Spanish customs regulations
Duty Free Allowances
Oh, the treasures you can bring back from Spain! The cheeses, the olive oils, the flamenco guitars—truly, Spain is a treasure trove of unique goodies. But do remember, wonders though they may be, there is a limit to what you can take back duty-free.
Here's a quick run-down. Generally, if you're flying from a non-European Union country, your duty-free allowances for Spain allow 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. You can also bring 4 litres of non-sparkling wine, 16 litres of beer, and 1 litre of spirits over 22% volume or 2 litres of alcohol less than 22% volume.
Now, let's say you're wondering about that gorgeous neoclassic painting you've purchased—if it's worth more than €430, you'll have to pay an import duty. And alas, the same rule applies to your beloved flamenco guitar.
Tax Free Allowances
Let the bells ring and guitars strum, for there's a silver lining! Tax-free shopping in Spain exists and it can help you save a pinata-load of Euros. Basically, if you're not a resident of the EU and the value of the goods you've purchased exceed €90.15, you're eligible for a tax refund when you leave Spain. Woohoo!
But there's a catch, my friend. You can't just buy a boatload of jamón ibérico and then expect to claim back the tax. The tax-free procedure only applies to retail goods that are going to be carried in your personal luggage.
Alcohol Allowance
When it comes to the glorious realm of Spanish spirits, the terrain gets a wee bit thorny. It boils down to this: if you're over 17, you can bring in 1 litre of spirits over 22% volume or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. And yes, this quota is part of your overall 4 litres duty-free allowance.
But now, imagine this scenario—you're a zealous lover of Rioja wine and purchased 10 bottles to remember your Spanish sojourn. Are you suddenly a smuggler? Fret not! You can technically still bring them in, but you'll need to declare them at customs and may have to pay duty tax.
And there we go, our whistle-stop tour of Spanish customs is at an end. But do ensure that you check all the allowances I've mentioned on the official website of the Spanish Customs and Excise Department. While I hope my rendition of the rules has been helpful, even a jovial professor can make a mistake. And legal duty isn't anything to dance the flamenco around!
