Northwest Horticultural Council

Export Manual

SPAIN

Capital: Madrid
Population: 50,016,000
Currency: Euro
Official Language(s): Spanish

I. CHEMICAL MAXIMUM RESIDUE LEVELS (MRLs)

Please click on the above link for a list of chemical MRLs.

II. CHEMICALS AND ADDITIVE INFORMATION

A. Chemical residue standards:

As a member of the European Union (EU), Spain applies Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) as established by the EU as well as setting its own standards for chemicals not registered by the EU.

B. Monitoring chemical residues:

Spain monitors for residues on imported fruit in accordance with EU regulations (EC Directive 1107/2009).

C. Restrictions on use of waxes:

The EU permits the use of white beeswax, yellow beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax and shellac on apples and pears (EC Directive 95/2/EC).

Morpholine is not allowed to be present as an additive to waxes or other food coatings.  There is active enforcement of this prohibition.

III. ORGANIC FRUIT REGULATIONS

All producers and importers must comply with European Commission regulations regarding the production, labeling, certification, and control of organic foods.  Please refer to the Organic Fruit Regulations section of the European Union page of this manual for more information.

IV. TARIFFS

As a member of the European Union (EU), Spain imposes the EU’s tariff schedule and entry price system on apple, pear and cherry imports. Please refer to the EU chapter for additional information.

V. NON-TARIFF BARRIERS

A. Labeling requirements:

European Union (EU) labeling requirements apply. Please refer to labeling requirements in the EU chapter. Required information should appear in Spanish.

B. Licenses and quotas:

EU licensing/quota regulations, if any, apply. Please refer to the EU chapter for additional information. The Spanish Ministry of Economy requires an import document called “Prior Notification of Importation” which can be issued in about 5 days.

C. Currency Issues:

None

D. Pest and plant disease restrictions:

Please refer to the EU chapter for specific restrictions which apply to all EU member countries.

E.  Other trade restrictions:

Please refer to the EU chapter for information on solid wood packing material regulations.

VI. OTHER RESOURCE LINKS:

Governmental:

• The World Factbook (Central Intelligence Agency)
• Spain (U.S. Commercial Service/Department of Commerce)
• U.S. Embassy

VII. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Special thanks to
FAS Field Office – Spain