SPAIN

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Spain

The two countries maintain good relations and political contacts in many areas at the highest level. There is an intensive political, economic and cultural exchange between Switzerland and Spain.

Economic cooperation

Switzerland and Spain have traditionally maintained close economic ties. Their volume of trade, i.e. combined imports and exports, amounted to approximately CHF 10.7 billion in 2014. Switzerland regularly runs a trade surplus with Spain, albeit one that – along with exports – has been continuously decreasing in recent years. The principal categories of goods traded are pharmaceutical and chemical products, precious metals and jewellery, and machinery and vehicles.

Business language

Spanish, French (Catalan area), English (limited).

Dimensions and weights

Metric system.

Currency

National currency: €

ISO code: EUR

Customs tariff

Harmonised system, customs clearance based on the transaction value.

Import control

EU goods are freely available. Signed invoices in Spanish (3 copies) with all standard information are required for customs clearance for non-EU goods. There are special regulations on the designation of goods (the raw materials must be indicated). Discussing this with the importer in advance is advisable. The Canary Islands have been part of the customs territory of the EU since 1 July 1991 but still require preferential shipping documents for import. Ceute and Melilla, however, are still part of the third territory.

Medications are subject to registration.

The import and export of coins, bearer cheques, bank notes and gold above EUR 10.000 must be declared (and evidence of origin provided).

Standard VAT rate: 21% (reduced rate: 10/4%). Reimbursement of VAT paid is possible.

The Canary Islands of Ceuta and Melilla are not deemed to be national territory subject to VAT.

Terms of payment and tenders

Standard letter of credit, payment in advance, documents against payment. In the case of the latter ensure that the goods are only delivered in return for payment by instructing the bank/freight forwarder accordingly. Agree precisely how they payment is to be made in the contract. Tenders only in EUR in Spanish, French or English.

Designations of origin

Designations of origin on goods and box labelling are not required. Misleading statements about the origin of the goods are forbidden. There are special labelling regulations for animals, plants, foods, alcohol, textiles, leather, precious metals, cement, roof slates, vehicles and vehicle parts and toys. EUR 1 or evidence of preferential origin. The following are required for Ceuta and Melilla: for shipments of a value of more than EUR 6.000: EUR 1 (1 copy). The movement certificate (to be filled in by the exporter) is issued by the customs office. For shipments of a value of up to EUR 6.000: the following declaration must be made by the exporter (as evidence of the preferential origin) on the invoice or in another commercial document: “El exportador de los productos incluidos en el presente documento declara que, salvo indicación en sentido contrario, estos productos gozan de un origen preferencial …”. Place and date, signature. The full name of the person signing the declaration must be indicated underneath the signature.

Special regulations for the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are part of the customs territory of the EU. Use T2LF as a preference document (to be confirmed by the customs office from a value of EUR 10.000).

Packaging

Comply with the special regulations for food packaging. The following information must be provided as a minimum: product description, list of ingredients, weight and quantity, best before date, instructions for storage, instructions for use, precise information about the manufacturer and product series number.

The EU Directive sets out that packaging materials made of wood must be manufactured from round logs. This EU regulation goes beyond the necessary treatment set out in the ISPM 15 standard.

Product samples

Duty free where there is no retail value.