Port of Reykjavik: Maritime Infrastructure and Customs Clearance Guide
Comprehensive authority guide to the Port of Reykjavik (Faxaflóahafnir), Sundahöfn Container Terminal operations, Skatturinn Icelandic customs processing, EFTA and GSP trade benefits, and international ocean freight shipping from the Philippines to Iceland.
- UN/LOCODE & Authority
- ISREY · Faxaflóahafnir sf.
- Container Throughput
- 85% to 90% of Iceland Total
- Customs Authority
- Skatturinn (Icelandic Customs)
- Transit from Philippines
- 35 to 45 Days via Rotterdam
Sundahöfn Terminal and Reykjavik Port Facilities
The Port of Reykjavik is managed by Faxaflóahafnir sf. (Associated Icelandic Ports) and serves as the lifeblood of Iceland's import economy. Handling between 85% and 90% of all containerized cargo arriving into Iceland, Sundahöfn operates as the primary commercial gateway connecting global supply chains directly to Icelandic retailers, institutions, and commercial enterprises.
Sundahöfn Container Terminal
Located on the northern coast of Reykjavik along Kollafjörður, Sundahöfn is Iceland's premier container hub. The terminal complex houses the dual operations of Iceland's leading shipping lines, Eimskip and Samskip, providing heavy lifting capacity, automated gate processing, cold storage yards, and direct road links to the capital's wholesale distribution centers.
- Quay Depth: 10.5 to 12.0 meters draft depth
- Handling Equipment: Rail mounted gantry cranes and mobile harbour cranes
- Liner Operators: Eimskip and Samskip scheduled ocean loops
- Reefer Capacity: Extensive refrigerated container electrical points
Old Harbour (Gamla Höfnin) and Grundartangi
Complementary harbour areas managed under the Faxaflóahafnir umbrella support auxiliary maritime operations. Gamla Höfnin provides marine repair and passenger services in downtown Reykjavik, while Grundartangi operates as a deepwater heavy industrial bulk terminal in Hvalfjörður accommodating Panamax class vessels.
- Gamla Höfnin: Coastal shipping, ship repair, and drydocking
- Grundartangi: Deepwater port with up to 14 meters water depth
- Bunkering Facility: Petroleum and fuel storage at Örfirisey
- Security Level: International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS)
Skatturinn Icelandic Customs Clearance Procedures
All commercial cargo entering through the Port of Reykjavik must clear Skatturinn (Iceland Revenue and Customs / Tollstjórinn). Iceland enforces a streamlined electronic customs declaration system operating within the broader European Economic Area (EEA) harmonization framework while maintaining national fiscal regulations.
Single Administrative Document (SAD)
Import customs declarations are submitted electronically via Skatturinn's customs portal. The Single Administrative Document captures commercial invoice data, tariff classification, currency conversion, transport costs, and importer identity.
- Importer ID: Icelandic Kennitala (company identification)
- Tariff Basis: Iceland Customs Tariff (Tollskrá)
- Release Target: 24 to 48 hours for standard sea cargo
CIF Valuation and VASK Assessment
Customs duties and Value Added Tax (Virðisaukaskattur / VASK) are calculated on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of the shipment at the point of entry in Reykjavik harbour.
- Standard VASK Rate: 24% applied to landed value
- Customs Valuation: Invoice value plus freight plus insurance
- Customs Processing Fee: Standard automated clearance tariff
EFTA and Iceland GSP Benefits
Iceland participates in the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) providing preferential or zero duty entry for manufactured apparel originating from eligible developing nations including the Philippines.
- Origin Document: REX Statement on Origin or Certificate
- Eligible Lines: Knitted apparel (HS 61) and woven garments (HS 62)
- Duty Benefit: Substantial tariff reductions versus standard MFN
Required Shipping Documentation Checklist for Reykjavik Clearance
To ensure rapid customs release at Sundahöfn without port storage demurrage, Philippine exporters must provide the following documentation bundle:
- Commercial Invoice: Itemized description, HS codes, unit prices, currency, incoterms, and buyer Kennitala.
