🇮🇸 Import Customs & Duties: Iceland
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$25
Packages under $25, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
24%
CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 11% for food, heating, books, newspapers, and certain cultural services.
Clearance Time
1-3 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-5% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 15% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 10-20% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-30% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-15% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 5-15% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $25 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Directorate of Customs (tollur.is). EDDA electronic system for declarations. Iceland is an EEA member but NOT in the EU customs union, has its own tariff schedule. Keflavik airport and Reykjavik harbor are main entry points. Islandspostur handles postal customs.
What to Actually Expect
EEA member but NOT EU, customs duties apply to non-EEA goods. Efficient customs, small volume. Low de minimis at ISK 10,000 (~$70) means most online purchases face duties. High agricultural tariffs protect domestic farming. 24% VAT adds significantly to import costs. Express and postal clearance typically fast (1-2 days).
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Required for: alcohol (state monopoly ATVR), tobacco, weapons, certain agricultural products (strong protection of domestic agriculture). Strict food import controls, some products prohibited.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Iceland Chamber of Commerce (Vidskiptarad Islands). EUR.1 for EEA/EFTA preferential trade. Certificates for bilateral FTAs with China, Canada, and others.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Iceland:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $1 | $12 | $14 |
| $100 | $4 | $25 | $29 |
| $200 | $9 | $50 | $59 |
| $500 | $24 | $126 | $149 |
| $1000 | $49 | $252 | $300 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Iceland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Iceland?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Iceland is $25. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Iceland?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Iceland is 24%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 11% for food, heating, books, newspapers, and certain cultural services.
How long does customs clearance take in Iceland?
Typical customs clearance in Iceland takes 1-3 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Iceland?
To import into Iceland, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Iceland?
Iceland prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.