One of the usual controls for introducing goods into Spain from third countries is the SOIVRE for the importation of industrial products. This surveillance system ensures compliance with quality standards and the characteristics of products from international trade.
The Official Service for Inspection and Surveillance of Foreign Trade (SOIVRE) emerged in the 1930s for the control of the export of agricultural products. Nowadays, its competencies extend to the import and export of a wide variety of goods due to the unstoppable growth of global foreign trade. Since 2008, this organization has collaborated with Spanish customs for the control of the importation of certain industrial products.
The SOIVRE for the importation of industrial products monitors compliance with safety and labeling standards set forth in Annex I of Royal Decree 330/2008. This annex includes a wide range of goods, including:
- Footwear
- Furniture
- Toys
- Textile products
- Flooring pallets
- Electrical material
How is the SOIVRE control for the importation of industrial products carried out?
The SOIVRE is a process of control prior to customs clearance. It is advisable to carry out this procedure before the goods have reached their destination to avoid delays in container reception. The importer or their representative must provide the necessary data for verification and control:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or waybill
- Importer
- Manufacturer
- Country of origin
- Type of product and tariff heading
- Means of transport
- Units, weight, value, and batch
- Customs of entry
The response time of the SOIVRE when presenting documentation in physical format (paper) is usually 24 hours. To expedite communication, the telematic route can be used, resulting in a response in a matter of minutes. In addition to the documents indicated, the SOIVRE may request physical inspection of the goods, so it is essential that the description thereof be made with total accuracy.
In the specific case of furniture importation, the technical standards published by AENOR for different types of furniture must be taken into account.
Remember that you can count on Bull Importer for the management of the entire importation process, from locating suppliers to controlling the SOIVRE for the importation of industrial products or any other nature.