- Packing List: Gross weight, net weight, carton counts, container numbers, and seal references.
- Bill of Lading (B/L): Clean on board ocean bill issued by ocean carrier with Reykjavik as destination.
- REX Statement on Origin: Registered Exporter declaration confirming Philippine manufacture for GSP duty relief.
- Textile Composition Declaration: Exact fiber percentages (such as 100% polyester, cotton polyester blends) in compliance with EEA standards.
- Arrival Notice: Issued by Eimskip or Samskip local agent in Reykjavik upon vessel berthing.
Ocean Logistics: Philippines to Port of Reykjavik
Shipping containerized apparel and commercial cargo from the Philippines to Iceland involves high efficiency transshipment through principal European deepwater container ports, connecting onto dedicated North Atlantic liner services directly into Sundahöfn.
Origin Departure
Containers are loaded at our manufacturing facilities and gated into the Port of Manila (MICT / South Harbor) or Davao International Container Terminal (DICT).
Ocean Linehaul
Vessels sail the Asia to Europe maritime corridor via the Suez Canal or Cape route to primary North Sea hubs, predominantly the Port of Rotterdam or Port of Hamburg.
North Atlantic Feeder
Cargo transfers to scheduled ice strengthened container feeder vessels operated by Eimskip or Samskip for direct transit to Reykjavik across the North Atlantic.
Sundahöfn Arrival
Vessels discharge at Sundahöfn quayside. Skatturinn electronic clearance takes place, and containers are released for final road haulage across Iceland.
| Route Stage | Routing Parameters | Typical Ocean Transit | Carrier Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Philippines to North Europe | Manila (MICT) to Port of Rotterdam (NLRTM) or Port of Hamburg (DEHAM) | 26 to 32 Days | Multiple weekly departures (Major ocean alliances) |
| Stage 2: European Transshipment | Container discharge, feeder connection, and transshipment customs bonding | 3 to 5 Days | Coordinated feeder connecting schedules |
| Stage 3: Feeder to Reykjavik | Rotterdam / Hamburg to Port of Reykjavik (ISREY / Sundahöfn) | 4 to 7 Days | Weekly scheduled feeder service (Eimskip, Samskip) |
| Total Ocean Transit Time | Door to Port (Philippines factory gate to Sundahöfn quayside) | 35 to 45 Days | Reliable year round ocean freight service |
Inland Distribution Across Iceland via Road Transport
Unlike continental European trading partners, Iceland possesses no commercial railway network. Consequently, 100% of inland freight distribution from the Port of Reykjavik is executed through heavy road transport and container trucking fleets.
Höfuðborgarsvæðið Distribution
Sundahöfn connects directly into the arterial highway network of Greater Reykjavik, where over 64% of Iceland's total population and commercial consumption resides. Local deliveries to Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, and Mosfellsbær are completed within hours of customs release.
Route 1 (Ring Road / Þjóðvegur 1)
The national Ring Road circles the entire island over 1,322 kilometers. Scheduled linehaul truck departures from Sundahöfn logistics depots distribute goods northward to Akureyri (the capital of the North), eastward to Egilsstaðir, and southward to Selfoss and Vík.
Route 41 to Keflavík Airport (KEF)
Dual highway Route 41 connects Sundahöfn directly to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) in under 45 minutes, facilitating sea air multimodal logistics, urgent sample deliveries, and temperature sensitive transport.
Icelandic Textile Regulations and Environmental Standards
As a signatory to the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement, Iceland applies strict European chemical safety and product safety regulations through Umhverfisstofnun (The Environment Agency of Iceland).
REACH and POPs Compliance
Apparel imported into Iceland must comply with EU REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006), restricting azo dyes, nickel release in zippers, perfluorinated substances (PFAS) in water repellent coatings, and persistent organic pollutants.
