The key to a merry delivery: Christmas logistics

Whether you're a seasoned superyacht crew member or owner, unlock the secrets of smooth logistics to guarantee your gifts will arrive on time.

Ship before the 15th of December

To guarantee the arrival of your presents before the twinkling lights of Christmas, timing is everything, just like planning your crossing and checking all the influencing factors. We recommend to have all gifts shipped before 15^th December (at the latest) to ensure ample time for the holiday spirit to carry your thoughtful gifts to their destination before the 25^th December.

Trustworthy Logistics

Choosing a reliable logistics company is like Father Christmas choosing the best reindeer to drive his sleigh! To avoid any hiccups, entrust your parcels to a logistics partner you can rely on, such as Evolution. We highly recommend that you do not use the national postal service wherever you are (“Correos” in Spain, ¨Royal Mail¨ in the UK, ¨La Poste¨ in France), which has limited efficiency. Last-minute issues, such as the unincorporated customs clearance can lead to your parcels getting blocked in customs.

Ask Evolution for advice on what courier companies to use depending on the final destination, after all, a smooth delivery journey is the best gift you can give to your loved ones.

Check Import Regulations

Just as you would check the regulations and requirements for different ports when planning your yacht itinerary, the excitement of unwrapping a gift should never be dampened by unexpected import restrictions. Some items, such as food, tableware, chocolates, and cosmetics, may face hurdles during customs clearance.

Before shipping, ensure that the recipient is well-acquainted with the import regulations to avoid any disappointments, just as you'd ensure your yacht meets all customs and clearance requirements at your chosen destination.

Customs Duties and Taxes: Unwrapping the Details

Just as you would calculate the costs and fees associated with yacht logistics and entry into a foreign port, it's not just the wrapping paper that comes with a cost. Recipients may need to pay taxes on the value of the goods. Alternatively, if you want to spread the festive cheer a bit further, you can opt to cover the shipment costs from the origin. This way, the duties and taxes will dance their way back to the sender, much like the financial considerations and responsibilities that come with yachting in different regions.

Spain-bound Gifts: Follow Our Shipping Instructions

As you would refer to your nautical charts when navigating busy or unfamiliar waters, for those planning to spread joy in Spain, we have some guidelines for you to review.

For instance, it is strictly forbidden to import from outside of the European Union any goods or products included in the categories of pharmaceutics, nutrition, cosmetics, sanitary and veterinary. They require special customs clearance subject to sanitary control inspections which is outside of the scope of courier permissions. Delays are inevitable for clearance and paperwork (expect 30 days). These guidelines ensure a smooth and timely delivery, making your gift-giving experience that more special, just as specific instructions and local knowledge enhance your yachting experience in different regions.

Please inform your crew that they should seek our advice before shipments are sent to minimize import tax payments on all goods. Once items are held by customs it can be expensive and time-consuming process to release them.

Import Shipping Tips outside Spain

When importing outside Spain, such as the United States, it is important to contact the CBP office – U.S Customs and Border Protection - at the port of entry where your merchandise will enter the United States. CBP acts in an administrative capacity for other agencies, and you may wish to contact them directly for more information.

For more information, visit: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importer-exporter-tips

If you wish to import alcohol by mail to the United States for personal use, that is prohibited by postal laws. Shipping alcoholic beverages through a courier is permitted, however, duty will be collected on the entire shipment and the courier will probably charge handling and Customs Broker fees that could raise the cost of the shipment.

For more information, visit: https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-212?language=en_US

To find out how to bring goods into the UK from any country, including how much tax and duty you’ll need to pay and whether you need to get a license or a certificate, visit: https://www.gov.uk/import-goods-into-uk

Have more questions or need personalized assistance with your gifts or yacht logistics? Reach out to us at logistics@evolutionagents.com. Our dedicated team is ready to sprinkle some logistical magic and ensure your gifts are handled with the utmost care, just as they would with your yacht needs and requirements.

Evolution Yacht Agents is the leading-edge team of professionals dedicated to providing assured and quality support and services to yachts in Spanish waters.

A full range of superyacht specialized services includes: charter license & legal advice, TPA (Vat exemption), customs & logistics operations, provisions & interior supplies, deck & engineering supplies and crew & VIP services.