How to Create a Company in the FMCG Sector in Spain

Why Spain is a Strategic FMCG Market

Spain’s FMCG industry (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) is a cornerstone of its economy. With a population of over 47 million and one of the highest supermarket densities in Europe, Spain offers strong demand, efficient logistics, and EU-wide access.

📦 The FMCG sector includes:

• Packaged foods & beverages

• Household and cleaning products

• Cosmetics and personal care

• Pet care and baby products

Whether you are importing, manufacturing, or distributing FMCG goods, Borderless Lawyers helps foreign entrepreneurs legally establish and scale their businesses in Spain.

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🧾 Choosing the Right Company Structure

Common legal entities in the FMCG space:

• SL (Sociedad Limitada) – for SMEs, foreign investors, and startups

• SA (Sociedad Anónima) – for large-scale operations, public or investor-funded

• Branch or subsidiary – for global FMCG brands expanding to Spain

✅ Most international businesses choose an SL due to low capital requirement (€3,000) and flexible governance.

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📝 Legal Steps to Start Your FMCG Business

1. 📊 Business Plan & Product Strategy

Define your:

• Target category (e.g., organic snacks, cosmetics, detergents)

• Supply chain: import or local manufacturing

• Sales channels: retail, e-commerce, or wholesale

We connect you with market research partners to validate your product strategy in Spain.

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2. 🏢 Company Incorporation

Includes:

• Name clearance and bylaws drafting

• Signing before a Spanish notary

• NIE (Foreigner ID) for directors and shareholders

• Registration with the Mercantile Registry

• Tax ID (CIF) issuance

⏱️ Timeline: 2–4 weeks

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3. 📦 Import, Packaging & Labelling Compliance

FMCG companies must comply with:

• Health & food safety laws (e.g., AESAN, EU Reg. 1169/2011)

• Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009

• Biocide & chemical regulations for cleaning products

• Spanish language labelling and ingredient declarations

⚠️ Non-compliant packaging or labels can result in import denial or fines. We review and approve packaging before launch.

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4. 🛃 Customs and Import Duties

If importing:

• Register with Registro de Operadores Intracomunitarios (ROI)

• Apply for EORI number

• Classify your goods under TARIC codes

• Check for duty exemptions or VAT deferral if based in a Spanish Free Trade Zone

📌 We assist with customs brokerage, tax strategy, and import logistics.

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5. 🛒 Distribution, Licensing & Retail Contracts

Secure:

• Distributor or reseller agreements

• Shelf space in supermarkets or pharmacy chains

• Warehouse and cold storage contracts (if needed)

• Licenses for food handling, cosmetics, or cleaning products

📑 Our team drafts and negotiates all commercial agreements to protect your IP and margins.

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6. 🧑‍💼 Employment, Payroll & Social Security

Hiring staff? We help you:

• Register with Seguridad Social

• Draft employee contracts (fixed, part-time, seasonal)

• Set up payroll and insurance

• Comply with collective labor agreements (if applicable)

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💬 Real-World Example

Case: A UAE-based organic snack company wanted to launch its brand in Spain via supermarkets and Amazon Spain. We:

• Incorporated a Spanish SL

• Registered its brand and imported SKUs

• Translated and reviewed labels for AESAN approval

• Drafted a distribution contract with a Barcelona-based wholesaler

• Ensured full tax and labor compliance

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🛠 Services We Offer for FMCG Companies

• ✅ Company formation & licensing

• ✅ Product import & label compliance

• ✅ Distribution, franchise, and agency agreements

• ✅ Tax strategy for FMCG logistics

• ✅ IP and brand registration

• ✅ Labor law and employment onboarding

🌍 Multilingual support | 💼 Industry-specific compliance | 🚚 Trade & import law experts

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✅ Yoast SEO Checklist

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🚀 Ready to Launch Your FMCG Brand in Spain?

The Spanish market is ready for innovation in food, hygiene, and household products. With Borderless Lawyers, your launch will be legally secure, fully compliant, and tailored for growth.

📞 Book a consultation with our team and let’s take your FMCG venture across borders.