Have you considered shipping to Portugal? The country’s e-commerce market jumped by almost a third in 2020 – and it’s still growing… With the right market insights, customs knowledge, and of course an international shipping partner, your business can cash in on this emerging opportunity. Read on for a comprehensive guide to help your business export to Portugal.
Market overview
A growing e-commerce opportunity
Revenue in Portugal’s e-commerce market is expected to reach US$5.38 billion in 2025, rising to US$7.58 billion in 2029(2).
Nearly half shop online
49%(3) of Portugal’s population of 10.2 million people(4) are e-commerce users. 39% of them make a purchase more than once a month, whilst 22% buy more than once a week(5).
Mobile commerce is big business
Portuguese online shoppers like buying via their smartphones; mobile commerce takes 36% of the country’s total e-commerce sales(6). Dedicated mobile shopping apps are particularly popular (versus browsers) due to their convenience.
Understanding Portugal trade regulations
Portugal, as a member of the European Union, adheres to the EU's common trade policies. This means importing and exporting goods between Portugal and other EU member states generally benefit from the free movement of goods, with no customs duties or tariffs. However, when exporting to Portugal from non-EU countries, businesses must comply with EU customs regulations, including import duties, VAT, and specific product standards. Understanding these regulations and ensuring compliance is crucial for smooth and efficient customs clearance.
For in-depth information on Portugal’s trade agreements, check out:
AICEP – Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency: Your primary source for Portugal-specific trade and investment details.
EU Trade Policy: Outlines the overarching framework for EU trade relations.
EU Trade Negotiations and Agreements: Details current and future trade deals impacting Portugal and non-EU countries.
EU VAT Rules and Rates: Provides essential information on VAT regulations within Portugal.
Essential documentation for exporting to Portugal
When shipping internationally, there are several pieces of documentation commonly required to clear your goods through customs smoothly, and help authorities determine what import taxes and duties are due:
Commercial Invoice
Bill of Lading
Air Waybill
Certificate of Origin
Export and Import Licenses
Export Packing List
Insurance Certificate
This dedicated guide goes into detail on each document, including what information you’ll need to complete it.
Prohibited and restricted commodities
When exporting to Portugal, it's essential to be aware of the prohibited and restricted commodities to avoid delays and penalties. These typically include:
Counterfeit goods: Products infringing on intellectual property rights.
Illegal drugs and narcotics: Controlled substances.
Firearms and explosives: Weapons and ammunition.
Hazardous materials: Chemicals and substances requiring special handling.
Cultural artefacts: Items of historical or cultural significance.
Regarding packaging materials, Portugal adheres to EU regulations on packaging waste. This means that certain packaging materials, like single-use plastics are banned, while others may require specific labelling, particularly those deemed harmful to the environment.
Further information can be found here.
Shipping costs
Unless exempt, all imported commercial goods are subject to customs duties and taxes based on their Harmonised System (HS) Code tariff classification. Generally speaking, it’s the Importer of Record (i.e. either your business or your chosen logistics carrier) who’ll pay the import duties and taxes.
You can find the correct HS code for your shipment easily via DHL’s MyGTS (My Global Trade Services) – a free, user-friendly platform that will help you navigate all aspects of international shipping. This includes the calculation of Landed Cost for goods in any country – i.e. your product cost, duties and taxes, and freight charges – enabling you to enhance your pricing strategy and give your customers transparency over shipping fees.
Export to Portugal: Consumer trends you should know
Where does Portugal import from the most?
There’s good news for international sellers: over 60% of Portuguese consumers have made a purchase from another country(7).
Where do consumers in Portugal shop online?
Online marketplaces can be a helpful gateway for cross-border businesses wishing to sell to a new country for the first time. The most visited online marketplaces in Portugal(9) include:
The country’s leading online destination for technology, home appliances and consumer electronics.
This Chinese marketplace giant sells everything and anything, and many of its merchants ship cross-border.
An e-commerce heavyweight, this marketplace lets Portuguese consumers shop with thousands of sellers across the world.
What are they buying?
How do Portuguese consumers like to pay for their online purchases?
After all, e-commerce shoppers are more likely to abandon their carts if they can’t pay using their preferred payment method.
Popular online payment methods in Portugal(11)
What are Portuguese consumers’ leading concerns and preferences when shopping online?
