Having just moved to Spain, I’m still used to buying many things on Amazon. However, the local Spanish Amazon sometimes has a limited selection or less competitive prices, so I started looking into ordering from other Amazon sites like the US, Germany, or the UK. At first, I thought it would be straightforward since it’s all Amazon, but after some research, I discovered there are quite a few ‘pitfalls’. I’m sharing them here as a heads-up for everyone.
Key Issues: Customs Duties and IVA
This is probably the biggest concern for most people. Simply put, any package shipped to Spain from a country outside the European Union is subject to customs duties and value-added tax (VAT). Spain’s IVA is 21%, which is not a small amount. The previous exemption for items under €22 has been abolished. Now, in theory, all commercial packages from outside the EU, regardless of their value, are subject to IVA.
Fortunately, platforms like Amazon US now provide an Import Fees Deposit service for [Amazon exports to Spain]. During checkout, it automatically calculates an estimated deposit based on your items and shipping address. If the actual cost is lower, you get a refund; if it’s higher, you don’t have to pay extra. This is a real lifesaver, saving you the hassle of your package getting stuck at customs and having to deal with clearance procedures yourself. I highly recommend choosing this option for a worry-free experience!
Comparing Different Amazon Sites
To make it clearer, I’ve created a simple table comparing the main differences when shopping from various Amazon sites, based on my own experience and understanding:
| Site | Pros | Cons | Customs/IVA |
|---|
| Amazon US | Widest selection, especially for electronics and apparel | Higher shipping costs, longer delivery times | Import Fees Deposit required |
| Amazon DE | Within the EU, fast delivery | Some items don’t ship to Spain | No customs duties or IVA |
| Amazon UK | English interface, unique items | Process is more complex after Brexit | Import Fees Deposit required |
| Amazon ES | Local, easiest for returns | Relatively smaller selection | None |
If the item you want is available on Amazon Germany, France, or Italy, they are definitely your best bet. Since they are within the EU, you don’t have to worry about taxes at all, and logistics are fast. If you must buy from Amazon US, be sure to choose items sold by Amazon or those that support international shipping, and always use the Import Fees Deposit service. Have any of you ordered from other Amazon sites for delivery to Spain? What great finds have you made? Let’s chat and share our experiences and lessons learned!
