Luggage regulations in Tenerife are essentially a synthesis of safety rules applicable to our travel bags.
Travel wisely is a fitting introduction to an article about customs and safety regulations that apply when traveling to and from Tenerife. This article outlines only the regulations that are applied in our region, the Low Countries, and Tenerife.
It starts at the departure airport. Every airline has the right to refuse checked baggage and/or hand luggage that could endanger the aircraft, passengers, or property, could be damaged by air transport, is insufficiently packed, is prohibited by law, rule, or regulation, or is unsuitable for air transport due to its weight, size, or nature. Reasonable, right?
Batteries = Hand Luggage
Your checked luggage is already in, and you still need to pass through the security check. You are now only in possession of your hand luggage, and this will be scanned by security services. Many travelers feel uneasy here because they are unsure about what is allowed, what is required, and, above all, what is prohibited.
Electronic or artificial smoking devices (cigarettes, pipes, and cigars) can only be transported in hand luggage. The extra condition is that the devices must be unused and stored in your hand luggage. Lithium batteries and devices powered by these batteries must also be carried in hand luggage.
When your hand luggage is checked, you’ll quickly notice that not everything can come with you on the plane. Replica weapons, objects that can be used as weapons, sharp and pointed items like scissors, metal nail files, and pocket knives, blunt objects that can be used as striking weapons, and large quantities of liquids, gels, or sprays are not allowed.
Liquids
There are strict regulations about liquids, as international safety rules apply here.
Be aware that all these measures were introduced following numerous incidents at international airports where attacks caused victims. These rules exist to protect us, ensuring our safety.
Liquids include not only water, drinks, soups, and syrups but also creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, sprays, gels, shaving foam, deodorants, toothpaste, mascara, and all other substances of a similar consistency.
Only liquids packed in individual containers of up to 100 ml and placed in a single transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter per passenger are allowed.
Maximum Quantity of 100 ml
Baby food is allowed for use during the flight or for use on the same day. At the security check, you may be asked to taste the food to prove that it is indeed baby food.
Medication and dietary supplements for use during the flight are permitted. Ask your doctor for a certificate that proves this necessity.
Liquids and gels purchased at airport shops after the passport and security control are allowed in hand luggage and may exceed the 100 ml limit per bottle, provided they were purchased within 24 hours before your departure and are packed in a specially sealed transparent bag by the store, which you should not open.
Stricter Excise Rules
After your stay, you may want to take a souvenir with you, and that is allowed by customs; you always enjoy an exemption from import duties and taxes when bringing goods from abroad to your home country. There are also rules and restrictions regarding ‘cash,’ flora and fauna, protection of endangered species, counterfeit products, and rules for your safety and that of your fellow citizens. The luggage regulations in Tenerife are no stricter than those in other tourist locations.
A distinction is made between European and non-European countries for the exemption. Exceptions apply to certain areas. If you return from the Channel Islands, Guernsey and Jersey, DOM countries (Départements d’outre-mer) like French Guiana, La Réunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and yes, the Canary Islands, stricter excise rules apply, but the taxes are lower. This is why these countries are classified as non-European. You can read about how this historical status came about for the Canary Islands HERE. Remember that for customs, you are returning from a country ‘outside’ European territory, while for the airline, you are traveling within European borders. A bit confusing, but this is the reality.
Non-Exempt Goods
Personal luggage without a commercial nature within established limits is allowed with an exemption. Think of goods purchased in Tenerife, items for which you get a refund on taxes due to export, such as purchases in a duty-free shop at an airport.
The image above shows the allowed quantities of items that may be brought from Tenerife. However, this is about half of the quantities allowed from another European country. If you make a stopover in an EU country, such as Madrid or Barcelona, you only declare the goods you carry as hand luggage at the transfer airport.
Tenerife’s luggage regulations also list goods that are never exempt and must always be declared. These include goods intended for professional use, goods intended for sale, and goods imported in larger quantities than normal.
Liquid cash also falls under this rule. If you travel with €10,000 or more in cash, you must declare this at customs. This is part of the fight against money laundering, terrorism, and crime. Cash or liquid assets include banknotes and coins, bearer checks, traveler’s checks, credit letters, and savings bonds.
Protected and Prohibited Goods
Each year, many rare and protected animals and plants, as well as derivative products (such as furs, caviar, etc.), are illegally brought into Belgium and the Netherlands. These cases usually involve unsuspecting tourists who take these items home as souvenirs. Such careless purchases can have far-reaching consequences. You can be sure that customs will confiscate this keepsake. Sometimes, a hefty fine and even imprisonment can follow.
The luggage regulations in Tenerife also cover various prohibited items. Orchids, corals, ivory, hides, clothes made from big cats, reptile skins, sea turtles, traditional Chinese medicines, certain shells, caviar, and shawls made from Tibetan antelope wool cannot be taken on board.
Counterfeit goods are also prohibited. Branded clothing, CDs, DVDs, medications, and other attractive goods sold at an abnormally low price and of mediocre quality must remain where they are. A stone or some sand from Mount Teide belongs on the mountain, not in your luggage
Above all, don’t let ignorance ruin your pre- and post-vacation feelings. Stay within legal boundaries and follow the rules. Keep an eye on the luggage regulations in Tenerife. Have a pleasant trip.
European rules and restricties
Guy Devos © Photography
Luggage regulations Tenerife ©
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