Table of Contents
You must attach customs documents to your packages destined for certain territories attached to countries of the European Union:
| Country | Territory | ISO country codes (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2) | Notes |
| Germany | Büsingen | CH | Swiss enclave, uses Swiss ISO code |
| Helgoland | DE | Part of Germany, uses German ISO code | |
| Denmark | Faroe Islands | FO | Autonomous territory of Denmark |
| Greenland | GL | Autonomous territory of Denmark | |
| Spain | Canary Islands | ES | Part of Spain, uses Spanish ISO code |
| Ceuta | ES | Spanish autonomous city | |
| Melilla | ES | Spanish autonomous city | |
| Finland | Åland Islands | AX | Autonomous region of Finland |
| Greece | Mount Athos | GR | Autonomous monastic state, uses Greek ISO code |
| Italy | Campione d’Italia | IT | Italian exclave in Switzerland |
| Livigno | IT | Italian special territory | |
| Saint-Martin (Italian) | IT | Italian part of the island (not to be confused with French Saint-Martin, which is MF) | |
| Vatican City | VA | Independent city-state | |
| UK | Jersey | JE | Crown Dependency |
| Guernsey | GG | Crown Dependency | |
| Isle of Man | IM | Crown Dependency | |
| Gibraltar | GI | British Overseas Territory | |
| Portugal | Madeira | PT | Autonomous region of Portugal |
Notes:
- Saint-Martin is divided: the northern part is French (MF), the southern is Dutch (SX). The Italian “Saint-Martin” refers to a different location.
- Büsingen is a German exclave within Switzerland and uses the Swiss ISO code (CH) for most administrative purposes.
- Vatican City is an independent state with its own ISO code (VA).
Shipping Small Parcels to European Overseas Islands #
1. Overview #
European overseas islands (e.g., Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira, French DOM-TOM) are popular destinations for e-commerce and personal shipments. Small parcels are typically sent via international courier services, each with its own network, pricing, and delivery standards.
2. Available Carriers & Services #
CarrierService NameMax WeightTransit Time (Est.)Key Features
| Carrier | Service Name | Max Weight | Transit Time (Est.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colissimo | Colissimo International | 30 kg | 3–7 days | Tracked, door-to-door, good for France DOM-TOM |
| DHL | DHL Express Worldwide | 70 kg | 1–4 days | Fast, reliable, premium service |
| Chronopost | Chronopost International | 30 kg | 2–5 days | Strong in France and EU, good for DOM-TOM |
| FedEx | FedEx International Economy/Priority | 68 kg | 2–5 days (Economy), 1–3 days (Priority) | Global network, flexible options |
| UPS | UPS Standard/Express | 70 kg | 2–6 days (Standard), 1–3 days (Express) | Strong in Europe and Americas |
3. Transit Times & Coverage #
- Canary Islands (Spain): 1–3 days (DHL, UPS, FedEx); 3–5 days (Colissimo, Chronopost)
- Azores/Madeira (Portugal): 2–4 days (DHL, UPS, FedEx); 3–6 days (Chronopost)
- French DOM-TOM (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, etc.): 2–5 days (DHL, Chronopost, Colissimo); 3–7 days (FedEx, UPS)
Note: Transit times can vary based on origin, customs clearance, and local distribution.
4. Customs & Duties #
- EU Status: Most overseas islands are part of the EU, but some (e.g., Canary Islands) are outside the EU VAT area.
- Documentation: Commercial invoice (for commercial shipments), CN23 customs declaration (for non-commercial).
- Duties/Taxes: May apply depending on the value and type of goods. Check local regulations for each island.
- Restrictions: Some items (e.g., food, plants, liquids) may be restricted or require special permits.
5. Cost Factors #
- Weight & Dimensions: All carriers use volumetric weight for pricing.
- Service Level: Express services cost more than economy.
- Remote Area Surcharges: Some islands may incur additional fees.
- Customs Clearance Fees: May be charged by the carrier or local authorities.
6. Best Practices #
- Packaging: Use sturdy, appropriately sized boxes. Protect fragile items.
- Labeling: Clearly mark the address and include a return address.
- Tracking: Always use tracked services for overseas shipments.
- Insurance: Consider insuring high-value parcels.
- Local Partners: For frequent shipments, partner with a local logistics provider for last-mile delivery.
7. Carrier-Specific Tips #
- Colissimo: Best for France DOM-TOM, integrates with La Poste.
- DHL: Fastest and most reliable, but more expensive.
- Chronopost: Strong in France and EU, good for DOM-TOM.
- FedEx/UPS: Global reach, good for business shipments.
8. Resources #
- Carrier Websites: For real-time rates, restrictions, and booking.
- Local Post Offices: For Colissimo/Chronopost services.
- Customs Authorities: For island-specific import rules.
