You find the perfect product, reach checkout, and there it is again: "we don't ship to your area" or an island surcharge that doubles the price. Living in the Canary or Balearic Islands shouldn't mean being left out. In this guide you'll see, case by case, how to buy from mainland Spain, Europe or the rest of the world even when the seller doesn't ship to the islands.
Quick answer
If a store doesn't ship to the Canary or Balearic Islands, the solution is a parcel address on the Spanish mainland (and in 9 other countries): you buy, the store delivers to that address, and we forward it to your island. The Balearics are within the standard VAT territory, so it's usually just a logistics issue. The Canary Islands are outside EU VAT: you pay IGIC (7% standard rate) and customs clearance, but in exchange the mainland VAT is deducted, which often works in your favour. MDE receives, consolidates and forwards, handling the paperwork.
Why many stores don't ship to the islands
It's not a whim: it's logistics and taxes. Shipping to the islands costs more and, in the case of the Canary Islands, requires customs procedures that many stores prefer to avoid. You're the one who pays for it: blocked shipments, high surcharges or endless delivery times.
The key to understanding it -- and solving it -- is that the Canary and Balearic Islands are not the same for tax purposes:
- The Balearics are part of the European Union's VAT territory, just like the mainland. The same VAT applies (21% standard rate) and there's no customs. The problem is purely logistical: some stores don't ship to the islands or charge an island surcharge.
- The Canary Islands are within Spain but outside the EU VAT territory. Any goods entering -- whether from the mainland, from Europe or from outside -- are treated as an import: you pay IGIC (the Canary tax, 7% standard rate) instead of VAT, may incur AIEM and require customs clearance (DUA).
New in 2026: since 1 July, e-commerce purchases from countries outside the EU carry a €3 duty per product, which also applies to purchases destined for the Canary Islands. One more reason to plan your purchase well and consolidate.
The solution in one sentence
With MDE you get an address in your name on the Spanish mainland and in 9 other countries (France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Turkey, the United States, Hong Kong and China). The store delivers there -- where it does agree to ship -- and we consolidate, repack and forward it to the Canary or Balearic Islands, with the paperwork in order. You buy like any mainland or European customer; getting it to the island is our job.
Every possible case, one by one
Case 1. You buy on the mainland and live in the Balearics
The mainland store doesn't ship to the islands or charges you a surcharge. What we do: you receive the purchase at your MDE mainland address and we forward it to the Balearics. As it's a VAT territory, the price already includes the 21% and there's no customs: it's a domestic shipment. You only pay for the forwarding, with no tax surprises.
Case 2. You buy on the mainland and live in the Canary Islands
Many mainland stores don't ship to the Canary Islands precisely to avoid the export procedure. What we do: we receive it on the mainland and handle the shipment to the Canary Islands. The shipment is treated as an export, so the mainland VAT (21%) can be deducted; on entering the Canary Islands you pay IGIC (7% standard rate) and clearance. For many products, swapping 21% VAT for 7% IGIC works in your favour. We handle the paperwork so customs doesn't hold you up.
Case 3. You buy in Europe (EU) and live in the Balearics
The European store ships to mainland Spain but not to the islands, or the cost skyrockets. What we do: you use your MDE address in Spain or another European country, we receive the purchase and forward it to the Balearics. It's an operation within EU VAT, with no customs. Ideal for consolidating several European purchases into a single shipment to the island.
Case 4. You buy in Europe (EU) and live in the Canary Islands
On entering the Canary Islands, the goods leave the EU VAT territory and are imported. What we do: we receive it in Europe, consolidate and ship to the Canary Islands handling the clearance; you pay IGIC (and AIEM if applicable) instead of European VAT. Consolidating here is key: a single clearance for several purchases instead of one per parcel.
Case 5. You buy from the rest of the world (USA, UK, China...) and live in the Balearics
The store doesn't ship to Spain, or not to the islands. What we do: you buy with your MDE address in the United States, the United Kingdom, China or Hong Kong; we receive, consolidate and ship to the Balearics. As it comes from outside the EU, the entry is imported and pays VAT (21%) and, depending on the case, duties. We help you anticipate it before you buy.
Case 6. You buy from the rest of the world and live in the Canary Islands
The most complex scenario... and where help is most appreciated. What we do: we receive your purchase in the country of origin and ship it to the Canary Islands with the corresponding clearance; you pay IGIC, possible AIEM and the new €3-per-product duty for non-EU purchases. Consolidating several purchases into one shipment reduces procedures and cost per unit.
Summary in a table
| You buy in... | Destination: Balearics | Destination: Canary Islands |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland Spain | Domestic shipment. VAT already included, no customs. | Export: VAT deducted, you pay IGIC (7%) + clearance. |
| Europe (EU) | Within EU VAT, no customs. | Import: IGIC (+ AIEM if applicable) instead of VAT. |
| Rest of the world | Import: VAT (21%) + possible duties. | Import: IGIC + AIEM + €3/product duty (non-EU). |
The exact amounts depend on the product, its value and its classification. Use our quote tool or talk to an advisor to calculate your specific case before buying.
Why do it with MDE
- Address in 10 countries (mainland included): you buy wherever the seller does deliver.
- Consolidation: we combine several purchases into a single shipment to the island and you pay a single forwarding fee.
- Repacking by volumetric weight: we remove the air from boxes so you don't overpay.
- Paperwork in order: we handle the clearance so customs doesn't block your parcel.
- Smart AI tracking and real backing: 4.6★ across 168 Google reviews and part of Lanzadera.
Live in the Canary or Balearic Islands? Shop without limits
Get your address on the mainland and in 9 other countries for free. We'll make sure it reaches your island.
Create my parcel address now -- 14-day trial with money-back guarantee. Have questions? Book a call with an advisor.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if a store doesn't ship to the Canary or Balearic Islands?
Use a parcel address on the Spanish mainland like MDE's: the store delivers there and we forward the parcel to your island, handling the necessary paperwork.
Is paying IGIC in the Canary Islands more expensive than VAT?
In many cases it's the opposite: the standard IGIC is 7% versus 21% mainland VAT. On shipments from the mainland the VAT is deducted and you pay IGIC, which usually works in your favour. The final result depends on the product and its value.
And in the Balearics, do you have to pay customs?
No. The Balearics are within the European Union's VAT territory, with the same VAT as the mainland. Buying on the mainland or in the EU and shipping to the Balearics is an operation with no customs; the problem is usually just that the store doesn't ship to the islands.
Can I combine several purchases into a single shipment to the island?
Yes. We consolidate purchases from different stores -- and different countries -- into a single shipment, which reduces the forwarding cost and, in the Canary Islands, simplifies clearance.
What is the €3 duty of 2026?
Since 1 July 2026, a €3-per-product duty applies to e-commerce purchases coming from countries outside the EU, also for Canary Islands destinations. Consolidating and planning your purchase helps optimise its impact.