- Azo Dye Limits: Nil aromatic amines above 30 mg/kg
- PFAS Restrictions: Transition to fluorine free durable water repellents
- Heavy Metals: Strict limits on cadmium, lead, and chromium VI
Fiber Content and Care Labeling
Garments distributed in Iceland must feature legible fiber content labels using Icelandic, English, or recognized Scandinavian terminology (Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish), accompanied by international GINETEX care symbols.
- Languages Accepted: Icelandic, English, or Scandinavian
- Care Symbols: Standard washing, bleaching, drying, and ironing icons
- Manufacturer Traceability: Registered trade name or company identifier
Port of Reykjavik Import and Logistics FAQ
Practical answers to common operational questions regarding customs, transit timelines, and commercial apparel shipping to Iceland.
How long does ocean freight take from the Philippines to the Port of Reykjavik?
Standard ocean transit typically requires between 35 and 45 days. This duration encompasses the main linehaul from the Philippines to a major Northern European container hub (such as Rotterdam or Hamburg) taking 26 to 32 days, followed by scheduled feeder connection on Eimskip or Samskip vessels taking 4 to 7 days directly into Sundahöfn, Reykjavik.
Do Philippine apparel imports qualify for preferential customs duty in Iceland?
Yes. Iceland grants developing nations, including the Philippines, preferential tariff treatment under Iceland's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP). When accompanied by a valid REX (Registered Exporter) Statement on Origin, eligible Philippine garments benefit from reduced or zero customs duty rates compared to standard Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariffs.
What is Iceland's standard Value Added Tax (VASK) rate on imported garments?
Iceland's standard VAT rate (Virðisaukaskattur or VASK) is 24%. It is calculated on the landed CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) plus applicable customs duties. Registered commercial importers in Iceland with a valid Kennitala and VAT registration account for VAT through standard periodic fiscal returns.
Can smaller volume orders be shipped as Less than Container Load (LCL) to Reykjavik?
Yes. For boutique brands, sports clubs, and corporate orders under 15 cubic meters, Less than Container Load (LCL) consolidation is available. Cartons are consolidated into shared ocean containers in Manila, transferred in Rotterdam, and unstuffed at the bonded container freight station (CFS) at Sundahöfn for customs inspection and release.
How does freight travel from Sundahöfn to regional cities like Akureyri or Selfoss?
Because Iceland has no railway system, all domestic cargo moves via road trucking along Route 1 (Ring Road). Daily scheduled linehaul trucks connect Sundahöfn logistics terminals with regional hubs: Akureyri is reached within 5 to 6 hours of road transit, while southern distribution to Selfoss takes under 1 hour.
What textile labeling requirements apply to apparel sold in Iceland?
Garments must clearly state exact fiber composition (for example, 100% polyester, 80% cotton 20% polyester) in Icelandic, English, or Scandinavian languages. Labels must also include standardized wash care instructions, country of origin (Made in the Philippines), and importer or brand identification.
Request an Iceland Export Quotation
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Port of Reykjavik & Icelandic Customs References
- Faxaflóahafnir sf. (Associated Icelandic Ports)
- Skatturinn (Iceland Revenue and Customs / Tollstjórinn)
- Eimskip Container Liner Services
- Samskip Multimodal Logistics
- Philippine to Iceland Sourcing Guide
- Keflavik International Airport Cargo Guide
- Port of Gothenburg Logistics & Customs Guide
- Port of Rotterdam Logistics Guide
- Port of Hamburg Logistics & Customs Guide
- Registered Exporter (REX) System Guide
- EORI Registration Guide
- PHShirt Products & Services
Port operations, customs tariffs, and vessel schedules are subject to Faxaflóahafnir sf. and Skatturinn regulations. Contact our international export desk for dedicated shipment scheduling and Reykjavik port logistics.