Country profile
Portugal
PT · PRTAs of: 7/19/2026Atlantic gateway / transhipment hub (Sines)
Portugal is an EU and eurozone member on the Iberian Atlantic coast and a key gateway between Europe, Africa and the Americas. The deep-water port of Sines is the country's largest port and a major transhipment and energy hub (containers, oil, LNG), complemented by Leixoes, Lisbon and Setubal. Customs clearance is fully electronic via the AT systems STADA-Importacao and AES under the EU Customs Code. The standard mainland VAT (IVA) rate is 23 percent.
Overview
Portugal (PT) sits on the Iberian Atlantic coast and, as an EU member, acts as an Atlantic gateway and transhipment hub between Europe, Africa and the Americas. The country is part of the EU customs union and the eurozone; customs clearance runs electronically through the AT systems STADA-Importação (import) and AES/STADA-Exportação (export), and mainland import VAT (IVA) is 23 percent (reduced 13/6; Madeira 22/12/5, Azores 16/9/4). The main gateways are the deep-water port of Sines (containers, oil, LNG) plus Leixões, Lisbon and Setúbal, and for air cargo Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO) and Faro (FAO). Key corridors are the A1 Lisbon–Porto, the A6 and A25 towards Spain and the TEN-T Atlantic corridor with the Sines–Elvas/Badajoz freight rail axis. Main exports are vehicles and parts, machinery, textiles and wine; the top trading partners are Spain, France and Germany.
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT)Import system
STADA-Importação: electronic import declaration of the AT under the EU Customs Code (UZK) with TARIC and ICS2.
Export system
STADA-Exportação / AES: electronic export declaration of the AT under the EU Customs Code (UZK).
Import VAT
- Mainland IVA: standard rate 23 percent, reduced rates 13 and 6 percent. Madeira 22/12/5 percent, Azores 16/9/4 percent.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Customs declaration (STADA-Importação)
- EORI number
- Transport document (B/L, AWB or CMR)
- Proof of origin
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Export declaration (AES / STADA-Exportação)
- EORI number
- Transport document
- Proof of origin (EUR.1 / origin declaration)
Origin proofs / FTA
EU preferential agreements: movement certificate EUR.1, origin declaration on the invoice, and registered exporter (REX).
Restricted & prohibited goods
EU-harmonised prohibitions and restrictions: weapons, drugs, certain food and plants (SPS), species protection (CITES), cultural goods.
Export controls & sanctions
EU Dual-Use Regulation 2021/821 and EU sanctions regimes apply directly; national licensing through the competent Portuguese authorities.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (EU) — General process
Quick operational overview for shipments to the EU. The EU is a customs union; for imports from non‑EU countries, customs clearance and import VAT are typically key topics.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification (duties/taxes and restrictions)
- Importer EORI and (where relevant) origin/preference documents
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin/preference)
- Import clearance at the EU entry customs office (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; import VAT/duties based on classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Incoterms unclear → who clears customs/pays import VAT?
- Missing/wrong HS code/classification → delays and cost risk
- Origin/preference not properly documented → preference may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Lissabon Humberto Delgado (LIS)
- Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO)
- Faro (FAO)
Seaports / access ports
- Sines
- Leixões (Porto)
- Lisbon
- Setúbal
- Aveiro
- Figueira da Foz
- Faro
Road corridors & border crossings
- A1 Lisbon–Porto
- A2 Lisbon–Algarve
- A6 Lisbon–Caia (border with Spain towards Madrid)
- A25 Aveiro–Vilar Formoso (border with Spain)
- A4 Porto–Vila Real–Quintanilha
Rail corridors
- Linha do Norte (Lisbon–Porto)
- TEN-T Atlantic Corridor (Sines/Lisbon/Leixões towards Spain)
- Linha do Sul
- Freight axis Sines–Elvas/Badajoz
Top trade lanes
- Portugal–Spain
- Portugal–EU (DE, FR, IT, NL)
- Portugal–United Kingdom
- Portugal–USA
- Portugal–Africa and Asia (transhipment via Sines)
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Stable EU country with modern infrastructure. Occasional strikes in the port and transport sector as well as seasonal bottlenecks possible.
