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Reunion Island Imports and Exports

Reunion Island might be known for its white-sand beaches, volcanic peaks, and coral reefs, but it’s also quietly becoming a powerhouse in the tech world. As one of the French overseas departments located in the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island is growing into a strategic tech hub. For companies looking to tap into this dynamic market, the opportunities are real—but so are the challenges.

Reunion Island

The Unique Trade Landscape of Reunion Island

As an overseas department of France, Reunion Island is fully integrated into the European Union. That means it follows EU customs and trade rules, making the process more standardized, but not necessarily simpler.

Key Trade Facts:

No independent trade agreements: Instead, Reunion Island benefits from the EU’s extensive network of trade deals with nations like South Korea, the UK, Mexico, and more.

 

Subject to EU regulations: All imports must meet strict compliance and safety standards outlined by EU law.

 

Uses the Euro: Monetary transactions are streamlined within EU territories, reducing currency risk.

Population

0.88 M

Biggest Industry by Export

Sugar Cane

Capital City

Saint-Denis

Biggest Industry by Import

Refined Petroleum

Whether you’re shipping networking equipment, servers, or other sensitive technology into the region, navigating Reunion Island imports and exports requires more than just logistics—it requires deep compliance expertise.

Shipping to Reunion Island | The Pain Points

Reunion Island

Tariff and Customs Complexities

While the island follows the EU Customs Code, local interpretations and procedures often vary. Understanding Reunion Island tariffs, import VAT, and product classification requirements can be time-consuming without a local partner.

Special Permit Requirements

Additional restrictions apply to high-value tech items, particularly those with encryption. Failure to acquire the necessary permits can result in fines, seizures, or costly delays.

Geographic Isolation

Being thousands of miles from mainland France means that shipping times can be long, and freight costs are often higher. Limited direct shipping routes can delay cargo and complicate logistics.

Language and Bureaucracy

French is the official language, and most local documentation and regulations are not available in English. This can make compliance difficult for international businesses unfamiliar with French customs laws and documentation standards.

Top Countries Trading with Reunion Island

Europe

France

Europe

Italy

Europe

Spain

Africa

South Africa

TecEx | Your End-to-End Solution for Tech Imports to Reunion Island

At TecEx, we know that importing tech products into Reunion Island isn’t just about getting goods from point A to point B. It’s about navigating tariffs, meeting regulatory requirements, and ensuring full compliance every step of the way.

 

Our Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping solution takes the burden off your shoulders. Acting as your Importer of Record (IOR), we manage the entire process, from pre-compliance checks and documentation to customs clearance, import duties, and final delivery to any location on the island.

 

Our strength lies in deep compliance expertise paired with a global footprint—serving clients in over 200 countries. We’re particularly skilled in high-value tech shipments, and we tailor every solution to the unique requirements of Reunion Island and the broader EU framework.

Here’s What You Can Expect with TecEx:

  • Pre-Compliance Evaluation

  • Tariff Classification and Documentation

  • Customs Clearance and Import Tax Management

  • Secure, On-Time Delivery

  • Specialization in High-Value and Restricted Tech

Tech Trade Opportunities in Reunion Island

Digital Infrastructure Ready for Growth

Reunion Island boasts 95% fiber-to-home (FttH) coverage and 99% 4G availability. With multiple submarine cable connections, the island has fast, reliable internet—making it an ideal hub for data centers and tech operations.

Strategic Geographic Location

Nestled between Africa, Asia, and Europe, Reunion Island serves as a gateway to multiple continents. This makes it a key launching pad for businesses wanting to expand across the Indian Ocean rim.

Government Support

The island has been officially recognized as a French Tech Capital, providing funding and resources for startups and tech-based companies. Local and national governments are actively promoting innovation in areas like e-health, cleantech, and agritech.

Ready to Export or Import to Reunion Island?

Contact our team today to tailor an Importer of Record solution for your next tech shipment into Reunion Island.


Further Reading Related to Reunion Island’s Imports and Exports