. The load needs EU export clearance plus a Swiss import declaration (e-dec), VAT/duty handling and any permits — arranged through our broker partners. EU transit (T1) is commonly used across France and Germany en route.

IPAFFS / SPS controls. Products of animal or plant origin entering GB can require pre-notification on IPAFFS and an SPS, phytosanitary or health certificate. Check the requirement before booking food, plant or animal-derived goods so the certificate is in place at loading.

ADR dangerous goods. Provide the proper shipping name, UN number, class and packing group. Goods need ADR-compliant packaging, marks and labels and a dangerous-goods transport document. Some classes and quantities require specific equipment and a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser.

Temperature-controlled (reefer). State the set-point, whether pre-cooling is needed, and any cold-chain rules. Perishable foodstuffs need ATP-compliant equipment and traceability of the temperature during transit.