Seasonal & weather risks
Atlantic autumn and winter storms can briefly disrupt port operations; in summer heat and forest fire risk in the interior.
Current logistics notes
Repeated stevedore strikes in Portuguese ports (including Lisbon and Setúbal) since May 2026, most recently 10.–11.7.2026, with further strike announcements; also a general strike on 3.6.2026 against the labour law reform «Trabalho XXI». Plan for delays at the ports. (Status 2026-07-19)
As of: 2026-07-19
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | |||
| Apr 3, 2026 | Good Friday | National | |||
| Apr 5, 2026 | Easter Sunday | National | |||
| Apr 25, 2026 | Freedom Day | National | |||
| May 1, 2026 | Labour Day | National | |||
| Jun 4, 2026 | Corpus Christi | National | |||
| Jun 10, 2026 | Portugal Day | National | |||
| Aug 15, 2026 | Assumption Day | National | |||
| Oct 5, 2026 | Republic Day | National | |||
| Nov 1, 2026 | All Saints' Day | National | |||
| Dec 1, 2026 | Restoration of Independence | National | |||
| Dec 8, 2026 | Immaculate Conception | National | |||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Good Friday
Apr 3, 2026
Easter Sunday
Apr 5, 2026
Freedom Day
Apr 25, 2026
Labour Day
May 1, 2026
Corpus Christi
Jun 4, 2026
Portugal Day
Jun 10, 2026
Assumption Day
Aug 15, 2026
Republic Day
Oct 5, 2026
All Saints' Day
Nov 1, 2026
Restoration of Independence
Dec 1, 2026
Immaculate Conception
Dec 8, 2026
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Tolls & charges
Portagens / Via Verde (elektronische Autobahnmaut)
TollOperator: Infraestruturas de Portugal / Konzessionäre (Brisa u.a.), Via Verde
Classe 2, Classe 3, Classe 4 (Lkw)
Distance-based motorway tolls by vehicle class (height above front axle and axle count; HGVs usually Classe 4). Barrier toll plazas plus fully electronic sections (gantries, former SCUT); payment via Via Verde transponder, EASYToll or CTT. Since 1 Jan 2025 around 1,000 km of former SCUT motorways are toll-free (incl. A22, A23, A24, A25, A28, A4); 2026 rates up about 2.9 percent vs 2025.
Airports in this country
Seaports in this country
Popular Transit Time Routes
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- portaldasfinancas.gov.pt
- ine.pt
- apsinesalgarve.pt
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What import VAT (IVA) applies in Portugal?
On the mainland the standard rate is 23 percent, with reduced rates of 13 and 6 percent. Madeira applies 22, 12 and 5 percent, the Azores 16, 9 and 4 percent.
Which customs authority is responsible and how do you file?
The Autoridade Tributaria e Aduaneira (AT) is responsible. Imports are filed electronically via STADA-Importacao and exports via AES / STADA-Exportacao.
Is Portugal part of the EU customs union?
Yes. Portugal has been an EU member since 1986. Goods move freely within the single market; the common EU external tariff and TARIC apply to third countries.
Which is Portugal's most important port?
Sines is the country's largest port, a deep-water facility and a major transhipment and energy hub (containers, oil, LNG). Other key ports are Leixoes, Lisbon and Setubal.
Which airports matter for air cargo?
The main cargo airports are Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS), Porto Francisco Sa Carneiro (OPO) and Faro (FAO), all operated by ANA Aeroportos de Portugal.
Which documents are required for import and export?
Typically a commercial invoice, packing list, electronic customs or export declaration, EORI number, transport document (B/L, AWB or CMR) and, for preferential trade, proof of origin (EUR.1 or origin declaration).
Does Portugal offer special location advantages for logistics and trade?
Yes. The Atlantic location makes Sines a gateway for transhipment between Europe, Africa and the Americas. In addition, the International Business Centre of Madeira (free trade zone) offers tax advantages.
Which trade partners are important for Portugal?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Portugal?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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