Why Is It So Expensive to Order Matcha Tea to the Canary Islands?

If you are a matcha tea lover residing in the Canary Islands, you may have wondered why it can sometimes be more expensive or complicated to receive your orders compared to the mainland. In fact, we receive comments almost every day through our social media regarding shipments to the Lucky Islands.

At our eCommerce, we strive daily to bring you the authentic flavor and quality of matcha, but shipping to the islands presents logistical and economic challenges that it’s important for you to know about. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of transporting our precious green powdered tea to the Canary Islands and explain the reasons behind the shipping costs. That way, the next time you enjoy a cup of matcha in the beautiful islands, you will know the entire journey and effort your order has made to reach you.

Different Tax Regime

The Canary Islands do not form part of the customs territory of the European Union, so goods shipped from the mainland to the Canary Islands must go through customs. This implies the need for customs procedures, adding costs and complexity to the process.

Specific Taxes 

VAT does not apply in the Canary Islands; instead, the IGIC (General Indirect Canary Tax) applies. This may require eCommerce companies to adapt their billing systems, which can add additional costs.

Distance and Logistics 

The Canary Islands are an archipelago located in the Atlantic, about 1,700 km from the mainland. This entails higher logistical costs, as shipments are usually made by air or sea, both of which are more expensive than land transportation.

Delivery Time

Due to the distance and customs procedures, delivery times are usually longer, which increases costs and can lead to reduced customer satisfaction.

Logistics Operators' Rates 

Many logistics operators set higher rates for shipments to the Canary Islands due to the factors we just mentioned.