(Source: Statista Consumer Insights12)
68% will do some research on the internet prior to making a major purchase
Dedicate plenty of time to building a social media strategy to showcase your brand in the best way.
57% find online customer reviews “very helpful”
Put lots of customer reviews on your e-commerce website to build trust with browsers.
30% want to see and touch an item before buying it
Invest in augmented/virtual reality tools on your product pages to give your online customers a better sense of the product.
24% said express shipping is a priority
With DHL Express, you can guarantee fast shipping to Portugal!
Leading shopping holidays in Portugal
Be sure to add these dates to your marketing and sales calendar so your business can prepare and cash in!
Father’s Day (March 19) and Mother’s Day (the first Sunday in May): Leverage these key dates for gift-focused marketing campaigns. Capitalise on the surge in demand for presents.
Valentine’s Day (February 14): Maximise sales with targeted promotions for chocolates, jewellery, and flowers during this peak romantic period.
Amazon Prime Day (July 16-17): If selling on Amazon, prepare for a significant sales boost. Plan and execute compelling discounts to capture Prime Day shoppers.
Black Friday (November): Compete in Portugal's Black Friday sales event with impactful deals and promotions to attract online shoppers.
Cyber Monday (the first Monday after Thanksgiving): Extend your Black Friday success into Cyber Monday with exclusive online deals, targeting digital shoppers.
- Christmas Day & New Year’s Eve (December): Prepare for a surge in December traffic, especially on your e-commerce site. Offer express delivery options to capture last-minute shoppers during the festive season.
DHL’s expert tips for shipping to Portugal
Home delivery is the preferred shipping method for Portuguese consumers. Enhance their experience with DHL’s On Demand Delivery service, allowing them to choose a date and time that suits them, with full tracking visibility.
To improve customer satisfaction, consider shipping your goods as Duties & Taxes Paid (DTP). While typically the customer's responsibility, DHL's DTP service allows your business to cover these costs, eliminating unexpected tax bills upon delivery and fostering a positive brand image.
Build trust with Portuguese consumers by offering free returns. This demonstrates your confidence in product quality and commitment to customer satisfaction, encouraging purchase confidence.
Frequently asked questions about exporting to Portugal
Obtain an EORI Number: Before exporting, ensure you have an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number. This unique identifier is necessary for customs purposes.
Understand Customs Procedures: Familiarise yourself with customs procedures and documentation requirements. This includes export declarations, invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
Check Tariffs and Duties: Research applicable tariffs and duties for your specific goods. Portugal is part of the EU, so you’ll need to comply with EU regulations.
Ensure Compliance with Regulations: Be aware of product-specific regulations (e.g., labelling, safety standards) and ensure your goods meet them.
Choose a Shipping Method: Decide on the most suitable shipping method (e.g., road, sea, air) based on your product type and urgency.
Work with a Freight Forwarder or Carrier: Consider using a freight forwarder or carrier to handle logistics process and transportation.
Communicate with Portuguese Importers: Establish communication with potential importers in Portugal to understand their requirements and preferences.
Commercial Invoice: Provide a detailed invoice with information about the goods, their value, and terms of sale.
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: These documents prove ownership and serve as evidence of shipment.
Certificate of Origin: If applicable, obtain a certificate of origin to confirm the country of origin for your goods.
Packing List: Include a packing list detailing the contents of each package.
Export License (if required): Some goods may require an export license; check if your products fall into this category.
- Other Specific Documents: Depending on the nature of your goods (e.g., hazardous materials, perishables), additional documents may be necessary.
Customs Declarations: Submit accurate export declarations through the National Export System (NES) or use a customs agent.
Transit Procedures: Understand transit procedures if your goods pass through other EU countries before reaching Portugal.
VAT and Duties: Be aware of VAT and import duties applicable to your goods.
- Incoterms: Choose the appropriate Incoterm (e.g., EXW, FOB, CIF) to define responsibilities between you and the buyer.
Thinking of exporting to Portugal?
You’re in the right place! We know that the above guidelines may seem a little overwhelming, but that’s where partnering with DHL Express will pay off. As international shipping experts, we’ll support you through all customs procedures so that your shipment avoids delays. Sell to the world with DHL!
Start your journey here1 – OEC, March 2025
5, 6, 7 – J.P.Morgan, 2021
10 – International Trade Administration, January 2024
11 – Statista, April 2024
