Vehicles

Shipping standard household goods in moving boxes to the Canary Islands is an everyday job. Things get complicated when special items or vehicles are to be transported across the Atlantic. A fine grand piano or a heavy Harley-Davidson cannot withstand the rough sea voyage without special precautions, nor does the Canarian customs authority forgive bureaucratic errors. For tax purposes, the islands do not belong to the standard EU customs territory. Therefore, logistical and legal hurdles lurk here that must be known in advance. Transporting pianos and grand pianos: Climate shock and species protection A piano consists almost entirely of natural materials that are extremely sensitive to fluctuations in humidity. When transporting it to the archipelago, two completely different problems must be solved: the physical climate and international law. Protection from the Atlantic air During the weeks-long journey in a sea container, the instrument is exposed to massive temperature fluctuations and extremely high humidity. Once on the islands, the weather changes depending on the place of residence: from salty, humid coastal air to extreme dryness during Calima weather conditions in the hinterland. The instrument should be specially packed so that no problems arise inside the container. After being set up in its new home, the piano should remain untouched for at least two months. The wood works and adapts to the new environment. Anyone who orders the piano tuner too early is wasting money – the instrument will immediately go out of tune again. The ivory certificate Especially with older, high-quality pianos or grand pianos (often built before 1975), the coverings of the white keys are made of real ivory. This is where the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) applies. Since the Canary Islands are considered a third country for customs purposes, the freight is strictly controlled upon import at the ports of Las Palmas or Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Anyone who imports a piano with ivory keys without the correct documents risks the immediate confiscation of the entire instrument on suspicion of illegal ivory trading. The solution: Simply leave the paperwork to the experts. We at Phoenix Trans Internacional are very familiar with the strict CITES guidelines and customs regulations. We know exactly which certificates and proofs are required and ensure that your valuable instrument arrives absolutely legally and safely on the islands. Motorcycle transport: Securing at sea and Spanish registration A Harley-Davidson or a comparable custom bike does not travel on its side stand. Strict safety regulations for dangerous goods (IMDG Code) apply to the sea route. Loading into the container It can get rough on the Atlantic. The motorcycle should be well packed and secured for the crossing. The machine is secured with straps in such a way that it cannot bounce independently and break loose in heavy seas. Safety requirement: For fire safety reasons, the tank must be emptied to a minimum, the battery disconnected, and the terminals insulated. Customs and the infamous ITV inspection Importing a vehicle to the Canary Islands inevitably entails bureaucratic processes. Anyone living permanently on the islands must re-register the motorcycle. Every vehicle must be declared to Canarian customs via the Documento Único Administrativo (DUA). Those who wish to officially relocate their primary residence to the Canary Islands may, under certain circumstances, import the motorcycle tax-free as moving goods (Franquicia por traslado de residencia). Various conditions must be met for this. After customs clearance, there is a maximum period of 30 days to register for Spanish license plates. A full inspection by the Spanish MOT (ITV) is absolutely necessary for this. Important for Harley riders: Spanish inspectors are extremely strict regarding modifications. Non-original exhaust systems, different handlebars, or custom parts may have to be entered into the Spanish vehicle documents with great bureaucratic effort. Whether it’s a sensitive instrument or a heavy custom bike: For demanding special transports to the Canary Islands, Phoenix Trans Internacional is your customized solution. With decades of experience with island customs, the appropriate special equipment, and the know-how for sensitive freight, we ensure that your most valuable possessions arrive completely stress-free and safely in their new home in the south.