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.
