Entering Spain’s Food & Beverage Market
Spain’s food and drink sector is one of the most dynamic in Europe, but strict regulations apply—especially for tobacco and alcohol products.
At Borderless Lawyers, we help foreign companies and expats launch compliant food, beverage, and tobacco businesses in Spain.
📋 Legal Requirements to Start Selling
🏢 1. Register a Business in Spain
To legally trade in food, drinks, or tobacco, you need:
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A registered company (e.g., SL or autonomous entrepreneur)
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Spanish tax identification (NIF)
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Registration with Agencia Tributaria and Social Security
💼 We handle full company formation and VAT registration for you.
🧾 2. Obtain Specific Authorizations & Licenses
| Product Category | Required Licenses |
|---|---|
| Food & Non-alcoholic beverages | Sanitary Registration Number (RGSEAA) from the Spanish Agency for Food Safety (AESAN) |
| Alcoholic beverages | Health authorization + Tax warehouse registration for excise duty |
| Tobacco | License from the Comisionado para el Mercado de Tabacos + Excise compliance |
📌 Importers must also register with the General Sanitary Registry of Food Businesses.
🧪 3. Comply with Health & Safety Regulations
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Hygiene control plan (APPCC)
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Traceability and lot identification
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Premises inspection by local health authorities
🍽️ Restaurants, bars, and grocery outlets must pass regular health checks.
🏷️ 4. Product Labelling & Packaging Rules
All products must include:
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Name of the product
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Ingredients (with allergens clearly marked)
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Net weight/volume
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Expiry or best-before date
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Nutritional info (for processed food)
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Manufacturer/importer contact info
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Spanish-language labeling is mandatory
🚫 Tobacco and alcohol packaging must follow EU health warning and restriction laws.
🌍 5. Importing Food, Beverages, and Tobacco
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Importers from non-EU countries must pass border inspections at designated entry points (PIF)
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Submit Common Entry Document (CED)
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Ensure all customs duties, VAT, and excise are paid
📦 Some products may be restricted or require certificates of origin, health, or conformity.
💶 6. Taxation
| Tax Type | Applies to | Rate / Note |
|---|---|---|
| VAT (IVA) | Most goods and services | 10% for food, 21% for alcohol/tobacco |
| Excise Duty (IIEE) | Alcohol & tobacco | Varies by product (volume/strength/pack) |
| Customs Duties | Non-EU imports | Based on product classification and trade agreements |
💰 Businesses must file monthly or quarterly VAT and excise declarations.
🏪 Retail & Online Sales
You can sell:
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In-store (with appropriate zoning and business licenses)
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Online (must comply with e-commerce regulations and distance selling rules)
🛒 Online sales of tobacco are strictly prohibited in Spain.
🔍 Case Study
Client: A UAE-based tea company wanted to import and sell specialty teas in Spain.
Our Role:
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Incorporated a Spanish SL
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Registered with AESAN
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Handled customs clearance and labeling compliance
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Set up an e-commerce channel targeting Spanish consumers
📈 Result: Fully compliant setup and first sales in under 6 weeks.
👩⚖️ How We Help
Borderless Lawyers provides:
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✅ Business incorporation and licensing
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✅ Import and customs registration
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✅ Health and safety compliance
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✅ Label review and product approvals
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✅ Alcohol and tobacco registration support
🚀 Launch Your Product in Spain
Whether you’re selling food, craft beer, organic wine, or tobacco products, Borderless Lawyers helps you navigate Spain’s regulatory landscape with confidence.